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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.
"

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 is part of the following groups: Nepal Travel Agents, India Travel Agents
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Recent trip reviews for Ravi

Was truly a memorable experience! Enjoyed see...
India | Mar 27 - Apr 8, 2026

Anil
Anil S.
Ann Arbor, MI | Reviewed on Apr 10, 2026
Was truly a memorable experience! Enjoyed seeing the vast differences between the different regions of India. Goa, Agra, and Mumbai were must sees for anyone planning a trip to India Read more

Was truly a memorable experience! Enjoyed seeing the vast differences between the different regions of India.

Goa, Agra, and Mumbai were must sees for anyone planning a trip to India

Hotel Reviews
Samode Haveli
Jaipur
The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
Mumbai
The Lalit Hotel, New Delhi
Delhi
The Oberoi Amarvilas
Agra
Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa
Goa
Activity Review
Explore the marvelous  and historic monument : Agra Fort
Explore the marvelous and historic monument : Agra Fort
Agra
Local specialist: Ravi Tickoo
Ravi
Ravi Tickoo
Local specialist in New Delhi | Replied on Apr 13, 2026

Dear Anil,
Thank you so much for your kind words!

I’m truly delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience and enjoyed discovering the incredible diversity across India. It’s wonderful that Goa, Agra, and Mumbai stood out as highlights—each offers such a unique perspective of the country.

It was a pleasure planning this journey for you, and I hope we’ll have the opportunity to assist you again for another adventure in India!

Warm regards,
Ravi

Our incredible trip planner: Ravi
India | Mar 23 - Mar 31, 2026

Brian
Brian G.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Apr 10, 2026
Ravi was always available for us… Super helpful and very knowledgeable… his detailed and thoughtful planning really made our trip special Read more

Ravi was always available for us… Super helpful and very knowledgeable… his detailed and thoughtful planning really made our trip special

Hotel Reviews
The Oberoi New Delhi
New Delhi

Quiet, tastefully, decorated, everything we needed in our beautiful suite… Lovely staff, who are always attentive and available to help… Great location… Beautiful view of New Delhi… The restaurants are excellent, as well… A wonderful stay… We would highly recommend anyone coming to Delhi to stay at this beautiful hotel

Authenticity & Character
Classy, beautifully decorated, amazing staff
Authenticity & Character
Classy, beautifully decorated, amazing staff
Location
Close to the areas where we had our tours, so it was very convenient
Location
Close to the areas where we had our tours, so it was very convenient
Staff
Available at any time of day or night to help out… Very knowledgeable… Always warm and friendly…
Staff
Available at any time of day or night to help out… Very knowledgeable… Always warm and friendly…
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotlessly, clean and well appointed
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotlessly, clean and well appointed
The Oberoi Rajvilas
Jaipur

Imagine traveling back in time to the golden age of the Mughal emperors… that’s the impression that Juan experiences when they arrive at the Oberoi Rajvilas… elegant facilities, beautiful gardens, fantastic team… Amazing overall experience

Authenticity & Character
Literally like stepping back in time to the Royal Mughal period in India…
Location
Located near the famous pink city of Jaipur… the hotel isn’t oasis of beauty with grounds like Royal Gardens, pavilions, peacocks, beautiful, bungalow, suites with so much privacy and peace and quiet…
Staff
Doctor, friendly, energetic, always available, an amazing team… Everything was incredibly well done…
Cleanliness & Comfort
A beautiful sweet with a lovely view… thoughtfully furnished… Super comfortable… Spotlessly clean…
The Oberoi Amarvilas
Agra

We arrived late in the afternoon to an incredible view of the Taj Mahal from our lovely room with a balcony…Oberoi hotels are always excellent, and this one it was no exception… Very friendly, helpful team, great food, beautiful grounds, and facilities… Super location within minutes of the Taj Mahal…

Authenticity & Character
With grounds that looked like the gardens of a palace, and a view of the Taj Mahal, as well as well appointed rooms and public areas… Such a beautiful place…
Location
Literally a few hundred yards from the Taj Mahal… The perfect location…
Staff
Friendly and helpful 24 hours a day… Always available… A fantastic team
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our room was spotless to clean and well appointed with beautiful furnishings, reflecting the palatial feel of the entire resort…
Activity Reviews
Old Delhi Sightseeing
Old Delhi Sightseeing
Delhi

Mr. Dharmender took us on the amazing walk through the monumental district of New Delhi and the historical old Dehli… we went to an historic mosque, explored the back alleys, rode in a bicycle rickshaw, and visited a Sikh temple…

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mr. Dharmender ( guide) and Mr. Brijesh (driver) make a great team
Transport
Mr. Brijesh was a skilled, safe driver… Very polite and very helpful…
Street Food Tour
Street Food Tour
Delhi

Mr. Dharmender took us on an incredible food tour of old deli… several little shops on side streets… we tried everything from sweets to savory foods and delicious beverages… it was a lot of fun and Mr. D is very knowledgeable

Quality of Experience
So many Wonderful flavors
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Agra beyond Taj: Leave for a Mughal Heritage walk
Agra beyond Taj: Leave for a Mughal Heritage walk
Agra

We traveled through the city of Agra to a spot on the river with a view of the Taj Mahal at Sunset… Although there are many people around, the site is unbelievably beautiful… we also toured the very first marble mausoleum ever built!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide, Mr, Sharma, from Active India was excellent…very knowledgeable
Transport
Mr. Brijesh was a safe and excellent driver…very professional
Taj Mahal Sunrise Visit
Taj Mahal Sunrise Visit
Agra

We met our guide before sunrise and headed toward see the Taj Mahal as the sun came up…quiet and beautiful

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Active India is a great team
Transport
Spiritual Walk in Jaipur
Spiritual Walk in Jaipur
Jaipur

We spent the evening at a local temple and observed special worship service

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our Active India guide, Mr. Safya was excellent
Transport
Mr. Brijesh is the best
Food Walk in Agra
Food Walk in Agra
Agra

We really experienced where the local people of Agra eat…small street food and back street sources….amazing

Quality of Experience
Gritty and real local eateries
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ravi Tickoo
Ravi
Ravi Tickoo
Local specialist in New Delhi | Replied on Apr 14, 2026
Dear Brian,
Thank you so much for your kind and detailed feedback, it truly means a lot. I’m delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience and that every aspect of your journey, from the hotels to the guiding and overall planning, met your expectations.
It’s especially wonderful to know that you enjoyed your stays at The Oberoi properties and that our guides and driver helped make your time in India so engaging and seamless. Your kind words about my involvement and planning are... Read more

Dear Brian,
Thank you so much for your kind and detailed feedback, it truly means a lot. I’m delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience and that every aspect of your journey, from the hotels to the guiding and overall planning, met your expectations.

It’s especially wonderful to know that you enjoyed your stays at The Oberoi properties and that our guides and driver helped make your time in India so engaging and seamless. Your kind words about my involvement and planning are greatly appreciated, it was a pleasure assisting you throughout.

I will be sure to pass along your compliments to everyone involved.

We look forward to welcoming you back to India for another special journey in the future!

