MakeMyTrip and Ministry of Tourism Launch India Tour Programme
India's Ministry of Tourism and MakeMyTrip have partnered to introduce over 350 guided tours across 60+ cities. Bookings for these locally-led experiences commenced on August 15, 2026, aiming to broaden access to India's cultural and historical offerings for travellers.
Nationwide Guided Tours Commence
India's Ministry of Tourism and online travel platform MakeMyTrip have launched a partnership to promote guided tours across the nation. This initiative introduces over 350 distinct activities, spanning more than 60 cities throughout India. Bookings for these locally-led tours commenced on MakeMyTrip's platform from August 15, 2026.
The programme aims to encourage travellers to explore India's rich heritage, diverse culture, spiritual sites, varied cuisine, vibrant festivals, and historic monuments. Each tour is led by local guides and experts, ensuring authentic engagement with regional traditions and stories.
Prices for these experiences start from INR 500, making them accessible to a broad range of travellers. This collaboration seeks to integrate digital discovery with local expertise, offering a structured way to engage with India's extensive offerings.
Diverse Activities Across India
The newly available tours encompass a wide array of formats and themes. Travellers can choose from walking, cycling, vehicle-based, and multi-day activities. Specific examples include a Tea Tasting Session across Palampur's tea estates and heritage visits in Agra. Other options feature the Mussoorie Ghost's Walk and a Sacred Ganges Immersion in Varanasi.
Urban exploration activities include a Kolkata Street Photography Tour. Guests can also participate in a village walking tour with high tea at a local home in Saligao, Goa. Creative workshops are available, such as a block-printing activity with artisans in Jaipur. Further options cover an electric cycle ride through Goa and a comprehensive Mumbai tour.
This Mumbai tour visits Dharavi, Dhobi Ghat, Dabbawalla operations, and the Gateway of India. The diverse portfolio aims to showcase both well-known sites and unique local interactions.
Strategic Alignment and Executive Commentary
This partnership aligns with the Ministry of Tourism's "Incredible India" and "Dekho Apna Desh" initiatives, designed to foster domestic and international tourism. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, India's Minister of Tourism & Culture, highlighted the role of local guides and experts.
He stated these individuals form the "backbone of India's tourism value chain." The Minister noted that the collaboration allows guides to reach travellers directly, sharing India's narratives. He urged visitors to return as "storytellers," carrying a piece of India's heritage globally.
Rajesh Magow, Executive Director and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, commented on the historical challenge of discovering and booking such experiences. He stated the platform now makes these guided tours as accessible as flights or hotels. Mr Magow emphasised placing local experts at the centre of this offering.
Outlook for Travellers and Industry
The initiative forms part of MakeMyTrip's broader tours and attractions business. This segment already features museums, heritage walks, treks, safaris, and cultural sites on its platform. Existing offerings include stargazing and barbecue experiences in Ladakh's Nubra Valley, alongside shikara rides in Srinagar.
To support the new programme, MakeMyTrip and the Ministry of Tourism have launched a joint campaign. This campaign invites travellers to explore India through guided experiences. A master film highlighting the partnership is also being released. This collaboration expands the digital footprint for local tourism providers.
It also provides travellers with a centralised platform for diverse, verified cultural activities. The focus on local expertise aims to enhance authentic engagement, potentially boosting regional economies.
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