Classic Rajasthan Cycling Tour
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Delhi – Mandawa – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Kumbhalgarh – Pushkar – Jaipur – Agra – Delhi | ||||||||||
DEPARTURE TIME | Please arrive at least 2 hours before the flight. | ||||||||||
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Day 01 Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi, after clearing immigration and customs formalities, you will be met by our
representative for traditional welcome ‘Swagat’ & who will explain about the tour and will hand over
your travel documents. You will be straight transfer by a private chauffeur-driven Air-conditioned
vehicle to hotel for overnight stay.
Delhi This city has seen the rise and fall of many empires and each dynasty of Kings has left behind
monuments and memories to commemorate the grandeur of bygone days. Very few cities in the world
offer such diversity in architectural styles as Delhi. The Old city of Delhi today stands as an epitome of the
whole history of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 02
Delhi (morning cycling and visit Red Fort – Jodhpur (by overnight Train) (615kms/10-11hrs)
After delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will have a leisurely 2-hour cycle ride on some of the quieter
backstreets of Delhi. This short ride would be an ideal occasion to get used to our bikes and start the
exploration of India on wheels.
Thereafter, we will have lunch and also enjoy a short sightseeing tour that takes us to the Red Fort and
stroll in one of the crowded street of Old Delhi. In the early evening, we will be transferred to the
Railway Station to board the sleeper train to Jodhpur. Our bikes will be transferred to Jodhpur by road
in separate vehicle from Delhi.
(Red Fort Built in the year 1638, Red Fort exemplifies the era of Mughal rule in India. On visiting this
mammoth of Mughal period, you would be submerging in Mughal era. It is also a UNESCO WORLD
HERITAGE SITE which served as a residence of Mughal empire for nearly 200 years.)
(Jodhpur is one of the most distinctive among Rajasthan’s many princely 500 year old settlements. Located
on the fringe of the Thar Desert, it is known for its impressive fortified bastions in Mehrangarh, built in 1459,
which have witnessed many battles, and which encompasses the beautiful Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) and
Phool Mahal (Flower Palace). The Umaid Bhawan Palace (and Museum) holds one in awe due to its grandeur
and symmetry. It is built in an Art Deco style of architecture without using any cement in its construction. The
museum has a collection of royal finery, local arts and crafts, miniature paintings and a large number of
clocks Jaswant Thada is a royal marble crematorium built in 1899 and is constructed out of thin sheets of
marble to allow the sun to filter through).
Day 03
Arrival Jodhpur & Afternoon sightseeing on cycles
We arrive in the morning at Jodhpur and transfer to hotel and relax for some time. In the afternoon, we get out
on bikes for the local sightseeing. We will visit Mehrangarh fort (Majestic Fort)
(Mehrangarh Fort (Majestic Fort), one of the most impressive & formidable structures in India. An
architectural marvel that boasts of a splendid palace with intricately carved latticed windows the Fort
spreads over an area of around 5 km. An imposing structure that overlooks the city of Jodhpur. The Fort was
built in 1459 CE and stands proudly on a 125m long hill as a reminder of the royal splendour and bravery of
royal families of those times.)
After visit we check – in to the hotel.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 04
Jodhpur to Udaipur( By Cycling ) – Via Ranakpur (Cycling – 74kms)
Today, we take cycling route towards Udaipur for about 40 Kms mostly on the Backroads with less
traffic and a fascinating insight into rural life, after covering the distance of 40 Kms on cycle, we would
be given a short transfer to Ranakpur, where we visit is the Adinath or Chaumukha temple (the fourfaced
temple) dedicated to the first tirthankara, Adinath and was built during the reign of Rana
Kumbha, one of the gifted liberal and gifted Rajput monarchs of the 15th century.
(Ranakpur, a small town situated in the hills of Pali district. It is home to a very beautiful and one of the
biggest and most important Jain temple-complexes of India. It is one of the five most important pilgrimage
sites of Jainism. The main temple, which was built during the reign of Rana Kumbha, one of the gifted liberal
Rajput monarchs of the 15th century, is the Adinath or Chaumukha temple (the four-faced temple) dedicated
to the first Jain teacher, Tirthankara Adinath)
(Udaipur ,Cradled in green hills and surrounded by lakes, Udaipur with its marble palaces, is romantic and is
referred to as the “Venice of the East”. It was founded in the 16th Century and has elaborately planned
gardens and island palaces that sparkle on artificial lakes).
