Princely Rajasthan Luxury Bike Tour

rajasthan bike tour 30

Overview

Rajasthan offers the ‘quintessential’ India experience with its vivacious energy of colors, dances, history, and warm hospitality. Let the Thar Desert amaze you with its diverse topography shifting from pale brown sand dunes to the green Aravalis, dotted with quaint villages, architectural marvels in forts & palaces, and food that will keep your palate tingling for a long time. India’s pride in the travel map of the world, the unique landscape, and the architectural marvels of Rajasthan provide the most exotic backdrop to your cycling vacation!

This Rajasthan bike tour carefully blends the challenge of cycling with the cultural and rural experience that you encounter here. You ride past villages in an unparalleled expanse of sandy settings and understand the lives of potters, weavers, and others who are holding onto the country’s culture with tenacity. The world of kings, forts, and battles comes alive in every destination that you make a stop in. We ensure that you get a bite of royalty by staying in some of the restored Havelis and heritage hotels of the state.

Start

Udaipur | 13:00hrs

Finish

Delhi | 19:00hrs

Lodging

premiere

Level

easy to moderate

Avg. dist. cycled

50km or 30mi

Suitable for

Age: 16+

Highlights

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Countryside cycling

Ride past undulating sand dunes flanked by the Aravalli mountain range and the typical rural countryside

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

DayPlacepremiere Inns or similarMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1UdaipurJagat NiwasD
DAY 2UdaipurJagat NiwasB, L40km / 24micycling
DAY 3KumbhalgarhFateh Safari (Casual Inn)B, L, D50km / 30micycling
DAY 4NarlaiRawla NarlaiB, L, D50km / 30micycling
DAY 5ChanodChanod GarhB, L, D60km / 36micycling
DAY 6JodhpurRaasB, L45km / 27micycling
DAY 7Train to JaipurSamode HaveliB, D
DAY 8JaipurSamode HaveliB, L
DAY 9ShahpuraShahpura HaveliB, L, D50km / 30micycling
DAY 10SariskaVanaashrayaB, L, D50km / 30micycling
DAY 11BharatpurLaxmi Vilas Palace (casual inn)B, L, D50km / 30micycling
DAY 12Delhi via Taj MahalThe Imperial HotelB, L
DAY 13DelhiB

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: Jagat Niwas
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Day 2: Udaipur

Today we explore the ‘City of lakes’ on a short half-day-long loop on a bike, swerving to untreaded nooks and corners through the beautiful rural countryside and absorbing this historic capital of Mewar at your own pace. A colourful landscape unfolds here with brightly clothed village women. Here you can see a typical hamlet of Rajasthan with people busy with farming. We get to discover kingfisher, langoors, cows, goats, peacocks along the way, and a chance to take a refreshing ride around Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar, and Badi Lake.

In the evening, we recommend enjoying an enthralling cultural show organized at Bagore Ki Haveli. Udaipur Loop.png

Meals: B, L
Cycling Distance: 40km / 24mi
Accommodation: Jagat Niwas
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Day 3: 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 4: Narlai

This morning, we hop onto the bikes and make our way to Narlai, through the dense forest and undulating stretches. This is the most wholesome ride of the tour as you get a balanced day of different topographies.

En route, we visit Ranakpur Jain Temple. Jainism is an ancient religion from India that teaches that the way to liberation and bliss is to live a life of harmlessness and renunciation. This architectural wonder in white marble is known for exquisitely carved 1444 pillars.

Narlai lies at the epicenter of an area rich with more than 400 historic temples. Arriving in Narlai, settle into the Rawla Narlai, an enchanting 17th-century mansion. Formerly used as a hunting lodge, it is located in the heart of a typical rustic Rajasthan village amidst a craggy rockscape interjected with village houses. Rawla boasts of an esteemed guest list with the likes of Mick Jagger and Francesco Clement having stayed here.

