Compare India: The Golden Triangle to Kerala by Go Ahead Tours vs India – Tiger Volunteer Adventure by Discover Corps
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 14 days | 10 days |
| Price From | Check price | $ 2,995 |
| Price Per Day | Check price | $ 300 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included |
8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 5 Dinners |
9 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches and 9 Dinners |
| Description |
Conjure up India at its most alluring—the mystique of Eastern religions, the swirl of colorful saris, and of course, the magic of the Taj Mahal. On this grand tour, you’ll experience it all—the sights, sounds and spiciness of the subcontinent. Hit the highlights of the Golden Triangle, with its exotic architecture and prolific wildlife. Then, travel south to Kerala to float on a houseboat through the swampy backwaters and feel the vibe of multicultural Mumbai. |
Over the course of the trip, we will assist one of India’s leading conservation organizations in the effort to protect Bengal tigers, and empower the villages surrounding Ranthambore National Park. The relationship between India’s wild tigers and a rapidly growing urban population are complex. Just a couple decades ago, India’s tigers were on the verge of extinction due to hunting, poaching, environmental degradation and urban sprawl. Today, numbers are rebounding as the government and society become increasingly aware of the fragility of these creatures. Once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park is now one of India’s largest protected sanctuaries for wild tigers. On the verge of extinction in the area, the tiger population has now returned to sustainable levels and has inspired communities to join in solidarity to protect these vulnerable creatures. Over ten days, we’ll lend a hand to Ranthambore’s mission to protect the park’s tigers, helping lay camera traps to record tiger movement outside of the park. We’ll also work with members of the local Mogya tribe, who have been displaced by the creation of the park. Our journey will take us to the bustling Indian capital of New Delhi and the desert city of Jaipur, allowing us to explore some of India’s oldest temples, forts and markets. |
Day 1: Travel day
Board your overnight flight to Delhi today.
Day 2: Arrival in Delhi
Welcome to India! Arrive late this evening in Delhi and settle into your hotel.
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Old Delhi
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Enjoy a restful morning and included lunch, then take a guided tour of Old Delhi.
Visit the Red Fort, a sandstone fortress built during the peak of Mughal power (Please note: On select departures, groups will visit the Red Fort in Agra instead of in Delhi)
See Raj Ghat, Delhi’s tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, and visit the Gandhi museum
View the black-and-white onion dome and minarets of the Jama Masjid, one of the most elegant mosques in India
Take a rickshaw ride through the streets of Old Delhi
This evening, join your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.
Day 4: Sightseeing tour of New Delhi
Meals: Breakfast
Today, a local guide introduces you to New Delhi.
Visit the India Gate, the most famous war memorial in India
See Qutub Minar, an early Islamic tower and UNESCO World Heritage site
Explore the grand boulevards, government buildings and city parks
Day 5: Agra via Sikandra
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Stop in Sikandra to explore the mausoleum of Akbar The Great with a local guide and enjoy some free time in the beautiful grounds. Then, continue to Agra, home of the iconic Taj Mahal.
Ranthambore 2 nights Hotel info
Day 6: The Taj Mahal & Ranthambore
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Awake early to enjoy a guided tour of the legendary Taj Mahal at sunrise. (Please note: Depending on weather and season, select departures will visit the Taj Mahal at sunset on day 5). Then, stop in the abandoned red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri to see its complex temples and monuments. Continue on to Rathambore National Park by train for a chance to see the elusive Bengal tiger
Day 7: Game drives in Ranthambore
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Spend the day at Ranthambore National Park on morning and afternoon game drives through rugged terrain. Keep watch for big cats (including tigers) and other large predators, like sloth bears, striped hyenas, jackals and Indian mongeese.
Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast
View rural life during a stop at a local school in Rajasthani Village. Then, journey to Jaipur, known as “the Pink City” for its distinctive terra-cotta hue. Upon arrival, a local guide shows you Jaipur’s historic sites.
