Your India: Small Group Tours and Private Tour Company - For New and Experienced Adventurers

The Sacred And The Wild: India The Masterpiece

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Discover Life Travel offers high-comfort, safe, authentic India travel for all discerning travelers. We prioritize the comfort, security, and unique preferences of every independent guest, united by their spirit of adventure. An Australian, woman-owned company, we offer cultural, ethical travel and creative immersions at a non-rushed pace, without missing the major landmarks India is famous for. Choose private tours or small groups (8 guests) - pricing is surprisingly similar. Our commitment is unwavering: integrity, transparency, and comfort, the tour needs to be right for you. Imagine Boutique Heritage Hotels with a Private Driver or Overnight Camel Safaris in Rajasthan with musicians. Meet artisans, explore temples, palaces, lakes, and the Himalayan peaks with royal boat stays in Kerala and Kashmir.

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Be our guest - Watch this land unfold as you leave Delhi for the scencic railway trip through desert landscapes, revealing golden sands and local life. Biakner's Camel Festival - unique and vibrant with local traditions, races and tradtional entertainment. You discover Udaipur's fairytale lakeside and enjoy a unforgetable breakfast. Driving gives us flexability and we stop for snacks and photos. Arriving in Jodhpur's striking indigo streets is stunning. Add in the Wildlife safaris, Varanasi and Unesco Ellora Caves. Opt in for the ballooning adventure's over forts in Jaipur and the Taj Mahal in Agra. Local workshops connect us with artisans creating traditional crafts. Discover Life Travel offers India information, landmark tips, and cultural guidance.

Mother Masala Tours operates all actual journeys on the ground. Together, one company provides complete travel planning and authentic experiences, ensuring seamless adventures from start to finish. Travel changes us, India simply reminds us why we travel in the first place.

Your Next Great Discovery - Catherine's Experience 

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Hello, I'm Catherine, founder of authentic India luxury tours. Originally from Australia, my passion for India travel ignited during a solo journey three decades ago. With unrivaled expertise designing premium small-group and private tours, I reveal genuine India  I with the comfort you deserve. Each journey blends real cultural experiences with authentic care and crucial local connections. My company, with mostly female staff, prioritizes sustainable tourism that directly benefits local communities. I invite you to experience India through my curated lens, where transformation happens, and I ensure you travel with absolute confidence while it does.

India Journeys: Beyond the Standard Path

India: Rajasthan Tour - Secrets of the Sandstone Empire - 16 Day tour

Rajasthan Tour

Rajasthan luxury tours unfold across desert landscapes. You will discover Udaipur’s tranquil lakeside and Jodhpur’s striking indigo streets at your unhurried pace. Experience vibrant local traditions and the raw beauty of the Thar Desert. Enjoy thrilling wildlife safaris and hot air ballooning over forts in Jaipur and the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. Local artisan workshops connect you directly with authentic crafts. Our journeys are tailored for the discerning traveler, ensuring safe, confident exploration and revealing new reasons to travel.

Rajasthan unfolds as we travel through desert landscapes. You will discover Udaipur's tranquil lakeside and Jodhpur's striking indigo streets at your pace. Bikaner's Camel Festival reveals vibrant local traditions while Kalaripayattu offers ancient martial arts experience and the Thar Desert railway delivers raw beauty. Wildlife safaris,and hot air ballooning over forts in Jaipur and the Taj mahal in Agra. Local workshops connect us directly with artisans and their crafts. Feash coffee in Pushka and a morning offering by the lake. Hear the stories of legends and Gods, walk with into the regal paths of the past. In India, every day reveals a new reason to keep traveling.

India: Ancient Encounters Tour - Mystery's and Magnificense

Ancient Encounters

Mumbai cultural tours ignite as we immerse ourselves in vibrant streets and exclusive Dharvali Slums, experiencing the city's unique resilience. A scenic railway journey reveals magnificent local life en route to Aurangabad. The mysterious UNESCO Ellora Caves unveil ancient carved chambers and remarkable architecture. Varanasi tours reveal the sacred Ganges where daily ceremonies unfold organically. Explore Delhi’s treasures, local markets, and intimate life. Each location offers direct, authentic encounters with skilled artisans. Every sunset in India holds a unique narrative, tailor-made for the Regal Explorer. Our non-rushed pace ensures confident travel.



