Compare India – Tiger Volunteer Adventure by Discover Corps vs Cycling Kerala's Backroads by SpiceRoads Cycling
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 10 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 2,995 | $ 3,300 |
| Price Per Day | $ 300 | $ 236 |
| Highlights |
|
N/A
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included |
9 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches and 9 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
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. |
Kerala, a narrow Indian state sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the mountainous Western Ghats, is known for its tropical greenery, backwaters, wildlife reserves, and tea and spice plantations. Along the way, you will be staying at beautiful heritage hotels, eco-lodges as well as a rice barge converted to a luxurious accommodation. We'll have our fill of ethnic and delicious food, seasoned by local spices. Then the climbing begins as we head up to areas known for its tea plantations and spice estates. |
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.
Day 1
Arrive in Kochi, a vibrant seaport town that is the perfect jumping off point for our exploration of Kerala.
Day 2
We ride into the countryside, passing a temple, crossing the Periyar River, where we may see elephants bathing. We head to the Thatekkad Bird Sanctuary and overnight in deluxe and unique house tents.
Day 3
Bird watchers rise early to see as many bird species as they can. Cycling from the hotel, we follow the Periyar River to the Valara forest reserve, as we gradually climb to our hotel.
Day 4
A morning climb takes us to Munnar Hill Station. There are lakes, reservoirs, forests, and several tea plantations carpeting the hillsides. The afternoon is free for exploring the town and bazaar.
Day 5
Ride to Top Station for panoramic views after climbing 500 m gradually through little traffic. Then there's the downhill.
Day 6
Today's stunning ride out of Munnar on an undulating country road goes through small villages with wonderful views to Kattapana town. We overnight at a tranquil resort set in a spice plantation.
Day 7
The ride to Periyar National Park, a rich bio-diversity spot and sanctuary for more than 40 tigers, is on small roads through deciduous forests all the way to our resort at the park’s edge.
Day 8
Have a free day to relax or go on one of the treks or boat safaris at the park.
Day 9
From the hotel, we descend on a scenic road through cardamom and tea estates, stopping to visit the Connemara Tea Factory. We overnight at an old plantation.
Day 10
Stunning views with a major descent makes this probably the best ride of the trip. We ride through rubber and spice plantations to India's second largest lake.
Day 11
The morning is free before we board our houseboat, a converted rice barge, for a splendid backwater cruise.
Day 12
We disembark at Alleppey and ride along an old canal road, passing his-toric buildings. We take the beach road north to Marari Beach for a sea-food lunch and relax by the sea. The afternoon ride ends at Fort Cochin.
Day 13
There is an optional morning cycle ride around old Cochin. The afternoon is free to relax before we meet up for our farewell dinner.
Day 14
Onward travel.
