Roaring Gujarat Tour Package

Day 1Arrival to Ahmedabad

Today you will take a flight to Ahmedabad. Located on the banks of the River Sabarmati, the city is the administrative centre of Ahmedabad District and was the capital of Gujarat from 1960 to 1970, after which the capital was moved to Gandhinagar. The city is sometimes called Karnavati, a name for an older town that existed in the same location; in colloquial Gujarati, it is commonly called Amdavad. The city was founded in 1411 to serve as the capital of the Sultanate of Gujarat, by its namesake, Sultan Ahmed Shah. Under British rule, a military cantonment was established & the city infrastructure was modernized & expanded.
Later you will take a guided tour visiting Mosques. Jumma Masjid, described by some as the most beautiful mosque in India, is a congregational mosque and was built by the city’s founder, Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1423. Built in yellow sandstone, it combines the best of Hindu & Muslim styles of architecture. It stands on 260 pillars supporting 15 domes at varying elevations. The mosque is located in the centre of the old city.
Sidi Syed Mosque, built by Ahmed Shah’s slave, Sidi Sayed, is celebrated all over the world for its exquisite stone window tracery – a superb example of delicate carving that transforms stone into filigree.
Two shaking minarets are located at the Siddhi Bashir mosque. They are uniquely designed in a way that when one minaret is shaken the other one shakes too. An overnight Hotel in Ahmedabad.

Day 2Half day sightseeing in Ahmedabad and drive to Jamnagar (300 Km / 6 Hrs)

Today after breakfast, you will visit the Hatheesing Jain Temple, Built outside Delhi Gate in 1850 by a rich Jain merchant, the Hatheesing Temple is the best known of Ahmedabad’s many ornate Jain temples. Built of pure white marble & profusely decorated with rich carvings, the Hatheesing Temple is dedicated to Dharamnath. Within the city there are many other Jain temples with remarkable carvings in stone & wood. Also visit the Sabarmati Ashram set up by Mahatma Gandhi a simple retreat in 1915. This was his first Satyagraha Ashram & for many it was the nerve centre of India’s freedom movement. Hridaya Kunj, the cottage where he lived is preserved as it was in the Mahatma’s lifetime. The Gandhi Ashram has a memorial centre, library & a sound & light spectacle to offer its visitors.An overnight in Jamnagar

Day 3Half day sightseeing of Jamnagar and Excursion Dwarka (145 Km / 2 Hrs / One Way)

Today after breakfast, you will drive to Jamnagar , built by Maharaja Kumar Shri Ranjit Singhji in the 1920s, when the district was known as Nawanagar. It is well-known for its four marble Jain temples: Vardhman Shah’s Temple, Raisi Shah’s Temple, Sheth’s Temple, & Vasupujya Swami’s Temple. All were built between 1574 & 1622. Also known as the Jewel of Kathiawar.
Today we take same day excursion to Dwarka, The city derives its name from word “Dwar” meaning door in Sanskrit. Dwarka is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism & one of the 4 main dhams. The legendary city of Dwarka in Hindu mythology was the dwelling place of Krishna. It is believed that, due to damage and destruction by the sea, Dwarka has submerged six times and modern Dwarka is the 7th city to be built in the area.
Excursion to Dwarka: Here we visit Dwarkadheesh, also known as Jagat Mandir, is built on the north bank of the Gomti Creek. The temple dates back to 2,500 years & architecturally constructed on the same plan & system as most of the Hindu sacred edifices of antiquity.
Jagat Mandir or Nij Mandir forms the sanctum of Dwarkadish temple & dates back to 2500 years. Jagat Mandir has its own hall of audience & a conical spire. Main attraction of the Temple is spectacular evening prayers (Aarti). Another temple in Dwarka is temple of Rukmini Devi Temple, small temple is an architectural masterpiece. Rukmini is the most important of Krishna’s many wives. The temple walls are decorated with beautiful paintings depicting her pastimes with Krishna. This temple is said to date back to the 12th century. An overnight stay in Jamnagar.

