Take an unforgettable 13 day tour of India’s top attractions and get involved with a range of conservation initiatives.
This signature tour explores some of India's most impressive and enchanting sites. Starting out in the capital Delhi, India's heart, you will have the chance to explore the wealth of attractions on offer. Wander the winding streets of Old Delhi, before exploring the grand architecture of New Delhi, where remnants of British colonialism remain. The tour then heads to Agra, the home of the legendary Taj Mahal.
During your time on the tour, you will also pay a visit to the Agra Bear Sanctuary – the world's largest sanctuary for sloth bears. Founded by wildlife charity Wildlife SOS and supported by International Animal Rescue, this sanctuary offers a safe haven for sloth bears after they have been rescued from the horrific 'dancing bear' trade. You will be able to help out here with the feeding of the bears, the cleaning of their enclosures, and the creation of enrichment for them. You will also get to travel to Mathura Elephant Rescue Centre – India's first chain free elephant camp.
After Agra, head south to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - one of the world's prime bird feeding and breeding grounds – before making your way towards the incredible Ranthambore National Park: one of the best sites in India to spot the majestic Bengal tiger. Not only will you get to go on three game drives to spot tigers, leopards and sloth bears, but you will also get to visit local community initiatives and tiger conservation projects supported by the non-governmental organisation 'Tiger Watch'.
This tour not only explores some of India's biggest attractions, but it also offers you the chance to complete some fantastic volunteer work in India for two days at the Agra Bear Sanctuary as well as at the elephant Rescue Centre in Mathura. As part of the tour you will also have a local guide for city tours in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and you will have the opportunity to see the Taj Mahal, the Amber Fort and the Palace of Winds among other beautiful historic architecture.
The highlight of this tour for wildlife lovers is most certainly the chance to see bengal tigers in the famous Ranthambore tiger reserve.
Arrive into Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. You will be met at arrivals by an in-country representative, who will accompany you to the pre-booked ‘Park Hotel’ which is where you will spend your first night in India. Once there, depending on your arrival time, you can spend your day at leisure exploring the many cultural delights of India’s capital city.
Today you will proceed for a full city tour of the bustling metropolis of Dehli! You will begin in Old Delhi, where you will be able to explore spellbinding sites, including the iconic Red Fort. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to visit New Delhi, where Humayun’s tomb, the inspiration for the Taj Mahal, is located, before being transferred back to your hotel.
Today, you will depart for Agra at 8am. The city is one of India’s biggest attractions and is still considered the epicentre of the ancient Mughal culture, particularly with the iconic Taj Mahal as a centre-point. After exploring Agra and visiting the Taj Mahal, you will return to the hotel for dinner.
Agra is home to the Agra Bear Rescue Centre where you will spend the day assisting with feeding and enrichment tasks. This bear rescue centre is the world’s largest sloth bear rescue facility. It was founded by Wildlife SOS and is supported by International Animal Rescue. The centre’s aim is to provide the best quality of life for bears rescued from the dancing bear trade.
Today you will spend another full day volunteering at the Bear Rescue Centre. Indulge in a full day of activities at the centre including assisting the keepers in the preparation of food and making enrichment treats for the bears. This will include setting up morning porridge for the bears (including picking up at the kitchen, pouring it, mixing it, transporting it and serving it). At the end of the day, you will return back to your hotel for dinner and a chance to relax.
After an early breakfast, you will be driven to the Elephant Rescue Centre in Mathura, India’s first chain free Elephant Camp. Here, you will be able to walk with the Indian elephants through the lush fields whilst accompanied by trained elephant carers. You will also be able to help prepare food and enrichment for these most iconic of animals!
After breakfast, you will leave for Fatephur Siki and the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, one of the world’s prime bird feeding and breeding grounds. In the afternoon, you will take the train to Sawai Modhpur, the gateway to the famous Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve. Travelling on India’s most iconic form of transport is a must for every traveller on their trip to the sub-continent.
Today you will have your first game drive in Ranthambore National Park, where hopefully you’ll be able to spot sloth bears, leopards, dhole, macaque monkeys, and of course the majestic Bengal tigers, the largest members of the cat family. Later in the afternoon you will spend time educating the children in the Moghiya Hostel. The Moghiyas was previously declared as a criminal tribe - considered to be the centre of all poaching in and around Ranthambore National Park. ‘Tiger Watch’, an NGO tiger conservation organisation, has started to work with this community to help change their lifestyle and initiate them in the conservation of wildlife. You will be able to help in this change by sharing your views and ideas and helping in their education.
Today you will visit ‘Dhonk’ Village – a unique local responsible community initiative encompassing the tigers, local communities and crafts of the region all under one umbrella. Formed with the support of ‘Tiger Watch’ - this is a fantastic venture. In the afternoon you will have another opportunity to go in search of tigers on another game drive in Ranthambore National Park, currently home to 43 tigers (22 male, 21 female).