The hotel lies under the shadow of Elephant Hill, a massive granite monolith. In the evening, climb the 700 steps to the top for a panorama over lakes, fields and forests, and beautiful sunset. Kkumbhalgarh-Ganerao(Ranakpur).png

Meals: B, L, D
Cycling Distance: 50km / 30mi
Accommodation: Rawla Narlai
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Day 5: Chanod

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 Chanoud. Narlai(Ghanerao)-Sardarsamand(Rajasthan).png

Meals: B, L, D
Cycling Distance: 60km / 36mi
Accommodation: Chanod Garh
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Day 6: Jodhpur

On this day we cycle to Jodhpur along a beautiful route that, despite the barren landscape is known to support a surprising diversity of fauna. En route, you may spot animals like deer, blackbucks, camels, and blur bulls as you ride past swaying masses of yellow mustard and wheat.

Later we take a shuttle and arrive at Jodhpur, the second-largest city of Rajasthan, and have earned the moniker of ‘Sun City’ for its bright clear skies and sunny weather. Notice how a large number of houses here are blue in colour – a striking contrast to the pale sandy color of the city. The towering Mehrangarh Fort, a key highlight of Jodhpur, looms over the city from a small hill and can be seen from everywhere.

In the afternoon, we explore the magnificent 15th-century Mehrangarh fort built by Maharaja Man Singh. Clutching onto a 100 feet perpendicular cliff, the fort epitomizes the majestic history of Rajasthan. One of the best-preserved forts of India, it is replete with antiques, artifacts, palanquins, and intricate carvings spread over the period rooms and galleries. The fort expands over 5kms on top of the hill. So colossal are its proportions that Rudyard Kipling called it “the work of giants”.

In the evening, you can venture out into the markets on your own. The narrow market streets splashed with colour in the form of bright textiles, silver jewelry, ethnic bags and more – a classic taste of Rajasthan’s vibrant culture.

Here we have chosen one of the most architecturally delightful hotels at Jodhpur, to fill your journey with complete immersion in history and a charming slice of Rajasthan’s grandeur, at the Raas Hotel. Winding through the quaint streets of the city, the hotel comes as a pleasant luxurious oasis in the jumble of houses and markets – undoubtedly an authentic location for you to get inducted into the Rajasthan culture. Check-in and relax in this perfect synthesis of contemporary designs, modern facilities, and the old-world charm of Jodhpur – you can see the famous Mehrangarh Fort from every room here. SardarSamand-Jodhpur(Chandelao)(Rajasthan).png

Meals: B, L
Cycling Distance: 45km / 27mi
Accommodation: Raas
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Day 7: Train to Jaipur

We take an early morning train (06:05 – 10:50) from Jodhpur to Jaipur. In the afternoon, we take an Arts & Crafts Walk with our local expert Vineet, 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: Samode Haveli
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Day 8: 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: Samode Haveli
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Day 9: 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 10: 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: 50km / 30mi
Accommodation: Vanaashraya
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Day 11: 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: 50km / 30mi
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Day 12: 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: The Imperial Hotel
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Day 13: 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 taking 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 the oily parathas, kachoris, lassi, and some tea.

Meals: B

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Accommodation

Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

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Jagat Niwas

Jagat Niwas Palace is an early 17th century ‘Haveli’ (mansion), with its charm and aesthetics intact, situated in the heart of the most romantic city of Rajasthan. Nestled in the fertile valley on the breezy, eastern banks of the famous Lake Pichola, Jagat Niwas Palace is a heritage boutique hotel and is highly acclaimed for it’s location and for the stunning view that it provides.

Dates and Prices

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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

Brenda M from US

5.0

one of the best times of my life

The more I think about this trip, the more beautiful it becomes. You guys are the best – the whole operation and trip appeared very smooth. Thank you so much for giving one of the best times of my life!!

Erin from CA

5.0

trip was truly fantastic

Kamal was a wealth of information – incredibly intelligent and a very strong rider. Pancheet (Sp?) was a very energetic and wonderful person who was always willing to give his insight and inspired us all along the way. We truly loved both of them and the trip was truly fantastic, Thank You.

End of reviews