Day 4Jamnagar – Junagarh- Sasangir (295 Km / 5-6 Hrs)

In the morning after breakfast, you will drive to Junagarh, which literally means an ancient fort. The Junagadh town is located at the foothills of the sacred hill of Girnar & occupies a special place in the history of Gujarat. The history of Junagarh is chequered by the rulers of the Mauryans, Kshatrapas, Guptas, Vallabhis, Chudasamas & others. Both political powers & religious influences enriched the culture & created fantastic edifices leaving architectural mark.
Later we visit Uparkot Fort, famous for its virtual inaccessibility. Inside the fort, 14 Rock Edicts of the Emperor Ashoka can be seen inscribed on a great boulder. The inscriptions carry Brahmi script in Pali language and date back to 250 BC. On the same rock are inscriptions in Sanskrit. Damodar Kund, named after Krishna, whose water is said to be sacred due to its property of dissolving bones of dead brought for the immersion. Nearby there is Shri Mahaprabhuji’s Baithak.An overnight stay in Sasangir.

Day 5Safari at Sasangir and drive to Diu (153 Km / 3-4 Hrs) Via Somnath Temple

In the morning after the breakfast, you will visit Sasangir, best known as being the sole home of the pure Asiatic Lions (Panthera Leo persica). The Sanctuary, the area is considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species.
Established in the year 1965, Today is the sustaining ecosystem of Gir, with its diverse flora & fauna. The forest area of Gir & its lions were declared as “protected” in the early 1900’s by the then Nawab of the princely state of Junagadh. This initiative resulted in the conservation of the lions whose population had plummeted to only 15 through slaughter for trophy hunting.
Early in the morning, you will take a Jeep safari to the National Park. It has the distinction of being the only refuge to the last surviving majestic Asiatic Lions (Panthera Leo). Apart from the Asiatic Lions, the Park is also home to large number of Panthers, Hyenas, Deer, the world’s only 4-horned Antelope, Blue Bull, Wild Boar & the dangerous Marsh Crocodile.
Several machaans (watch towers) & hideaways have been raised near waterholes to allow visitors a closer look at the lions.
Later, you will drive to Somnath Temple, located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat; India is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (golden lingas) symbols of the God Shiva. It is mentioned in the Rig Veda. Somnath means ‘The Protector of Moon God’. The Somnath Temple is known as ‘The Shrine Eternal’, as although the temple has been destroyed six times it has been rebuilt every single time.
In evening, you will drive from Somnath to Diu. An overnight stay at Diu.

Day 6Diu

Today after breakfast you will continue to drive to Diu, an island lying off the south coast of Gujarat’s Kathiawar peninsula, separated from the mainland by a tidal creek. It is famous for its fortress & Old Portuguese Cathedral. The village of Ghoghla, which lies on the mainland opposite the eastern end of the island, is also part of the union territory. Later we take a guided tour of Diu, visiting the Battlement of Diu Fort, an expansive & imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. The fort commands a magnificent view of sea. It was constructed between 1535 -1541 AD after a defense alliance, concluded by the Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat. The fort is skirted by the sea on the three sides. On the Fort stands a giant structure now housing a Lighthouse. A strange mist shrouds the entire fort. It is more conspicuous during winter nights when fog spreads all around, & the lighthouse gives off a misty light. Later we visit the Wood Panelled St.Paul’s & St.Thomas’ Churches. An overnight stay in Diu.

Day 7Diu – Bhavnagar via Palitana (220 Km / 5 Hrs)

In the morning after the breakfast, you will drive to Bhavnagar via Palitana, a city and former princely state is a major pilgrimage centre for Jains. The Palitana temples are considered the most sacred pilgrimage place (tirtha) by the Jain community. There are a total of 1250 temples located on the Shetrunjaya hills, exquisitely carved in marble. The main temple on top of the hill is dedicated to 1st Tirthankara lord Adinath (Rishabdeva). No one is allowed to sleep overnight including the priest, because the temple city has been built as an abode for the Gods.
Later continue drive to Bhavnagar, Known as the cultural capital of Saurashtra, the city was named after its ruler & founder Bhav Singhji Gohil. It was a carefully chosen strategic location having potential of maritime trade. It remained a major port, for almost two centuries, trading commodities with Africa, Mozambique, Zanzibar, Singapore & the Persian Gulf. An overnight stay in Bhavnagar.

