Exotic India Bike Tour

rajasthan bike tour 29

Overview

Discover the comparatively untreaded paths of the most popular travel circuit in India on this exotic bike tour combining Rajasthan, Agra & Delhi. This trip encompasses all the elements of India that makes it unique in persona, to any other country. The trip unveils with spellbinding lakes and palaces of Udaipur and traverses through amazing intricate temples and bucolic villages of Rajsamand; the deserts and forts of Jodhpur; chaotic streets of Jaipur; bird and tiger sanctuaries of Bharatpur and Sariska; Taj Mahal, and ends at Delhi with the Aravalli range of mountains in the backdrop throughout the tour.

Start

Udaipur | 13:00hrs

Finish

Delhi | 19:30hrs

Lodging

casual

Level

easy to moderate

Avg. dist. cycled

50km or 30mi

Suitable for

Age: 16+

Highlights

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Countryside Cycling

Ride past some of the most interior landscapes

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

DayPlacecasual Inns or similarMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1udaipurHotel Mahendra PrakashD
DAY 2KumbhalgarhShahpura Kumbhal VillasB, L, D50km / 30micycling
DAY 3GhaneraoGhanerao Royal CastleB, L, D50km / 30micycling
DAY 4JawaiBagheera Bagh JawaiB, L, D40km / 24micycling
DAY 5BhenswaraRavla BhenswaraB, L, D60km / 36micycling
DAY 6LuniFort ChanwaB, L, D60km / 36micycling
DAY 7JodhpurPal HaveliB, L30km / 18micycling
DAY 8Train to JaipurDera RawatsarB, D
DAY 9JaipurDera RawatsarB, L
DAY 10ShahpuraShahpura HaveliB, L, D50km / 30micycling
DAY 11SariskaVanaashrayaB, L, D45km / 27micycling
DAY 12BharatpurLaxmi Vilas PalaceB, L, D45km / 27micycling
DAY 13Delhi via Taj MahalColonel’s RetreatB, L
DAY 14DelhiB

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: udaipur

Udaipur can be a jumble of sights, sounds, and smells but is an absolute must for travelers. On the first day of the trip, our guide meets at your hotel at 13:00, and we cover some Udaipur highlights – a guided walk of the City Palace. The City Palace is enclosed in a large complex on the banks of Lake Pichola and has many more palaces inside.

Enjoy walking the old market and eating street food at Paliwal Kachori, take an amazing cooking class with Sashi, or a boat ride in Pichola Lake.

We convene tonight at the dinner, next to the beautiful lake, to celebrate the start of a fabulous cycling journey.

Meals: D
Accommodation: Hotel Mahendra Prakash
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Day 2: Kumbhalgarh

This day we start early and take a shuttle to a short distance and ride to the next town of Kumbhalgarh. This is the most scenic ride of the trip as you climb the Aravalis, maneuver through the rolling hills, and cycle past a Dhonk (Anogeissus Pendula) strewn topography. The plant adds a spattering of colour to the pale brown stretches along the way. Kumbalgarh is yet another historic fort town from the 15th century.

In the evening, we climb the rugged Kumbalgarh Fort, surrounded by a 35km wall with 365 temples within. Udaipur-Kumbhalgarh.png

Meals: B, L, D
Cycling Distance: 50km / 30mi
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Day 3: Ghanerao

Another beautiful day on a bike through the dense forest and undulating stretches takes you close to the Aravalis and later to the famous Ranakpur Jain Temple here. After you have rested and had lunch, use this time to see the magnificent temple. Made of marble, the temple is an intricate artwork of local craftsmen; do not miss two of the most exquisite carvings here – one made out of a single marble rock, which showcases 108 snakes and 1444 pillars, which will leave you awestruck. Kkumbhalgarh-Ganerao(Ranakpur).png

Meals: B, L, D
Cycling Distance: 50km / 30mi
Accommodation: Ghanerao Royal Castle
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Day 4: Jawai

Today we ride to Jawai dam, nestled in the emerald wild forests of Jawai Hills, through the beautiful rural countryside. A colorful landscape unfolds here with brightly clothed village women. Here you can see a typical hamlet in Rajasthan with people busy with farming. As we get closer to Jawai Hills, the landscape changes to a dramatic wilderness.

We have lunch at one of the campsites, spectacularly set in the wilderness. Later, enjoy a fabulous leopard safari, where leopards roam wild and free in an untrammeled wilderness, coexisting comfortably with the charismatic communities.

Udaipur Loop.png

Meals: B, L, D
Cycling Distance: 40km / 24mi
Accommodation: Bagheera Bagh Jawai
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Day 5: Bhenswara

We start cycling early this day across lush millet vegetation and carpets of yellow mustard fields. The ride remains largely flat. You can enjoy the vistas with ease and look forward to your stay at the Ravla Bhenswara.

