See a city in a day
A local sightseeing tour covers the main sights of a city, or a place close to it, in a single planned day. You are picked up, taken from stop to stop, and dropped back in the evening. There is no need to learn bus routes or bargain with autos. This is the easiest way to see a new city when time is short.
Group bus tours are good value and friendly for solo travellers. Private car tours cost more but let you set the pace, which helps with small children or elderly parents.
Cities and short trips we cover
Hyderabad: Charminar, Golconda and the old city, plus day trips to Nagarjuna Sagar, Ananthagiri hills, Srisailam and Bhadrachalam.
Bangalore and Mysore: city parks and palaces, the Mysore palace, and longer runs to Ooty, Hampi and Mantralayam.
Delhi: city darshan by AC bus or hop-on hop-off bus, and same-day trips to Agra, Mathura and Vrindavan.
Madurai: the Meenakshi temple and day trips to Rameswaram and Kanyakumari.
Goa, Vizag and Tirupati: the beaches of North and South Goa, Vizag and Araku, and temple runs to Kanipakam and Vellore.
Example packages
- Hyderabad city tour - 1 day by bus
- Bangalore city tour - 1 day by bus
- Delhi city darshan by AC bus - 1 day
- Mysore city tour - 1 day by bus
- Madurai sightseeing - 1 day by bus
- North Goa beaches tour - 1 day by bus
- Vizag city tour by car - 1 day
- Delhi to Agra same-day tour by car - 1 day
Tips for a good day out
Start early. Most city tours begin between 7 and 9 in the morning, and the first stops are the least crowded. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water, a cap and some cash for small entry fees or snacks. Many monuments and museums close one day a week, for example the Taj Mahal on Fridays, so check the tour day. Temples may not allow shorts, and some ask you to leave phones outside.
October to March is the best time for most cities on this page. Summer afternoons in Delhi, Hyderabad and Madurai are very hot, so a morning start helps.
Frequently asked questions
Are entry tickets included?
Some tours include them and some do not. Each package page lists the inclusions and the current fare.
Can I book a tour for the same day?
Group tours often fill up a day ahead, especially on weekends. Book at least one day early to be safe.
Is there a guide on the bus?
Most group tours have a guide or escort who speaks Hindi, English and the local language.