Warm regards,
Ravi

Review: Exceptional Service with One Major Lo...
India | Mar 24 - Mar 31, 2026

Melanie
Melanie H.
Germany | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2026
Review: Exceptional Service with One Major Location Flaw
I recently completed a trip to India organized through kimkim, and I wanted to share my feedback on the experience.
The Highlights: Transport, Guides, and Dharamshala
Overall, the logistics were excellent. The midday pickups and the long-distance transfers—including the drive to the Taj Mahal in Agra—were very comfortable and well-managed. The guides were professional and friendly throughout the journey.
However, I want to give... Read more

Review: Exceptional Service with One Major Location Flaw
I recently completed a trip to India organized through kimkim, and I wanted to share my feedback on the experience.

The Highlights: Transport, Guides, and Dharamshala
Overall, the logistics were excellent. The midday pickups and the long-distance transfers—including the drive to the Taj Mahal in Agra—were very comfortable and well-managed. The guides were professional and friendly throughout the journey.

However, I want to give a special mention to the team in Dharamshala. The taxi driver and the guide, both named Sono, there truly went above and beyond. Their efforts to ensure I was comfortable exceeded all expectations. Not only were they incredibly competent, but they were also genuinely kind and attentive. They made that part of the trip unforgettable.

The Accommodations
The hotel in Dharamshala was fantastic—it had a beautiful atmosphere and a stunning view. I felt completely at home there.

Regarding the hotel in Delhi, the property itself was good in terms of facilities and breakfast. However, the location was a major issue. After an exhausting 18-hour journey, I was checked into a hotel on a main road in an area that felt very unsafe for a solo Western woman to walk around. There was no possibility of stepping out for a meal or a short walk. I felt "locked in." There are many wonderful areas in Delhi where a tourist can safely walk around, and I was disappointed that such an inconvenient location was chosen for my arrival.

Breakfast and Planning
One point of frustration was the breakfast logic. Although it was discussed otherwise, I missed breakfast for two days because of early departures (e.g., leaving for Agra at 6:00 AM). Instead of being provided with a lunch box—which is standard practice in many other countries like Turkey, Egypt, etc., I was told we would "stop on the way," where I then had to pay for my own meal. I expected better coordination regarding included meals during early excursions.

Final Verdict
The human element of this trip—the guides and drivers—was a 10/10, especially in Dharamshala. If the company improves its hotel selection in Delhi regarding safety and walkability, and fixes the "breakfast box" logistics, it would be a perfect service.

Hotel Reviews
Deventure Sarovar Portico

Here is a review for the Delhi hotel: Great facilities and staff, but a difficult location for solo travelers Rating: 3/5 stars (Recommended for the interior, not the location) Pros: Amenities: The hotel itself is well-maintained. The rooms are well-equipped, and the overall decor and facilities are of a high standard. Breakfast Quality: When I was able to eat there, the breakfast was excellent with a good variety of options. Cons: Location: This was the biggest drawback. The hotel is situated on a busy main road in an area that does not feel suitable for tourists. After an 18-hour journey, I wanted to be able to walk around or find a local spot to eat, but it felt unsafe and inaccessible for a solo Western woman. I felt "locked in" and unable to explore the neighborhood at all. Logistics/Service: I was disappointed by the lack of flexibility regarding early departures. Despite leaving at 6:00 AM for excursions, the hotel did not provide a packed breakfast or a lunch box. In my experience traveling to other countries, this is standard service. Having to buy my own breakfast on the road because the hotel couldn't provide a box was quite frustrating. Final Thought: If you only need a place to sleep and will be picked up at the door by a driver, the hotel is very nice. However, if you value walkability and a safe-feeling neighborhood to explore on foot, I would recommend looking elsewhere.

Authenticity & Character
Great facilities and staff
Location
Location: This was the biggest drawback. The hotel is situated on a busy main road in an area that does not feel suitable for tourists. After an 18-hour journey, I wanted to be able to walk around or find a local spot to eat, but it felt unsafe and inaccessible for a solo Western woman. I felt "locked in" and unable to explore the neighborhood at all.
Staff
Great facilities and staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The hotel’s interior and room amenities were excellent. The bathroom was perfectly fine—clean, modern, and everything functioned well. The room itself was very well-equipped and comfortable. However, I found the mattress to be far too soft. While bed preference is subjective, it was quite difficult for me as I have back issues and require more support.
Surya Mcleod, Mcleodganj,

The Experience My stay in Dharamshala was wonderful. The room was absolutely beautiful and very tastefully decorated. What truly took my breath away was the fantastic view of the nature surrounding the hotel—it was truly amazing and made me feel completely at ease. I felt very comfortable and at home throughout my stay.

Authenticity & Character
The hotel is very well-located, providing a peaceful atmosphere while still being accessible. It was the perfect place to relax.
Location
What truly took my breath away was the fantastic view of the nature surrounding the hotel—it was truly amazing and made me feel completely at ease
Staff
Service and Dining The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. I also want to highlight the breakfast, which was excellent. There was a very generous variety of options, and everything was delicious and high quality. The Location The hotel is very well-located, providing a peaceful atmosphere while still being accessible. It was the perfect place to relax.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beautiful room and breathtaking views – a wonderful stay The Room and View The room was absolutely beautiful and very tastefully furnished. I felt incredibly comfortable there. The highlight was definitely the fantastic view of the nature; it was breathtaking and created such a peaceful atmosphere. Service and Breakfast The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. I was also very impressed with the breakfast—it was a huge spread with a great variety of delicious options. It was a perfect start to each day. The Bathroom (Areas for Improvement) The only real downside was the bathroom. It didn't quite match the high standard of the rest of the hotel. Some of the fixtures were broken, and the toilet was very low, which made it a bit uncomfortable to use. Overall, the bathroom lacked the comfort and quality that was so evident in the living area and the rest of the property. Conclusion The hotel is very well-located and offers great hospitality. If the bathrooms were updated to match the beautiful rooms, it would be a 10/10 experience!
Activity Reviews
Free Time in Delhi
Free Time in Delhi
India

Feedback on "Free Time": Regarding my free time in Delhi, it was unfortunately impossible to utilize or enjoy. Due to the hotel's location, I felt completely restricted. The hotel was situated directly on a chaotic and dirty main road with no sidewalks or pedestrian access. Stepping out meant being immediately in the middle of heavy traffic and pollution, which was an absolute imposition. As a result, I could not leave the hotel at all during my free time. I had hoped to explore the local area or walk to a nearby restaurant, but the surroundings were not suitable or safe for a solo tourist to walk around. I ended up spending my entire free time confined to the hotel. I have since learned that there are many beautiful hotel complexes, especially near the airport or in other districts, that offer safe green spaces and walkable surroundings. I am very disappointed that I was placed in an area that made it impossible to experience the city during my downtime. It felt like a missed opportunity to see Delhi.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The transportation throughout the trip was excellent and very professional. The cars provided were modern, high-quality, and equipped with great air conditioning, which made the long drives very comfortable. It was also very important to me that there was always fresh water available in the car. The drivers were wonderful and very respectful of my space; when I was tired and wanted to sleep, they let me rest in peace instead of making forced conversation. I want to give a special mention to my team in Dharamshala—my driver and my guide, both named Sonu. They were absolutely fantastic, incredibly friendly, and went out of their way to accommodate all my wishes. They gave me brilliant tips for my free day, and their competence and kindness truly exceeded all my expectations.
Transport
Regarding the transport, every effort was made to get me from A to B in total comfort. I was very impressed and truly enjoyed the experience
Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj Sightseeing!
Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj Sightseeing!
Dharamshala