An erstwhile Ravla (Castle) was built about 240 years ago in typical Rajput style by Thakur Jagat Singh ji Rathore (Champawat) founder of Bhenswara. Set in the tranquil surroundings of a Jawai river, the low-lying Aravalli hill ranges visible in the distance, and vast shrubby forests teeming with wildlife, the heritage hotel is a great stop. Here you can take a safari to visit the villages to meet the indigenous people and have the opportunity of viewing the abundant wildlife.

Narlai(Ghanerao)-Sardarsamand(Rajasthan).png

Meals: B, L, D
Cycling Distance: 60km / 36mi
Accommodation: Ravla Bhenswara
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Day 6: Luni

We ride through a quiet and narrow backroad that offers ample opportunities for spotting wild animals like the blackbuck, blue bulls and if we’re lucky, the shy but extremely graceful Indian Gazelle too. As we ride past swaying masses of yellow mustard and wheat, run into hordes of camels and goats as well as friendly villagers always happy to pose for a photograph or two.

SardarSamand-Jodhpur(Chandelao)(Rajasthan).png

Meals: B, L, D
Cycling Distance: 60km / 36mi
Accommodation: Fort Chanwa
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Day 7: Jodhpur

Today we make our way toward the fabled blue city of Jodhpur. We arrive at Jodhpur and visit the towering Mehrangarh Fort, a key highlight of Jodhpur, which looms over the city from a small hill and can be seen from everywhere. The rest of the evening is free and you can spend as per your plan visiting a local market or spending quiet time at nearby rooftop restaurants.

Meals: B, L
Cycling Distance: 30km / 18mi
Accommodation: Pal Haveli
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Day 8: Train to Jaipur

We take an morning train from Jodhpur to Jaipur. In the afternoon, we take an Arts & Crafts Walk with our local expert Vineet (subject to availability), in the pink city bazaar, to get up-close and personal with the life of Jaipur. The walk covers areas of Marble statue makers, lacquer bangle makers, Metalworkers, Jewelry workers, Embroidery workers, etc. In this walk, we crisscross the medieval center of the city, recapping the most important historical events, while briefly introducing the basic cultural fabric that Jaipur has to offer from its history.

We wind up the day with an early dinner at one of the top restaurants in Jaipur.

Meals: B, D
Accommodation: Dera Rawatsar
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Day 9: Jaipur

We start a trip to the pink city of Jaipur with the famous fortress of Kacchawaha kings at Amber. Large courtyards, intricate carvings on formidable structure, and nuances of Rajput rule can be seen in the fort overlooking the Maota Lake. If you’re up for a walk, take a tunnel to Jaigarh Fort.

The rest of the day is at leisure. Jaipur is the erstwhile capital of the ruling Kacchawahas in the early eighteenth century. We recommend taking a walk in the old city and experience the delightful ancient markets at ease. Hawa Mahal and the numerous bazaars selling bright textiles and silver are worth every hour spent.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Dera Rawatsar
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Day 10: Shahpura

Today’s ride is through beautiful rural countryside, chequered with mustard fields and millet farms. Here you can see a typical hamlet of Rajasthan with people busy with farming.

The ride remains largely flat and gives a chance to witness the rural life around Jaipur from close quarters. Jaipur-ShahpurHaveli.png

Meals: B, L, D
Cycling Distance: 50km / 30mi
Accommodation: Shahpura Haveli
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Day 11: Sariska

We cycle towards the forest of Sariska through the amazing Aravalli hills. We end our ride at Pratapgarh Fort and then take a shuttle to Sariska National Park, a favorite haunt of wildlife buffs & professional wildlife photographers from around the world. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn arid forests, rocky landscapes, dry deciduous forests, rocks, grasses, and hilly cliffs. The park is famous for its Bengal Tigers, one of the most magnificent animals of India, which has long fascinated people with its awesome power and beautifully striped coat. It is the first tiger reserve in the world to have successfully relocated tigers.

Sariska is also ethereal for bird watchers with some of the rarest feathered species like Grey Partridge, White-throated kingfisher, Indian peafowl, Bush Quail, Sandgrouse, Treepie, Golden-backed Woodpecker, Crested serpent eagle, and the Indian eagle-owl.

Please note, we don’t take the Safari in Sariska National Park. If you wish to take one then please book on arrival with the hotel. Shahpura-Sariska.png

Meals: B, L, D
Cycling Distance: 45km / 27mi
Accommodation: Vanaashraya
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Day 12: Bharatpur

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, then set off on a bike ride through the picturesque countryside, chequered with mustard fields and millet farms to the Bharatpur. On the way, we make a stop at Abhaneri for lunch and visit Chand Baori, one of the largest stepwell built over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan.

