India family holidays
| country: | India |
| location: | Golden Triangle in India |
| departures: | 2009: 13 Dec, 20 Dec 2010: 7 Feb, 28 Mar, 3 Apr, 17 Oct, 13 Dec, 19 Dec 2011: 13 Feb, 10 Apr, 16 Oct, 18 Dec |
| price: | From £1259 - £1829 (14 days) per adult and from £1179 - £1669 per child including flights from the UK. From £899 - £1049 per adult and from £899 - £1049 per child excluding flights. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
read 2 travellers reviews
"This is a holiday to treat every single one of your senses! The sights, smells, sounds and sensations of rural India will stay with you forever. The absolute highlights though are the early morning safari drive looking for tigers in Corbett National Park and the visit to a local school."
- Krissy, responsibletravel.com
- Krissy, responsibletravel.com
the amazing things you'll be doing
An exciting journey into the Himalaya, with wildlife safaris, nature walks & the Taj Mahal en route
Delhi & Taj Mahal
Contrast the colour and bustle of Old Delhi with the splendour of New Delhi’s monuments, before heading to Agra to see the beautiful Taj Mahal – the world’s most extravagant expression of love.
Nature Walks
A memorable journey by overnight train takes you to the old ‘hill station’ of Naini Tal where you’ll hopefully glimpse your first Himalayan views. Taking to jeeps, it’s an exciting traverse to Betalghat for nature walks and the chance to see many birds and animals.
Corbett National Park
Corbett NP is the destination for your tiger safari. Here you’ll look for tigers plus the area’s other prolific wildlife - monkeys, elephants and deer to name but a few. You’ll enjoy two game drives, before travelling to Haridwar to experience a traditional Aarti ceremony.
Water Activities
Your journey culminates at Rishikesh, for two nights camping on a river beach where you’ll walk amid the Himalayan foothills and maybe have time for some white water rafting (optional).
Delhi & Taj Mahal
Contrast the colour and bustle of Old Delhi with the splendour of New Delhi’s monuments, before heading to Agra to see the beautiful Taj Mahal – the world’s most extravagant expression of love.
Nature Walks
A memorable journey by overnight train takes you to the old ‘hill station’ of Naini Tal where you’ll hopefully glimpse your first Himalayan views. Taking to jeeps, it’s an exciting traverse to Betalghat for nature walks and the chance to see many birds and animals.
Corbett National Park
Corbett NP is the destination for your tiger safari. Here you’ll look for tigers plus the area’s other prolific wildlife - monkeys, elephants and deer to name but a few. You’ll enjoy two game drives, before travelling to Haridwar to experience a traditional Aarti ceremony.
Water Activities
Your journey culminates at Rishikesh, for two nights camping on a river beach where you’ll walk amid the Himalayan foothills and maybe have time for some white water rafting (optional).
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Depart London. Depart on overnight flight to Delhi, arriving tomorrow morning. |
| Day 2: | Delhi Transfer to your hotel to rest after your flight. Hotel – 1 night |
| Day 3: | Agra You set off early today by train to Bharatpur, a journey of nearly three hours. Upon arrival you will have a birding tour of Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary. Created by the ruling Maharaja in the middle of the 18th century, the sanctuary is now India’s most spectacular bird reserve, having slowly but surely attracted a growing number of migrating species. From early October the first migrants arrive from the colder climes of Central Asia; nest building and egg laying carry on right through until March. Annual visitors include the painted stork, osprey, Siberian crane, night heron and sarus crane. Using cycle rickshaws, you can make your way almost silently across the tree-lined bunds (embankments) - built to allow people to view the birds. The park also supports a variety of mammals, so your time here will undoubtedly prove to be rewarding. Following your visit you’ll take the road leading to Fatehpur Sikri, some 20km (approx. 30 minutes) away. Along the way are the remains of the Kos Minars; wayside markers which survive only as crumbled towers, pointing the way to this city built of rich red sandstone. Akbar the Great built Fatehpur Sikri (the ‘City of Victory’), outside Agra as a tribute to a sage who foretold the birth of his three sons. He duly moved his court to this new capital, only to abandon it after 15 short years because the water supply deteriorated. Today its rose-coloured walls provide the visitor with an unforgettable impression of the majesty of a 16th century royal court. Finally you will make the 35km (approx. 90 minute) drive to Agra, arriving early evening ready for your visit to one of the world’s most famous monuments tomorrow. Hotel - 1 night (Swimming Pool) (B) |