Dharamshala was an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life. Everything we did there was absolutely magnificent. The temples, the local villages, the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and the Kora walk—it was all simply spectacular. I have captured so many wonderful photos, but the memories are even better. This part of the trip was perfect in every single way; it was a true highlight that I will cherish forever.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They were amazing
Transport
Comfortable ,clean car with climatic.
Kora Walk- Visit to Dalai Lama Temple
Kora Walk- Visit to Dalai Lama Temple
Dharamshala

Dharamshala was an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life. Everything we did there was absolutely magnificent. The temples, the local villages, the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and the Kora walk—it was all simply spectacular. I have captured so many wonderful photos, but the memories are even better. This part of the trip was perfect in every single way; it was a true highlight that I will cherish forever.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day trip to Agra
Day trip to Agra
India

The Drive & Logistics The trip to the Taj Mahal was a comfortable drive, and the transportation was high quality as usual. However, the start of the day was frustrating. After an 18-hour journey from Germany and arriving late the previous afternoon, I had to leave at 6:00 AM without any breakfast. Even though it was planned differently, no breakfast box was provided. The Experience at the Monument The Taj Mahal itself is beautiful, but the experience was a bit exhausting. I was approached constantly by people wanting to take photos. While I am perfectly capable of saying "no" myself, after the 100th time, it becomes draining. I would have appreciated it if the guide had been more proactive in shielding me from these interruptions so I could enjoy the monument in peace. The Food Situation I want to clarify that I handle heat and spicy Indian food very well—I ate street food in Dharamshala with no issues at all. In Delhi, I was told I should eat at the hotel because the food "outside" is too spicy, yet the restaurant I was taken to after the Taj Mahal served food that was nearly inedible due to the spice level. It felt like a test rather than a meal. I prefer to choose where I eat myself, as I know my own limits best. Final Thoughts While it was a nice excursion and a comfortable trip, it simply did not compare to the magic of Dharamshala. It was a good experience to see the Taj Mahal, but the logistical hiccups and the food situation made it less than perfect.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to BhagSunag Temple and Waterfall
Visit to BhagSunag Temple and Waterfall
Dharamshala

Dharamshala was an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life. Everything we did there was absolutely magnificent. The temples, the local villages, the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and the Kora walk—it was all simply spectacular. I have captured so many wonderful photos, but the memories are even better. This part of the trip was perfect in every single way; it was a true highlight that I will cherish forever.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Free Day to visit The Monasteries
Free Day to visit The Monasteries
Dharamshala

Dharamshala was an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life. Everything we did there was absolutely magnificent. The temples, the local villages, the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and the Kora walk—it was all simply spectacular. I have captured so many wonderful photos, but the memories are even better. This part of the trip was perfect in every single way; it was a true highlight that I will cherish forever.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half-day tour of New Delhi and visit Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Half-day tour of New Delhi and visit Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
India

Last Day in Delhi I am unable to provide a review for my final day in Delhi because I never got to experience it. My flight from Dharamshala back to Delhi was canceled without a replacement. As a result, I had to be driven four hours to a different airport and did not arrive back at the hotel until very late in the afternoon. Because of these travel complications, I had no time left to see any of the city before my departure. It was a shame to miss out on the final part of the itinerary due to these logistical issues.

Arrival Dharamshala and transfer to Mcleodganj
Dharamshala
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ravi Tickoo
Ravi
Ravi Tickoo
Local specialist in New Delhi | Replied on Apr 09, 2026
Dear Melanie,
Thank you very much for your detailed and honest feedback—we truly appreciate you taking the time to share it.
We’re delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful experience overall, especially in Dharamshala, and we will certainly pass on your kind words to the team. At the same time, we sincerely apologize for the issues you faced in Delhi, particularly regarding the hotel location and breakfast arrangements on early mornings. Your concerns are completely valid, and we are... Read more

Dear Melanie,
Thank you very much for your detailed and honest feedback—we truly appreciate you taking the time to share it.

We’re delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful experience overall, especially in Dharamshala, and we will certainly pass on your kind words to the team.

At the same time, we sincerely apologize for the issues you faced in Delhi, particularly regarding the hotel location and breakfast arrangements on early mornings. Your concerns are completely valid, and we are already reviewing these aspects internally to ensure a better experience for future travelers.

Thank you again for your valuable insights—they help us improve. We hope to welcome you back to India in the future for an even smoother and more enjoyable journey.

Warm regards,
Ravi

Visit to India
India | Mar 10 - Mar 27, 2026

Jacki
Jacki W.
Spain | Reviewed on Apr 06, 2026
Our experience with kim kim was excellent. Our trip was emotional and eye opening. My husband and I worked with Ravi planning our trip for 7 months prior to arrival. He gave us good advice and answered all our questions during our Skype conversations. He introduced us to Aditya for our feet on the ground tour director who checked in with us daily while we were there. All our guides were professional and informative as were our drivers. They all participated in making this trip... Read more

Our experience with kim kim was excellent. Our trip was emotional and eye opening. My husband and I worked with Ravi planning our trip for 7 months prior to arrival. He gave us good advice and answered all our questions during our Skype conversations. He introduced us to Aditya for our feet on the ground tour director who checked in with us daily while we were there. All our guides were professional and informative as were our drivers. They all participated in making this trip particularly special. We especially enjoyed our guide, DP, in Udiapur, and our driver Sachin. He kept us smiling during the 9 days with him.
We added a side visit to the Slums in Mumbai, because our guide Sujaj was brought up near there and said it's a must see. We sent Aditya the information and the next day it was all set.
The whole tour company is a pleasure to work with, and we recommend them highly.
Thank you Active India for making this trip exceptional!
Jay and Jacki Witlen

Hotel Review
Hotel Amet Haveli

We would rate this hotel very highly. Our "room" was truly a suite with two lovely alcoves overlooking the river and the sparkling view of the city of Udiapur. We enjoyed the swing alcove with a glass of wine each evening. We also ate dinner in their rooftop restaurant and were treated to a colorful light show during our meal. The second alcove offered ottoman style seating, which unfortunately we didn't have enough time for. So we would suggest 3 nights if you'd like to enjoy the full experience! Jacki and Jay Witlen

Authenticity & Character
As mentioned above, location and the feeling of stepping into a palace!
Location
Because it is right on the river overlooking the city of Udiapur
Staff
Very friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was very nice, the decor, the alcoves, the swing, the bedding was comfortable and clean.
Activity Reviews
Mumbai - Elephanta Caves
Mumbai - Elephanta Caves
Mumbai

these caves are an historical journey backing time and well worth a visit

Explore the marvelous  and historic monument : Agra Fort
Explore the marvelous and historic monument : Agra Fort
Agra
Quality of Experience
this fort is amazing but the best part on this day they were filming a movie and so much fun to see costumes of the period.
Local specialist: Ravi Tickoo
Ravi
Ravi Tickoo
Local specialist in New Delhi | Replied on Apr 07, 2026
Dear Jay and Jacki,
Thank you so much for this incredibly thoughtful and heartwarming review.
It truly means a lot to hear that your journey was not only enjoyable but also emotional and eye-opening, this is exactly the kind of experience we always hope to create. It was an absolute pleasure working with you both over those months of planning, and I’m so glad the Skype calls and discussions helped shape a trip that felt just right for you. I will be sure to pass on your kind words to... Read more

Dear Jay and Jacki,
Thank you so much for this incredibly thoughtful and heartwarming review.

