Cycling through Rajasthan
Cycling through Rajasthan
Cycling through Rajasthan
15 Days Starting and ending in Delhi
Visiting: Delhi, New Delhi, Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort and Museum, Ranakpur, Udaipur, Iswal, Kumbhalgarh, Pushkar, Jaipur, Pratapgarh, Sariska national park, Bharatpur, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MIJ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
5 - 16
Physical rating:
Moderate
Age range:
16 to 99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
From:
$2850
$2772 (USD)
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$78
Tour Overview
Rajasthan has landscapes varying from green rolling hills to barren deserts. The whole state is dotted with dramatic fortresses and the countryside is a patchwork of villages and towns where we see the timelessness of rural India. From the captivating Mehrangarh Fort at Jodhpur, the lakeside palace of Udaipur, the holy town of Pushkar and onto the superb 'pink city' of Jaipur, each place has its own story to tell. A fitting way to finish the trip is at the magnificent Taj Mahal. Cycling is the perfect way to explore Rajasthan, offering a fascinating insight into the traditional way of life here.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Delhi.
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hostel
Accommodation Name: Ashok Country Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: No Meals
The group flight arrives in the morning. Those who have made their own flight
arrangements will join us at the hotel. The rest of the day is used to
assemble the bikes and explore locally before an evening briefing about our
cycling adventure.
*Comfortable Hotel*
Day 2 : Morning Cycle Tour Of New Delhi; Afternoon Sightseeing Tour Of Old Delhi; Overnight Train To Jodhpur.
Location: New Delhi, Jodhpur
Accommodation: Overnight Sleeper Train
Accommodation Name: Overnight sleeper train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We start cycling early in the morning in order to get used to the Indian
weather and city traffic. After cycling for about 25km we return to the
hotel. After breakfast and a shower we start our sightseeing of New and Old
Delhi by bus. The bikes and main luggage will be transferred to Jodhpur by
bus (you are advised to take your required toiletries and other essential
items in your day bag for the overnight train journey). In the evening we
transfer to the station and catch the overnight train to Jodhpur
Day 3 : Arrive Jodhpur; Free Morning Then Afternoon City Cycle Tour Including Mehrangarh Fort.
Location: Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort and Museum
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Shree Ram International Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We arrive into Jodhpur in the morning and transfer to our hotel where we have
some time to relax or have a wander in the surrounding area. In the afternoon
we get the bikes out and go sightseeing on two wheels. Jodhpur was founded by
the Rajput chief Roa Jodha and was formerly the capital of the State of
Marwar. The city is surrounded by an immense wall almost ten kilometres in
circumference and is dominated by the massive fort that stands on a rocky
hill commanding the surrounding desert. In the afternoon we visit the
magnificent Meherangarh Fort from where we have a great view of the blue
houses, painted to distinguish them as those of Brahmins.Â
*Standard Hotel*
Day 4 : Ride/Drive To Udaipur Via Jain Temple At Ranakpur; Cycle Towards Lakeside Town Of Udaipur.
Location: Ranakpur, Udaipur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Paras Mahal Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is a long day so we will have an early start. We begin our day cycling
from the hotel for about 40km. We then take a transfer by bus to Ranakpur
where there is time to visit the stunning 15th Century Jain Temple. The main
temple, beautifully carved from marble, is dedicated to Adinath. It has 29
halls supported by 1444 pillars, each delicately carved with a different
design. We then take a short 15km transfer by vehicle to a roadside Hindu
temple. From here we then get back on our bikes and ride through the Aravlli
hills for about 34km and finally transfer by bus to the stunning lakeside
town of Udaipur.Â
*Standard Hotel*
Day 5 : Cycle Tour Around Udaipur Including City Palace.
Location: Udaipur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Paras Mahal Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Known as 'The Pearl of Rajasthan', the 'City of Sunrise' and 'Venice of the
East', Udaipur is a beautiful place regarded by both Indians and travellers
as the most romantic city in India. Situated on the east side of Lake
Pichola, the main palace commands an unsurpassed view across the shimmering
lake to the dusty Aravalli Hills with the luxurious Lake Palace hotel adding
to the scene. Lake Pichola has two islands, each with a palace to rival that
on the mainland; Jag Mandir and Jag Nivas (the latter is now the luxurious
Lake Palace Hotel) rise out of their own reflections in the waters of the
lake. After breakfast we set off on the bikes and spend the morning exploring
the countryside around Udaipur. We cycle on quiet roads past farmland and
small villages as we head to Tiger Lake. Continuing on rural backroads, we
have the chance to visit Animal Aid, a local NGO animal hospital for injured
animals. We finish our ride close to the city, from where we visit the
impressive City Palace.Â
*Standard Hotel*
Day 6 : Transfer To Iswal By Bus; Cycle On Backroads To The Fort Of Kumbhalgarh.
