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. "
Ravi's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
With its vivid colors, glittering heritage, fascinating cities, and beautiful countryside from lush green oases to the Thar desert, North India is like nowhere else on earth....
This exciting 10-day itinerary introduces travelers to South India's serene state of Kerala. Kicking off in the historic city of Cochin, located on the Arabian Sea, you'll set...
This relaxing seven-day itinerary is the perfect way to explore Kerala at an easy pace. Spend the night on a houseboat in the backwaters, enjoy beautiful Marari beach, trek...
Family itineraries
This exotic itinerary is the ultimate introduction to South India's state of Kerala—an up-and-coming destination for savvy travelers. Kick off with an Arabian Sea sunset in...
Spend a week and a half exploring the state of Rajasthan with the family on this packed 10-day itinerary. You'll start and end your trip in lively Delhi, completing a circuit...
Spend a week discovering India's culture and history with this immersive family tour. Start in the vibrant city of Mumbai to stroll the greenery of Kamala Nehru Park, see...
Luxury itineraries
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...
Come face to face with some of India's most amazing wildlife on this 12-day tiger and temple itinerary through the heart of Central India. Start in Delhi, where you'll take a...
This South Indian adventure gets to the heart of Kerala's spectacular layered landscapes. After touring the historic city of Cochin, you and your guide will drive toward tea...
Road trip itineraries
Only an hour’s flight from Delhi, Ladakh looks like nowhere else on earth. Turquoise lakes reflect snow-dusted peaks. Monasteries tower like beehives over the stark,...
The eastern end of the Himalaya and their neighboring foothills is one of the least-visited sections of the mountain range, but other travelers' loss is your gain as you explore...
With a week to visit Ladakh, you'll have the chance to see all of the region's highlights. Start by exploring the city of Leh and touring the surrounding monasteries, then head...
Honeymoon itineraries
With its colorful culture and rich history, Rajasthan is a splendid display of a unique Indian heritage. This trip focuses on spectacular sights of India’s largest state,...
Ten days in India is enough to go beyond the highlights of one region, enjoying off-the-beaten-path sites or remote locales that wouldn't be possible with a shorter trip. Pair a...
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...
Recent trip reviews for Ravi
First Class Service
India
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Dec 29 - Jan 10, 2025
Dear Samir,
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts about your recent trip to India!
We are pleased to hear that your experience in India was wonderful and that you all enjoyed every moment of your journey. We truly appreciate your kind words.
On behalf of the entire Active India team, we thank you for trusting and choosing us to organize your family holiday tour in India.
We hope you can visit India again in the future and explore even more of what our country has to offer. If you decide to do so, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us again.
Warm regards,
Ravi
From start to finish we had an amazing time, ...
India
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Dec 28 - Jan 10, 2025
Cycling around the back roads of India was at all time safe, interesting rides. Read more
Dear Anne,
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts about your recent trip to India! We are delighted to hear that your experience in India was wonderful and that you enjoyed every moment of your journey.
On behalf of our entire team, we want to thank you for choosing us to organize your trip. We truly appreciate your kind words.
We hope you can visit India again in the future and explore even more of what our country has to offer. If you decide to do so, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us again.
Thank you for trusting us with your vacation!
Warm regards,
Ravi
India - Family Trip
India
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Dec 26 - Jan 4, 2025
We visited India in Dec/Jan 25 as a family and it was amazing!
Active India team were great, especially Aditya.
Everything was exceptionally organized.
We visited Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambore and Varanasi and we had the most amazing time.
Would definitely recommend Active India to everyone
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful feedback with us. We are thrilled to hear that you and your family had an amazing time during your visit to India, and we are particularly delighted that Aditya and the Active India team were able to enhance your experience. It’s great to know that everything was exceptionally organized and that you had the opportunity to explore some of India’s most iconic destinations. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate... Read more
Hi. This is Rupal. I was on the other trip wi...
India
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Dec 23 - Dec 30, 2024
Many thanks for your feedback and for sharing your experience with us. I’m so pleased to hear that you had a great overall trip and that your guides, Keshav, Ronit, and Luvjeet, were amazing and knowledgeable. It's always wonderful to hear when our guests feel well taken care of. I also appreciate you bringing the issue in Delhi to our attention. I understand your concerns regarding the inclusion of certain sites such as Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, and Gandhi House. Your sister's... Read more
Highly Recommend Active India for Rajasthan Travels
India
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Nov 6 - Nov 24, 2024
Namaste!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and feedback on your trip to India. We are thrilled to hear that you and Giovanni had a memorable experience and that every moment of your journey was filled with joy and discovery. On behalf of the entire Active India & Kimkim team, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks for placing your trust in us to plan and organize your family’s holiday tour. It was a pleasure to be a part of your travel... Read more
India 2024
India
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Mar 16 - Mar 30, 2024
We visited India in March 2024 and it was amazing! Ravi and the Active India team were great, everything was so well organised. We visited Delhi, Jaipur, Ranthambore and Agra and had the most amazing time. Would definitely recommend Active India!
Namaste!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and feedback on your trip to India. We are thrilled to hear that you had a memorable experience and that every moment of your journey was filled with joy and discovery. On behalf of the entire Active India & Kimkim team, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks for placing your trust in us to plan and organize your family’s holiday tour. It was a pleasure to be a part of your travel experience, and we are... Read more
Ravi and Active India produced a wonderfully ...
India
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Mar 12 - Mar 22, 2024
Ravi and Active India produced a wonderfully memorable adventure - highly recommend!
Pramod BEST driver, guide, teacher - EVER.
Sethu and Kavita - Spice Tour - outstanding.
Nandu and Liji at Marari Beach CGH - magnificent.
Kerala is beautiful GO!
Namaste!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and feedback on your trip to India. We are thrilled to hear that you had a memorable experience and that every moment of your journey was filled with joy and discovery. On behalf of the entire Active India & Kimkim team, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks for placing your trust in us to plan and organize your family’s holiday tour. It was a pleasure to be a part of your travel experience, and we... Read more
Golden Triangle Tour - Easy, Flexible, Great
India
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Oct 20 - Oct 27, 2024
Namaste!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and feedback on your trip to India. We are thrilled to hear that you and Analisa had a memorable experience and that every moment of your journey was filled with joy and discovery. On behalf of the entire Active India & Kimkim team, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks for placing your trust in us to plan and organize your family’s holiday tour. It was a pleasure to be a part of your travel experience,... Read more
North India
India
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Feb 9 - Feb 12, 2024
Greetings India!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and feedback on your trip to India. We are pleased to hear that you had a truly memorable experience despite your flu. Your kind words mean a lot to us. On behalf of the entire Active India & Kimkim team, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks for placing your trust in us to plan and organize your family’s holiday tour. It was a pleasure to be a part of your travel experience, and we are... Read more
Ravi and Active India Holidays provided exact...
India
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Oct 23 - Nov 14, 2024
Ravi and Active India Holidays provided exactly what I had asked for. There was never any issues or problems once my trip began. Ravi and staff were always in constant communication with me. Responses to any questions immediate in India, within 12 hours because of time difference US/ India. All hotels, guides and especially my driver were top quality. Highly recommend.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and feedback on your recent trip to India. We are thrilled to hear that you had a truly memorable experience and that every moment of your journey was filled with joy and discovery. Your kind words mean a lot to us. On behalf of the entire Active India & Kimkim team, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks for placing your trust in us to plan and organize your family’s holiday tour. It was a pleasure to be a part... Read more