| Day 4: | Agra - Delhi - train to Kathgodam Like Delhi, Agra stands on the bank of the River Yamuna and was once the capital of the Moghul Empire. Agra flourished under Akbar and Shah Jahan added many of the buildings in and around Agra Fort including the Taj Mahal, built as a mausoleum for Shah Jahan’s beloved wife Mumtaz, after she died giving birth to their fourteenth child. This morning you visit this world-famous building. It is possible to rise early and watch the sunrise over this exquisite monument, but it is a beautiful building to admire at any time of day. This must surely be the world’s greatest monument to love. Architects from as far afield as Europe were commissioned to take part in its construction. Its staggering architecture of white marble inlaid with thousands of pieces of coloured and semi-precious stone makes the Taj Mahal one of the world’s most beautiful buildings. Construction of the nearby Agra Fort was started by Akbar in 1565 and was finally completed four generations later by Aurangzeb. Here you find a fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, which led to the emergence of a distinctive Indian style. This afternoon you'll drive back up to Delhi (approx 6hrs) where you'll board the overnight train to Kathgodam, the railhead for Naini Tal. Berth on overnight train (B) |
| Day 5-6: | Foothills of the Himalaya Leaving the train, you drive for 36km (approx. 1hr 15mins) along twisting mountain roads and into the hills passing through forests and small villages, finally emerging at the town of Naini Tal, nestling alongside its tal (lake).You spend the rest of the morning in and around this pleasant hill station. Once the summer capital of British India’s United Provinces (now mostly Uttar Pradesh) it is just as popular today as it was then; a wonderful escape from the summer heat of the Indian plains. If time allows (the train can be delayed) you can make a leisurely climb up Naina (Cheena) Peak (2610m) for stunning views of the Himalaya including Nanda Devi (7816m), which was India’s highest peak until Kanchenjunga in the east was absorbed into the country. For the less energetic, time can be passed boating on the lake or strolling The Mall. Leaving Naini Tal you continue your journey through stunning mountain scenery to the sleepy village of Katami Gajar situated on the banks of the Kosi River. Your lodge sits on the steep mountainside, close to the jungles in which Jim Corbett found his calling. Though comfortable, the lodge is surrounded by nature and, in many ways, is distant from modern technology. The area is renowned for its beauty and a pair of binoculars is really essential as there are many birds to see on your guided nature walk. There are large mahseer fish in the river and in the surrounding forests it is said there are wild boar, leopard, Himalayan black bear, barking deer, sambar and even the elusive tiger, though one would be lucky to have a sighting of any of these animals. Rather, this is a place to relax, walk and enjoy the surroundings in what is a little-visited area of northern India. Lodge - 2 nights (Swimming Pool) (Bx2, Lx1, Dx2) |
| Day 7-8: | Corbett National Park The jeep ride to Corbett National Park today takes about 2 ½ hours, journeying along winding mountain roads before you gradually head down towards the Gangetic plain. Corbett was the first national park to be established in India and remains one of the finest. Originally called Hailey National Park, in 1936 it was renamed after Jim Corbett, a man who did much to conserve the wildlife of India. Set beneath the Himalayas, with the River Ramganga flowing through it, the park abounds in flora and fauna. Although seeing tigers can never be guaranteed, the chances here are relatively high. Even if you do not spot a tiger, you may see wild elephant, sambar, chital, hog deer, barking deer and maybe even leopard. Upon arrival on day seven, you’ll have a guided nature walk for your first chance to spot these animals before taking to jeeps the following day; an excellent way to see wildlife. Rising early you set off into the towering hardwood forest in search of wildlife. Your guides are experienced trackers; they easily spot animals amongst the tall elephant grass and birds hiding in the trees. Whatever the time of year, come prepared for a chilly start to the morning; these are generally cold and misty! Daytime temperatures rise quickly and you rest when it is hottest. As the sun gets lower you enter the park again. The tiger population is static (approx. 120 in 1994) and a sighting is not uncommon though, as ever, a degree of luck is needed. Lodge - 2 nights (Swimming Pool) (Bx2, Lx2, Dx2) |
| Day 9: | Haridwar Today the long drive of around seven hours skirts fields of sugar cane and cotton, with villages lining the roadside - rural India at its best. At Haridwar, one of the seven holy towns of India you cross the Ganges, one of seven Indian rivers holy to Hinduism. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Gods’, Haridwar lies at the point where the Ganges passes through its last gorge before its journey across the plains. Many pilgrims come here to bathe in the water and you’ll have a chance to wander along the riverbank and maybe visit the main ghat, Hari ki Pairi, where Vishnu is believed to have left a footprint. We’ve also included a visit to the Har Ki Podi Temple and a traditional aarti ceremony. Hotel – 1 night (B) |
| Day 10: | Rishikesh (Shivpuri) Today you continue north for 2 ½ hours, following the Ganges to Rishikesh, famous as a centre for yoga. Also considered a sacred place, it is believed that meditation here leads to attainment of salvation. Your accommodation for the next two nights is at Shivpuri, 18km from Rishikesh, where you’ll stay on the banks of the River Ganges on the beach. You will camp in good quality tents with twin beds, shower and toilets on the campsite. This location is especially good for children as there’s plenty of space to run around, play games and swim, and for the adults to kick back and relax. It’s also a great base from which to start your Himalayan walk tomorrow.NB – in some months, particularly December and January, the river may be too cold for swimming. Camp – 2 nights (Swimming pool) (BLD) |