It truly means a lot to hear that your journey was not only enjoyable but also emotional and eye-opening, this is exactly the kind of experience we always hope to create. It was an absolute pleasure working with you both over those months of planning, and I’m so glad the Skype calls and discussions helped shape a trip that felt just right for you.

I will be sure to pass on your kind words to Aditya, he will be delighted to know his on-ground support made a difference. Your appreciation for our guides and drivers also means a great deal. They will be especially happy to hear they played such a memorable role in your experience.

Thank you again for your trust in us and for recommending Active India Holidays so highly. It was a privilege to be a part of your journey, and we hope to welcome you back to India for another special adventure in the future.

Warmest regards,
Ravi

10 amazing days in India
India | Mar 10 - Mar 19, 2026

robert
robert w.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 26, 2026
The guides were very good, our guide in Jodhpur was amazing. All of them made us feel safe and comfortable, and we're very knowledgeable on their cities and Indian history. Our driver was as professional as it gets, always focused on our trip, bringing us to some great restaurants. We felt the order of our visits were perfect - starting in Delhi gave us a good introduction and not knowing anything about the other cities, each one brought a new experience and made us say wow each and ever... Read more

The guides were very good, our guide in Jodhpur was amazing. All of them made us feel safe and comfortable, and we're very knowledgeable on their cities and Indian history. Our driver was as professional as it gets, always focused on our trip, bringing us to some great restaurants. We felt the order of our visits were perfect - starting in Delhi gave us a good introduction and not knowing anything about the other cities, each one brought a new experience and made us say wow each and ever time. We truely enjoyed every visit.

Hotel Reviews
Deventure Sarovar Portico

Decent hotel, location is lacking, restaurant was good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Grand Mercure Agra
Agra, UP

Decent location, very professional staff, hotel is impressive.

Authenticity & Character
Location
You can see the Taj Mahal. From the roof top pool and bar. Not a lot of walking options nearby.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Karohi Haveli

Very neat old hotel with lots of character. It could use a little more attention, especially the pool area.

Authenticity & Character
Great roof top views
Location
Great location for walking around the old town.
Staff
Small but dedicated staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Dera Rawatsar

Small boutique hotel that the staff are very proud of and attentive.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Devi Bhawan
Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Beautiful grounds, peaceful location. The only thing keeping this from a higher rating would be some room updates.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Suba Palace,
Mumbai

Hotel was under some renovations so may be better soon. Close to India Gate and nice restaurants but gets lost on a side street

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Spiritual Walk in Jaipur
Spiritual Walk in Jaipur
Jaipur

A good late afternoon and evening introction to Jaipur.

Free Time in Delhi
Free Time in Delhi
India

Our free time was only at the hotel. But we arrived late the first day. The second day we would have walked around if we could but the location wasn't good for that.

Old Delhi Sightseeing
Old Delhi Sightseeing
Delhi
New Delhi Sightseeing
New Delhi Sightseeing
India

Mostly done from the car, a little more time seeing sites by foot would be nice.

Explore Agra Fort in the afternoon and see sunset at the Taj Mahal.
Explore Agra Fort in the afternoon and see sunset at the Taj Mahal.
Agra

The Agra Fort was a great startband build up to seeing the Taj Mahal which speaks for itself, amazing. We spent quite a bit of time here and should have spent more.

Jaipur Sightseeing  Tour
Jaipur Sightseeing Tour
Jaipur

Loves the tour, could have spent more time at the sights. The afternoon time to relax was good because of the heat.

Jodhpur Sightseeing
Jodhpur Sightseeing
Jodhpur

Probably our favorite stop of the trip.

Guided Half Day Tour of Mumbai
Guided Half Day Tour of Mumbai
Mumbai

To be honest, we weren't expecting much of Mumbai and this was very good. Wish we had more time to go in buildings rather than in and out of the car to look at them from outside.

Udaipur Sightseeing
Udaipur Sightseeing
Udaipur

Udaipur is such an incredible change of pace from the others. This is the one city where more free time to explore is needed since the old town is so walkable.

Mumbai - Elephanta Caves
Mumbai - Elephanta Caves
Mumbai

We had extra time so this was a good filler tour but not a mustbif you are in Mumbai for a short period.

Local specialist: Ravi Tickoo
Ravi
Ravi Tickoo
Local specialist in New Delhi | Replied on Apr 01, 2026
Dear Robert,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
We’re delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your journey, especially your guide in Jodhpur and the overall team. Your kind words about the guides’ knowledge, the driver’s professionalism, and the thoughtfully planned itinerary mean a lot to us. It’s fantastic to know each destination brought a new “wow” moment along the way. Thank you also for your hotel feedback,... Read more

Dear Robert,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

We’re delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your journey, especially your guide in Jodhpur and the overall team. Your kind words about the guides’ knowledge, the driver’s professionalism, and the thoughtfully planned itinerary mean a lot to us. It’s fantastic to know each destination brought a new “wow” moment along the way.

Thank you also for your hotel feedback, it’s very helpful. We’re glad you enjoyed the character, service, and locations overall, and we’ve noted your comments regarding areas for improvement at a few properties.

It was a pleasure planning this trip for you, and we hope to welcome you back to India again soon!

Warm regards,
Ravi

A golden trip around the Golden Triangle
India | Mar 8 - Mar 22, 2026

Adam
Adam W.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 25, 2026
We are so pleased with our visit arranged by Active India. Everyone with whom we interacted was kind, responsive, and knowledgeable. When we first approached KimKim and Active India, we had a broad idea of what we wanted to do during our trip. Ravi helped refine our itinerary with several iterations, throughout which he showed great patience. This was a quality that we observed during our entire trip by everyone, including our guides Nadim (Delhi), Dheeraj (Agra), and Surya (Jaipur).... Read more

We are so pleased with our visit arranged by Active India. Everyone with whom we interacted was kind, responsive, and knowledgeable. When we first approached KimKim and Active India, we had a broad idea of what we wanted to do during our trip. Ravi helped refine our itinerary with several iterations, throughout which he showed great patience. This was a quality that we observed during our entire trip by everyone, including our guides Nadim (Delhi), Dheeraj (Agra), and Surya (Jaipur). Together, they made sure that we got the most out of our trip to the Golden Triangle. Our driver, Mr. Chandan, was prompt, efficient, and always in control. We appreciated the communication through WhatsApp during our entire trip. The team even went out of their way to include some birthday treats for my wife, which made her day even more special. There is a lot in India that can overwhelm Western travelers on their first visit, but thanks to Active India, we are already thinking about future trips to explore other parts of this fascinating country.

Local specialist: Ravi Tickoo
Ravi
Ravi Tickoo
Local specialist in New Delhi | Replied on Mar 30, 2026
Dear Adam,
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful feedback! It truly means a lot to all of us at Active India.
We are delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience throughout your journey and that the itinerary matched your expectations so well. It was a pleasure working with you to refine the program, and I truly appreciate your patience and collaboration during the planning process. Your kind words for our guides will certainly be shared with them; they will... Read more

Dear Adam,
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful feedback! It truly means a lot to all of us at Active India.

We are delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience throughout your journey and that the itinerary matched your expectations so well. It was a pleasure working with you to refine the program, and I truly appreciate your patience and collaboration during the planning process.

Your kind words for our guides will certainly be shared with them; they will be thrilled to know they helped make your journey memorable. I’m also glad to hear that the little birthday surprise added a special touch to your trip!