You will have your third and final safari in Ranthambore this morning and afterwards, you will be driven to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, a three hour drive away. Upon arrival in the afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore the wondrous city of Jaipur before heading back to the magnificent, five star, Jaipur Trident hotel.
After breakfast, you will spend the morning exploring the magnificent Amber Fort, which is constructed entirely of red sandstone and marble, one of Jaipur’s signature attractions and a UNESCO world heritage site. You will then stop and see the stunning Palace of Winds, a five-story, 953 window addition to the titanic city palace. Lunch will then be served at the fantastic Spice Court - famous in Jaipur! Later, spend time in lanes & bylanes of pink city (old city) for its crowded bazaars selling everything under the sun.
Today after breakfast, you will transfer back to Delhi. You will be able to explore one of Delhi’s signature attractions – Delhi Haat – an open-air bazaar where one can buy articles from all over India. In the evening visit the nightspot ‘Kingdom of Dreams’, which is popular for its representation of many Indian states for their cuisine, handicrafts and music. Here you can taste authentic food from different Indian states, in restaurants that depict their character and style. Each restaurant is designed in a way that it reflects the uniqueness of the state it represents.
This will be your final day and you will transfer back to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your return flight home or continue your independent travel plans.
To secure a place on this tour a deposit of $245 per person is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due any time up to 60 days prior to your start date.
If you are joining as a solo traveller, there will be a single supplement charge of $994, unless you are happy to share a twin room with a member of the same sex. A member of the travel team will confirm this with you when booking.
(For groups of 2-8, we can arrange a private tour on alternative dates if preferred.)
To secure a place on this tour a deposit of $245 per person is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due any time up to 60 days prior to your start date.
If you are joining as a solo traveller, there will be a single supplement charge of $994, unless you are happy to share a twin room with a member of the same sex. A member of the travel team will confirm this with you when booking.
(For groups of 2-8, we can arrange a private tour on alternative dates if preferred.)
Tour Comfort: Deluxe
This tour has been categorised as Deluxe. This is based on transport involved along the route, the prestige locations/accommodation that have been selected– including 5*hotels or equivalent - and the inclusion of modern facilities. Most suited to those who are looking to experience the higher end of wildlife conservation and travel offered by The Great Projects.
All accommodation is on a twin-shared basis. This luxury five-star hotel in Delhi is situated in the heart of the city’s entertainment hub - Connaught Place which allows you to easily explore the local area. The luxury rooms in which you will be staying have access to, a day gym, spa and salon.
Located en route to the famous Amber Fort, this hotel offers stunning views of the Mansagar lake and Jal Mahal. The rooms offer all the modern amenities including high-speed Internet access. An intimate 'jharokha', at the end of each room is perfect to take in the panoramic views of the gardens, with the Aravalli range forming a dramatic backdrop.
Aesthetically designed, the Ranthambhore Forest Resort boasts a scenic village setting. Spread over five acres, the Resort borders lush green forest, behind which the mountains provide a unique backdrop. On all sides it offers a spectacular view of untamed nature in all its manifestations of flora and fauna.
This hotel offers stunning views of the Mansagar lake and Jal Mahal. The rooms are well-lit and airy and offer all the modern amenities such as a spacious wardrobe, an LCD television, a personal bar and high-speed Internet access. An intimate 'jharokha', at the end of each room is perfect to take in the panoramic views of the lake or the landscaped gardens, with the Aravalli range forming a dramatic backdrop.
The tour starts and ends in Delhi, so you will need to arrive into Indira Gandhi International Airport on your start date and depart on your end date. Airport transfers can be arranged for any flight arriving/departing between 7am and 5pm. Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative in the arrivals hall who will transfer you to accommodation in the city.
To join this tour you will need to obtain a tourist visa in advance of travel and all visa applications must be made online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. You will also need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your arrival date into India and at least two blank pages for stamping by the immigration office. Foreigners coming from or through Yellow Fever countries must also have a valid vaccination certificate. Please ensure you check with your local Indian Embassy for any additional requirements if you are unsure.
Meals served throughout the tour are mainly Indian food, which is a fantastic way of exploring the culinary delights of Rajasthan and Delhi. However, should this not appeal, you will be eating in many restaurants, and there is mostly always the option to have something different. If you have any special dietary requirements please inform us before you travel. Vegetarians needn't worry – India has some of the best vegetarian food on the planet! Please note that alcoholic and soft beverages are not included within the price.
As this is a tour open to both adults and children over twelve, there are no activities that require a very high level of fitness and no specific skills or experience are required.
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