26 independent reviews for Golden Triangle with Ranthambore tour, India
Reviews for Golden Triangle with Ranthambore tour, India
Joy Rikala review 11 Nov 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The people we met.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
As females traveling, it would have been nice to have female guides on occasion .3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we stayed at several eco friendly resorts.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Loved it.Mark Braund review 3 Nov 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Impossible to pick one thing. We'll never forget the Taj Mahal, but we saw so many incredible palaces, forts and temples, including several that weren't on our itinerary but to which were taken by our fabulous driver, Rinko. The biggest surprise, perhaps, was Bundi, barely any visitors but an amazing fort palace and we stayed in a gorgeous Haveli (heritage hotel) which has been in the same family for 200 years, with incredible interior decoration. And of course, the tigers: we were incredibly lucky to see two, out of just 80 in the whole of Ranthambore national park. Udaipur exceeded our expectations, the boat trip was sublime, and Chittogahr was unbelievable, so much to see. So glad we paid a little more to spend our final three nights in the glorious Rajmahal Palace Hotel in Jaipur, which also got us entry to the private quarters of the royal family at the City Palace in Jaipur.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
As first time visitors to India we were a little apprehensive but we needn't have been. India is such a vibrant and stimulating country. Our tour was very well organised, and when we headed out on our own we never felt unsafe. Delhi may not be for the faint-hearted (traffic, dreadful air quality, millions of people, most of them on motorbikes) but it has so much to offer. And if you do Delhi first, then the rest is easy. 6 stops (Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Bundi, Udaipur and Jaipur) in 14 nights meant we never really unpacked, but it was worth it to visit each of these wonderful places and many in between. Get a driver (and ask for Rinko - we couldn't imagine a better driver / guide). The roads are good, but the distances are considerable (and we only saw part of Rajasthan) . But don't attempt to drive yourself. It makes Naples look like a stroll in the park.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Certainly our admission fees for Ranthambore (which were included in the overall tour price) would have helped finance Tiger conservation - the safari guides mentioned this. We took every opportunity to tip generously, service everywhere was first class, and people so kind. We didn't much like the signs in all the hotels asking us not to tip individuals directly, so we ignored them. As for environmental impact, India is facing a massive challenge and I suspect tourism is only a small part of the problem. But it was heartening to hear plans to encourage electric vehicle use and to see more charging points than you see in Britain. Electric rickshaws are now the norm, and many Tuk Tuks now run on CNG (compressed natural gas).4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was perfect. The only thing that could have improved it was an extra week or two. We will definitely be going back to India, and will definitely be using Responsible Travel's India partner.Lesley Suddes review 31 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing a tiger at Ranthambore National Park2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Ensure that you take plenty of low value notes for tipping.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely benefitted local people and helped conservation. Not aware of any reduction in environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic - trip of a lifetime. This Travel company goes above and beyond to make sure every need is met. Outstanding service.Nick Newell review 28 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We had so many memorable moments the Taj Mahal was breathtaking and the warm hospitality of the home stays was exceptional2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Definitely stay for 2-3 nights in each place to have some time to relax as it’s quite full on.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we did feel that it benefited all those things.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We have had a wonderful time and we’re fully supported by all staff we felt extremely well looked after and the vacation ticked all our boxes.Gillian Beard review 24 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We visited Rajasthan and Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks not Ranthambore as mentioned in the title. We had an amazing vacation experiencing India. The most memorable has got to be seeing tigers on every single one of our safaris and of course not forgetting the beauty of the Taj Mahal.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for the many contrasts of India and soak up the experience.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope our visit to the National Parks has supported conservation and provided employment opportunities to the local communities.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely marvellous!Dawn Trusler review 10 Jan 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There are so many, Taj Mahal, Tigers, Sloth Bears, Food tours2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Give yourself more time in each Dehli and Jaipur and definitely have a beach break at the end.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes and No. We liked having genuinely local guides. Going to SOS Wildlife, and in Agra having lunch at Sheros (but our guide there wasn't happy about us not going to the recommended tourist restaurant) But a couple of the hotels whilst amazing really highlighted the economic differences.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing, intense, colourful, vibrant, a shock to the senses, eye opening seeing the poverty and splendour in the same locationsVirginia McCrae review 2 Dec 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Joss Mathieson review 29 Nov 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were so many highlights, it's hard to pick just one or two. From beginning to end the whole trip was amazing, the people were warm and we were very well looked after. That said, seeing tigers in Ranthambore National Park was magical and we were very lucky. But the palaces and forts of Rajasthan are amazing, and we loved Kerala as something very different. We also loved Udaipur, which is a beautiful place and finishing the trip with a weekend in Mumbai.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Trust in a company that knows the country well and has the team on the ground to look after you while you are there. Sanjay was brilliant from start to finish, with his intimate knowledge of the country and passion for making a memorable experience. And the team he uses in India to manage everything were also brilliant.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