| Day 11: | Rishikesh; Himalayan Walk Today you’ll head into the Himalaya for a full day trek beneath these towering peaks. The route takes you gradually uphill, and generally the group will be able to complete the 12km walk in about five or six hours. On a clear day, the views will be amazing. There are a number of different routes; some go through forest, others by the River Ganges; the trek will be tailored to the group by your leader. If you don’t want to join the walk you can stay at the camp and simply relax. (BLD) |
| Day 12: | Rishikesh; Train to Delhi You spend the day at leisure, either in or around Rishikesh. For the more adventurous there is the opportunity of an exciting white water rafting trip (optional). As it flows through the town, the Ganges is slow moving - very different from upstream, where it is well known for its strong currents and fierce behaviour. For those not rafting, a wander between the pilgrimage centres or ashrams to the north of the main town provides a relaxing day. The two sections of town are connected by suspension bridges; the pedestrian bridge at Lakshaman Jhula is said to be where Rama’s brother Lakshmana crossed the river on a jute rope. This area is very picturesque, buzzing with life, and provides a pleasant walk back towards the main town. After the activities of the day you drive the short distance to Haridwar and board the evening train back to Delhi; it’ll take about 4 ½ hours and you’ll arrive shortly before 11pm. Dinner is included on the train, so it will be a tray of Indian food – try to buy some snacks before-hand if you don’t fancy this!Hotel - 2 nights (BD) |
| Day 13: | Delhi This morning you’ll take a half-day tour exploring the sights of Old and New Delhi. The present metropolis of Delhi is at least the eighth city to have been founded on this site; its predecessors have been largely razed to the ground. Old Delhi is bustling and vibrant; a network of narrow streets and alleys teeming with people. Mosques and temples are squeezed into unlikely places between shops and market stalls. You’ll visit the Jami Masjid, Delhi’s largest mosque, which is not only a place of religious worship, but also a lively meeting place for the city’s Muslims. A fascinating contrast awaits as you head into New Delhi. Its wide boulevards and imposing buildings conjure up images of the British Empire at its zenith. There may be free time to further explore this fascinating city this afternoon. After a busy day you’ll meet up in the evening for a ‘last supper’ together. You can recount your journey and swap stories about a great trip. (B) |
| Day 14: | Flight to London The trip ends in Delhi for our Land Only clients. Clients on group flights transfer to airport and fly to London. (B) |
travellers' tales
An excellent holiday which combined a taste of the splendour of the Mughals, rural India, a glimpse into the spiritual life of India at Haridwar and Rishikesh as well as the safari and an easy (by Himalayan standards) trek from the camp on the Ganges. (more)
small group family holiday
This is a 'small group family adventure' - typically you will join several other families and travel in a group of approx. 16 people. The trips are great value and a great way for you and your children to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of time to yourselves. Most adventure kids tend to be aged between 7 and 15, but some are younger (minimum age is usually 5) and some older (perhaps travelling as part of a larger family group). Please check with the operator to confirm the minimum age for this trip how this holiday makes a difference
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On this trip: We stay in small locally-run hotels and eat in local restaurants. We use a local Indian agent, driver and a Local Group Leader. This fulfils part of our commitment to make a positive contribution to the local economy and is the best way of ensuring that our money reaches as many people as possible. Local overseas leaders offer a great way to find out more about the local culture, speak the language, understand the day-to-day life around them and help to ‘open doors’ to a fuller experience. Our entrance fee to Corbett National Park contributes to the conservation of this valuable wildlife habitat. We have also developed a programme of school visits with our local agent in India. Most schools in India rely on government funding and benefit greatly from the additional support we can provide. We assists pupils at our partner school in Betalghat. This includes clothing, maps, blackboards, water filters and other stationery on an on-going basis. You will have the opportunity to visit the school during your stay in Betalghat. If you would like to offer your assistance by taking a gift they would be delighted to receive the following: clothes, exercise books, schoolbags, pencils and crayons, erasers and similar stationary. Although you can take things out with you, goods are available cheaply locally and your Group Leader will advise on where to buy things.
Our responsible travel code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us. Charity partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems.  Carbon balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full. Our foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, and now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday and that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you call. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |