Top Indian DMCs working with Virtuoso Travel Advisors in 2025
- Nishit Kagalwala
- Aug 19
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 19
Luxury travel doesn't really operate in isolation, rather it thrives on a network of trusted connections. Behind every seamless itinerary, every hard-to-get hotel suite, and every once-in-a-lifetime experience, there is a complex web of partnerships which involves advisors and carefully chosen suppliers. At the heart of this global ecosystem sits Virtuoso, who has redefined how the luxury travel industry collaborates and delivers its values.
WHAT IS VIRTUOSO
With its roots going back to 1951, Virtuoso is today one of the largest and most influential luxury travel networks in the world. What was once a small network of specialized travel companies has now grown into a worldwide alliance of more than 1,200 agency locations, comprising over 20,000 travel agents across 58 nations. Advisors today wear Virtuoso as a badge of honor, and the name immediately identifies them as someone only working with discerning, high-net-worth travelers that seek exclusive, authentic and personalized travel experiences. The network itself links its advisors to a carefully vetted ecosystem of 2300 suppliers, constituting the most top-notch hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour operators, and destination partners.
Within this ecosystem, advisors’ relationships with Destination Management Companies (DMCs) goes beyond accessing perks or offers. These on-ground partners are critical in delivering safe, seamless, culturally immersive, and personalized experiences. Among the few most trusted DMCs in India that Virtuoso advisors work with are:
1. IndiHorizons
Established with modern ethos while carrying decades of on-ground expertise, IndiHorizons is a boutique, luxury Destination Management Company (DMC) helping travel advisors and tour operators unlock the best of India, Nepal, and Bhutan for their clients.
Year founded: 2022
Location: Based in India, with an office in the U.S.
Scope of services: Comprehensive luxury travel planning, including heritage excursions, experiential itineraries, special interest programs, wildlife safaris, and wellness retreats
The founding team at IndiHorizons are global citizens at heart - they’ve lived across the US, Europe, Australia, and Asia, and traveled to 30+ countries. They’ve moved in circles of top-tier investors, executives, creatives, and HNIs. How does that help? It means that they instinctively understand the mindset, the pace, and the expectations of luxury travelers before advisors need to explain it. The leadership team has been on the ground, personally leading luxury trips for decades, and now sweating every operational detail to ensure flawless execution of the trip, every single time.
As a modern, ‘advisor-first’ DMC, IndiHorizons is purpose built to solve problems advisors often face - slow responses, rigid programs, payment issues, and lack of reliable on-ground support. In contrast, IndiHorizons offers 24–48 hour turnaround, deeply customizable and experiential itineraries, a network of 35+ local offices in South Asia, and expert precision so you don’t have to worry. Through a US-based entity with a local bank account, IndiHorizons can accept credit card or bank transfers in USD, locally. It also means they remit commissions locally, bypassing any exchange rate losses or payment delays. Finally, the company also carries $1M+ in professional liability insurance to offer peace and protection to its partners.
IndiHorizons’ programs are built for today’s traveler. Which means more experiences, less monument hopping; more immersion and engagement, less scripted history lectures; more listening to what they like, less selling of what’s popular. Think:
Heritage circuits combining well-known locations with live, local customs.
Exclusive wildlife encounters in India's top national parks.
Wellness Retreats inspired by India's ancient healing customs
Festivals celebrated with local families in their homes
Luxury trains and river cruises, unlike any others in the world
While covering famous sites like Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, Delhi, the Great Himalayas, and various others through a network of 35+ local offices around the subcontinent, the team also unlocks lesser-known locations for intense local experiences. Crossborder itineraries connect India with Nepal, and Bhutan. The team’s geographical knowledge guarantees:
Rare venues and unique cultural events access.
Reliable local suppliers' partnerships enable flawless logistics.
Alternatives for places either under the radar or high-profile.
Although not yet an official Virtuoso member, IndiHorizons is a reliable partner for many Virtuoso travel agents in India who provide immersive, high-end trips. In the U.S., it is represented by Elite Luxury Hospitality Representation, a Virtuoso preferred partner.
2. Abercrombie & Kent
Founded in 1962 by Geoffrey Kent in Nairobi, Kenya, Abercrombie & Kent has evolved from a pioneering East African safari outfitter into one of the major international luxury travel firms. It now has a network of 55 offices in over 30 countries, including a committed India branch.
Headquarters: Downers Grove, Illinois, USA (global); has a branch in Delhi to handle local activities.
Scope of services: Luxury, bespoke travel experiences for small groups, families, and individuals.
Abercrombie & Kent's India expertise includes:
Personal tours of the Taj Mahal, Jaipur's palaces, and the lakeside legacy of Udaipur.
Insider access to local craftsmen and projects for heritage preservation.
Luxurious river cruises and specially selected rail trips.
From the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) to Rajasthan's desert palaces, Kerala's backwaters, and wildlife-rich reserves like Ranthambore and Kaziranga, the company provides broad coverage across India's major tourist routes. This scope guarantees:
Complete destination management in well-known as well as sparsely populated locations.
Strong on-the-ground support via reliable local contacts.
Given its legacy and service quality, Abercrombie & Kent has been honored worldwide by trade organizations and travel magazines with several accolades. Its India initiatives are a fitting extension to its global brand image.
3. Banyan Tours
Banyan Tours is among India's well-regarded custom travel firms, producing engaging and well-designed trips. The business is based in New Delhi and employs a network of knowledgeable guides, regional hosts, and on-ground collaborators all around the nation.
