Luxury Group Tours

Published in the Sunday Anandabazar Patrika(ABP) on 20 July 2025

Is it really possible to enjoy a pool villa stay on a group tour? Or begin your morning with a serene sunrise yoga session, take a leisurely afternoon to unwind, and then step out in the evening to explore a new city? Can we really tickle our taste buds with delicious local cuisine, listen to extraordinary stories from locals, and still have the assurance that we don’t have to sweat the details—because a Veena World Tour Manager is right there by our side, guiding us through some of the most exotic destinations in India and across the world?

With Veena World's newly launched luxury group tours, the answer is a resounding yes. We've reimagined what a group tour can be—offering the indulgence of a luxury holiday with the convenience and safety of a guided group experience.

At Veena World, we take feedback seriously—because every word from our guests helps us build more meaningful holidays. Recently, one letter caught our attention:
"We love the safety and convenience of group travel, but we also want flexibility and free time. It’s like wanting our cake and eating it too!"
Challenge accepted.

Our Guest Connect department constantly gathers these insights and shares them with our product team. We know that every traveller is unique. Some prefer quick getaways packed with must-sees, others want deep explorations of a single place. Then there are our spirited women’s groups and enthusiastic senior travellers who enjoy relaxed sightseeing and evenings full of fun and laughter. And we have tours for each and every type of traveller. But increasingly, we were hearing a different kind of request: “We want to travel... in luxury, the luxury of time, space and premium accommodation.”

That deeply resonated with me. Many guests shared how they prefer to visit one destination at a time, exploring and soaking in the atmosphere. The sentiment was clear: in a world that never stops, our holidays should be the opposite. They should heal, not exhaust.

So we rolled up our sleeves, put on our thinking caps, and crafted something that hadn’t really been done before—Luxury Group Tours. Intimate in size, thoughtfully paced, and rich in experiences, these tours are all about slowing down and savouring each moment. We decided it was time for slow tourism. And that became our mantra.

Let me walk you through what that means, through some of the most inspiring itineraries we've launched.

Kashmir: Tranquility and Thrills Amid Nature's Masterpiece

Kashmir, rightly called "Paradise on Earth," is so much more than just scenic beauty—it's a soulful experience. Imagine waking up to crisp Himalayan air and heading off on a leisurely trek to the Thajiwas Glacier. No rush, no checklist. Just pure, immersive beauty—snow-dusted peaks, pine-laced valleys, and the sound of nothing but birdsong and your own breath.

Back at the hotel in Gulmarg, you unwind with a steaming cup of Kahwa, letting the cinnamon and saffron soothe you as you gaze at mountain vistas from your premium hotel room. Afternoons can be as relaxed or adventurous as you want—with snowmobiling, white-water rafting, and of course, a serene sunset Shikara ride on Dal Lake.

Evenings are for long, slow dinners—like the traditional multi-course Kashmiri Wazwan that not only fills your belly but also your heart, because it connects you with the centuries-old culinary soul of the region.

Nepal: Wellness and Cultural Discovery

Nepal is a personal favourite, and perhaps the best example of post-pandemic wellness travel done right. Our guests stay at places like the Sarangkot Hotel, where the highlight is a sunrise yoga session overlooking the Himalayas. The golden light, the stillness of the mountains, the feeling of groundedness—it’s unforgettable.

You then go on to canoe through Chitwan’s gentle waterways, make pottery with local artisans in Tharu villages, and savour local Newari and Thakali meals that are full of flavour and tradition. It’s travel that soothes the senses, not overstimulates them.

Bhutan: A Kingdom of Happiness and Serenity

Bhutan moves at its own pace—and that's exactly what makes it magical. We wanted our itinerary here to reflect that. Guests enjoy riverside picnic lunches, raft gently down the Mo Chu River, and take scenic treks like the one to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery—not as a challenge, but as a mindful journey.

You’ll visit traditional farmhouses, the Living Interactive Museum, and end your evenings with a cultural performance that feels more like a story unfolding than just a show. Bhutan isn’t about ticking things off a list. It’s about presence. And that’s what our guests love the most.

Ladakh: Embracing Simplicity and Natural Wonder

My own treks have taught me just how healing nature can be. That ethos flows through our Ladakh luxury tour. From yoga on the banks of the Indus River to horseback safaris across Nubra Valley, every activity is about reconnecting—with nature, with people, with yourself.

Guests interact with monks in ancient monasteries, walk through heritage villages, and stay in charming, eco-conscious accommodations that blend seamlessly with their surroundings. It's peaceful, profound, and powerfully grounding.

Bali: Cultural Depth Meets Island Serenity

Bali holds a special place in my heart. It’s where spirituality meets scenic luxury. We’ve curated a tour where you don’t just visit Bali—you feel it. Whether you’re crafting a Canang Sari devotional offering, participating in a Melukat purification ritual, or sipping Balinese coffee after a floating breakfast in your private villa—every moment is designed to nourish.