After two years disrupted by the pandemic, everyone we met was pleased to see visitors coming back to the country. It has been tough for them and there was benefit for those who make their living from tourism. The national parks also have a focus on conservation and it was great to support this work.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing, brilliant, fabulous. It was a luxury to take almost three weeks to see a lot, but it didn't feel rushed, just active and enthralling. Thank you Sanjay.Oliver Lurie review 21 Nov 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
No one moment stands out as the whole experience was amazing. Seeing a sloth bear or the Taj Mahal at sunrise were memorable. Also visiting the temple of Hanuman outside Jaipur.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Always travel with a driver.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It benefited local people and potentially supported conservation if funds went towards preservation of Ranthambore National Park. But our vacation didn't reduce environmental impacts at all unfortunately.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. Our guides, driver and staff who assisted us at hotels and train stations were all incredibly helpful and good at their jobs. It was a great itinerary and we got a real sense of that region of India.Matt Brown review 12 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting Ranthambore to see the tigers, leopards and sloth bears was fantastic, and the Taj Mahal and other historical sites was a fascinating insight into the history of the area. The local guides and our driver, Sunny, were outstanding.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Include Ranthambore in the Golden Triangle if you can!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, through the local guides, drivers and accommodation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Our vacation was brilliant overall and highly recommended. Sunny and all the local guides were amazing. We went in summer so it was very hot, but the tour and activities were arranged around this so we didn't feel too overwhelmed. The car was air conditioned and Sunny had plenty of drinks and snacks to get us through! Everything was really flexible so we could change or add things to suit what we wanted each day - both when organising the tour and during the tour itself.Barry Armstrong review 7 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
A balloon ride over Jaipur2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don’t get sucked into visiting elephant centers they are a rip off3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so. Anything we bought was from local shops/ markets rather than well known brands4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentRead the operator's response here:
Hi Barry
Thank you for your review - it was lovely to hear from you after the trip and glad you got in touch so soon after arriving back from North India with an email planning your South India Trip. We do not suggest visiting an elephant centers and we we always suggest the Electric Jeep at Amer Fort. I will ask the local team what happened as rarely but inevitably these things sometimes slip but thank you for bringing this to our attention.We look forward to taking you back to India again in the future.
Thanks
Sanjay
Susan Rochon review 1 Feb 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Probably the tigers. However we did stay in Ranthambhore for 6 nights which should have guaranteed good sightings. Plus the Taj Mahal and the Chand Baori step well. The first because it is so iconic the second as we had never seen anything so amazing before. Ironically although this was included on our itinerary, we had to ask the driver to take us there and pay for our admission. Not a big cost but not expected.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do more research than we did. There was more we could have done. For example in Jaipur we would have liked to have gone into the Palace of the Winds not just see the outside and there is an option to see more of the City Palace - we now understand that there is another part of the Palace that is open but a different ticket where you can see another Hall of Mirrors. Also be aware of when you go. We went on Boxing day not realising just how many local people would be on vacation in the area. Everywhere was very crowded. Later in the season would be better. Plus the weather gets better and the pollution reduces in late January/February. We had 0 degrees in Agra - very cold and hazard warnings about air quality everywhere apart from Ranthambhore. Overall though, we had a great time. If you can spend more than a night in Ranthambhore, you really increase you chances of seeing the Tigers.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not really but we are sure that all of the hotels we stayed at were very conscious of the impact of tourism on the environment. Unfortunately rubbish is a major problem in India as everyone visiting can see as they drive though the more built up towns and villages.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a great vacation. Probably the worst time to go because of the weather, pollution and the number of people visiting all of the main sites. Still we enjoyed ourselves. We would recommend this operator- their organisation was excellent.Vee Walker review 21 Dec 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Presenting a copy of my novel Major Tom's War to Captain Amarinder Singh - and then partying like a Maharajah afterwards.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It wasn't really a vacation. One tip though - Punjab is badly affected by air pollution drifting across from Delhi. Take a face mask.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It benefited local people greatly as I toured small villages and schools storytelling and reading from MTW. Two families in particular have had their family's heritage restored to them by my giving them back the stories of their forebears' valour.