Cycling through Rajasthan

Assistance on arrival at Indira Gandhi International airport

Arrive Delhi, the Political Capital of India. Delhi is history, and the monuments are tablets on which the history is written. Every conqueror did his best to possess Delhi and make it his capital. It is not a single city but a combination of eight cities that have been established here from as early as 900 BC to 1930 when the British completed the construction of New Delhi as the capital of Imperial India. It is therefore not surprising that the monuments of Delhi successfully mirror the development of the architectural styles in the country. On arrival, once you have completed the Immigration formalities and collected your baggage, please proceed to the arrival lounge where you will be welcomed by the TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS executive holding a placard who will assist you with a transfer.

Full day city tour of Old and New Delhi visiting Khari Baoli, Jama masjid with rickshaw ride, visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and Qutub Minar

Morning proceed for the city tour and start with the walk through Khari Baoli, one of the largest wholesale spice markets selling all kinds of spices and nuts. Enjoy a rickshaw ride at Jama masjid Chandni Chowk. Continue the tour visiting Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, dedicated to 8th Sikh Guru Shri Harkishan Sahib. One can visit the main complex barefooted only, covering one’s head. Make a visit to the pond (Sarovar), main central hall and the community kitchen which is located on the east side of the complex. Conclude your day with a visit to Qutub minar; being one of the most important landmarks of Delhi, with calligraphically decorated interiors and also inscriptions of verses of the Holy Quran.

Flight to Udaipur

Assistance on departure and transfer to Delhi airport to board flight to Udaipur, also known as the city of lakes, is the crown jewel of the state of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli Hills in all directions, making this city as lovely as it is. The city has an abundance of natural beauty, mesmerising temples and breath-taking architecture, which makes it one of the must-visit destinations in India.

Approx 10 KMS of cycling to check bikes

Meet your Cycling Tour Guide at the Udaipur airport, he will assist with transfer and check-in. After brief rest assemble at the lobby for a short briefing on the entire biking trip ahead. You also get to make acquaintance with other tour members, while the bikes are handed. Evening short cycling ride in Udaipur just to check your bikes and warm-up for the next day. Also, the outing lets you get a hang of your bike, and our mechanic is at hand, should you need any changes made to it.

(Total cycling of approx 40-45 KMS) (Ascend of 415 Meters)

We hit the road after breakfast and cycle through crowded streets to the city’s outskirts, up to Pipliya, about 25 km away. Pipliya offers a bird’s eye view of Udaipur and its lakes and hills. Later we explore the surrounding villages for the first half of the day. Afternoon free to relax or optionally visit the 400-year-old City Palace and see all the ancient regalia, or you may go for a boat ride in Lake Pichola or explore the local bazaar.

(Approx 55-58 KMS of cycling) (Ascend of 615 Meters) Towards Kumbalgarh

We have an early breakfast and drive out of Udaipur for about 60 kms. to avoid highway traffic. Then we unload the bikes and hit the road for 55 kms. of an exciting ride to Kumbhalgarh Fort, which sits high on top of a hill. Its main attractions are the 360 temples and a royal residence. As we leave the city behind, we come upon incredible sights and sounds of rural Rajasthan. Since the last 7 kms. of the day’s ride is a steep uphill slog, so we mount the bikes on the backup shuttle and drive to the fort. But if you want to bike your way up to the fort, you can do so.

Check in at hotel

On arrival check in at hotel.

(Approx 50 KMS of cycling) (Ascend of 475 Meters) : Towards Ranakpur

A relatively moderate day of cycling in Rajasthan awaits us as we leave Kumbhalgarh for Ranakpur after breakfast. The road is mostly metalled but has a few rough patches as well. It cuts through a rural landscape with some easy ascents and descents. We lunch mid-way and after about 50 km of day’s cycling we arrive at Ranakpur Jain Temple, Famous for elaborate marble carvings.

Check in at hotel

On arrival check in at hotel.

(Approx. 75 KMS of Cycling) : Towards Korta

Today we have easy cycling with a 75 km ride from Ranakpur to Korta. Biking through this region, we find plenty of reasons to stop for an up-close look at rustic chores and the lives of people. In Korta we spend some quality time with Rabari villagers in the evening.

Check in at hotel

On arrival check in at hotel.

(Approx. 55 KMS of cycling)

Today we cycle deeper into the heart of rural Rajasthan. The biking trail weaves through a pastoral landscape dotted with farms, mud huts, and small villages. We go off the beaten track and explore routes and visit villages. These village folks though poor, are simple and friendly.

Check in at hotel

On arrival check in hotel.

(Approx. 65 KMS of cycling) : Towards Jodhpur via Bhadrajun

After an early breakfast, we leave Bhenswara for a 65-km bike ride to the village of Bhadrajun. The biking trail winds through the Aravalli hillocks and there are a few uphill stretches that put your leg strength to the test. Afternoon we reach Bhadrajun village. The village has a 16th-century fort and has a lot of ancient regalia on display. We do a quick tour of the Bhadrajun fort and then load the cycles on our backup vehicle and travel to Jodhpur.

Check-in at hotel

Check-In to the Hotel.

