Ravi Tickoo
World traveller, professional mountaineer and passionate adventure entrepreneur, Ravi has over 25 years of experience conducting adventure, experiential and culture tours across the length and breadth of India.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Active India Holidays is an award-winning independent travel company offering safe, authentic and memorable India holidays for families, small groups and individual travelers. Founded by Ravi Tickoo, Active India was born out of his vision to build a dedicated, high-quality and sustainable brand for active, experiential and adventure holidays across India, Nepal and Bhutan.
Active India offers an expanding range of engaging activities and immersive experiences including soft and challenging trekking, walking tours, cycling and motor-biking adventures, experiential culture and discovery holidays, wildlife safaris and nature tours.
We conduct our trekking and walking programs in Ladakh, Zanskar and across the Himalayas, pioneering multi-activity programs (cycling, motor-biking and safaris) across the Himalayas, Rajasthan and Kerala, wildlife safaris and tiger trails in prominent national parks and tiger reserves, experiential culture and discovery tours across the length and breadth of India. In partnership with KimKim, Active India offers on-demand tailor-made India experiences designed around your needs and crafted with a clear focus on the quality of service, authenticity of experience and enriching engagement with the cultural charms, natural splendor and unparalleled diversity that defines India.
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How did you get involved in travel?
"Being born and brought up in Kashmir valley, in the lap of great mountain ranges, tourism and in particular adventure travel has always seemed like a part of my DNA. The world-renowned natural beauty, alpine climate and the grand altitudes and outdoors have been attracting visitors to the valley for generations and shaped tourism as the dominant industry in the region. Starting out as a young, passionate tour leader back in the 80’s, I had the unique opportunity of exploring the most popular and remotest corners of the region and realizing how much I truly enjoyed my job. Very soon I joined a niche adventure company as a co-founder and spent over two decades contributing in its pioneering growth story from a local niche service provider to a multi-award winning nationwide tour operator.
Realizing the need and unmet demand for a dedicated, high quality Indian brand for active, experiential holidays, I founded Active India in 2011 to offer a wide range of safe, authentic and engaging activities with a focus on high quality, tailor-made services for truly personalized and memorable India experiences. We are proud that within a short span of our operations, Active India has seen great success and just last year was awarded the prestigious National Tourism Award for the Best Adventure Tour Operator."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Having had the privilege to travel across Asia, Europe and North America, I have had my fair share of adventures and experiences over the years. However, the one that is truly unique and unforgettable, comes from my first attempt to summit the peak Deo Tibba (6001m) one of the highest peaks in eastern end of Pir Panjal range of Himalayas. The entire expedition, from being one of my first “serious” climbs and accompanied by my dear friend and world-renowned mountaineer, Fred Harper, was a deeply transformative experience. The scenes of unparalleled beauty and immense power of nature combined with the thrill and vulnerability of adventure and wilderness have remained so vivid until this day. Unfortunately, Fred passed away soon after in 2000, which further made this experience a unique privilege and personal honor to have shared my rope with someone I admired and learnt so much from. "
Featured trips & expertise
A Culinary Tour of North India: Delhi, Agra, Lucknow & Varanasi - 9 Days
Spend nine days in northern India, learning all about its food, culture, and history. Start in Delhi sightseeing and tasting its street food, feast on Peshawari cuisine in Agra after visiting its red sandstone fort, and dine with a descendant of the Nawabs in Lucknow. Your tour finishes in Varanasi on the River Ganges, where you'll try treats in a local market before you head back to Delhi for a final day of exploring.
Explore the Heritage & Cuisine of Rajasthan – 9 Days
Discover Rajasthan's unique heritage and cuisine on this extensive nine-day tour. You'll visit the region's most famous landmarks, from UNESCO-listed wonders like the Amer Palace Fort and Taj Mahal to sacred ghats in Udaipur and religious monuments like Pushkar's Brahma Temple. Along the way, you'll sample typical Rajasthan dishes on street food tours led by local guides and take a cooking class at a family home in Jaipur.
Highlights of Goa - 6 Days
India's smallest state, Goa, is unlike any other. Remnants of its half-millennia under Portuguese rue linger, while its cultural diversity and bohemian outlook draw creatives and digital nomads from around the world. It's also the epitome of west coast India's incredible natural beauty. On this six-day tour with a private guide, you'll discover unique flavors on a street food crawl, watch the crocodiles of Divar Island, and see Goa's tallest waterfall in Mollem National Park.