You’ll stay in beautiful pool villas in Ubud and Nusa Lembongan, visit salt-maker villages, attend the Devdan show at Garuda Vishnu Kencana park, and explore Instagram-famous spots like Tanah Barak Cliffs and Wanagiri Hidden Hills—not for the photo, but for the awe they inspire in real life.

Vietnam: A Love Affair with Culture, History, and Coffee

Vietnam is where my love affair with local coffee began. On my first visit, I must have tried every variant—egg coffee, salt coffee, coconut coffee—you name it! And when a friend returned from Vietnam without trying even one, I was heartbroken. That’s when I decided: our guests will never miss out on those experiences.

Our Vietnam luxury tour includes an egg coffee-making class, chats with Vietnam War veterans, lantern-making in Hoi An, and even a chance to have custom clothing tailored. You’ll explore Hanoi in a vintage army jeep, Halong Bay by cruise, and Ho Chi Minh on a motorbike. But never at a frantic pace. Always with time to breathe, pause, and absorb.

Post-pandemic, the need to reconnect with nature, with self, and with slower rhythms has never been greater. That’s why we’ve chosen properties where you can truly relax—whether that’s a poolside afternoon, an impromptu nap on a sunbed, or a quiet dinner under the stars. Our guests love that these tours give them not just memories, but moments to be fully present in.

Evenings are often when the magic happens—guests gather, swap stories, reflect on the day’s highlights. Many have shared how these luxury tours are exactly what they were looking for: travel that isn’t rushed, that offers connection, and that allows time to simply be. And to top it all we have our Veena World Tour manager accompanying the group so that you can travel completely hassle free as you find your tribe of like minded individuals who wish to explore the world in style!

We’re overwhelmed with the love and appreciation we’ve received from our first luxury tour guests—especially those who explored Kashmir with us. Their encouraging feedback has confirmed what we believed all along: there’s a real need for this kind of thoughtful, unhurried travel. Inspired by their words and experiences, we’re excited to expand this segment with even more luxurious journeys across India and the world. So watch this space and do visited Veena World website regularly where newer itineraries will be updated as we discover one exotic location after another.

Because at Veena World, we don’t just plan trips—we create experiences. Experiences that invite you to pause, immerse, and connect.

So come, join us. Let's travel better. Let’s slow down and savour. Let’s truly have our cake—and eat it too.

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Dekho Apna Desh
Tamil Nadu – The Land of Temples

For those who are passionate about history, Tamil Nadu is truly a treasure trove. This state is also famously known as the ‘Land of Temples’ in India. Tamil Nadu is home to over 38,000 temples, showcasing the art and architectural styles of various ancient dynasties. The state also attracts a large number of foreign tourists.

It is the birthplace of Tamil, one of the world’s oldest living languages. Tamil Nadu boasts a coastline that stretches around 1,076 kilometers. It is the birthplace of the classical Tamil dance form Bharatanatyam, one of India’s seven classical dances, known for its graceful postures and expressive storytelling through gestures and facial expressions.

The Thanjavur (Tanjore) painting, which uses chalk, resin, precious stones, and pearls, is a renowned art form that originated here. The traditional and ancient sport Jallikattu, associated with taming bulls, is held every year during the Pongal festival.

Tamil Nadu is rich in Dravidian-style architecture. The state is also famous for Kanchipuram silk, which finds mention in Hindu mythology.

Mahabalipuram, located along the Coromandel Coast, is a popular heritage site known worldwide for its intricately carved ancient sculptures. Madurai, considered the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, is famous for the Meenakshi Temple. The Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is located here—where Lord Rama is believed to have established the Shivling made by Sita.

Dhanushkodi, another site in the state, is known for its mythological and historical significance. It is believed that Lord Rama built the bridge from here to reach Lanka. The state also houses a famous art gallery of Raja Ravi Varma.

Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India’s mainland, is located in Tamil Nadu. The Kanyakumari Temple and Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial are major attractions here.

Tamil Nadu’s cuisine includes a wide variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Curry leaves and coconut are widely used. The Chettinad cuisine and South Indian breakfasts are very popular. Meals are traditionally served on banana leaves. Famous dishes include dosa, idli, sambar, and rasam, while payasam, sweet pongal, and rava kesari are popular desserts.

So, have you visited this culturally rich and historically significant state yet?

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Oh! I Didn’t Know This…

In geography textbooks, we often see water bodies shown in blue on maps. But nature never fails to surprise us with its wonders — and one such marvel is Australia’s incredible pink lakes.

Some lakes in Western Australia are famous for their naturally occurring bubblegum-pink waters. While most lakes around the world get their colors from microorganisms like algae, the pink color in these waters comes from a specific type of microalgae called Dunaliella salina. These microorganisms thrive in salty conditions and produce reddish pigments, giving the water its striking pink hue.

Historically, Pink Lake was a terminal lake in the Lake Warden system. During summer, due to evaporation, the water level decreases, and the salinity increases, resulting in a vivid pink appearance in several lakes across the region.

