About Us

About Indian Maharaja Tours

Founded in 2011 by Harsh and Arti—avid travelers, photographers, and storytellers—Indian Maharaja Tours brings India to life through immersive cultural and wildlife experiences.

From the timeless charm of the Taj Mahal and Golden Triangle to the untamed beauty of India’s National parks, their handcrafted tours blend culture, photography, and offbeat adventures. Whether you’re exploring ancient forts, joining tribal festivals, or chasing tigers through the wild, every itinerary is designed with heart and insight.

As passionate photographers, Harsh and Arti also lead specialized photo tours—from the riot of colors during Holi to serene monasteries in Ladakh and beyond to Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

With personal attention, authentic experiences, and deep local knowledge, Indian Maharaja Tours promises not just a trip, but a story worth telling.

Our Founders - Harsh and Arti

Meet Harsh Agarwal – Explorer, Photographer, and Your Guide to the Wild

At heart, Harsh Agarwal is a wanderer with a camera and a curious soul. The founder of Indian Maharaja Tours, Harsh turned a Pushkar backpacking trip in 2006 into a full-blown mission—to share India’s wild beauty, rich culture, and untold stories with the world.

He’s not just another guy with a DSLR—Harsh is an award-winning photographer and was recognized by UP Tourism for capturing a surreal moment of Namaz at the Taj Mahal. His work has appeared in global exhibitions and respected magazines like Asian Photography and Black Bride. But you’ll still find him most comfortable in dusty boots, tracking tigers, or chasing dramatic skies.

Wildlife tours are his playground, but his lens has seen it all—galaxies over Ladakh, sadhus at Kumbh, and camel fairs that somehow know him by name.

Alongside his equally adventurous wife Arti (a Spanish-speaking tour leader turned co-pilot), the duo now leads offbeat photo tours across India and beyond—from the streets of Varanasi to the jungles of Sri Lanka (with elephants, of course).

IMT is more than just a tour company; it’s a realization of Harsh’s photographic aspirations. Come for the tigers, stay for the stories.

From Curious Clicks to Epic Tours – Meet Harsh & Arti

What started with Harsh chasing light and Arti carrying camera bags (and snacks) soon turned into a full-blown photography obsession. Somewhere between dodging monkeys in Pushkar and freezing under the Milky Way in Ladakh, Arti caught the shutter bug too—and there was no turning back.

Together, they’ve biked through Ladakh at sub-zero temps, danced with gypsies in Pushkar (okay, maybe just watched), tracked tigers across India’s wild heartlands, and even taught elephants in Sri Lanka how to pose (almost).

Their “just-for-fun” adventures turned into handcrafted photography tours, now spanning India and beyond—Bhutan, Vietnam, Nepal, Cambodia—you name it.

Armed with cameras, chai, and way too many memory cards, Harsh and Arti now help fellow explorers capture epic shots and make even better stories.

Travel Culture

However, their journey experienced an unexpected pause due to the Covid-19 lockdown. In March 2020, while leading tours, international flights were canceled, and tourist visas were revoked. Prioritizing the safety of their respective groups, Harsh and Arti ensured that everyone returned home safely. During the lockdown, they shifted their focus to the welfare of animals in their hometown of Agra, famously known as the City of Taj Mahal. Stray animals, heavily dependent on local restaurants and street food, were the most affected. Harsh and Arti took it upon themselves to feed over 350 dogs and 25+ stray cows during this challenging period. Their dedication to animal welfare during the lockdown exemplified their commitment to making a positive impact.

Once travel restrictions were lifted in India, this adventurous duo wasted no time in exploring the countryside and new locations while strictly adhering to Covid-19 protocols. Some of their notable expeditions included:

A month-long road trip through central India, focusing on both tiger conservation and interactions with local tribes. They took the road less traveled, capturing incredible shots and producing captivating travel videos of India’s indigenous communities.
A two-month road trip exploring unexplored regions of Rajasthan. They shared laughter and stories over cups of tea with the Bishnois and Rabaris (nomadic shepherds) under the starry desert sky. During this trip, they seized the opportunity to capture the Geminid Meteor Shower in December 2020 amidst the vast Thar desert of Jaisalmer at 1 am.
A month-long professional shoot assignment featuring the famous and exquisite Marwari horses of Rajasthan, providing them the chance to experience the warm hospitality of rural royal families.
A one-week project focused on the Kankrej cows and their nomadic Rabari shepherds in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
A series of birding tours in the Himalayan region, including a one-month stay at the foothills of the Great Himalayan National Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To stay updated on their upcoming tours and adventures, interested individuals can follow Harsh and Arti on their Instagram profile, where they share stunning photographs from their tours. They also offer a mailing list for those who wish to receive updates on their photography tours in India.

Harsh and Arti’s unwavering passion, combined with their dedication to exploring new destinations, capturing extraordinary moments, and making a positive impact, continues to inspire both aspiring photographers and travel enthusiasts alike.