Day 8Bhavnagar and drive to Ahmedabad (170 km, 4-5 hours)

Today you will visit Khodiyar Mata, Situated 4 Km from Sihor, is a famous shrine commemorating the family Goddess of the rulers of the former Bhavnagar State. The deity is held in great reverence and the shrine with 36 pillars and a vast mandap presents a serene sight.Later, you will visit Takhteshwar Temple.It is made of pure marble and constructed in the late 19th century, the temple is situated on a hillock near the Takhteshwar railway station between Bhavnagar and Mahuva. The picturesque view from the temple adds to the serenity of the place.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

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Old – New Delhi Tour Package

Same DayDelhi!

Delhi has served as a capital of various kingdoms and empires. It has been captured, ransacked and rebuilt several times, particularly during the medieval period, and modern Delhi is a cluster of a number of cities spread across the metropolitan region.

Upon arrival you will visit the Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Nation) Memorial, which is close to the river Yamuna. You will also see Rashtrapati Bhawan, the residence of the President of India. There you will also visit the Government Buildings, Parliament house.

Later, you will visit Humayun’s Tomb, tomb of the second Mughal emperor, which was built by his wife during the 16th century. Humayun’s eldest wife Bega Begam took initiative to build the tomb of her husband. In 1569, she employed Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, a Persian architect to build this wonderful monument. This red sandstone tomb is built amidst a square garden divided into four main parterres known as charbagh. At the center of this garden a shallow water-channel can be seen. There are two double-storied gateways on the west and south of the monument. The center of the western wall is occupied by a baradari (pavilion) and a hammam (bathroom) is found at the center of northern wall. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Monument in 1993.

Later, you will visit Qutub Minar, a 220-feet tower made by one of the first Muslim leaders in India, built between 1199 and 1368 AD.The Qutub Minar, also spelled as Qutab Minar, or Qutb Minar, is a minaret that forms a part of the Qutab complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mehrauli area of Delhi.
After the sightseeing, you will be drop back to your hotel or airport as per your tour itinerary.

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Visit Taj Mahal during full Moon Night

Visit Taj Mahal during full Moon Night

In the month of June 2018, the Taj Mahal will be open for the night viewing from 26th June to 30th June 2018. It is open two days before and two days after the full moon. The tickets are booked 24 hours in advance. The visitor is required to fill up a detailed form along with the copy of their passport.
Altogether, 400 tourists are permitted per night for the visit. The 400 tourists are divided into a batch of 50. There are only eight batches. The timings for the night view commences from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM according to the Indian Standard Time.

WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED INSIDE THE TAJ MAHAL
There are certain things which are not permitted inside the Taj Mahal. Any electronic gadget apart from your camera and mobile phone, eatables, wires, any sharp article like swiss knife, nail cutter, no religious books except travel guide books, match box, lighter, cigarette, liquor, and any promotional material.

HOW TO CLICK PHOTOGRAPHS DURING NIGHT VIEWING
The night viewing is one of the most breath taking, life time experience. The Taj is not lit up by artificial lights. It is the moonlight that lit up the entire structure. The time duration per batch is only 30 minutes, so normal photography will not be possible. In order to capture the moment, first change your camera or mobile to night vision mode. And then click the photographs. Another thing is that you will not be able to take selfie.

The Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World which is considered as the most photogenic destinations of India. It is one of the most exquisite structures ever built by any emperor. It was constructed by the fifth Mughal emperor in the fond memory of his favorite wife Mumtaj Mahal. The Taj Mahal in terms of architecture, is one of the most symmetrical structures in the world, constructed using pure white marble and adorned with precious and semi precious stones. The construction started in 1631 and got completed in 1653 AD; 20,000 workers worked day and night together for 22 years.

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Treasure Discovered inside Humayun’s Tomb

Treasure Discovered inside Humayun’s Tomb

While doing the conservation at Humayun’s tomb, a stunning discovery of hidden paintings in blue, yellow, red and white, and some even in gold. The domed ceiling is located at the 16th-century Sabz Burj, a Mughal monument near Humayun’s tomb. Sabz Burj (or Green Tower, although the dome is blue on the outside), is among the earliest Mughal buildings influenced by Timurid architecture and richly ornamented with glazed ceramic tiles and decorative lattice stonework

Treasure Discovered inside Humayun’s Tomb

The conservation work was supervised under the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and Archaeological Survey of India, and experts say it is for the first time that an early 16th century wall paintings have been found on a monument in Delhi.