Mumbai pulses with energy as we step into vibrant streets and discover hidden food markets. Here the famous Dharavi Slums inspies and glows with passion. A railway trip to Aurangabad revealing the most magnificent scenery and local life . The myterious UNESCO Ellora Caves expose ancient carved chambers and remarkable architecture. Varanasi reveals the Ganges with daily rhythms and local ceremonies unfolding naturally. Delhi's Elephanta Island and Huyumans Tomb and vented street food. Each location offers direct encounters with artisans, markets, and everyday life. Every sunset in India carries a different story than the last.

India: Spirit of South India Tour: Villages, Lakes and Royalty

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Begin your regal South India journey, traveling to Mysore’s majestic palace and Ooty’s emerald tea estates. Find quiet, refreshing moments amidst pristine scenery, followed by the stunning drive to Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple, a site of deep cultural significance. Experience a thrilling soft adventure safari to discover hidden cascades; your comfortable vehicle ensures ease toward the coast. In Kochi, enjoy beach dining and floating on Kerala’s houseboats, exploring historic spice markets. This seamlessly managed tour is tailored for the Regal Explorer, prioritizing authenticity and non-rushed luxury travel.


We begin our seamlessly managed journey at a relaxed pace in Bangalore, traveling to Mysore’s majestic palace and Ooty’s emerald tea estates. We allow time for quiet, refreshing moments at Kodaikanal Lake after a rare morning with Kids Health India at an unvisited village. The stunning drive to Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple, a site of deep significance. Diverting for a Jeep Safari to a waterfall near Munnar. Our comfortable, spacious vehicle ensures ease toward Kochi for a beach dining experience, floating on Kerala's houseboats, and shopping in Jew Town, where spice markets, views and aniques are abundant. 

Kashmir Rejuvination Tour: Sunsets, Saffron and Rivers

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Begin your Regal Explorers Kashmir journey at a luxurious Heritage Hotel in Srinagar, including a short stay on a Kashmir houseboat. Wake to Himalayan views, drifting along Dal Lake on shikara boats at sunset. Delve into fragrant saffron fields, enjoying historic Mughal gardens and rich regional culture. Artisan workshops precede a stunning drive to Pahalgam for guided riverside walks and alpine scenery. Experience a unique train trip across the Lower Himalayas. A thrilling private Jeep Safari searches for the endangered Hangul. This is the ultimate safe soft adventure travel.


We base in a luxurious Srinagar sanctuary, a one stop stay for a relaxed Kashmiri experience. Wake to Himalayan views, drift along Dal Lake on shikara boats at sunset. Delve into fragrant saffron fields near Pampore, enjoy Mughal gardens -  revealing regional culture. Arisan workshops and a drive to Pahalgam for riverside walks, with the Betaab and Aru valleys adding alpine scenery. Riide across the lower Himalayas on a train trip crossing valleys and villages. Dachigam National Park jeep safari - spot the highly endangered Hangul (Kashmir Stag), bears and Lepards. Breath the Himalayan air, rest, reset and recharge.

Echoes of Ancient Lands: Mystery, Temples and Beaches

Echoes Ancient Lands

Begin your ultimate India journey through its most intriguing experiences, from Bangalore’s unique dynamic energy to Mysore’s majestic palace. Discover the mysterious hanging pillar defying gravity for centuries at Lepakshi. Explore Hampi’s UNESCO ruins, where ancient temples dot magnificent boulder-strewn landscapes. Continue to Goa's golden beaches and historic churches, before experiencing Mumbai's dynamic city tours. We provide our own private drivers and use known, expert guides for all groups, ensuring safe travel. This soft adventure is tailored for authentic discovery at your unhurried pace.