Location: Iswal, Kumbhalgarh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kumbhalgarh Forest Retreat (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we take a short drive (1.5 hours) to Iswal where we start our
cycle ride to Kumbhalgarh. The route stays away from the main road and
follows a less direct but quieter series of back roads and allows us to see
the fascinating rural life of India. It can be hot cycling in India but the
vehicle support will be on hand if required for a four-wheeled break. We
arrive in Kumbhalgarh for a late lunch and a rest. Then there is a chance to
cycle to Kumbhalgarh Fort, a challenging 5km uphill ride (there is an option
to take a jeep). Kumbhalgarh has one of the finest examples of defensive
fortifications in Rajasthan including a lovely temple and palace with
panoramic views.
*Standard Hotel*
Day 7 : Ride/Drive To Holy City Of Pushkar.
Location: Pushkar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Aram Bagh Hotel (or similar)The itinerary for these departures is slightly amended to spend two nights in Pushkar (days 7 and 8) and one night in Sariska National Park (Day 11), this is done to maximise time at the festival. Accommodation in Pushkar durin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
It's back to the desert scenery today as we make our way to the holy town of
Pushkar. Our route follows rural backroads to the main highway from where we
dismount our bikes and travel the rest of the way in our vehicle Surrounded
by the desert the little town of Pushkar is a Hindu pilgrimage town which
sits on a holy lake. Legend has it that its lake was created from petals
that fell from the divine hands of the creator god Brahma and it is here that
you can see one of the worlds few Brahma temples. Dotted with 52 ghats and
around 400 milky-blue temples this town is also famous for its annual Camel
fair that transforms the town into a bustling market. Before heading to our
hotel we will spend some time exploring the sites and sounds of a town like
no other in Rajasthan.Â
*Comfortable Hotel*
PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR DEPARTURES: The itinerary for these departures is slightly
amended to spend two nights in Pushkar and one night in Sariska N.P, this is
done in order to maximise time at the Camel Fair. Accommodation in Pushkar
during the festival departure will be provided in en suite Swiss Cottage
Tents (canvas tents designed to emulate Swiss cottages) with attached
bathroom and all meals will be included.
Day 8 : Ride/Drive To Jaipur, Capital Of Rajasthan, Via Rural Villages And Rupnagar.
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Lilypool – The Heritage Jal Mahal (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We leave Pushkar on our bikes travelling through desert backroads and small
villages to the town of Rupnagar; a marble working centre. There is the
option to extend the ride by another 34km to the Naraina railway crossing,
from where we transfer by vehicle to Jaipur. Cycle approx. 60km (94km
including optional ride).
*Comfortable Hotel*
Day 9 : Optional Early Morning Heritage Ride Around The Pink City; Jaipur Sightseeing.
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Lilypool – The Heritage Jal Mahal (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
For those who are up early we have an optional heritage ride around the
wonderful Pink city. A great way to discover the life of Jaipur is cyling
through its fascinating narrow laneways. Passing havelis (private mansions)
and sacred temples we will head for the majestic Albert Hall which was built
to welcome the Prince of Wales on his visit during the 1870s. Along the way
we wil stop at some of the popular food stalls where you can sample what the
locals enjoy for breakfast. After the ride you will have time back at the
hotel to freshen up before we head out for a wonderful day of sightseeing. We
will visit the majestic Amber Fort and enjoy the fine museum within the City
Palace, former residence of the Maharaja. A trip to Jaipur must include a
photo stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the winds. This city is the
centre of many handicrafts such as woven rugs, carpets, printed cloth,
semi-precious stones and leather ware. During our stay there will be time to
visit the markets and possibly pick up a treasure to remind you of Jaipur.
Optional cycle approx. 12 km / 7 miles.
*Comfortable Hotel*
Day 10 : Ride/Drive To Sariska National Park Via Pratap Garh.
Location: Pratapgarh, Sariska national park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ram Bihari Palace (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
A combination of cycling and transfer as we leave the 'the pink city' behind
us and return to rural India. We transfer to Jamwa Ramgarh and then cycle to
Sariska via Pratap Garh and through the beautiful landscape of Aravali foot
hills.Â
*Standard Hotel*
Day 11 : Morning Game Drive; Optional Afternoon Ride.
Location: Sariska national park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ram Bihari Palace (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before breakfast we head off in open jeeps for our early morning game drive.
Sariska is a beautiful and interesting park to explore and it has an
abundance of wildlife. Leopard sighting is a possibility, along with deer,
wild boar, antelope, jackal, hyena and other wildlife. A large variety of
bird species are also grace the landscape. We return to the hotel for a
late breakfast and in the afternoon there is the option to do a cycle ride to
the near-by Siliseth Lake. This takes us on backroads through rural villages
and farmland. We can have tea at the Lake Palace Hotel with stunning views
across the lake to the surrounding Aravali hills. For those who don’t want
to cycle they can enjoy the garden and swimming pool back at the hotel.Â
Optional cycle approx. 9 miles/15Km
*Standard Hotel*
Day 12 : Ride/Drive To Bharatpur N.P., Renowned For Its Bird Sanctuary, Later Visited By Bike.