When they removed the cement and lime-wash layers, remnants of painted decorations were discovered on the domed ceiling which would have originally been completely covered with floral paintings with blue, yellow, red, white, and even gold, being the predominant colors.

Though traces of wall paintings were visible on the wall surfaces, it was expected that the ceiling would be ornamented with the usual incised lime plaster patterns. But the painted ceiling stunned everyon

Treasure Discovered inside Humayun’s Tomb

Architecture of Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s eldest wife Bega Begam took initiative to build the tomb of her husband. In 1569, she employed Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, a Persian architect to build this wonderful monument. This red sandstone tomb is built amidst a square garden divided into four main parterres known as charbagh. At the center of this garden a shallow water-channel can be seen. There are two double-storied gateways on the west and south of the monument. The center of the western wall is occupied by a baradari (pavilion) and a hammam (bathroom) is found at the center of northern wall. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Monument in 1993.

https://www.thetajtours.com/treasure-discovered-inside-humayuns-tomb/

Golden Triangle Tour including Yoga – Meditation

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Delhi

You will arrive at the Delhi International Airport. Delhi is India’s national capital and the second largest metropolis after Mumbai. Delhi has been continuously inhabited since the 6th century BC. Through most of its history, Delhi has served as a capital of various kingdoms and empires. It has been captured, ransacked and rebuilt several times, particularly during the medieval period, and modern Delhi is a cluster of a number of cities spread across the metropolitan region.An overnight stay in Delhi

Day 2Delhi

In the morning after breakfast, you will explore the old and new city of Delhi. You’ll be mesmerized by the 100-feet, red-stone boundary walls of Red Fort built during the 17th century. Opposite to this ancient structure is Jama Masjid (Mosque), built in 1656 AD, construction of red sandstone and white marble. It is the largest mosque in India where 20,000 people can pray together at a time. You will also tour the city in a Rickshaw. Along the streets of old Delhi you will see the Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Nation) Memorial, which is close to the river Yamuna. Next, you will visit Humayun’s Tomb, tomb of the second Mughal emperor, which was built by his wife during the 16th century, and then you will visit Qutub Minar, a 220-feet tower made by one of the first Muslim leaders in India, built between 1199 and 1368 AD. It runs counter to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the residence of the President of India. There you’ll also see the Government Buildings, Parliament. An overnight stay in Delhi

Day 3Drive from Delhi to Haridwar

After breakfast, you will drive to to Haridwar. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel. Later, you will visit Har ki Pauri for aarti the ritual that takes place every evening on the banks of the holy river Ganges. An overnight stay in Haridwar

Day 4Haridwar

Early in the morning, you will have first Yoga class with our yoga teacher and then start the practice in the morning session of 2 hours. After that take the breakfast cooked inside the resort with the special care taken to follow the menu given by our yoga and meditation experts.
Leave for the day excursion to have a look at the ancient religion of Hinduism in the holiest city of the religion. Visit one of the oldest temples in the town called Daksha temple, a shiva temple, also visit the mercury shiva lingam temple, (famous for the solidfied mercury shivlingam, said to be done by a saint through his meditation). Return to hotel to continue the yoga class in the evening. Later, you will go for short walk in the market in the town. Or just relax on the banks of the river Ganges. An overnight stay in Haridwar

Day 5Haridwar

Early in the morning, you will have Yoga class. After breakfast, you will visit Chandi Devi Temple. Situated on the top of a hill it provides the magnificent view of the town along with a majestic view of high himalayan ranges. One has to either go trekking up 3 kms to reach or one can also go by cable car. Evening Yoga Session and then again go for a nice walk along the Ganges to Har ki Pauri. An overnight stay in Haridwar

Day 6Drive from Haridwar to Rajaji National park

After the morning yoga session and breakfast, you will drive to the National Park. Upon arrival, you will visit the settlement of “Gujjars” a local tribe. Just see the Hari-ki-pauri, Haridwarlifestyle of local people who live inside the jungle and are one of the fiendliest of all Indian tribes. In the afternoon and evening, you will have the elephant safari in the rajaji national park. If one is lucky then you can see a big cat like a tiger or leopard or wild Asian elephants, along with the antelopes, spotted deers, sambhars, wild baors, jungle fowls, porcupine, wolf, jackals, and a score of migratory birds. An overnight stay in Haridwar