Full Day city tour visiting Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and Sadar Bazar

Morning proceed for a city tour of Jodhpur visiting Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India, where the beauty and grandeur of numerous palaces inside narrates a saga of hard sandstone yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptors. Inside the collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture and cannons on the fort's ramparts are all well preserved. Continue to Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. It is an architectural landmark of Jodhpur. Later visit Old city; surrounded by a 10km long wall, the winding streets offer colourful markets, where blue houses alternate with white houses, the Clock tower also know as ‘Ghanta Ghar’ is a prominent landmark. Evening you are free to explore the Sadar bazaar which exhibits varieties of items ranging from handicrafts, sarees, bangles etc, which would tempt the travelers especially the women.

(Approx. 65KMS of cycling) : Towards Jaipur

Morning we drive 80 km out of the city because of heavy traffic, where we unload the bikes and continue our cycling toward Jaipur. The road here is mostly metalled and it takes us through a patchwork of villages and small towns. Since the distance between the two cities is more than 300 km, we cycle approx. 65 kms and then load the bikes on our backup shuttle and drive the rest of the way.

Assistance on arrival, evening free to explore the bazaar

On arrival in Jaipur, you will be assisted with a transfer. Remaining of the day is free to explore world-famous Jewellery bazaar which offers a variety that ranges from chunky tribal Jewellery to enamelled gold to modern diamond Jewellery. In Rajasthan, men and women can be seen sporting necklaces, armlets, anklets, earrings, and rings. Silver is more commonly worn by rural women and is certainly more affordable for a shopper. Jaipur is well known for its gold and silver enamelling. Colourful bangles and set with semiprecious stones make an inexpensive buy.

Full day city tour visiting Amber fort with Jeep ride, en-route photo stop at Hawa Mahal; visit to City Palace museum, Jantar Mantar, followed by market exploration

Take break from cycling and visit some iconic landmarks of the city. Morning tour of Jaipur starts with a drive to Amber fort. En-route photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace). Next visit City Palace Museum which boasts to have some of the priceless handwritten Hindu scriptures, miniature delicate paintings, preserved painted ceilings and the elephant saddles (haudas). Visit Jantar Mantar; one of the famed observatories, a complex of astronomical instruments chiselled out of stone which provides fairly accurate information to the day. Later explore through the colourful and chaotic streets, shopping for souvenirs like silver jewellery, precious and semi-precious stones such as diamonds, topaz and emeralds, embroidered clothing and quilts, block printed textiles, lacquered brass work, miniature marble carvings and blue potteries.

(Approx. 65 KMS of cycling) : Towards Ranthambore

We drive until the traffic thins out, then unload the bikes and begin the ride on a pleasant stretch of smooth road towards Ranthambore. This route winds through a beautiful countryside marked with farmlands, villages and small towns. We may even stop by at one of the hamlets for tea and snacks. After about 35-40 km of cycling, we have our lunch and load the bikes and drive to Ranthambore.

Assistance on arrival and check in at Hotel

On arrival at Ranthambhore, assistance for check-in at hotel followed by briefing regarding safari timings and Do's and Dont's during your stay at wildlife destination. Rest of the day free for relaxation. Ranthambhore is one of the biggest and most renowned National Parks in Northern India. The park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of South-eastern Rajasthan. It is considered as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambhore National Park terrain is a major wildlife tourist attraction which harbours various species of mammals, predators, reptiles and avian wildlife.

Morning and afternoon shared canter safaris

(No cycling) Wake up early in the morning and prepare for the first game drive at approx. 6:00 to 9:30 am; kindly check with the reception in case there is any change in time. Enjoy travelling through the national park in a shared canter. With an estimated area of 400 sq Km of the amazing reserve, the park is majorly famous for its tigers, providing one of the best locations in India to see the majestic predators in their natural habitat, together with many other reptiles, birds and wild animals. Return to the hotel at approximately 9:30 am and have your breakfast. Later enjoy another game drive with shared canter vehicle, through the National Park in the afternoon commencing from 14:30 Hrs.

(Approx. 35 KMS of cycling)

The distance from Ranthambore to Agra is about 260 km, so we cycle only a small part of the way. After breakfast, we load the bikes on our car and drive out to the countryside and begin cycling towards Agra. After about 35 km, we take a lunch break and driving the rest of the way to Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal.

Assistance on arrival and Check-in at Hotel, evening free for shopping

On arrival, you will be assisted with a transfer. The evening is free to relax or to explore the local bazaar.

Morning visit Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itimad-Ud-Daulah and travel to Delhi

(No Cycling) Early morning visit India’s most iconic landmark, the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The epitome of love, standing majestically on the banks of the river Yamuna, was built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his queen. Made in pure white marble, ornated with semi-precious stones, it is universally admired as the greatest achievement in the whole range of Indo-Islamic architecture. Next visit Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar, made with red sandstone, exhibits a fascinating mixture of Islamic and Hindu styles of artistry. Conclude the day visiting Itimad-Ud-Daulah Tomb, nicknamed the Baby Taj, said to have an important influence behind the design of Taj Mahal. Then after assistance on departure and travel to Delhi.

Direct departure to airport

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be assisted by TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS executive for a direct transfer to the airport to board flight for onward journey.