Highlights of Gujarat: Culture & Wildlife – 9 Days
Discover India's Gujarat region's unique culture and wildlife on this nine-day tour. You’ll explore Mumbai’s sacred ghats, meet the skilled Mir and Rabari textile tribes, and tour ancient architecture in UNESCO-listed Ahmedabad. Enjoy safaris in Velavadar and Gir National Parks, where you’ll bump across grasslands and forests, spotting everything from wolves to blackbucks, exotic birds, and the world's last remaining Asiatic lions.
Culture & Spiritualism in Northern India: Delhi, Agra & Varanasi - 6 Days
Immerse yourself in Northern India's rich cultural and spiritual heritage on a six-day tour of Delhi, Agra, and Varanasi. Enjoy several different perspectives on the Taj Mahal, sample delicious street food in Agra Bazaar, experience a spiritual ceremony on the banks of the Ganges, take a yoga class in Varanasi and visit the birthplace of Buddhism in Sarnath. End your journey with a visit to a traditional market to watch sari weaving.
Cultural Highlights of Rajasthan: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur & Udaipur - 13 Days
Admire some of India's most spectacular buildings, have cooking lessons with a local family, and spot wildlife on this 13-day cultural tour of Rajasthan. In Agra, you'll marvel at the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, in Pushkar, you can go on a camel ride in the countryside and desert, and you'll finish your tour in the romantic city of Udaipur.
Recent trip reviews for Ravi
Trip of a Lifetime!
India
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Feb 4 - Feb 12, 2023
Six of us wanted to see the highlights of Rajistan and Ravi put together a bespoke tour for us over 8 days. We have just finished our whirlwind tour and what an amazing experience; so
Many wonderful sights and sounds, Brilliant local guides who brought everything to life providing detailed history and description of what we’re seeing. Our driver was really friendly and stayed with us for the whole week looking after us and taking us from place to place. When two our our party were... read more
Dear Emma,
Thank you so much for taking out time and posting your trip feedback. I am pleased to hear that you and your friends had nice time in India and have enjoyed the trip . Guest feedback is of paramount importance to us, as it helps us to improve our services where ever required and also motivates me and my team to work harder in making our guests India holiday a lifetime memorable experience.
We would love to welcome you again next time for another India experience,
Warm Regards,
Ravi
All you could ask for.. and more.
India
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Jan 21 - Jan 29, 2023
Ravi was extremely helpful in sorting out our 8 day trip between Mumbai and Delhi. He arranged for 4 different hotels, excellent guides and all transport. We never felt alone, although we also enjoyed the intrepid nature of moving from place to place. We saw fantastic temples in Khajuraho and Bhopal. The safaris were all good (although the lack of wildlife is a reality). Our drivers did their utmost to find a tiger- and we finally got lucky. Our train trips were fun, and the drivers taking... read more
Dear Alison,
Many thanks for taking out time and sharing your nice feedback. I am happy to hear that you and your friends have enjoyed the tour. we look forward to welcome you on your next India holiday in another part of our diverse and vibrant country!
Stay happy and healthy,
Best Regards,
Ravi
An amazing holiday
India
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Feb 4 - Feb 12, 2023
From start to finish, Ravi and his team were totally professional and gave an excellent service. Six of us were on the tour that Ravi organised for us and the itinerary was varied and perfectly adapted to meet with our requests. A lovely combination of visiting famous sites with getting to know the cities and visiting local craftsmen. The minibus was comfortable and our driver was kind and considerate, always making sure the bus was spotlessly clean in the morning and that the cool box was... read more
Dear Sarah,
Thank you so very much for your nice and kind feedback. We are very happy to hear that you and your friends had nice and enjoyable time in India. I must also thank you for your active participation in finalizing the itinerary and other details. You all have been very kind , while appreciating every effort put by me and my team in making your holiday experience memorable. It has been a real pleasure for us to make ground arrangements for you holiday tour.
We look forward to welcome you again in India for another experience ,
Best Wishes,
Ravi
Incredible India and KimKim
India
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Jan 20 - Jan 29, 2023
This was my fourth visit to India but the first for my daughter. It was my pleasure to re-visit sights I had seen before and to experience them with her. KimKim and our local specialist, Ravi, helped build a trip that provided opportunities to see the best of the Golden Triangle and Varanasi. Each place we visited we had an experienced local guide and in each location the guides provided us with rich experiences that made our visit memorable.
in addition to the most famous sights in... read more
Dear Susan
Thank you so much for taking out time and leaving your valuable holiday feedback . We are pleased to hear that you have enjoyed the holiday and we have met your expectations in delivering services of our guides, drivers , quality of accommodation and designing your tour . This would undoubtedly inspire other travellers. We look forward to welcome you again in India and design another experiential trip for you .