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very high indeed. Sanjay, Tarun and the team provided excellent support throughout. Some of the drives between locations were on hellish roads which looked like riverbeds but their patient drivers were superb. I was never afraid. Thanks everyone for your help and read the book - Major Tom's War is out on Kindle now. You should be marketing packages to military buffs in the UK which include Punjab and the astonishing Military Literature Festival in Chandigarh: my tour included Amritsar, Sangrur and Patiala as well. An interesting area historically with a lot to see and do - and largely unvisited by westerners. If you want contacts come back to me.Libby Banfield review 24 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Sarah Bates review 4 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Lots of them: highlights were Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, tiger spotting, the level of service and all the accommodations-especially The Ranthambore Regency and Samode Haveli.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go for it, it’s a great experience. The only thing that surprised us was the level of service and how well the company, the guides and our driver looked after us. It exceeded expectations.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We had a local driver and guides, so yes, plus many others gain employment in the tourism and hospitality industries. We appreciated the efforts to not use single use plastics in the car, although there was no evidence of this anywhere else. This is a hard one in India as there are hygiene concerns, but also a serious plastics problem.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Superb. When we go to India again we will definitely use the operator again.Pat Smith review 2 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Of course the Taj Mahal and the tigers at Rathambore were fantastic but the most memorable, and that which will stay with me forever, is the Indian drivers! Someone gave us the requirements as 'Good horn, Good brakes and Good luck '. Fortunately, our driver had all 3. It's not so much the other road users such as dogs, cows and pigs - more the belief that vehicles are liquid and must flow into any available gap. We were there for Diwali - the celebrations took over with everywhere decorated with lights and colour, the fireworks were deafening and everyone encouraged to join the fun.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go with the flow - you're not in Europe now and the way of life and priorities may differ from what we are used to. That's all part of the experience and can make you come away rethinking what is really important.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Certainly the homestay accommodation, the guides and the local restaurants. India is embracing environmental support with reduced plastic use and recycling, but it's early days for its effectiveness.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic vacation. Full of colour, noise, unexpected and beautiful sights.Lucy Ross review 26 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the Taj Mahal. Despite the lack of tiger sightings in ranthambore driving around in a jeep was great fun.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be assertive about your choice of restaurant and about declining extra trips that the guide announces. We were taken to a "marble workshop" by one guide which was an attempt to sell us stuff despite being told that there would be no shopping trips . We were put in an uncomfortable situation when traveling with children and it made an already long day even longer.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our guides were all local and staff in most hotels were too.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Overall we loved it. Already planning our next trip.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Lucy
Thank you for the lovely reviewIndia is intoxicating and hope that the Ross family have fallen in love with her and the many many possibilities. I am sorry that you were taken shopping.
I don’t like it , someone pulled a fast one and have immediately launched an investigation. We do hope that you will be back with us when planning the next one - there are some
incredible homestays in the south that 100% you will love and it will be a pleasure to help
you plan that. In the meantime - happy Diwali and hope that the memories last a long time Sanjay and the team
Shirley Bird review 22 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting the Taj Mahal and seeing wild tigers in Ranthanborne national park.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Enjoy it all! Be aware that guides who take you to certain shops/restraunts etc all have "arrangements" with that shop. Either just don't go, or be very wary of their reasons for taking you there. The best guides will take you to a nice place to eat, and not bother with any shops.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. It was clear local people were employed in the hotels & that our driver and guides were local to the area.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent experience. Loved every day. Wonderfully planned by the operator. So many happy memories.Susan Holden review 22 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the tigers at Tadoba were clearly a highlight as they were the center focus for the trip. It was a little unfortunate we only saw them on 1 drive out of the 7 drives we did, but it was still amazing seeing the other wildlife in the area. The housebat at the end of the trip was also a stunning highlight, far exceeding our expectations.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The trip was specially designed for us, but the experiences were all fabulous. Don't bother with the boat trip at Thekkady - you won't see much wildlife or birdlife. Do enjoy all the experiences on offer at the tented camp. Spend longer on the houseboat if you have the opportunity.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The tourist revenue is always welcome on organised tours. The locals all seemed pleased to see us and were all friendly and welcoming.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fabulous vacation, all experiences thoroughly enjoyable and the tour operator arranged everything just as we wanted it to happen.Paul Steele review 2 Mar 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing Taj Mahal and wild tigers. Loved Delhi old town rickshaw tour.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Finish visiting monuments with the Taj anything after that is an anti climax.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Hopefully our trip boosts the local economy and provides employment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. The only negative was two of our tour guides gave us a hard sell about having an extra visit, clearly a shopping opportunity then their enthusiasm dropped when we refused. Don't know what kick back they get but I bet the tip I had planned to give one particularly good guide would have exceeded it. Our driver Prakeesh (my spelling) was superb throughout.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Paul
We are so glad you had a great time and are grateful for the five star review.