Location: Bharatpur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Udai Vilas (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we begin the day's ride from our hotel to Muhwa where we then
take a short transfer to our lunch spot. Another short transfer takes us to
Bharatpur N.P. This park is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage listed
bird sanctuary - the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. This entire region was
originally semi arid and only received rainfall during the monsoon season.
The Maharaja of Bharatpur diverted water from a nearby irrigation canal and
it was converted into a bird sanctuary in 1956. On arrival in Bharatpur we
visit the bird sanctuary on our bikes, home to an array of egrets, ducks,
coots, storks, kingfishers, owls, eagles and harriers. There are now over 360
species of birds to be found here.Â
*Comfortable Hotel*
Day 13 : Cycle To Agra, Passing Through Fatehpur Sikri ; Taj Mahal Visit At Sunset.
Location: Fatehpur Sikri, Agra
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Taj Vilas (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning we leave Bharatpur and cycle on backroads passing through
Fatehpur Sikri, the emperor Akbar's deserted royal city. Later we transfer to
Agra in time to see the sunset over the stunning Taj Mahal. This romantic
monument was built by the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved
wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never
fails to amaze a first time visitor; the white marble exterior changes colour
according to the position of the sun during the day and is matched by the
rich interior detail.
*Standard Hotel*
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Day 14 : Visit Agra Fort; Transfer To Delhi In Time For Dinner.
Location: Agra, Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Deventure (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning we will visit the imposing Agra Fort of Akbar where the mighty
sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble pearl mosque, palaces,
halls, courtyards and fountains of his sons and successors, Jehangir and Shah
Jahan. In the afternoon we transfer to Delhi by bus arriving early evening in
time for dinner. Your leader will arrange a group dinner for those who
would like one last time together to share memories of the trip.Â
*Comfortable Hotel*
Day 15 : End Delhi.
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
For those who are on the flight inclusive package we depart for Delhi airport
in the morning for the day flight back to London. The arrangements for those
not flying with the group ends after check out.
**
What's Included
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Local bike hire
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All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 1 dinner included
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Transfer for group flights
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All accommodation
What's Not Included
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Single supplement
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Travel insurance
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Visas and vaccinations
Food
All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 1 dinner included.
Breakfast on day 1 of the Land Only itinerary in not included as you should
be given breakfast on the flight. If you do want another breakfast it costs
approximately £5 (US$8) at the hotel in Delhi. You should allow at least
£15 (approx. US$22) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very
cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants most of the
time, you will spend more than the suggested amount. In most of the towns
there is a good choice of restaurants and a choice between Indian and Western
style food. If you are a vegetarian India is probably one of the best
destinations to travel to with a wide range of dishes on offer. Tea and soft
drinks are very cheap. A large bottle of beer is approximately £3 (US$5).
Mineral water is widely available.
Accommodation
We spend 13 nights in a mixture of comfortable and standard hotels, most with swimming pools. One night is spent on an overnight air-conditioned sleeper train.
Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are only a couple of months in the year when the weather can get rather cold. You can, however, request more blankets or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter. Some hotels we use on this trip may have swimming pools; however, these are not heated.
Overnight train journeys
[caption id="attachment_120297" align="alignnone" width="416"] Sleeper Train[/caption]
The overnight sleeper train from Delhi to Jodhpur will be booked in two-tier sleeper with air conditioning (or three-tier if two-tier is not available). There are many excellent trains in India but the standard of seating and sleeping is not in line with Western standards. Seats are allocated when the tickets are issued, meaning we cannot guarantee the whole group is together in the same carriage; your leader will manage this as best as possible and will always check on you during the journey.
Indian trains are safe but we recommend you keep valuables with you at all times as the sleeper compartments are open with curtains for privacy along the aisle. Snacks are often offered on board (at an additional cost) but you may wish to purchase your own food before the journey. While some trains have Western-style facilities, the majority of services are equipped with squat toilets.
Please note, trains are sometimes delayed for reasons beyond our control, but we endeavour to minimise the impact of these delays on the overall itinerary.
Worth knowing
Accommodation in Pushkar during the festival departure will be provided in Swiss cottage tents (canvas tents designed to emulate Swiss cottages) with attached bathroom facilities. All meals will be included.
Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are only a couple of months when the weather can get cold. You can, however, request more blankets if needed or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter.
Its common for hotels in India to have limited times in the day for hot water use to save energy. If you find your shower is cold, please let your leader or reception know so they can make sure the water heater is on.
Sleeper trains are not enclosed compartments, bed bunks are set up within a carriage with curtains for some privacy.
Within the sleeper train, you may be sharing a compartment of four beds with members of the public depending on how the seats are allocated.
Single accommodation supplement excludes sleeper trains
Check out our Q&As
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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