After visit We take a short transfer of 15 Kms and get down from vehicle and continue our cycling for
further 34 Kms through the beautiful Aravalli hills and finally taking a transfer to reach the beautiful
lakeside town of Udaipur.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 05
Exploration of Udaipur on Cycles (Cycling – 26Kms)
During this leisurely ride, we will visit the complex of City Palace. There are several different palaces,
with interlinking courtyards, terraces and gardens that dates back to sixteenth century. There are
panoramic views from the palace hill of Lake Pichola and Lake Palace hotel which completely covers the
island of Jag Niwas. Contuing with our ride, we reach the Jagdish Temple
City Palace – a fascinating collection of buildings built by various Maharanas (Warrior Kings) after Udai
Singh and completed in the year 1725. The magnificence of the Palace starts right from its entrance at the
northern Tripolia Gate that brings us to the central courtyard, the best place to view filigreed balconies &
ornate cupola-topped towers. We also visit Jagdish Temple; an Indo-Aryan temple built in the year 1651 CE
by Maharana Jagat Singh. It is the largest and the most beautiful temple in Udaipur.
Jagdish Temple, A large 17th century Hindu Temple and a fine example of Aryan architecture. There are
plenty of Market areas on our route and there may be the opportunity to buy souvenirs.
After visit we check – in to the hotel .
Overnight at our Udaipur Hotel.
Day 06
Udaipur – Kumbhalgarh (Cycling – 65Kms)
After delicious breakfast, we are given short transfer of about half an hour to Iswal passing through the
rural region of Rajasthan. From Iswal, we mount on bikes and ready to explore the beautiful sceneries
Hotel
and heading generally northwards through lots of sleepy villages, to finally reach Kumbhalgarh where
we have an overnight stay.
Today’s route is hardest as roads are very uneven and undulating. Then, we visit Kumbhalgarh Fort
whose fortification extends to over 36kilometers and encloses hundreds of Jain and Hindu Temples. We
will have enough time to explore the beautiful and panoramic views from the walls. Moreover, walls of
these fort are considered second largest wall in the world first being Great wall of China.
(Kumbhalgarh Fort is constructed on a hilltop 1100 metres high. It is the most important and popular
fort in Mewar after Chittaurgarh. The perimeter walls of the fort sprawl across 36 km, making it the third
longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China and the Great Wall of Gorgan in Iran. Located 82
km from Udaipur in the northwestern part, the fort was under occupation until the 19th century, after
which it was opened for the public as a museum).
Then, return to the Hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07
Kumbhalgarh – Pushkar (Cycling- 41Kms)
Today’s itinerary is divided into two portions. We begin cycling directly from our hotel. First session of
cycling passes through villages on the roads towards the Gomti Village. Here, we board our support
vehicle and take the route of 03 hrs to Ajmer from where we resume our cycling to Pushkar. This ride
will last for couple of hours and provides the opportunity to pass through dessert and traversing the
Aravalis hills before entering the town of Pushkar.
On arrival, we check in at the hotel.
Later, we go for a visit to the Brahma Temple and the Sacred Lake.
Brahma Temple, This is an important pilgrimage spot for the Hindus as it is the only temple of Lord
Brahma in India. Lord Brahma is known as the creator of the world as per Hindu mythology.
(Pushkar is a very ancient place. The antiquity of the place can be gauged from the fact that circumstances
leading to its origin have been extensively dealt with in the ancient scripture of the Padma (Lotus) Purana.
According to the text, Pushkar came into being, when Lord Brahma, Creator in the Hindu Trinity, dropped
petals of lotus flower (pushpa) to earth from his hand (kar) to kill a demon. This resulted in the formation of
three lakes in the desert land. The largest of these lakes is today revered as one of India’s most sacred sites and
bounded by temples and bathing ghats).
Evening is free to explore the local bazaar of Pushkar.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 08
Pushkar – Jaipur (Cycling – 95Kms)
Today, we resume our exploration of the back roads of Rajasthan, we head North from Pushkar across arid
farmland with patches of cultivation and through a number of small villages of Rupangarh In the vicinity,
there is Sambhar Lake. It is being India’s largest Saline lake and is the source of most of Rajasthan’s salt
production.
Rupangarh , which is locally known by being a Marble centre. Marble used in construction of the Taj Mahal
was excavated from this region.
From where, we have choice to continue our ride towards south of Lake to Naraina Railway station crossing,
where we board our supporting vehicle and cover the remaining distance to Jaipur.
Jaipur This city popularly known as the Pink City was founded in 1727 AD by one of the greatest rulers of
the Kachhawaha Dynasty – the astronomer King Sawai Jai Singh. It is the capital of the colorful state of
Rajasthan and a jewel which forms one point of the golden triangle.
Overnight stay in the Hotel.
Day 09
Jaipur full day Sightseeing (No cycling)
A day off from the hectic schedule of biking, as we drive to the ancient capital of Amer, 11 km from
Jaipur. Famous for its massive Amber Fort. We take an elephant ride, an experience to remember for a
long time, to reach the Fort situated on the hill. Having appreciated its beauty and captured that in our
Hotel
cameras .