India can indeed feel overwhelming at first, so it’s especially rewarding to know that you felt well-supported and comfortable throughout your travels. That’s exactly the experience we strive to create for all our guests.

We would be absolutely delighted to assist you again in planning your next visit to India. There is so much more to explore, and we would love to help you discover it at your own pace.

Wishing you both many wonderful memories from this trip, and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon!

Warm regards,
Ravi

Indian adventure
India | Feb 28 - Mar 9, 2026

Jane
Jane A.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Mar 11, 2026
I had the most amazing time in India,starting in Delhi,the guide Ganesh greeted me with a warm welcome and took me to meet my driver Brijesh who then drove us to my first hotel,he also stayed with me throughout my entire stay and was very polite,helpful and punctual,Dharmender is a truly passionate guide and showed me the Delhi sights over the next 2 days which are amazing.
In Agra with Ronit who is so knowledgeable,the guru of the Taj Mahal!, totally stunning architecture,so decorative and...
Read more

I had the most amazing time in India,starting in Delhi,the guide Ganesh greeted me with a warm welcome and took me to meet my driver Brijesh who then drove us to my first hotel,he also stayed with me throughout my entire stay and was very polite,helpful and punctual,Dharmender is a truly passionate guide and showed me the Delhi sights over the next 2 days which are amazing.
In Agra with Ronit who is so knowledgeable,the guru of the Taj Mahal!, totally stunning architecture,so decorative and detailed,great at sunset too,thd most magical day,love my marble elephant and trinket box from the marble factory,so interesting to see all the items made from marble.
Greeted by Sanjay in Jaipur for Happy Holi celebrations,emmersed in a truly amazing lively atmosphere,had a grear time there with Sanjay and his friends,great music and outfit too.
Loved the Hawal Mahal and of course the shopping of shoes,bags and jewellery!
In Jodhpur Anish was very pround to show me around is home city, great clock tower and paintings around the city and an interesting tuk tuk ride! The hotel in Jodhpur was like an oasis in amongst all the hustle,the massage I had was wonderful!
In Udaipur Tej showed me to the evening folk dance show in whoch there was such talented people,the hotel staff were friendly and very helpful, Divya was also full of facts about the city,very interesting.
Ganesh again met me in Delhi to fly back home, he was great getting me to the correct place for my onward journey and gave a great send off.
Aditya was there if I needed any infomation or help during my stay and always got back to me.
Ravi is great! always keeping me informed throught out my Indian journey from booking to arrival greeting,fabulous!
I will recommend your company any use you again,I'm so impressed with your organisation,thank you so much ,nameste Jane.

Hotel Reviews
Zone Connect by The Park

Great room,comfy bed,good bathroom,lovely staff.

Authenticity & Character
Loved the decor,modern but authentic.
Location
Loved the location,near to a shopping center which was handy.
Staff
Friendly and professional
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great bed!
The Retreat

Great hotel,modern but athentic.

Authenticity & Character
Modern but authentic
Location
Great, near shops if needed
Staff
Very helpful and freindly
Cleanliness & Comfort
So clean and bed was comfy
Devi Bhawan
Jodhpur, Rajasthan

An absolutely fabulous hotel,like an oasis in the city,I would stay here again,the staff were helpful and friendly,food was very good and my massage was fantastic!

Authenticity & Character
Great gardens and decoration
Location
Tucked away, like an oasis
Staff
So helpful and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean,amazing standards
Khandela Haveli

A great hotel,clean,traditional but modern twists.

Authenticity & Character
Authentic but still modern twists
Location
Near to shops if needed
Staff
Very attentive
Cleanliness & Comfort
So clean,comfy bed,great bathroom
Kankarwa Haveli
udaipur

Great hotel! Very authentic features,great room,clean,inviting.

Authenticity & Character
Traditional features
Location
Close to some traditional shops
Staff
So helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean
Activity Reviews
Old Delhi Sightseeing
Old Delhi Sightseeing
Delhi

Loved it all!very interesting.

Quality of Experience
Loved the fort
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very friendly
Transport
Great car
Bathe, Paint and Feed- A life-time experience with elephants at Elefantastic
Bathe, Paint and Feed- A life-time experience with elephants at Elefantastic
Jaipur

Loved,loved, loved this experience! Such gentleness from a large animal,very magical time with Lakshmi,beautiful eyes,great feeding,painting and bathing.

Quality of Experience
So magical,so much love for these elephants
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very helpful and knowledgeable staff
Transport
Comfy car
Jodhpur Sightseeing
Jodhpur Sightseeing
Jodhpur

Great tour of Jodhpur,clock tower very interesting,lovely art work on walls

Quality of Experience
Great artworks
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Anish was friendly amd knowledgeable
Transport
Comfy car
New Delhi Sightseeing
New Delhi Sightseeing
India

Great sights! Loved it all

Quality of Experience
Everything was great
Guides, Drivers and Staff
All friendly
Transport
Comfy car
Udaipur Sightseeing
Udaipur Sightseeing
Udaipur

Great time with Divya,loved the city palace,very interesting,great garden visit too

Quality of Experience
Great history and facts
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very professional and knowledgeable
Transport
Comfy car
Free Time in Delhi
Free Time in Delhi
India

Great free time,much needed after flight,great shopping center around the corner,

Quality of Experience
Organisation of activities
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great driver,very helpful,friendly and always punctual,great guides,all very knowledgeable and proud about their city.
Transport
Very comfortable and in great condition
Take a stroll through the historic garden (Mehtab Bagh) for the most magical views of the Taj Mahal by TUK-TUK
Take a stroll through the historic garden (Mehtab Bagh) for the most magical views of the Taj Mahal by TUK-TUK
Agra

Great electric vehicle ride! Very smooth

Quality of Experience
Taj Mahal with Ronit was quite magical.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very knowledgeable guide,good listener also
Transport
Great car, very comfy
Taj Mahal Sunrise Visit
Taj Mahal Sunrise Visit
Agra

I experienced a sunset visit which was magical,never to be forgotten.

Quality of Experience
The knowledge of guide Ronit
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ronit,very knowledgeable
Transport
Great comfy car
Explore the marvelous  and historic monument : Agra Fort
Explore the marvelous and historic monument : Agra Fort
Agra

Great fort,very decorative

Quality of Experience
History and facts
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great guide and driver
Transport
Comfy car
Afternoon visit to Bagore ki Haveli and enjoy a cultural evening of Rajasthani Folk Dance
Afternoon visit to Bagore ki Haveli and enjoy a cultural evening of Rajasthani Folk Dance
Udaipur

Fabulous experience! Such talented dances a great evening.

Quality of Experience
Talent of dancers and music
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly and professional
Transport
Comfy car
Market Visit
Market Visit
Jaipur

Loved this,great shopping,wonderful items,a sea of colour!

Quality of Experience
Being shown tradional items
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great friendly guide Sanjay
Transport
Comfy car
Jaipur Sightseeing  Tour
Jaipur Sightseeing Tour
Jaipur

Loved the pink city,very decorative,interesting history too.