Day 7Haridwar

Early in the morning, you will have Yoga session. And in the afternnon you will sit with our astrologer. Just tell him your place of birth and time of birth along with your date of birth and let him tell you about your past, present and future. The evening is at leisure. An overnight stay in Haridwar

Day 8Drive from Haridwar to Rishikesh (1-2 hour )

After the morning yoga session and breakfast, you will drive to Rishikesh and visit the various ashrams. This town is famous world over for its spiritual significance after “Beatles” stayed here for a month in seventies for meditation. In the evening check in our own rafting beach camp, right on the river banks. An overnight stay in Rishikesh

Day 9Rishikesh

Early in the morning Yoga session without the yoga teacher, just practice what you learnt in Haridwar. After breakfast leave for a date with the river wild. Take on the rapids up to grade III on a stretch of 18 kms and then finish the day at camp to take lunch. In afternoon, you will be free to have a sun bath at beach camp. An overnight stay in Rishikesh

Day 10Drive from Rishikesh to Delhi

After breakfast, you will drive to Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel. The evening is at leisure. An overnight stay in Delhi

Day 11Drive from Delhi to Agra

In the morning after breakfast, you will drive to Agra.On the way, you will visit Sikandra, the amazing grave of Akbar, the most influential of all Mughal emperors. The grave lies 10 km before Agra. Agra is placed on the deposits of the Yamuna River and was under the Mughal rulers during the 16th and 17th centuries.
After arrival in Agra, transfer to hotel.
Later, you will visit Agra Fort at the west bank of the Yamuna River. The Agra fort was built in the 16th century by Akbar and was completed by his grandsons. Then, you will visit Itmad-ud-daula, also known as baby Taj. Finally you will see Taj Mahal, but now this time from the other side of the river, from the place called Mehtab Bagh. An overnight stay in Agra

Day 12Taj by Sunrise and drive from Agra to Jaipur (240 km, 4.5 hours) / Visit of Fatehpur Sikri.

At sunrise, you will visit the world-famous Taj Mahal (built from 1631-1653 A.D). A poem in white marble it was built by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan for his deceased wife Mumtaz Mahal. Its extravagant architecture reveals its secret of being one of the Seven Wonders of the World. 20,000 workers with experts from Italy, France, Iran and Asia were busied for 22 years with the monument.Return to hotel for breakfast.
After the breakfast, you will proceed to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, which is also popularly known as “Pink City” because of its pink houses’ frontal façade and metropolis fence. On the way, you will visit Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is 36 km from Agra, the other large city of Akbar, built in 1569. Akbar shifted his cap to Fatehpur Sikri, but after 13 years due to the scarcity of water, it was shifted to Lahore in Pakistan and back again to Agra.
Then drive to Jaipur and upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. An overnight stay in Jaipur
Note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Friday.

Day 13Full day sightseeing of Jaipur

After an early breakfast you will drive to fort Amber (10 km), the former capital of Kachhawaha Rajputs. On the way, you will stop to visit the city’s landmark: the Hawa Mahal (palace of the winds). Built during the 18th century, the five-story building features 953 windows and niches from which the royal women observed the procession in the street without being seen. Next you will visit Amber fort, which lies on 400-foot-tall hill and is surrounded by the chain of mountains known as Aravalli. You will ascend the fort on an elephant back like a Maharaja. Then you will visit Albert Museum.
Afternoon you will visit the Pink city Jaipur. The City Palace, built in 1734, lies in the center of Jaipur and is now the residence of the royal family of Jaipur and a beautiful museum. An overnight stay at Jaipur

Day 14Drive from Jaipur to Delhi

In the morning after breakfast, you will drive to Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Airport for your onward journey.

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Tips for Creating Responsible Tourism

Tips for Creating Responsible Tourism

We are often asked about the key things that travelers must know when it comes to creating responsible Tourism. It is about leaving a positive impact on not only the environment, but also the people who live in the places we choose to visit. Here is a quick guide to some of our top tips on how to be a responsible traveler.

Before you finalize your tour itinerary

Check your passport first for its expiry and apply for Visa after finalizing your tour itinerary.

Before start designing the itinerary, it should be clear the destinations you want to visit, number of days, type of accommodation,  mode of transport and hiring the services of tourist guide. This information helps the travel agent to design best tour itinerary for you.

Plan your route to minimize the distance. Whenever possible travel to far reaching destinationseither by train or flight. It will not only save your time and money but also carbon emission.

