Options for Gay Travel in India
Although gay travel in India is growing in popularity, India is a conservative country that's unfortunately not regarded as one of Asia's most gay-friendly destinations. Homosexuality was decriminalized in India in 2009 but made illegal again in 2013 (although the law is used to harass rather than convict people). This means that discretion is required, even though gay foreigners are unlikely to become a police target. Public displays of affection are frowned upon for both homosexual and heterosexual couples, although it's common to see men walking around holding hands usually as a sign of friendship.
Despite the ban on homosexuality in India, you'll find gay scenes in many major cities including Delhi (see Gay Delhi) and Mumbai (see Gay Bombay) where certain bars have gay nights once a week.
A number of gay-owned travel agencies have opened up to meet the needs of gay and lesbian tourists who want to experience India. These companies arrange exclusively gay tours to places all over India, with popular cultural destinations including Khajuraho (erotic temples), Varanasi, Goa, and Kerala. Staff at hotels and resorts where gay visitors stay, drivers, and tour guides are all trained to treat gay guests normally and respectfully, in the same manner they would straight guests.
A list of gay-friendly travel agencies and tour operators can also be found on the IGLTA website.
IndjaPink was the first gay travel agency to be set up in India, in 2009. Its founder is Delhi's gay fashion designer Sanjay Malhotra?. The travel agency offers customized and intimate luxury tours in India for gay men. Expect to pay $450-650 per night per person or couple depending on the package. Weddings and honeymoons are also arranged, and there are group tours to various destinations in India as well. A highlight is Sanjay's themed "Manescape" tours. Sanjay has future plans to build an exclusively gay resort as well. One of the strengths of this company is its connections with local gay men.More »
Out Journeys is an India-based travel agent with both gay male and lesbian clientele. The company offers a diverse range of services, including both independent and group tours at affordable rates. In addition, they facilitate interaction between the gay and lesbian community by arranging get-togethers, parties or visits to gay-only bars in major cities of India. The owners pride themselves on attention to detail and having personally handpicked every driver, guide, and escort.More »
Pink Vibgyor is an offshoot of established travel company Vibgyor, which has been in business for over 10 years. It offers a range of experiences for gay men and lesbian travelers. Organized tours are inexpensive and have an eco-friendly focus wherever possible. A highlight is the special Nirvana Buddha Trail tour, which visits the important Buddhist sites in India. The company also organizes gay wedding, honeymoons, and surrogacy.More »
Bangkok-based Purple Dragon is Asia’s oldest gay tour company. The CEO, Douglas Thompson, has been traveling through India since 1973. The company offers culturally-focused, all-inclusive package tours using private local guides and gay-friendly hotels.More »
Established by three gay European men in Rajasthan, Wire offers personalized expertly-crafted itineraries and experiences predominantly in that state. The tours are all private tours, ranging in duration from six to 20 days, staying in luxury hotels and resorts that have been personally tested to be gay-friendly. Special honeymoon tours are offered, as well as bespoke trips.More »
Despite the ban on homosexuality in India, you'll find gay scenes in many major cities including Delhi (see Gay Delhi) and Mumbai (see Gay Bombay) where certain bars have gay nights once a week.
A number of gay-owned travel agencies have opened up to meet the needs of gay and lesbian tourists who want to experience India. These companies arrange exclusively gay tours to places all over India, with popular cultural destinations including Khajuraho (erotic temples), Varanasi, Goa, and Kerala. Staff at hotels and resorts where gay visitors stay, drivers, and tour guides are all trained to treat gay guests normally and respectfully, in the same manner they would straight guests.
A list of gay-friendly travel agencies and tour operators can also be found on the IGLTA website.
•IndjaPink
IndjaPink was the first gay travel agency to be set up in India, in 2009. Its founder is Delhi's gay fashion designer Sanjay Malhotra?. The travel agency offers customized and intimate luxury tours in India for gay men. Expect to pay $450-650 per night per person or couple depending on the package. Weddings and honeymoons are also arranged, and there are group tours to various destinations in India as well. A highlight is Sanjay's themed "Manescape" tours. Sanjay has future plans to build an exclusively gay resort as well. One of the strengths of this company is its connections with local gay men.More »
•Out Journeys
Out Journeys is an India-based travel agent with both gay male and lesbian clientele. The company offers a diverse range of services, including both independent and group tours at affordable rates. In addition, they facilitate interaction between the gay and lesbian community by arranging get-togethers, parties or visits to gay-only bars in major cities of India. The owners pride themselves on attention to detail and having personally handpicked every driver, guide, and escort.More »
•Pink Vibgyor
Pink Vibgyor is an offshoot of established travel company Vibgyor, which has been in business for over 10 years. It offers a range of experiences for gay men and lesbian travelers. Organized tours are inexpensive and have an eco-friendly focus wherever possible. A highlight is the special Nirvana Buddha Trail tour, which visits the important Buddhist sites in India. The company also organizes gay wedding, honeymoons, and surrogacy.More »
•Purple Dragon
Bangkok-based Purple Dragon is Asia’s oldest gay tour company. The CEO, Douglas Thompson, has been traveling through India since 1973. The company offers culturally-focused, all-inclusive package tours using private local guides and gay-friendly hotels.More »
•Wire
Established by three gay European men in Rajasthan, Wire offers personalized expertly-crafted itineraries and experiences predominantly in that state. The tours are all private tours, ranging in duration from six to 20 days, staying in luxury hotels and resorts that have been personally tested to be gay-friendly. Special honeymoon tours are offered, as well as bespoke trips.More »
