Cycling through Rajasthan

Flights usually depart London in the evening.
**

Day 2

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 3

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

*Overnight Sleeper Train 
*

Day 4

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. 
*Standard Hotel*

Day 5

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. 
*Standard Hotel*

Day 6

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. 
*Standard Hotel*

Day 7

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 8

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. 

*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 9

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 10

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 11

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. 
*Standard Hotel*

Day 12

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. 

Optional cycle approx. 9 miles/15Km

*Standard Hotel*

Day 13

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. 
*Comfortable Hotel*

Day 14

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*

 

Day 15

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. 
*Comfortable Hotel*

Day 16

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.
**