Australia has more than ten remarkable pink lakes, mainly found in Western Australia and South Australia. These lakes appear more vibrant in dry, sunny weather, and turn dull or pale after rainfall or during cloudy conditions.

Pink lakes are especially popular for aerial photography, best captured through drone flights or small aircraft tours. Many of these lakes lie within national parks or conservation zones, which means visitors may need permits and must follow specific access regulations.

Lakes like Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre are also considered sacred sites, holding deep cultural significance for the Indigenous communities connected to them. Salt extracted from these lakes is used in cosmetic products and food processing.

Recognizing the ecological importance of these lakes, BirdLife International has designated them as Important Bird Areas. The region is home to large populations of hooded plovers and is also a stopover for many migratory birds.

So come, witness this extraordinary natural wonder — in the heart of Australia!

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Veena World Women’s Special
Travel is truly a chance to breathe freely!

I’m Shobhana Deshmukh from Nagpur. I book my tours through Veena World’s sales partner, Earth Tours and Travels in Shivaji Nagar. I’m 68, and I’ve completed around 10 tours with Veena World. My first was Sri Lanka in 2017, visiting Ashok Vatika, where Lord Hanuman gave Sita the ring, was unforgettable. Since then, I’ve explored Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Mauritius, Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Bhutan, the Andaman Islands, and even did a 10-day Europe tour. Once, I took three tours in just two months. Exhausting, but worth it! I ensure I do at least one international trip each year. These journeys let me experience amazing cultures. A winter trip to Nainital and Mussoorie was another highlight. Naini Lake and the crisp weather felt like a dream.

Veena World’s tour arrangements are always excellent, and the managers are genuinely caring. I love Women’s Special Tours. The company is great, I can truly be myself, and my family feels assured. Travelling solo has its own freedom and charm. These trips bring beautiful friendships. I now meet many of my travel friends from Pune and Mumbai whenever I’m there. Due to health reasons, I have taken a short break. But once U.S. visa applications reopen, I plan to travel to America next! For me, and many women like me, these tours are a breath of fresh air, and I make the most of them!

– Shobhana Deshmukh, Nagpur, Maharashtra

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Private Holiday Ideas
Season’s Trending: Ladakh
With Veena World Customised Holidays

Imagine this — you're driving through the Himalayas, with nature’s spectacular sights welcoming you on both sides of the road. On one side, deep blue lakes; on the other, towering mountains. Peaceful monasteries along the way, and at night, a sky full of a million twinkling stars!

This is the magical journey of Leh-Ladakh — and now is the best time to experience it!

Veena World brings you a special 9-day private customised Ladakh holiday with Hanle & Tso Moriri for just ₹62,000!
You get your own chauffeur-driven vehicle and the freedom to explore at your own pace, in your own style.

This holiday includes the thrill of Khardung La — the world’s highest motorable road.
Marvel at the changing colours of Pangong Lake, which shift thrice a day — you simply can’t take your eyes off it!

Tso Moriri and Tso Kar are calm, postcard-perfect lakes that radiate serenity.
Explore offbeat routes like Nurpa Pass and Yaya Tso, where adventure reaches a whole new level.
At Hanle Monastery, feel the stillness within — and don’t miss the Astronomical Observatory, a stunning blend of science and nature.

By night, in Merak or Hanle, go on a guided stargazing tour where the entire sky opens up just for you!
Finally, visit Turtuk, a village near the border, known for its unique Balti culture, warm hospitality, and simple way of life — a true heart-stealer.

Right now — from July to September — is the perfect season to visit Ladakh: clear skies, amazing weather, and fully open roads!
This is your moment to travel to this extraordinary destination.

So don’t wait any longer. How many more Ladakh stories will you just like on your friends’ timelines?
Now it’s your turn!
Book your unforgettable Ladakh holiday with Veena World today and experience a magical journey you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

And as always — our expert team is ready to take care of everything for you.

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Around the World
Cruise Expeditions

Cruise expeditions are all about travelling the world by sea. In 2023 alone, the cruise tourism industry generated over $154 billion USD in revenue. These voyages typically range from 90 to 270 days, covering numerous countries across all six continents.

There are also residential cruises like The World and MV Narrative, where people buy homes on the ship and travel year-round. These cruise ships become floating cities, complete with gyms, spas, theatres, libraries, medical centres, and top-notch Wi-Fi for those working remotely.

Many travellers opt for expedition cruises to explore remote and extraordinary regions like Antarctica, the Arctic, Alaska, the Amazon River, and Iceland.

Among Indian travellers, Cordelia Cruises are quite popular, operating from Mumbai, Goa, Lakshadweep, and Cochin.
To attract Indian tourists, many cruises now offer Bollywood-style entertainment and Indian cuisine onboard.

Some of the world’s leading cruise brands include Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, and MSC.

So…Would you like to explore the world this way too?