Quality of Experience
Shopping with Sanjay-got great shoes.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sanjay was very knowledgeable,professional and friendly
Transport
Comfy car
Local specialist: Ravi Tickoo
Ravi
Ravi Tickoo
Local specialist in New Delhi | Replied on Mar 18, 2026
Dear Jane, Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed feedback! It truly means a lot to all of us. I am delighted to hear that you had such an amazing time exploring India and that each destination brought you memorable experiences. It’s especially lovely to know that all our Guides and Drivers helped make your journey special in their own way. I will certainly share your kind words with them, they will be very happy to know that their efforts made such a positive impression on your... Read more

Dear Jane,

Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed feedback! It truly means a lot to all of us.

I am delighted to hear that you had such an amazing time exploring India and that each destination brought you memorable experiences. It’s especially lovely to know that all our Guides and Drivers helped make your journey special in their own way. I will certainly share your kind words with them, they will be very happy to know that their efforts made such a positive impression on your trip.

It is so great to know you had truly magical moments, from the stunning beauty of the Taj Mahal and the vibrant celebrations of Holi in Jaipur, to the charm of Jodhpur and the cultural performances in Udaipur. I’m also glad to hear that you enjoyed the hotels, shopping, and the unique local experiences along the way.

It was a real pleasure assisting you with your journey, and I’m very happy that everything came together so well from the planning stage through to your return home. Your kind recommendation means a great deal to us.

Thank you again for choosing to travel with us. I hope the memories of your time in India stay with you for many years to come, and we would be absolutely delighted to welcome you back for another adventure in the future.

Warm regards,
Ravi

The Kim Kim experience was very good and the ...
India | Mar 1 - Mar 6, 2026

Donald
Donald k.
Taunton, MA | Reviewed on Mar 08, 2026
The Kim Kim experience was very good and the local specialist Ravi was excellent in handling the itinerary (which we had to modify a number of times), maintained excellent communication prior and throughout the trip. Read more

The Kim Kim experience was very good and the local specialist Ravi was excellent in handling the itinerary (which we had to modify a number of times), maintained excellent communication prior and throughout the trip.

Hotel Reviews
Fishtail lodge
Pokhara
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Dwarika’s Hotel
Kathmandu

Hotel, Staff and food were excellent

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Kathmandu  Free Day
Kathmandu Free Day
Kathmandu
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Annapurna Foothills Trek & Cultural Village Experience!
Annapurna Foothills Trek & Cultural Village Experience!
Pokhara
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunrise from Sarangkot!
Sunrise from Sarangkot!
Pokhara

Unfortunately, beyond anyone's control it was a foggy morning so views of nice sunrise and the Himalayas were non existent

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half-Day Pokhara sightseeing!
Half-Day Pokhara sightseeing!
Pokhara
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kathmandu - Nagarkot via Bhaktapur
Kathmandu - Nagarkot via Bhaktapur
India
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kathmandu Full Day Sightseeing!
Kathmandu Full Day Sightseeing!
Kathmandu
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mt Everest Flight!
Kathmandu

We had better views travelling out of Kathmandu on air India.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide Shree was excellent, very knowledgeable and always very punctual and our drivers both in Kathmandu and Pakhora were exceptional.
Transport
Drivers were always on time, vehicles were very comfortable and the driver had to negotiate some very difficult driving conditions
Local specialist: Ravi Tickoo
Ravi
Ravi Tickoo
Local specialist in New Delhi | Replied on Mar 12, 2026
Dear Donald, Thank you very much for your kind feedback! I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It was an absolute pleasure assisting you with planning your trip, and I’m very glad to hear that you enjoyed the KimKim experience and that the itinerary worked well for you. Ensuring everything runs smoothly and that you feel well supported throughout the process and during the journey is always my priority. I hope the memories from your time in Nepal stay with you... Read more

Dear Donald,

Thank you very much for your kind feedback! I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

It was an absolute pleasure assisting you with planning your trip, and I’m very glad to hear that you enjoyed the KimKim experience and that the itinerary worked well for you. Ensuring everything runs smoothly and that you feel well supported throughout the process and during the journey is always my priority.

I hope the memories from your time in Nepal stay with you for many years to come. It would be my pleasure to assist you again whenever you decide to visit India/Nepal in the future.

Warm regards,
Ravi

3 Cheers for ActiveIndia!
India | Feb 8 - Feb 17, 2026

Maureen
Maureen M.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026
We were already happy with the excellent communication w/ActiveIndia before our trip to India Jan.-Feb. 2026. Our confidence was reinforced when we met our local guide in Mumbai, Mr. Suraj and driver, Mr. Sunder and checked into the Suba Palace hotel. Our half day tour of Mumbai, which included seeing the Gate of India, the Victoria Terminus Rail Station, the Gandhi Memorial Museum (Mani Bhavan) on Laburnam Rd. and beautiful city parks, was just enough for us. The Suba Palace hotel was... Read more

We were already happy with the excellent communication w/ActiveIndia before our trip to India Jan.-Feb. 2026. Our confidence was reinforced when we met our local guide in Mumbai, Mr. Suraj and driver, Mr. Sunder and checked into the Suba Palace hotel. Our half day tour of Mumbai, which included seeing the Gate of India, the Victoria Terminus Rail Station, the Gandhi Memorial Museum (Mani Bhavan) on Laburnam Rd. and beautiful city parks, was just enough for us. The Suba Palace hotel was comfortable and accommodating. The next day we were taken to the airport on time & efficiently for the next leg of our India trip, in Delhi. Our IndiGo flight (arranged by ActiveIndia) was also comfortable and efficient. At the Delhi airport we were met by the Delhi ActiveIndia office representative, Adarsh, and our driver for the next week, Mr. Rajesh. Both were friendly and accommodating. We met our local Delhi guide, Nadim Akhtar, at our Delhi hotel, The Colonel’s Retreat, for a quick tour of the Lodi Gardens. Due to the very heavy traffic & our limited time, it appeared we did not see all the planned Delhi highlights, but we did see the most impressive Mahatma Gandhi memorial. As a gardener, I was most touched by the beautiful pollinator gardens and the thousands of bees and butterflies as much as the monuments!
We liked that all our hotels provided a delicious breakfast and most had a restaurant on site. The Colonel’s Retreat was able to accommodate our request for dinner even tho’ we returned from sightseeing after 8 pm.
The next day we got to know our driver Mr. Rajesh, as the trip to Agra was long. We appreciated his skilled driving and he and ActiveIndia selected the perfect places for refreshing rest stops (often with fun shopping opportunities!) In fact, we appreciated the quality and atmosphere of all the places our ActiveIndia guides took us to shop.
In Agra we met our local guide, Mr. Ajay Gupta, there at the hotel, Da Bungalow. Da Bungalow was a quiet and relaxing place to stay, even tho’ we stayed only one night. Mr. Gupta took us to the impressive Agra Fort first, from which we got our first breathtaking glimpse of the Taj Mahal. Mr. Gupta was a premier guide, showing us the detail of the artwork & craftsmanship with local pride and insight. Thanks to him we got lovely “sunset” photos at the Taj to send home to friends & family.
After breakfast the next morning we left Agra for The Abhaneri Stepwell. There, Mr. Rajesh handed us off to a cheerful and knowledgeable local guide for about an hour and we were mesmerized by both the well and the Harshat Mata temple a few steps away. The well, also called the Chand Baori, it was truly a wonder to behold. Then we continued on to Jaipur! In Jaipur, we stayed for 2 nights at the most charming Traditional Haveli, but as soon as we checked in, our Jaipur guide, Mr. Sanjay Safaya, whisked us away to the Laxmi Narayan temple to witness the Aarti ceremony. It was well worth the the rush! In fact, everything Mr. Safaya showed us and introduced us to was marvelous. We especially loved the Jaipur Flower and Vegetable Market in the old part of Jaipur, as well as the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar solar observatory. At the end of a marvelous day of incredible sightseeing, we said a fond “good-by” to Mr. Safaya. We ended our day with a cooking class & dinner with Usha & IV Inder Vigi Singh, a local family. It was really special to learn about their family history and current life in Jaipur.
Our drive to Jodhpur was long, but Mr. Rajesh was very capable and guided us to a good place for lunch! In Jodhpur we enjoyed the lovely Pal Haveli even if only for one night. Our guide there, Mr. Raghunath, was also personable, knowledgeable and easy to communicate with.
The next day we set off for Udaipur and another day & a half of wonderful sightseeing. We stayed 2 nights at the beautiful Karohi Haveli near Lake Pichola, and met our Udaipur guide, Mr. Gajraj there late Sunday afternoon. He & Mr. Rajesh were able to get us to the 6pm show of the Dharohar Dance company at another haveli, Bagore Ki Haveli. That was colorful, but I would have liked to see more of the dancers & marionettes and less of tourists dancing with them! The highlight of our next day in Udaipur was their City Palace & Museum, plus the Courtyard of the Maidens garden . We also liked the Jagdish Temple, where we could take photos & record a short segment of the worship service.
Finishing off our 2nd day in Udaipur, we took a boat ride on beautiful Lake Pichola. It was wonderful to view the city’s skyline from the water.
All in all, we really appreciated all our guides and ESPECIALLY our driver Mr. Rajesh from Delhi to Udaipur (Mon. Feb. 2 through Tues. Feb. 17). We thought all our hotels were a very good value and the personnel at each place were kind and super-hospitable. I appreciated having the written materials ActiveIndia provided. The only negatives we experienced were the heavy traffic and VERY long distances between Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Jodhpur-Udaipur. But that was our ignorance of India, not your agency’s fault. In fact, ActiveIndia provided us with a well-curated and sanitized journey overall. Please convey our appreciation to all your staff and participating businesses. We will refer our friends and family to ActiveIndia and hope to return to India someday, ourselves.