Come through India's most intriguing experiences, from Bangalore's dynamic energy to Mysore's majestic palace. Lepakshi's mysterious hanging pillar, defying gravity for centuries, explore Hampi's UNESCO-listed ruins where ancient temples dot boulder-strewn landscapes. Continue to Goa's golden beaches and ancient churches, and Mumbai's famous Dharavi slums and Dhobi Ghat laundry.

Options: Agra -Taj Mahal and Beyond

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Most tours include the optional Agra Taj Mahal trip that seamlessly rounds out our routes. Activities are carefully selected, featuring UNESCO’s Keoladeo National Park, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri Fort. Hands-on stops include a Marble Cottage visit and a carpet weaving demonstration explaining techniques. We support the SOS Wildlife Sanctuary for Sloth Bears, reflecting our ethical travel focus. A sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Taj Mahal provides calm, broad city views. This is slow travel designed for you, making every moment an unparalleled discovery, ensuring high comfort and safety always.


Most tours include an optional extra, the Agra - Taj Mahal trip that rounds out our routes. Activities vary by itinerary timing, and each tour features a carefully selected mix across days. We explore UNESCO’s Keoladeo National Park, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri Fort. Hands‑on stops include a Marble Cottage visit and a carpet weaving demonstration that explains techniques and an SOS Wildlife Sanctuary for Sloth bears. A sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Taj creates calm views and broad city perspectives. We welcome return travelers who join us again, continuing simple exploration across India at an easy pace. 

Coming Soon-Sikkim

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Begin your ultimate Sikkim journey with immersive cultural tours into the majestic Himalayas. Arrive in Gangtok, your base for exclusive mountain exploration. You will find serenity and tradition at ancient monasteries, experiencing the rich Sikkim regional culture firsthand. Enjoy guided nature walks through rhododendron forests with unparalleled Himalayan views. Our expert-led journeys ensure safe travel through challenging terrain. We utilize our own private drivers for exceptional comfort and ease. Experience high-altitude soft adventure, discovering hidden waterfalls and remote villages. This luxury tour is designed for you, making every moment an unparalleled discovery, ensuring high comfort and safety always.

Real Experiences: What Our Guests Loved Most

"Traveling in India was a true eye opener. As a first‑time traveler, I joined a small group tour led by Catherine, whose calm guidance steadily built my confidence. The itinerary balanced South India highlights with offbeat experiences, and everything felt safe, well organized, and flexible. Our driver knew scenic routes that revealed everyday life and saved time in busy cities. We explored remarkable temples and markets, then watched the Mysore Palace lighting light up which was very moving. In Kodaikanal, I went on a village visit, this became the day I talk about most. I loved traveling in a small group, because the pace matched our energy and the personal attention made logistics seamless. I returned feeling changed, and excited to explore more of India, Thank You Catherine". Paula Thomas, Melbourne, Australia, Spirit of South India Tour

Speak With Us: Your Journey - Your Voice  

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Connect directly with our experienced Tour Leaders today. We share deep local insights and simplify planning for your bespoke Indian odyssey. Our expertise ensures your journey is both safe and seamless, providing you with complete peace of mind before you even depart. Whether you prefer an exclusive private journey or an intimate small group adventure, we hand-craft every itinerary detail to reflect your vision. We focus on authentic cultural immersion and unique experiences, ensuring the tour is perfectly suited to your needs for total enjoyment.

Touring with Purpose: Our Giving Back Initiatives

A Kids Health India volunteer assists with a Smokeless Stove Project installation in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India, fostering community interaction and health for rural children.

At Discover Life Travel, responsible travel creates real impact across India's communities and cultural sites. We support local economies by dining at family restaurants, purchasing handcrafts directly from artisans, and choosing small businesses. We employ Indian guides exclusively, ensuring local knowledge stays within communities and provides steady income. We contribute directly to each temple we visit, helping maintain these historic sites. We carefully weigh pros and cons, avoiding places like elephant rides, questionable sanctuaries, and zoos that fail ethical standards. Choosing our tours means embarking on a remarkable journey while actively empowering communities. We financially contribute to vital initiatives like Kids Health India, improving health outcomes.