Best regards
Ravi
A very pleasant trip
India
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Dec 25 - Jan 3, 2023
A very pleasant trip, made all the more pleasant by all of the attention given to us by our local, Ravi Tickoo and Active India.
Dear Victor,
I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. This would undoubtedly inspire other travellers. We hope you decide to visit our region of the world again, it would be a pleasure for us to maintain our relationship with you and meet your travel needs.
Best regards
Ravi
3 night, 4 day Dehli Agra trip
India
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Jan 11 - Jan 14, 2023
Was met in Dehli, on time, well spoken meet agent and friendly driver Lall.
Our Guide for Delhi was Samar, very pleasant and well spoken gentlemen, we saw all the sites we wanted to see and some hidden gems. Samar was very knowledgeable about the the Indian history and all the monuments. We really enjoyed our time with him. Samar also assisted us with what foods to eat and how to eat them👍🏽.
We then had a new guide for Agra. Ajay was also very accommodating and got us some real bargains... read more
Dear Reinardt,
Glad to read your review. Thank you for your kind appreciation, especially for your Delhi and Agra guide. You have written beautifully and this would surely encourage other intending travellers.
It would be an honor for us to have this continued association with you and fulfill your travel needs whenever you plan to travel to our part of the world again. Please do keep us in your thoughts.
In the meantime, I send your way my best wishes.
Kind regards,
Ravi
Top notch!
India
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Jan 1 - Jan 5, 2023
Trip organize Ravi and trip liason Ajay were top notch! They made our trip extremely memorable and perfect in every way. Can’t recommend KimKim and Active India enough. read more
Dear Sara,
Greetings and good wishes !!
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide feedback. Your feedback is greatly valued and important to us. We appreciate your kind and encouraging words. It would be a privilege for us to design and serve your India trip.
Kind regards,
Ravi
Golden Triangle - India Trip was 10/10
India
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Jan 1 - Jan 5, 2023
Our trip to India in the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur) was amazing. Leading up to and throughout the trip, our local specialist Ravi Tickoo was attentive and friendly. He answered right away whenever we had a question and helped us plan a trip perfectly catered to our group. Our tour guide, Ajay Gupta, was the best! He was knowledgeable, flexible to our needs and wants throughout the trip, and all around fun to be around. I would recommend kimkim to anyone and can't wait to plan... read more
Dear Meghan,
Thank you for your kind appreciation. You are so generous in making such a wonderful review. I am glad to know that you enjoyed your India trip.
We hope that we will receive the opportunity to serve your India tour again!!!
Regards
Ravi
Amazing experience. Highly recommendable!
India
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Dec 31 - Jan 7, 2023
I've contacted Active India through Kimkim and I must say that I've really enjoyed my experience!
As a start, and to make the communication easy during the trip, I was added to a WhatsApp group with Ravi and the Active India emergency number and I gave consistent feedback and requested to book for optional trips. The response to my queries were really quick.
Active India are really attentive and I felt like they were looking after me during the trip. They've got the details from my... read more
Dear Miguel,
Thank you so very much for your lovely review. We are so pleased to hear that you had a great tour with us. Thank you so very much for taking the time to give us the feedback. We really appreciate your support. We have always sourced our identity from the goodness of our guests. In fact, all of us who came in contact with you found you very kind and approachable.
I hope that our paths would cross again in the future. We shall look forward to that with great anticipation.
Many Thanks and hope you see you in India again.
Kind regards
Ravi
Excellent trip! Only wish we had more time :)
India
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Dec 11 - Dec 17, 2022
Excellent Trip! Only wish we had more time :) read more
Thank you Meg for this lovely review. we have taken note of all important points of your valuable feedback . We look forward to welcome you again for your next India holiday,
Best Regards
Trip to Leh November 2022
India
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Nov 7 - Nov 11, 2022
My girlfriend and I had a fantastic time on our guided tour in Leh and Ladakh in November 2022. The scenery there was breathtaking (literally - it's very high!), and all the monasteries and temples we saw were very interesting to see and learn about. We had an extremely knowledgeable guide with us the whole time, and a driver who navigated the city of Leh and the surrounding area with impressive ease. The guide knew all about everywhere we went and was really helpful in sharing his own... read more
Dear Will,
We are pleased to know that your holiday experience with us was fantastic despite you falling sick during the tour. Many thanks for your appreciation of our guides , drivers and accommodation we had booked for you and your girlfriend.
