Ravi Tickoo
World traveller, professional mountaineer and passionate adventure entrepreneur, Ravi has over 25 years of experience conducting adventure, experiential and culture tours across the length and breadth of India.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Active India Holidays is an award-winning independent travel company offering safe, authentic and memorable India holidays for families, small groups and individual travelers. Founded by Ravi Tickoo, Active India was born out of his vision to build a dedicated, high-quality and sustainable brand for active, experiential and adventure holidays across India, Nepal and Bhutan.
Active India offers an expanding range of engaging activities and immersive experiences including soft and challenging trekking, walking tours, cycling and motor-biking adventures, experiential culture and discovery holidays, wildlife safaris and nature tours.
We conduct our trekking and walking programs in Ladakh, Zanskar and across the Himalayas, pioneering multi-activity programs (cycling, motor-biking and safaris) across the Himalayas, Rajasthan and Kerala, wildlife safaris and tiger trails in prominent national parks and tiger reserves, experiential culture and discovery tours across the length and breadth of India. In partnership with KimKim, Active India offers on-demand tailor-made India experiences designed around your needs and crafted with a clear focus on the quality of service, authenticity of experience and enriching engagement with the cultural charms, natural splendor and unparalleled diversity that defines India.
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How did you get involved in travel?
"Being born and brought up in Kashmir valley, in the lap of great mountain ranges, tourism and in particular adventure travel has always seemed like a part of my DNA. The world-renowned natural beauty, alpine climate and the grand altitudes and outdoors have been attracting visitors to the valley for generations and shaped tourism as the dominant industry in the region. Starting out as a young, passionate tour leader back in the 80’s, I had the unique opportunity of exploring the most popular and remotest corners of the region and realizing how much I truly enjoyed my job. Very soon I joined a niche adventure company as a co-founder and spent over two decades contributing in its pioneering growth story from a local niche service provider to a multi-award winning nationwide tour operator.
Realizing the need and unmet demand for a dedicated, high quality Indian brand for active, experiential holidays, I founded Active India in 2011 to offer a wide range of safe, authentic and engaging activities with a focus on high quality, tailor-made services for truly personalized and memorable India experiences. We are proud that within a short span of our operations, Active India has seen great success and just last year was awarded the prestigious National Tourism Award for the Best Adventure Tour Operator."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Having had the privilege to travel across Asia, Europe and North America, I have had my fair share of adventures and experiences over the years. However, the one that is truly unique and unforgettable, comes from my first attempt to summit the peak Deo Tibba (6001m) one of the highest peaks in eastern end of Pir Panjal range of Himalayas. The entire expedition, from being one of my first “serious” climbs and accompanied by my dear friend and world-renowned mountaineer, Fred Harper, was a deeply transformative experience. The scenes of unparalleled beauty and immense power of nature combined with the thrill and vulnerability of adventure and wilderness have remained so vivid until this day. Unfortunately, Fred passed away soon after in 2000, which further made this experience a unique privilege and personal honor to have shared my rope with someone I admired and learnt so much from. "
Ravi's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
With its vivid colors, glittering heritage, fascinating cities, and beautiful countryside from lush green oases to the Thar desert, North India is like nowhere else on earth....
This exciting 10-day itinerary introduces travelers to South India's serene state of Kerala. Kicking off in the historic city of Cochin, located on the Arabian Sea, you'll set...
This relaxing seven-day itinerary is the perfect way to explore Kerala at an easy pace. Spend the night on a houseboat in the backwaters, enjoy beautiful Marari beach, trek...
Family itineraries
This exotic itinerary is the ultimate introduction to South India's state of Kerala—an up-and-coming destination for savvy travelers. Kick off with an Arabian Sea sunset in...
Spend a week and a half exploring the state of Rajasthan with the family on this packed 10-day itinerary. You'll start and end your trip in lively Delhi, completing a circuit...
Spend a week discovering India's culture and history with this immersive family tour. Start in the vibrant city of Mumbai to stroll the greenery of Kamala Nehru Park, see...
Luxury itineraries
Admire some of India's most spectacular buildings, have cooking lessons with a local family, and spot wildlife on this 13-day cultural tour of Rajasthan. In Agra, you'll marvel...
Come face to face with some of India's most amazing wildlife on this 12-day tiger and temple itinerary through the heart of Central India. Start in Delhi, where you'll take a...
This South Indian adventure gets to the heart of Kerala's spectacular layered landscapes. After touring the historic city of Cochin, you and your guide will drive toward tea...
Road trip itineraries
Only an hour’s flight from Delhi, Ladakh looks like nowhere else on earth. Turquoise lakes reflect snow-dusted peaks. Monasteries tower like beehives over the stark,...
The eastern end of the Himalaya and their neighboring foothills is one of the least-visited sections of the mountain range, but other travelers' loss is your gain as you explore...
With a week to visit Ladakh, you'll have the chance to see all of the region's highlights. Start by exploring the city of Leh and touring the surrounding monasteries, then head...
