India Highlights Tour

Take an unforgettable 13 day tour of India's top attractions.

This voluntour explores some of India's most impressive and enchanting sites. Start out in the capital Delhi, India's heart, and explore the wealth of attractions on offer. Wander the winding streets of Old Delhi, before exploring the grand architecture of New Delhi – where remnants of British colonialism remain. Then head to Agra – the home of the legendary Taj Mahal.

Then head to Agra Bear Sanctuary – the world's largest sanctuary for sloth bears. Founded by wildlife charity Wildlife SOS and supported by International Animal Rescue, this sanctuary offers a safe haven for sloth bears after they have been rescued from the horrific 'dancing bear' trade. You will also get to travel to Mathura Elephant Rescue Centre – India's first chain free elephant camp.

After Agra, head south to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - one of the world's prime bird feeding and breeding grounds – before making your way towards the incredible Ranthambore National Park: one of the best sites in India to spot the majestic Bengal tiger. Not only will you get to go on three game drives to spot tigers, leopards and sloth bears, but you will also get to visit local community initiatives and tiger conservation projects supported by the non-governmental organisation 'Tiger Watch'.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive into Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. You will then be met by a project representative, who will accompany you the pre-booked ‘Park Hotel’. Once there you can spend your day at leisure exploring the many cultural delights of India’s capital city.

Day 2

Today you will proceed for a full city tour of the bustling metropolis of Delhi! You will begin in Old Delhi, where you will be able to explore spellbinding sites, including the iconic Red Fort. After lunch, you will visit New Delhi before being transferred back to your hotel.

Day 3

Today, you will depart for Agra at 8am. The city is one of India’s biggest attractions and is still considered the epicentre of the ancient Mughal culture – particularly with the iconic Taj Mahal as a centrepoint. After exploring, dinner will be served at your hotel.

Day 4

Today you will spend the day at the Agra Bear Rescue Centre – the world’s largest sloth bear rescue facility. Founded by Wildlife SOS and supported by International Animal Rescue, the centre’s aim is to provide the best quality of life for bears rescued from the dancing bear trade.

Day 5

Today you will spend another full day volunteering at the Bear Rescue Centre. Indulge in full day activities at the centre including assisting keepers in the cutting up of fruits and making enrichment treats (as well as many other tasks). After the day, you will return back to Agra.

Day 6

Today, after an early breakfast, you will be driven to the Elephant Rescue Centre in Mathura - India’s first chain free Elephant Camp. Here, you will be able to help prepare food for the elephants as well as helping in the preparation of enrichment. Return to Agra in the evening.

Day 7

After breakfast, you will leave for Fatephur Siki and the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - one of the world’s prime bird feeding and breeding grounds. After lunch, you will take the train to Sawai Modhpur – the gateway to the infamous Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve.

Day 8

Today you will have your first game drive in Ranthambore National Park, where hopefully you’ll be able to spot sloth bears, leopards, dhole, macaque monkeys, and of course the majestic Bengal tigers. Later in afternoon, you will spend time with children at the Moghiya Hostel.

Day 9

Today you will visit ‘Dhonk’ Village – a unique local responsible community initiative encompassing the tigers, local communities and crafts of the region all under one umbrella. Formed with the support of ‘Tiger Watch’ - this is a fantastic venture. Afternoon game drive.

Day 10

You will have your third and final safari in Ranthambore this morning. Afterwards, you will be driven to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur – a three hour drive away. Explore the wondrous city of Jaipur during the afternoon before heading back to the magnificent Jaipur Trident hotel.

Day 11

Today you will spend the morning exploring the magnificent Amber Fort – one of Jaipur’s signature attractions. On the way back, you will stop and see the stunning Palace of Winds. Lunch will then be served at the fantastic Spice Court - infamous in Jaipur!

Day 12

Today after breakfast, you will transfer back to Delhi. You will be able to explore one of Delhi’s signature attractions – Delhi Haat – an open air bazaar where one can buy articles from all over India. In the evening visit the nightspot ‘Kingdom of Dreams’ for a Bollywood Musical.

Day 13

Transfer back to Indira Gandhi International Airport for the return flight home or continue personal travel arrangements.

Start Dates

February 10th, April 11th

Costs / Benefits

Costs £2,495

What's included in the price of the project?
• Accommodation
• All transfers
• 3 Canter / Jeep safari drives in Ranthambore National Park
• Visit to Dhonk Village in Ranthambore as part of Community work – including donation
• Visit to Moghiya (A local tribe) Hostel in Ranthambore as part of Community work – including a donation
• 2 Visits to Bear Rescue facility centre including a donation
• 1 Visit to Elephant Rescue Facility Centre including a donation
• One time entry to monuments (including the Taj Mahal)
• Rickshaw ride in Delhi during tour of Old Delhi.
• Bollywood themed live dance show in 'Kingdom of dreams' on last day. (Wed, Fri and Sun only)
• Rickshaw ride in Bharatpur National Park for spotting birds and other wildlife.
• A representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers
• Local guide for city tours in Delhi, Agra & Jaipur during sightseeing tours

What's not included?
• Expense of personal nature like tipping, laundry, and telephone / fax calls, medical expenses
• Airport departure tax etc
• Any beverages (both soft and alcoholic) during meals.
• VISA fee – please check this at least two months before travel
• All flights
• Insurance

Requirements

As this is a voluntour open to both adults and children over ten, there are no activities that are too much of a task fitness wise. No specific skills or experience are required, only a positive attitude and full commitment to the cause. You must be prepared to work as part of a team.