Seeing Tigers will have been exciting no doubt and perhaps you have a point how can you top other monuments as much the Taj Mahal.
We are really careful to instruct all drivers and guides not to take any of our clients and this seems like its the first time its happened in nearly year so please accept my apology that this ever got mentioned. Please do note that with immediate effect we will be taking this very seriously and will strenuously make its a point that this does not get repeated with our guests.
Hope to take you to India again in the future
Regards
Sanjay
Gareth Jones review 18 Feb 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole trip was superb, there was not one thing I did not enjoy. If I must choose a highlight it would be seeing the Tigers at Ranthambore. However, just being in India was a wonderful experience in and off itself.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just go with it and keep your eyes and ears open.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I would like to think we benefited the people we came into contact with, we tried very hard to understand the Indian perception and why things are done the way they are. However, I am not sure it is possible to reduce our environmental impact or actively support conservation, when you travel on a jet from Hong Kong and use scarce resources like we did when we were in India.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Superb, we would like to return to India.Jenny Martin review 28 Mar 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Finding our way round Kolkata without a guide2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The car journeys are longer than the itinerary suggests and on poor roads with many hairpin bends. Not for the easily car sick!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
No. There is a ridiculous amount of traffic in Gangtok and Darjeeling. Our car just added to the pollution4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a good vacation but with hindsight probably not the best choice of itinerary for us. The full board at most of the hotels meant that a smaller number of restaurant staff benefited from our custom. However, we can’t fault the travel arrangements- we were picked up and delivered in good time and met by charming local people.Sally Barber review 28 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise, also seeing tigers on four out of five safaris, unbelievable experience.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing vacation with many fantastic memoriesTracy Bennett review 1 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Ohh, too many to narrow it down to just one!! Getting up close and personal with the Tigers in Ranthambhore was pretty special, the Taj Mahal is absolutely stunning and staying at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai was amazing and a fabulous way to finish the trip.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It’s a huge country with an awful lot to see so plan the itinerary wisely - try not to get caught up doing too much. It’s a perfect excuse to plan a second trip!!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, tourism is an important contribution to all of the above and our trip would not have been as memorable without the input from the local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely fabulous, it was everything we hoped for and more - a real assault on the senses with many magical memories for us to recall and treasure.Sue Brackenbury review 12 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The Taj Mahal was a real highlight as also was the safari part of our trip. The culture was amazing particularly when passing through villages and for example in Old Delhi. I loved the architecture in the Amber Fort - one part in particular where the ceiling appeared to be studded with gems. One guide on our safari took some photos of a tiger for me. We had sat at a water hole for quite some time that afternoon and when the tiger eventually came out of the bushes to drink, we got some amazing shots including a video.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
'Expect the unexpected' sums up the trip for me. For example our guide tore his trousers on a piece of metal sticking out from some packaging but managed to track down a tailor in one of the back streets of Old Delhi where he promptly removed his trousers for the tailor to repair using a very old treadle sewing machine similar the one I remember my mother having in the 50s. Then there was the driving, the farm vehicles laden with hay, women breaking up rocks to build a wall around Rathambore National Park, cows, pigs and dogs in the road etc etc.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It was obvious in some hotels that staff were local. For the most part they could not do enough for us. However there was one particular hotel where it was very difficult for me to get food that met my dietary requirements and this was disappointing. This was also the least well kept hotel. I didn't feel particularly encouraged to restrict towel usage for example.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A very good experience overall with the exception of our stay at the Mandawa Haveli - see above comments. The arrangements for transfers were very good and in most places we were met and given information about our stay, timings etc. Our driver was very helpful and remained very calm throughout. Guides were very knowledgeable and helpful giving us free time if appropriate.Chritopher Bamber review 27 Feb 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing tigers in Ranthambore2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't rush, take time to enjoy the sights / monuments visited3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Some aspects but not all4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. We're already planning a trip back next yearHoliday Reviews
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