Hotel Review
Hotel Suba Palace,
Mumbai

Although the photo provided was NOT at all like the urban gem we encountered, we liked the location, service and amenities provided. We enjoyed viewing the harbor from the roof top restaurant during tea time.

Authenticity & Character
Very comfortable.
Location
Close to the Gate of India and incredible street-level shopping.
Staff
Recommended a good local restaurant with lots of character.
Cleanliness & Comfort
This was a good introduction to Indian hospitality.
Activity Reviews
Old Delhi Sightseeing
Old Delhi Sightseeing
Delhi

We only wish we had more time to view monuments and less rime in traffic!

Jaipur Sightseeing  Tour
Jaipur Sightseeing Tour
Jaipur

Really enjoyed the Jaipur Flower (& Vegetable) Market.

Quality of Experience
Local guide’s perspective, knowledge & warm enthusiasm.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very patient with heavy traffic. Selected great places for rest stops.
Transport
Comfortable car w/ AC and USB for charging our phones!
Guided Half Day Tour of Mumbai
Guided Half Day Tour of Mumbai
Mumbai

Standing on the balcony where Mahatma Gandhi stood, at his friend’s house on Laburnum Rd., was quite profound.

Quality of Experience
Great local guide. Very knowledgeable and fun.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Driver was skilled and made us comfortable.
Transport
Good AC!
Cooking Class, and Dinner with Local Family
Cooking Class, and Dinner with Local Family
Jaipur

Very gracious welcome by a local family who shared both their home and family lore/history in Jaipur.

Quality of Experience
Listing to IV’s family stories!
Food
Really enjoyed watching Usha in her kitchen and asking her questions about the ingredients and cooking methods.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
New Delhi Sightseeing
New Delhi Sightseeing
India

I really liked the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial. The pollinator gardens there were a moving tribute to Gandhi’s work with rural honey production.

Quality of Experience
Getting to spend thoughtful time at the memorials.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ac & USB charging capacity.
Explore Agra Fort in the afternoon and see sunset at the Taj Mahal.
Explore Agra Fort in the afternoon and see sunset at the Taj Mahal.
Agra

We really loved seeing the Taj Mahal with a local guide who could take us to good spots for fantastic photos. His knowledge and pride in the workmanship was inspiring.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
AC & USB charging capacity.
Spiritual Walk in Jaipur
Spiritual Walk in Jaipur
Jaipur

The Spiritual Walk in Jaipur was a truly unique experience. The tour guide, a local with excellent English and deep knowledge of the area, provided an incredible amount of detail and fascinating insights. The highlight was undoubtedly our visit to the flower market, where we were showered with flowers. Having experienced markets worldwide, India's public markets were a vibrant and special experience, leaving us with delightful memories.

Local specialist: Ravi Tickoo
Ravi
Ravi Tickoo
Local specialist in New Delhi | Replied on Mar 10, 2026
Dear Maureen, Thank you so much for your wonderfully detailed and thoughtful review. We are truly delighted to hear that your journey through India was such a memorable and enriching experience. It is especially gratifying to know that our team members helped make your trip smooth, insightful, and enjoyable. Your kind words about the hotels, sightseeing, and special moments mean a great deal to all of us. We completely understand your note about the long driving distances in North India,... Read more

Dear Maureen,

Thank you so much for your wonderfully detailed and thoughtful review. We are truly delighted to hear that your journey through India was such a memorable and enriching experience.

It is especially gratifying to know that our team members helped make your trip smooth, insightful, and enjoyable. Your kind words about the hotels, sightseeing, and special moments mean a great deal to all of us.

We completely understand your note about the long driving distances in North India, and we truly appreciate your gracious perspective. It was our pleasure to curate this journey for you.

Thank you again for your trust, your warm recommendation, and for traveling with Active India. We would be absolutely delighted to welcome you back to India whenever you are ready for your next adventure.

Warm regards,
Ravi

Amazing India Trip!
India | Dec 24 - Jan 7, 2026

Kristy
Kristy P.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Feb 22, 2026
We had a fantastic trip organized by Ravi and Idityah Tikoo with Active India Holidays. This was our second Kim Kim trip, and we are heading on a third next month. We so appreciate the Kim Kim platform for ease of communication in planning and for their excellent vetting of tour providers. The trip Ravi planned was excellent. The coordination and local knowledge at every stop was really impressive. I remember at one point, stepping out into the wonderful chaos on the street outside of... Read more