Year founded: Founded in 1996 (Delhi)
Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Scope of services: Luxury incoming travel, customized excursions, and special-interest trips.
For single travelers, families, and small groups looking for in-depth cultural immersion, Banyan Tours focuses on designing custom itineraries. Its method usually involves:
Personal, guided travels of historical cities.
Curated accommodations at luxury resorts and small historic homes.
Unique cultural events and community-led experiences' availability.
The company's geographical knowledge covers well-known tourist sites in India, including Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, Delhi, the Himalayan states, and some lesser-known locations as well. Wide coverage allows:
Easy travel logistics between remote locations and big cities.
Varied itineraries fusing lesser-known gems with well-known sites.
Banyan’s travel trade partners benefit from its insider knowledge and dependable, on-the-ground implementation.
4. Amber Tours
Established by Avi Kohli and the late Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh of Jaipur, Amber Tours is a heritage-focused Destination Management Company with its headquarters in New Delhi. Built on decades of industry knowledge and strong cultural roots, the company serves international travelers seeking authentic yet comfortable explorations of India.
Year founded: 1972.
Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
Scope of services: Luxury inbound travel, heritage-focused journeys, and special-interest tours.
Amber Tours specializes in creating culturally rich and highly personalized itineraries. Its offerings typically include:
Private access to historic forts, palaces, and museums.
Stays in heritage hotels and royal residences.
Experiences in cuisine, music, and traditional crafts among other immersive cultural events.
The company's strength is Rajasthan, especially Jaipur. It also covers important places in the Golden Triangle, Kerala, and other parts of India that are important for culture. This facilitates:
Deep cultural understanding and exclusive access to Rajasthan's royal legacy.
Flexible itineraries that connect heritage hubs with leisure destinations.
Over the years, Amber Tours has built close ties with regional communities, cultural organizations, and owners of heritage sites. Its work has been acknowledged in travel publications and appreciated by global travel advisors for combining cultural authenticity with seamless service delivery.
5. Peirce & Leslie Travel
With its roots going back to 19th-century British explorers engaged in trade and travel throughout the Indian subcontinent,Peirce & Leslie Travel currently functions as a luxury Destination Management Company, specializing in providing culturally immersive, custom-made travel experiences in South Asia.
Year founded: Incorporated 2005 (heritage origins in the 19th century).
Headquarters: Gurugram, India.
Scope of services: Luxury inbound travel, regional cultural circuits, multi-country itineraries.
Peirce & Leslie focus on trips that highlight India's rich culture while upholding great standards of service. Some of their distinctive features are:
Heritage and architecture-oriented excursions in Rajasthan and South India.
Wildlife safaris in national parks such as Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh.
Crossborder itineraries connect India with Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.
Its geographical knowledge spans India's most well-known travel routes as well as lesser-known locations. Notable strengths include:
The Golden Triangle and heritage-rich Rajasthan.
Kerala’s backwaters and Tamil Nadu’s temple towns.
Himalayan regions of Bhutan and Nepal.
The company’s mix of historical narrative, chosen experiences, and operational accuracy makes it a trustworthy option for those looking for depth and genuineness in their South Asian trips.
6. Micato Safaris
Micato India, part of the world-renowned Micato Safaris brand, is known for its high-touch, luxury travel experiences. Originally founded in 1966 as a family safari company in Kenya, Micato has now been in India for more than three decades. The India division collaborates closely with international travel agents to create excursions combining luxury and comfort with cultural exploration.
Year founded: 1966; came to India in early 1990s.
Headquarters: New York; with deep local presence in Africa and New Delhi, India.
Scope of services: Luxury custom travel, small-group tours, and special-interest journeys.
Micato India specializes in creating travel plans that mix well-known sights with more obscure activities. Among its few features include:
Private guided tours of historic cities like Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
Luxury stays in palaces, heritage hotels, and boutique properties.
Cultural immersion activities such as curated market walks, artisan visits, and culinary explorations.
Geographically, Micato India covers a broad range of destinations:
The Golden Triangle and Rajasthan’s heritage cities.
Kerala’s backwaters and tea plantations.
Wildlife reserves such as Ranthambore, Kanha, and Kaziranga.
Micato has won several honors worldwide for its quality in organizing safaris and luxury travel services.
How to Choose the Right DMC for Your Trip to India
Selecting the ideal Destination Management Company (DMC) will transform a decent vacation into a remarkable one. Look out for the following:
Local expertise & network – With the correct local connections to access unique experiences, a wonderful DMC understands the pulse of India and connects you to what can’t be Googled.
Proven track record with luxury clients – Look for team’s experience working specifically with luxury travel advisors and networks, coupled with ongoing customer compliments to show a proven track record with premium customers.
Flexibility in customization – Your experience should be shaped around you, not a standard template.
Safety & responsible tourism – Compliance with regulations, ethical practices, and respectful community engagement are essential.
A strong quality indication is a DMC that works with Virtuoso travel advisors. Deep local knowledge, individualized care, and high standards at IndiHorizons help us design trips that feel unique, authentic, and especially yours.
Final Takeaways
The function of a reputable DMC has never been more vital as international clients & advisors look for deeper, more meaningful contacts with the sites they see. The perfect companion goes beyond just organizing logistics; they decode the culture, foresee requirements, and generate experiences that linger with you well after the trip concludes. Whether you go with the ones listed above or look around, the main thing should always be finding a DMC that knows your vision and knows how to make it happen in real life. Choosing a DMC respected by the best travel professionals in the world for those seeking to explore India in its most authentic and opulent form pays you with an experience as smooth as it is remarkable.