Honeymoon itineraries
With its colorful culture and rich history, Rajasthan is a splendid display of a unique Indian heritage. This trip focuses on spectacular sights of India’s largest state,...
Ten days in India is enough to go beyond the highlights of one region, enjoying off-the-beaten-path sites or remote locales that wouldn't be possible with a shorter trip. Pair a...
Spend nine days in northern India, learning all about its food, culture, and history. Start in Delhi sightseeing and tasting its street food, feast on Peshawari cuisine in Agra...
Recent trip reviews for Ravi
Fantastic Trip
India
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Nov 28 - Dec 8, 2025
Dear Bhupesh,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful feedback. It truly means a lot to us.
I’m delighted to hear that you had such an amazing trip and that everything went smoothly from start to finish. It’s especially rewarding to know that you enjoyed the rich culture, vibrant colours, history, and the unique character of each city.
On behalf of my entire team, thank you for trusting us with your journey. It was a pleasure planning this experience for you, and we would be more than happy to assist you again whenever you plan your next trip to India.
Warm regards,
Ravi
A Trip To Remember
India
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Nov 27 - Dec 4, 2025
Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review of your recent trip. We are delighted to hear that your journey through India was such a memorable and enriching experience. It is wonderful to know that the services provided by our guides, particularly Shafali in Agra, Mr. Singh and Sanjay in Jaipur, as well as your driver, Sachin, contributed positively to your travels. We are especially pleased that highlights such as the Taj Mahal visit and the... Read more
Fabulous Golden Triangle TripLoved seeing al...
India
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Nov 25 - Dec 2, 2025
Loved seeing all the sites and experiencing India's Gold Triangle. Our guide in Agra, Mr. Jugnu, was funny, entertaining, full of information and a great photographer. Read more
Dear Helen,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
I'm really glad to hear you enjoyed exploring the Golden Triangle and that your time in Agra was made even more special with Mr. Jugnu. He truly is wonderful, knowledgeable, engaging, and always ready with a great photo angle!
We’re delighted you had such a memorable trip and look forward to welcoming you back to India again.
Warm Regards
Ravi
Ravi was so attentive to our needs!
India
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Nov 20 - Dec 2, 2025
I can't say enough about Ravi and how responsive he was to our every need! Given the 12 hour time difference between Colorado and India, it was amazing how quickly he responded to emails. Because our trip focused on our grandson's wedding, this was a somewhat complicated itinerary but Ravi handled it flawlessly. We also very much enjoyed Kevin, who met our flight and welcomed us to India and made sure everything went smoothly. We give high marks to kim kim!
Dear Gloria,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
It was truly a pleasure assisting you with this special trip for your grandson’s wedding. I’m very glad to hear everything went smoothly and that the itinerary worked well for you. I’ll also pass along your appreciation to Kevin, he’ll be very happy to hear it.
Your feedback means a lot, and I’m grateful you chose to travel with us. Looking forward to helping you again whenever you plan your next visit to India!
Warm Regards
Ravi
Trip of a lifetime!
India
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Nov 17 - Nov 22, 2025
Dear Warren,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re truly delighted to hear that you had a fabulous experience exploring the Golden Triangle and that everything went smoothly throughout your journey.
It was our pleasure arranging this tour for you, and your kind words mean a lot to me and the entire Active India team. We look forward to welcoming you back again for more memorable travels in the future!
Warm regards,
Ravi
Our guide in Jaipur was our favorite and our ...
India
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Nov 15 - Nov 27, 2025
Dear Mary,
Thank you for your feedback. I’m very glad to hear that you loved the Jaipur guide and that our drivers in Agra and Kochi made your trip special!
I’m sorry about the houseboat experience. It’s disappointing to hear it did not match the photos or the standard. We have already taken this up to make sure this is not repeated in the future.
Thank you again for sharing your kind feedback, and we look forward to welcoming you again in India for another Incredible Adventure!
Warm regards,
Ravi
Ravi and Active India were excellent in putti...
India
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Oct 30 - Nov 18, 2025
Dear Jason,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! It was an absolute pleasure planning your journey, and I’m truly delighted to hear that everything came together smoothly, from the coordination with our drivers and guides to the WhatsApp support throughout your trip.
Making your wedding anniversary special was important to us, and I’m glad the celebrations added a memorable touch to your travels. We look forward to welcoming you back to India again in the future and would be honored to help craft another unforgettable experience for you.
Warm regards,
Ravi
Excellent
India
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Nov 11 - Nov 17, 2025
Thank you very much for your thoughtful feedback and kind words about the trip. I’m truly glad to hear that you enjoyed the accommodations, guides, and overall experience. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused regarding the visa information and the cold-weather clothing for the safaris. Your points are well-taken, and I acknowledge that, although these details were mentioned in the documents shared, I should have communicated both more clearly and proactively. I... Read more
Great itinerary, guides, driver and hotels
India
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Oct 9 - Oct 16, 2025
Our Amazing Journey into India
India
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Jul 3 - Jul 10, 2025
