My recent eight-day trip to India with 34 of our members was a whirlwind of vibrant
cultures, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. We began our journey
in Delhi, the bustling capital. The contrast of ancient and modern was striking, with
historic sites like the Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb standing proudly alongside the
chaotic streets filled with shops and street food vendors. The rich aromas of spices
filled the air as local street food vendors eagerly prepared their local delicacies. The
group ventured through ‘Chandni Chowk” also known as Silver Street on a ‘cycle
rickshaw’, which was a unique experience and one of the highlights of the trip for me.
From Delhi, we travelled to Jaipur, known as the Pink City. I really enjoyed our visit
to the majestic Amber Fort with its stunning architecture and panoramic views of the
surrounding hills. Exploring the City Palace and the Hawa Mahal, we marvelled at
the intricate designs that spoke of the city's royal heritage. The vibrant bazaars
offered an array of handicrafts, textiles, and jewellery, making for the perfect
shopping experience and a great place to pick up unique souvenirs.
Next, we ventured to Ranthambore National Park, a remarkable contrast to our
urban experiences. The thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat was
exhilarating. We embarked on an early morning safari, hoping to glimpse the elusive
Bengal tiger. Although we didn’t see one, the park’s lush landscapes and diverse
fauna provided a beautiful backdrop for our adventure and we were lucky to spot
some monkeys, deer, antelopes and a number of wild birds which made the 5.00am
start worthwhile.
We stayed at the fabulous Hotel Ranthambore Regency who welcomed our group
with traditional flower necklaces. This hotel was a big hit with many of our members
thanks to it’s gorgeous safari themed gardens and interiors which surrounded the
garden pool and spa. While we didn’t get to see a tiger in person, the incredible
wildlife pictures which were dotted throughout the property were the next best thing.
There were multiple animal documentaries shown throughout the day for all the
wildlife enthusiasts, which added to the safari theme of the hotel.
Our final destination, Agra, was home to the iconic Taj Mahal. It was another early
start for the group as we were eager to see this iconic architectural marvel at
sunrise. The Taj Mahal is an absolute masterpiece and a must-see for anyone
visiting India. As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it completely lives up
to its reputation. The serene gardens and shimmering white marble created a
mesmerizing atmosphere – even in the rain. If you decide to visit – I recommend
getting some professional pictures taken from one of the many photographers at the
Taj Mahal as they know all the tricks and poses and will ensure to capture all the
best angles. The pictures are very reasonable and cost approx. 100 rupees/€1 per
picture, most of our group availed of this offering and were thrilled with their pics.
Throughout the trip, I was captivated by India’s rich history and vibrant culture. Each
city offered unique experiences, from the chaotic charm of Delhi to the royal
elegance of Jaipur and the natural beauty of Ranthambore. This journey left me with
cherished memories and a desire to explore more of this incredible country.

Below are some reviews of other members who were also on the trip and might inspire you to book an RTC Group Trip:

"I’m a member of both the Travel Club & the Group Trips Travel Club - wonderful value for €12 each pa. I’ve already saved more than €24 to cover the membership! Have availed of the hotel deals in Ireland and also just returned from the India group trip……what an experience! It was go go go from start to finish. The group were such a lovely bunch and we had fun all the way. Everyone kept an eye out for everyone else, so it was ideal for solo travellers. If you are thinking of joining - go for it-honestly it’s money well spent. Looking forward to many Rory’s trips in the future!" - Janet

"We've just returned from a fabulous trip to India with 30 other members of Rory's Travel Club (RTC). From the time we met up with others on the trip it felt like we were one big group of friends travelling together. Like minded people who love travelling and who had a shared interest in the destinations. We were aged from early twenties to late seventies, some couples, some solo travellers, some work colleagues, but we shared a passion for travel, and it was the age range and a great mix of personalities that made it such a success. That comes from the diversity of RTC members. The trip itself was well planned. A full itinerary with all entrance fees and travel organised and included. We didn't have to think about anything. But there was some flexibility with the group having some input into arrival and departure times from hotels. There was also a chance for additional group entertainment if we wanted it, for example, evening trips to cultural events or local bars for those who wanted them. This was a great way of seeing some of the most iconic and popular sights in this area of India. But it wasn't just the destination, it was the lovely RTC members who made this trip so memorable. The standard of all of the hotels was excellent. We will definitely be booking another trip with RTC. It all felt like personal service especially for us." - Margaret

"I’m just back from a wonderful 8 days in India booked through Rory’s travel club. I was a solo traveller and from start to finish the group were amazing. The hotels we stayed in were exceptional and the food was great. We had a tour guide and bus with us for the duration of the trip who brought us round the Golden triangle visiting all the main sites. The highlight for me was definitely the Taj Mahal. I never thought I would ever see India and it certainly wouldn’t have happened only for a Rory’s travel club. Highly recommended especially for sola travellers as you feel 100% safe and get to meet some wonderful people. Highly recommended." - Kath