View Hawa Mahal (“the Palace of Winds”) and walk through the colorful bazaar
Enter the stunning City Palace and explore its museum
Day 9: Amber Fort & 4x4 Jeep ride
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Today, make your way to the 16th-century Amber Fort to take in stunning architecture and sweeping views.
Climb into a 4x4 Jeep to ascend the slope to Amber Fort
Enjoy beautiful views from the top of the fort as well as a guided tour
After free time to explore Jaipur’s many markets and bazaars, sit down to an included dinner accompanied by a traditional puppet show.
Day 10: Transfer to Delhi airport for departure
Meals: Breakfast
Travel back to Delhi. If you’re not extending your tour, you’ll have time to relax in a dayroom before returning to the airport for your overnight flight home.
Overnight Flight 1 night
Day 11: Arrival at home
Arrive home.
Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi
Meals: Dinner
Touching down in India’s capital New Delhi, you’ll be met at the airport by a Discover Corps representative who will accompany you to our hotel in the city. There, you’ll meet your group and we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner together.
Day 2: Explore Delhi on a Guided Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning we’ll explore the walled heart of India’s capital, Old Delhi. Stroll through the fabled Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi’s largest outdoor markets, visit the towering Jama Masjid mosque, and admire the imposing Red Fort. We’ll also visit the beautiful minaret Qutab Minar, and the grand parliament buildings of Central Secretariat.
Day 3: Travel by Train to Ranthambore National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll head to the station to catch our train to Ranthambore National Park. Traveling by train is a quintessential Indian experience; take in stunning views of the countryside, dotted with traditional villages, from your air-conditioned compartment. Upon arrival at Ranthambore, we will head to our hotel – an ornate heritage hotel overlooking the park.
Day 4: Scout for Tigers in Ranthambore National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today we’ll enjoy an open-air jeep safari through Ranthambore, spotting deer, crocodile, leopards and – if we’re lucky – tigers. Along the way, take in the stunning landscapes of the park, and spot the thousand-year-old Ranthambore Fort. After lunch, we’ll meet with Tiger Watch, a NGO that aims to protect the tigers of Ranthambore.
Day 5: Continue Scouting For Tigers
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Over the course of the next two days, we’ll continue exploring the park on jeep trips scouting for tigers. We’ll also lend a hand with Tiger Watch setting camera traps to record tiger movements around the permieter of the park.
Day 6: Visit Community Projects
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
In addition to continuing your time on safari searching for tigers, assist with local social projects that aim to empower youth through basic educational games and women through the creation of crafts that are sold in the local markets.
Day 7: Say Goodbye to Ranthambore with a Final Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning we’ll finish our projects with Tiger Watch, collecting the last of the camera traps and bidding the women and children of the community projects farewell. Enjoy a relaxing mid-day lunch in town followed by a late afternoon safari ride through the park, giving us one more chance to hopefully spot a majestic tiger.
Day 8: Visit the Pink City of Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, we’ll hit the road to the Pink City of the desert, Jaipur. Known for its grand palaces, the capital of Rajasthan is a sight to behold. After checking into our hotel we’ll take a tour of the city, visiting the exquisite courtyards and gardens of the City Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the vast sundials of the Royal Observatory. Enjoy some free time to explore Jaipur’s famous markets, before dinner and a traditional dance performance.
Day 9: Explore the Extravagant Amber Fort on a Guided Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll ascend a hill overlooking Jaipur to the Amber Fort, one of India’s most extravagant castles. This fort has stood guard over the city for centuries and was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After our guided tour, we’ll return to Jaipur for lunch and enjoy some last minute shopping before we hit the road, heading for New Delhi.
Day 10: Return Home or Agra & Taj Mahal Extension
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
If you’re leaving the trip at this stage, we’ll enjoy a final tour of Delhi’s sights, including the Lotus Temple, before your transfer to the airport for your flight home.