Later in the evening, we explore the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary on a bike, famous for the avifauna sanctuary that plays host to thousands of birds, where you have an opportunity to interact with the local guide and gain greater insight into the bird lives. Vanaashraya(Sariska)-Abhaneri(Bharathpur).png

Meals: B, L, D
Cycling Distance: 45km / 27mi
Accommodation: Laxmi Vilas Palace
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Day 13: Delhi via Taj Mahal

In the late morning, we take a transfer to Agra for a visit to the Taj Mahal. We have a good half-day to visit one of the most awesome and extravagant monuments ever built – the Taj Mahal. It was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife in 1631-1653, with thousands of semiprecious stones inlaid.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Colonel’s Retreat
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Day 14: Delhi

Delhi hoards centuries of history, remnants of which, lie unassumingly in all parts of the city. Weathered monuments mingle with modern life seamlessly. Plan your own day today, if you have time.

We recommend exploring Old Delhi by bike, intense and full of history. You can do this ride with our local Delhi-based cycling partner. The Shah Jahan Bicycle Ride is a classic recipe for an exhilarating glimpse into the life and times of the great Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, and the 1500-acre expanse of his capital – Shahjahanabad.

You will find yourself in a Delhi of another time while you also see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, the Spice Market, and tranquil Civil Lines, the former British colonial area as a sharp contrast to hectic Old Delhi.

Old crumbling houses precariously line the edge of narrow streets while old wires obstruct your view of the sky here – with so much going on in one place, yet the warmth and acceptance of the area are heart-warming. If you have an appetite for street food, we recommend a bite of oily parathas, kachoris, lassi, and some tea.

You can also take a walk in the old city, an area called Chandni Chowk. Old crumbling houses precariously line the edge of narrow streets while old wires obstruct your view of the sky here – with so much going on in one place, yet the warmth and acceptance of the area are heart-warming. If you have an appetite for street food, we recommend a bite of oily parathas, kachoris, lassi, and some tea.

Meals: B
Accommodation:

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Map

Dates and Prices

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Single Supplement

From US $700


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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

trip leader

Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

shuttle

A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

refreshments

Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.

entrance

Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.

E-bikes

E-bikes are available (subject to availability) on this trip at a surcharge.

Exclusions

Airport pickup and drop

We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.

meals

Some meals may not be included. Please check your itinerary.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Bikes

When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.

Bike Image

Scott Sportster or similar

hybrid

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

Scott E-Bike or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Weather

August and September mark the monsoon season in Rajasthan and the countryside feels alive. The temperature (similar to March) could be close to 25-30 degree Celsius at night, but the days are sunny & humid with temperatures around 30-35 degrees Celsius. Though it may be a bit hot, it is still a good time for biking as the countryside is amazingly green with many water bodies. Generally, it rains for a short period and then settles down which makes the condition much cooler and perfect for biking.

November, December, January & February marks the winter season in Rajasthan. The monsoon season has ended. The temperature could be close to 2-5 degree Celsius on nights in Dec-Jan, but the days are sunny with temperatures around 15-20 degrees Celsius. Nights can get chilly in the highlands. It is recommended to carry warm clothes and a breathable windproof jacket. These are the best months for cycling in Rajasthan. By March, the temperature starts picking up and is around 25-30 degree Celsius at night, but the days are sunny with temperatures around 30-40 degrees Celsius.

In a nutshell, our bike tours in Rajasthan run from August to March. April to July is a complete no-go.

Visa

All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad. E-Visa has been made available by the Government of India to citizens of certain countries, including the United States of America. Details of the scheme are available on the dedicated website created for this purpose: e-Visa
e-Visa has 5 sub-categories viz. e-Tourist Visa (for 30 days/01 year/ 05 years), For e-Tourist and e-Business visa, Applicants may apply online minimum 4 days in advance of the date of arrival. Recent front-facing photographs with white backgrounds and photo pages of passports containing personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, expiry date etc, are to be uploaded mandatorily by the applicant. Additionally, one more document depending upon the e-Visa type would also be required to be uploaded. The application is liable to be rejected if the uploaded documents and photograph are not clear / as per specification.

Reviews from our friends

Holly Waters from US

5.0

Great trip!

Great trip! I enjoyed that the cycling was always in the first half of the day and the culture portion was in the latter part of the day. Our guide Kamal was very knowledgeable and the guides enlisted at each historical site gave us a thorough understanding of all we visited. We really enjoyed cycling through the small villages and interacting with the locals.

CP from US

5.0

overall the organization was flawless

We have done many self-organized bike tours on our own, but this was the first guided bike tour we had been on. It was absolutely the best bike tour we have ever done, anywhere, ever. The route was stunning - not difficult, very accessible; the sights were amazing; the guides - Poonchi (sp?), Qutub, Hussein - were exemplary; the bikes excellent; the hotels exuded charm and character; the food was high quality; and the other clients extremely congenial. There was excellent pre-tour communication, and overall the organization was flawless. I just cannot say enough about how much we enjoyed this trip, and how impressed we were with the professionalism of the company. We would not hesitate to do another trip with this company, and have recommended them to a number of our friends.

Stephen Broadbery from CA

5.0

A fabulous way to see and experience the real Rajasthan

A fabulous way to see and experience the real Rajasthan; the sounds, smells, tastes, colours and people. The stays were excellent, the hospitality friendly. I will be going back to soak up more of this country and with this company which was responsible for the trip of my life.