If you have a special requirement like wheel chair accessibility, No stair, smoke free rooms, extra bed, then do share with your travel agent. It will not only help you but also the hotel to avoid the eleventh hour confusion.  

Before you travel

It is advisable that you must read about the country, its history, culture, religion, people, food and customs. Just in case, you are allergic to certain food, it will later help you to decide your menu.

Check the weather reports before packing your bags. Try to pack as light as possible. When packing, choose clothes that don’t need to be ironed, so it’s possible to reduce the energy consumption. Plus, you don’t need to worry about crumpled clothes during the trip.

Bring environmentally friendly products with you. Always carry a reusable bag. So you will prevent much plastic from being unnecessarily discarded.

Ask your travel company for specific tips relating to responsible travel in your chosen destination. Like scarf for visiting religious places.

If you will be indulging in adventure sports, then what safety equipments will be provided?

Ask if there are useful gifts that you could pack for your hosts, local people or schools.

Ask for the local conservation or social projects that you could visit on your trip.

Be aware of any excursions on your trips that involve wild or captive animals. There are a lot of issues regarding responsible wildlife viewing, hunting in most of the countries require special permission.

While on holiday

Hire a tourist guide; you will discover more about local people, their culture, the landscape and wildest. You can ask your travel agent for it, as they take their full responsibility. In many countries, from Kenya to Sri Lanka, poachers have changed their ways to become conservationists and guides, and the more we support that and show that wildlife tourism works, the better.

Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods or ancient artifacts. Shells and coral should stay where they belong too, and if you’re considering buying gems locally, research the legality and ethics of this before you go.

Don’t give alms or encourage child labor. Don’t buy goods from children.

Respect people and their local cultures. Our travel guides give insight into many of the issues here, destination by destination, from not invading people’s spaces by taking endless photographs without asking, being unnecessarily noisy, to dressing inappropriately or disrespecting religious traditions. The most important thing to remember is that you are visiting people’s homes, so think how you would want to be treated if the roles were reversed.

Try regional dishes and drinks – they are great travel souvenirs. Attend cultural events at the place you are visiting. Book your tours with a focus on local culture.

Use water prudently. Water is a human right and yet tourism is one of the biggest exploiters of it. Recently, there was water shortage at a lot of destinations in Himachal Pradesh. A lot of countries are facing the same issue.

Throw garbage only in the appropriate places. Don’t leave your garbage on the beaches or natural surroundings. Be very careful with plastic bags on the beach so they don’t fly and are ingested by marine wildlife.

If you find any wild animals during the tour, keep a safe distance, don’t offer food to them and don’t try to approach them.

Don’t cut or pick flowers and plants. If you are in nature, stay on the trail in order to preserve the area. Don’t venture into nature without the guidance of an experienced guide.

Before entering the sea, check with local people about the site’s safety instructions for swimming and necessary care. Don’t take chances in places you don’t know and don’t go into the water if you are drunk.

When you get back

You must write a feedback to your travel agent, hotels, tourist guide. It will not only help them to get future business but also helps in improving the services for the future tourists.

For any serious issues regarding human rights abuses or wildlife exploitation for tourism, contact the Ministry of Tourism, if there is one, in that country. Using social media to spread the word is a good way too. We love to post the happy pictures on social media all the time, so spreading the word about unethical practices helps too.

If you’ve promised to send pictures or gifts to local people remember to do so; many are promised and not all arrive!

And last, but not least, enjoy the memories, reflect on your experience and start planning your next trip.

Here are some of tips from the UN handbook:

• Honor your hosts and our common heritage.
• Learn to speak a few words in the local language. This can help you connect with the local community in a more meaningful way.
• Always ask before taking photographs of other people as a matter of privacy.
• To protect our planet, purchase products that aren’t made using endangered plants or animals.
• Reduce your water and energy consumption when possible.
• In protected areas, access only the places open to visitors.
• To support the local economy, buy locally-made handcrafts and products. Respect livelihoods of local vendors and artisans by paying a fair price.
• Do not buy counterfeit products or items that are prohibited by national/ international regulations.
• Take appropriate health and safety precautions prior to and during your trip. Know how to access medical care or contact your embassy in case of an emergency.https://www.thetajtours.com/tips-for-creating-responsible-tourism/