I know first couple of days have not been so easy for you due to health issue, however, your positive attitude and our little effort made rest of your experience memorable. Your kind words are greatly appreciated.
We look forward to welcome you again for your next holiday to India,
Kind Regards,
Ravi
An Incredible Trip!
India
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Nov 4 - Nov 14, 2022
Pros: Our driver, Satish, was incredible and one of the best parts of the trip. He was always punctual, helpful, kind, and gave good advice. He was a careful and attentive driver, and I always felt safe though the driving conditions were very unusual for me.
The guides who led the spice tour and the Munnar hike were our favorites from the trip. Both were very friendly and their knowledge level was impressive. Also the spice tour guide did recommend his brother's shop to us and the prices... read more
Dear Kristin,
We’re so happy to hear from you! Thank you for your valuable feedback. We truly value honest feedback of our customers as it always plays an important role in the improvement of services for future guests.
We have an incredible team of highly trained professionals and certified Guides and we strive for 100% satisfaction to every guest and we try our best to make sure that we don’t compromise on our services. We are glad to know that you enjoyed the food, activities and... read more
Lovely trip. Great help in planning the trip ...
India
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Oct 29 - Nov 5, 2022
Lovely trip. Great help in planning the trip by Ravi who was knowledgeable, kind, gracious and really made us feel that he cared for us to have a great trip.
Our guides were very insightful and welcomes d us with grace. Special mention for Giriraj, Harish and Jitendra. Our driver was also incredibly kind (Rahul) and brought a smile to my daughter every day.
My only constructive feedback would be:
-just as restaurants in India ask westerners « how spicy do you want it » this should... read more
Dear Sohrab,
Thank you so much for taking out time to leave this fantastic review. We are so pleased to hear that you and your family have loved the tour and had wonderful experience while in India. thanks for your appreciation and special mention of our driver and guides . Thanks for your suggestion with regard to restaurants & food which is very helpful. It was indeed a great pleasure to organise your India holiday and thanks for choosing to travel with us.
We look forward to welcoming you again in future.
Kind regards
Ravi
India trip planning. Excellent experience ...
India
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Oct 28 - Nov 12, 2022
We have had an amazing experience planning our trip to India with Ravi. The itinerary suggested was perfect and met our brief so well. Suggested changes from us were implemented quickly with excellent advice and help from Ravi. Response to messages was alway quick and appropriate. I would thoroughly recommend Ravi and Kimkim for planning your trip.
Thank you Ravi and I hope we can travel to India soon once we have the visa issue sorted.
Dear Deborah,
Glad to read your review. Thank you so very much for your support and we will always be grateful to you. It would be an honor for us to have this continued association with you and fulfill your travel needs whenever you will obtain Indian visa.
In the meantime, I send your way my best wishes.
Kind regards,
Ravi
Jit, my guide in Delhi was excellent as was d...
India
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Sep 13 - Sep 20, 2022
Jit, my guide in Delhi was excellent as was driver Pushkar. I particularly enjoyed visiting Pushkar. read more
Dear Stefanos
Greetings and good wishes !!
Glad to read your review on our services. Thank you so very much for your support and we will always be grateful to you. This would surely encourage other intending travellers.
It would be an honor for us to have this continued association with you and fulfil your travel needs whenever you plan to travel to our part of the world again. Please do keep us in your thoughts.
In the meantime, I send your way my best wishes.
Kind regards,
Ravi
Tour to Taj Mahal
India
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Apr 8 - Apr 11, 2022
Ravi was quick to respond to our inquiry about booking a trip to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal. Every detail, from our airport pickup in Delhi, the private car to Agra, our hotel in Agra and our guide for our tour of the Taj was perfect. Our guide took us to lunch at "Pinch Of Spice" in Agra which was wonderful! He was very knowledgeable and personable.
Dear Rick,
Greetings and good wishes !!
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide feedback. Your feedback is greatly valued and important to us. We appreciate your kind and encouraging words. It would be a privilege for us to continue our relationship with you and to craft another trip for you whenever you return to our part of the world.
In the meantime, I send your way my best wishes.
Kind regards,
Ravi