Travel Watch: MakeMyTrip collaborates with the Ministry of Tourism to launch 350 guided

India has plenty of places to visit, but the stories behind them can be harder to find. MakeMyTrip and the Ministry of Tourism are now trying to change that with a new partnership that brings more than 350 guided tours across 60-plus cities onto.

The tours are available to book from August 15, Independence Day, with more experiences expected to be added to the catalogue. The initiative is aligned with the Incredible India and Dekho Apna Desh campaigns and covers India's heritage, culture, spirituality, cuisine, festivals and monuments.

What Happened

The new collection goes well beyond the standard city sightseeing tour. Travellers can choose experiences led by local guides and experts, with plenty of options for those who like their holidays to include something a little more unusual.

• The starting price is ₹500, giving travellers the option to add a local experience without spending a fortune.

• With the catalogue set to expand, India's next travel plan could include fewer generic sightseeing stops and a lot more stories from the people who actually know the place.

• The initiative will be supported by a joint campaign launching on Independence Day, as well as a master film celebrating the partnership.

Key Details

There are also walking, cycling, vehicle-based and multi-day experiences, along with museums, heritage walks, treks, safaris and cultural attractions. There are also walking, cycling, vehicle-based and multi-day experiences, along with museums, heritage walks, treks, safaris and cultural attractions.

• He said the partnership aims to make these experiences easier for travellers to find and book, while putting local guides and experts at the centre.

• For MakeMyTrip, the move is also about making these local experiences easier to find.

• He added that the partnership allows them to reach travellers directly and share India’s stories.

Why It Matters

Finding a local guide in India has traditionally been something travellers sorted out after reaching their destination. Recommendations from hotels, friends and locals often filled the gap, while prices and availability could vary.

• It also gives local guides and communities a direct way to reach potential customers.

• This partnership brings these experiences into an online booking platform, allowing travellers to plan them before their trip.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Hindustan Times as more details emerge