We provide professional English speaking tour guides for individual or group tours of India. For those who wish to get the most out of their Indian experience we recommend an itinerary that includes an accompanying tour guide.
Your tour guide will stay with you throughout your tour whether you are travelling by vehicle, train or plane. This assists with a smooth journey, allowing your guide to learn your preferences and to anticipate your needs, delivering a more personalised experience.
All our guides are degree qualified, some holding post-graduate qualifications. They have extensive knowledge of Indian history and culture. So if you are interested in knowledge such as marriage customs, religion, history or current affairs, your guide will enjoy discussing this with you.
How much interaction you have with your guide is up to you. Some of our clients like to have the guide available to assist at check in and during sightseeing, but then prefer to spend time by themselves exploring. Other clients appreciate having someone with them to help with local interactions such as shopping or in restaurants.
For us your safety and enjoyment is paramount. We will advise you where there may be security issues and will share with you our favourite shops, cafes and restaurants.
A tour guide will travel and accompany the guests throughout the tour. A tour guide in India must have a valid guiding license from the Government of India, where they have to compete an exam and undergo 6 months theoretical and practical training.
An accompanying tour guide or escort will assist you with check-in / check-out at the hotels, as well as guide you through and explain the history of monuments, places, culture, traditions and customs of the Indian people. A tour guide will be at your disposal throughout the tour. The tour guide's fee will always include costs for their accommodation and food.
If you just want a driver, please see our Private Driver Service.
Discover the true essence of India with India Personal Tours and awaken your senses on a journey designed entirely around you. Travel with a friendly, knowledgeable private tour guide who understands India as only a local can. Your guide is passionate about sharing their country and will tailor every experience to match your interests, preferences, and pace.
There is no rigid sightseeing schedule or imposed itinerary. Instead, you enjoy complete flexibility—exploring India exactly the way you want. Whether you wish to immerse yourself in culture, history, cuisine, or hidden local gems, your guide will ensure your journey reflects your personal travel style.
While you will certainly visit iconic landmarks, your private guide will also reveal the lesser-known stories, hidden corners, and authentic experiences that most travelers miss. India is a vibrant blend of ancient traditions and modern dynamism, and your guide’s insight, hospitality, and enthusiasm will transform your visit into a truly unforgettable experience.
Many travelers assume that a driver can also act as a tour guide. However, in India, this is neither practical nor legally permitted.
Drivers typically have basic conversational English skills and are responsible for operating the vehicle and safeguarding your belongings. They are not licensed to guide visitors inside monuments or historical sites, nor can they accompany you in markets or public areas, as they must remain with the vehicle.
A professional tour guide, on the other hand, plays a vital role in enriching your travel experience.
All accompanying tour guides at India Personal Tours are accredited by the Government of India and have completed extensive theoretical and practical training. They travel with you throughout your journey, offering expert insights, seamless assistance, and personalized care.
An accompanying tour guide travels with you throughout your journey, offering valuable insights into India’s history, culture, traditions, religion, politics, and contemporary life. Their presence enriches your experience by providing context and meaningful engagement at every step.
Your guide’s foremost priority is to ensure your safety, comfort, and overall well-being during the tour. They will help you navigate public spaces with ease, discourage unwanted attention from touts, and advise you on common tourist traps and scams to ensure a hassle-free experience.
They will also guide you on appropriate behaviour, local etiquette, and cultural sensitivities, helping you travel confidently while respecting local customs and traditions.
Our guides maintain strong local networks, including contacts at hotels, and will make every effort to reconfirm your reservations and, where possible, secure room upgrades for your comfort.
Importantly, an accompanying tour guide respects your privacy. You are free to spend time at leisure whenever you wish—simply communicate your preferences, and your guide will adapt accordingly. Whether you prefer a full day of exploration or a relaxed pace, your itinerary will remain entirely flexible and tailored to your interests.
All our guides are highly trained, experienced, and knowledgeable. They go beyond standard sightseeing to introduce you to hidden gems, lesser-known locations, and authentic experiences that typical tourists often miss. Their ability to speak local languages and dialects allows for meaningful interactions with local communities, offering deeper cultural understanding without compromising local sensitivities.
Your guide also acts as an interpreter when needed, bridging communication gaps and enhancing your interaction with locals and villagers.
During hotel check-ins, your guide will assist in ensuring a smooth process and strive to secure the best possible room for you through their local connections.
They play a key role in maximising your travel experience—whether by recommending authentic restaurants, advising on pricing to avoid overcharging, or sharing fascinating stories about the sights and sounds you encounter along the way.
The cost of an accompanying tour guide includes their meals and accommodation, and they remain at your disposal for the entire duration of your journey.
Your tour is designed to be flexible rather than rigid. There is no fixed, hour-by-hour schedule. Instead, your guide will adapt each day’s sightseeing based on your interests, pace, and preferences. You are free to modify your itinerary at any time—add or skip attractions, explore new interests, or simply take a break when needed.
For example:
Your accompanying tour guide is more than just a guide—they are a local expert, cultural ambassador, and trusted travel companion. With their support, your journey becomes highly personalised, flexible, and immersive, ensuring a seamless and truly memorable experience of India.
International Mentors and Ambassadors
Yasmeen and Jonathan, based in Christchurch, New Zealand, have been closely associated with India Personal Tours since 2017. Their journey...
Managing Director - Sales and Marketing
Gulab is one of the most experienced and valued members of the India Personal Tours team, bringing over 25 years...
Managing Director - Sales and Marketing
With over 22 years of experience in the Indian tourism industry, Manu is a licensed national guide authorized to lead...
Director - Operations
Hariom is an integral member of the India Personal Tours team and serves as the company's Co-Director. Originally from Jaipur,...
Tour Guide
Narendra is one of the most respected and experienced members of the India Personali Tours team, with over 22 years...
Tour Guide
Jageshwar Kashyap, affectionately known as Jogi, is one of the most distinctive and inspiring tour guides within the India PersonalTours...
Tour Guide
Amit is a valued and long-standing member of the India Personal Tours team, having been with the company for over...
Tour Guide
Kunal is one of the youngest and most dynamic members of the India Personal Tours team. Having joined IPT at...
Tour Guide
Sajeed Hussain has been a valued member of the India Personal Tours team for over 10 years and is widely...
Tour Guide
Bhawani Singh is one of the newest members of the India Personal Tours team, and his journey into the tourism...
Every traveller is unique, and every journey should be equally distinctive. Share your travel aspirations with us, and our travel specialists will craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to your interests, preferences, and travel style. From private transportation and handpicked accommodations to authentic, immersive experiences, every detail will be thoughtfully curated for you. Your personalised travel proposal will be delivered within 24 hours.