Small Group Trips

Our Small Group Trips focus on the finer details of India: ‘everyday’ experiences that are often overlooked; meeting people – our friends – in what can be an overwhelming vast crowd; getting away from the well worn path to get a glimpse of India in her unwatched state; and enjoying the hospitality of a family home or lovingly run guest house.

We offer three Small Group Trip itineraries (click the links to go to the detailed itinerary):

1. South India, a comprehensive trip from Goa all the way to Chennai;
2. Just Kerala, a shorter trip focused on our favourite homestays and small guest houses in Kerala;
3. and Central North, a trip that takes in some of the major sights there, but with a focus on unique accommodation and ‘everyday’ Indian experiences.

Small groups
Our Small Group Trips are limited to a maximum of ten travellers. Because of the small group size, many of the rewarding aspects of independent travel are maintained. In a practical way, the flexibility of a small group means that we can take account of what you want to do and see on a daily basis, making sure that we fit these preferences into the trip. Your experience of India will be more intimate and personalised as a result of the small group format.

Special relationships
Over the years, we have formed friendships with many of the people that provide services to our groups – such as guest house owners, guides and our drivers. The importance Indians place on friendship is such that our travellers are made to feel like good friends or family members. Often we are invited into their family home for a cup of tea or a meal, or even the occasional wedding! Some travellers find this interaction as rewarding as any other aspect of their time in India.

Unique accommodation
Our Small Group Trips use small guest houses, homestays, and heritage hotels as much as possible. Staying in lovingly family-run accommodation gives us the chance to get a sense of India and Indians that is not available if you stay in large Western-styled hotels.

Western trip leader
Our trip leaders utilise their travel experience and knowledge of India to provide insights into the culture that help interpret what you are seeing, ultimately deepening your experience and understanding of India. Making sure travellers are at ease with day to day experiences and comfort levels is one of the most important roles of the Western group leader.

Active and adventurous
These trips are geared toward people who want to get out amongst the everyday life of India – with walks, visits to temples and markets, and the use of local forms of travel when sightseeing. We are reasonably active during the trip; there are one to two organised activities everyday, and often they involve some walking, as this is the best way to experience India.

Local knowledge and interaction
Our Small Group Trips are about dynamic India and her people. Something as simple and uniquely Indian as a chai from a street side vendor can easily be overlooked when there are so many ‘sights’ to see. But it’s an accumulation of the little everyday-type experiences that can change your trip from being ‘enjoyable’ to truly memorable.

All inclusive price
After you have paid the trip price, in India there are only your personal expenses to cover. All your accommodation, land transport, meals, activities, entry to sites, local guides and the services of a full time Western group leader are included in the price.

Complete preparation
Upon booking you will receive a comprehensive 'guide to preparation' that will provide you with all the information you require to prepare for a fantastic time in India. In addition to the guide we are available to answer all your questions and concerns, big or small.

Small Group Trip costs include:

• Double / Twin share accommodation
• Western trip leader for the complete tour
• All meals throughout the trip
• Transport by Air conditioned Mini Coach
• Air conditioned train travel, where mentioned in the itinerary
• English speaking local guides for sightseeing
• Entrance fees and all activities mentioned in the itinerary
• Tips, porterage and mineral water on board the coach

Personal expenses will be:

• Camera fees
• Drinks
• Any internal flights at the start or end of the trip