We had a fantastic trip organized by Ravi and Idityah Tikoo with Active India Holidays. This was our second Kim Kim trip, and we are heading on a third next month. We so appreciate the Kim Kim platform for ease of communication in planning and for their excellent vetting of tour providers. The trip Ravi planned was excellent. The coordination and local knowledge at every stop was really impressive. I remember at one point, stepping out into the wonderful chaos on the street outside of the Taj Mahal and our driver, Mr. Singh, zooming in to pick us up without missing a beat. The traffic is absolutely insane in India and our group marveled at how all our guides coordinated with Mr. Singh for inexplicably perfect transfers. Mr. Singh was a hero -- an impressive, friendly and safe driver (not to be underestimated with the traffic. I might also add that he was brave!). Other guides and helpers that we appreciated were Adarsh in Delhi (who in our last hours in India, late at night, made sure we caught showers and dinner as we were heading to the airport for our long flights home), Dharmendra (we loved Delhi with the Sikh Temple as one of the highlights), Gaj in Udaipur (a master of tricky Udaipur traffic along with Mr. Singh), Sanjay (for a wonderful time in Jaipur, including a wander through the flower market), Ronit (so knowledgable about Agra and the Taj -- not to be missed!) and finally, Mohan in Varanasi (what a great tour of a mind-blowing city). We really wouldn't have changed anything in our itinerary. We really enjoyed all the historic hotels. Restaurant choices were really good and we all stayed healthy. Thank you so much, Ravi & Co! All your choices were spot on. Five stars!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Pride Plaza Aerocity
Delhi

We arrived late at night and stayed out near the airport for convenience on the first night. This hotel worked well for that purpose. After breakfast, we headed to our historic Delhi hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Nothing to improve. Good choice for an airport hotel.
Location
Just a few minutes from the airport.
Staff
Staff was kind and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Good, modern hotel.
Haveli Dharampura
Delhi

LOVED this hotel. Building is absolutely gorgeous. Head to the rooftop for kite flying and monkey watching -- magical. Restaurant was excellent and the staff could not have been more helpful or kind.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Amet Haveli

Beautiful hotel, worth taking the time to wander around. Sunrise over the lake from our room was really special. I feel like we had particularly good rooms for that (thanks, Ravi!). The restaurant patio is lakeside and stunning. We enjoyed watching the early morning bathers and swimmers while eating breakfast. Good breakfast buffet with made-to-order dosa. We had the craziest, most memorable tuk tuk ride through the narrow streets to get back to the hotel one evening. Loved it!

Authenticity & Character
Really charming.
Location
Beautiful!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Alsisar Haveli
Jaipur

We ended up at a different hotel (Shahpura House) for some reason. We had no issue with the change. Shahpura House was a lovely heritage hotel in a great location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
ITC Mughal
Agra

This hotel was excellent for us and a departure from the heritage hotels to which we usually gravitate. Air quality in December was challenging, and we welcomed a very up-to-date hotel for its modern HVAC system. We didn't have a problem with air quality in the other hotels over the course of our trip, but it was nice to have a bit of a modern reset at this hotel. It's big, it's shiny, it has a huge breakfast buffet. Good choice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Brijrama Palace
Dashashwamedh, Uttar Pradesh

Absolutely stunning. Loved everything about this hotel. Amazing location in a gorgeous old palace. We couldn't get enough of watching monkeys scale the building across from our room window. This was our last hotel of the trip and we highly recommend it. Great restaurant. Varanasi was perfect as the last stop -- top India!

Authenticity & Character
Central position, completely historic, beautifully restored, a literal palace on a ghat. The best views. Wow!
Location
The absolute best!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Free Time in Delhi
Free Time in Delhi
India
New Delhi Sightseeing
New Delhi Sightseeing
India
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Old Delhi Sightseeing
Old Delhi Sightseeing
Delhi
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
d
Street Food Tour
Street Food Tour
Delhi

Our group of 5 stayed healthy on this trip, and we attribute that to being directed to reputable restaurants and sticking to the advice on how to eat safely as a tourist. It was really nice to be able to try some street food that we would have avoided without a guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Afternoon visit to Bagore ki Haveli and enjoy a cultural evening of Rajasthani Folk Dance
Afternoon visit to Bagore ki Haveli and enjoy a cultural evening of Rajasthani Folk Dance
Udaipur

This was fun. We got up and danced.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Udaipur Sightseeing
Udaipur Sightseeing
Udaipur
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to Jagmandir Island and Sunset Boat Ride On Lake Pichola
Visit to Jagmandir Island and Sunset Boat Ride On Lake Pichola
Udaipur

We were not able to do this activity due to crowds. It was busy! Our guide Gaj suggested an alternative and we were happy with the change.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Excursion to Chittorgarh
Excursion to Chittorgarh
Udaipur

Chittorgarh was very interesting but also very crowded. Traffic was tough. We had fun and even enjoyed the traffic jam from our tuk tuk.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jaipur - Half Day City Tour
Jaipur - Half Day City Tour
Jaipur

Flower market was awesome! Great city tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bathe, Paint and Feed- A life-time experience with elephants at Elefantastic
Bathe, Paint and Feed- A life-time experience with elephants at Elefantastic
Jaipur

Quality time with elephants. Our group loved this. The elephants are well cared for and loved.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jaipur - Half Day Sightseeing : Amer fort
Jaipur - Half Day Sightseeing : Amer fort
Jaipur

Beautiful! Loved all of it, especially the Mirror Palace. It must be incredible to see at night.

Quality of Experience
Transport
Cooking Class, and Dinner with Local Family
Cooking Class, and Dinner with Local Family
Jaipur

What a lovely, kind family. This was a really interesting evening that we all enjoyed.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore the marvelous  and historic monument : Agra Fort
Explore the marvelous and historic monument : Agra Fort
Agra

So impressive. Our guide was very knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Take a stroll through the historic garden (Mehtab Bagh) for the most magical views of the Taj Mahal by TUK-TUK
Take a stroll through the historic garden (Mehtab Bagh) for the most magical views of the Taj Mahal by TUK-TUK
Agra

The Taj Mahal was jaw-dropping. We weren't prepared for how impressive it actually is in person. You really have to see it to believe it and appreciate it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Evening Aarti (Prayer Ceremony) in Varanasi
Evening Aarti (Prayer Ceremony) in Varanasi
Varanasi

Our guide Mohan took us to a great viewing location. Afterwards we laughed at where we would have ended up without him. The crowd at the nightly ceremony is huge. We had a perfect, comfortable bird's-eye view.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunrise River Trip Over Ganges and walk along the historical Ghats of Varanasi
Sunrise River Trip Over Ganges and walk along the historical Ghats of Varanasi
Varanasi

A must. Defies explanation. This was one of the highlights of a trip filled with great moments.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
City Tour of Varanasi
City Tour of Varanasi
Varanasi
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to Sarnath
Visit to Sarnath
Varanasi

This was our last walkabout before catching our flight back to Delhi. It was relaxing and interesting.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ravi Tickoo
Ravi
Ravi Tickoo
Local specialist in New Delhi | Replied on Feb 24, 2026
Dear Kristy, Thank you so much for your wonderful five-star review. It truly means a lot to all of us! We are delighted to hear that your journey was such a fantastic experience and that the planning, coordination, and on-ground support met your expectations throughout. Your kind words about the driver, guides, and assistance will certainly be shared with the entire team. It’s especially rewarding to know that you enjoyed the historic hotels, restaurant selections, and seamless transfers,... Read more

Dear Kristy,

Thank you so much for your wonderful five-star review. It truly means a lot to all of us!

We are delighted to hear that your journey was such a fantastic experience and that the planning, coordination, and on-ground support met your expectations throughout. Your kind words about the driver, guides, and assistance will certainly be shared with the entire team.

It’s especially rewarding to know that you enjoyed the historic hotels, restaurant selections, and seamless transfers, and that you felt well cared for right through your final hours in India.

Thank you as well for your continued trust in working with us alongside the KimKim platform. We are truly grateful for your recommendation and would be absolutely delighted to assist you again on any future journeys to India.

Best Regards,
Ravi