(The 10th century Amber Fort is ringed by hills, with ramparts guarding all approaches and watchtowers
set at strategic points. Windows pierce the high walls at points impossible to break in from the outside, and
staircases are deliberately narrow so that they could be held by a single warrior allowing members of the
royal family and the army to flee to more strategic locations. Of special interest in the fort is the Sheesh
Mahal or Hall of Mirrors. It is a sumptuous apartment made opulent through tiny mirrors studded into its
walls and ceiling. It glows like a jewelled cavern in the early morning or evening light, but with all doors
closed and a candle lit at its centre, transports you into the heart of a diamond. The original Palace was
built by Raja Mansingh and later additions were made by Sawai Jai Singh. One of the finest example of
Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital of Kaisshawah rulers. A trip to Jaipur would be definitely
incomplete, without the visit to this imperial Fort of Amber.)
And then we proceed to the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.
City palace – The beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign. Among the
various forts and palaces of Jaipur, City Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture. City
Palace complex covers a huge area, which is divided into a series of gardens, courtyards and buildings.
Initially, Raja Jai Singh built the outer wall occupying a huge area. The additional grand buildings were
constructed later by the succeeding rulers
Next, we visit the Jantar Mantar, after visit We also visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds).
Jantar Mantar, which a magnificent stone observatory is built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728. Jantar Mantar at
Jaipur is the largest stone observatory in the World. This is one of the five astronomical observatories built
by Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur.
Hawa Mahal – An intriguing “Palace of Winds”. This was really a facade built in 1799, to allow royal ladies
to view the city from the windows.
After visit we check – in to the hotel .
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 10
Jaipur- Sariska National Park (Cycling – 75Kms)
Leaving back the kingdom of Rajputs, we are given transfer in our support vehicle to Ramgarh from where we
mount on Cycles and follow peaceful roads that meander through a part of the Aravalli Hills. On the way, we
come across many farms and villages and neat fields dotted with trees. While traversing open valleys and
rocky ridges, we will have a reasonable degree of ascent and decent. As our destination approaches, final
session of cycling via the small town of Pratapgarh becomes more interesting.
On arrival, we check-in at our accommodation.
Rest of the evening is free to relax and get prepared for the exploration of the Sariska National Park next day.
Sariska Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve, stretches over an area of 866 km2 (334 sq mi) comprising scrubthorn
arid forests, dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and rocky hills. This area was a hunting preserve of the
Alwar state and was declared a wildlife reserve in 1955. It was given the status of a tiger reserve making it a
part of India’s Project Tiger in 1978. The wildlife sanctuary was declared a national park in 1990, with a total
area of about 273.8 km2 (105.7 sq mi).[1] It is the first reserve in the world to have successfully relocated
tigers. Sariska Park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena,
Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on an abundance of prey species such as Sambar, Chitel, Nilgai, Chausingha,
Wild Boar and Langur.
Day 11
Explore Sariska National Park
Complete day is to explore the flora and fauna of Reserve. This reserve is well nestled in Aravali Hills
covering 800 sq km area divided into the grasslands, dry deciduous forests, sheer cliffs and rocky landscape.
We will depart for the Morning Safari and will observe different animal species namely leopard, Sambhar,
Chital, Nilgai, Four-horned antelope, Wild boar, Rhesus macaque, Langur, and Hyena and Jungle cat.
Returning to the lodge for the breakfast.
Thereafter, we will explore the Reserve on our bikes. This experience would be enriching as we peddle
through Park inhaling fresh air. We would spot a large variety of bird species coming to small ponds to
quench their thrust.
Late afternoon, there is an Option to leave for another game drive or visit the nearby village by bike.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 12
Sariska- Bharatpur (cycling – 60Kms)
After breakfast, we will ride on bikes through the park listening to the chirping of birds. We will see the
farmers and women in bright colorful attire working in their field. Continuing our route towards the
East and then to the South, we come closer to our next destination. We will board the support vehicle
for the last stretch of route.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Bharatpur, one of the finest bird parks in the world, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National
Park) is a reserve that offers protection to faunal species as well. Nesting indigenous water- birds as well
as migratory water birds and waterside birds, this sanctuary is also inhabited by Sambar, Chital, Nilgai
and Boar.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 13
Bharatpur- Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (cycling – 34Kms)
Today, we have an option of getting up early for observing the Birds in Park. The amateurs enthusiasts of
Wildlife must opt for this experience. This tour will be arranged by your guide and paid locally. Those who
opt for this tour, will return to the Lodge for the breakfast, before the group begins the cycling on the short and
final ride of the tour. We will cycle easily on back roads to the former Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri, the
deserted royal city constructed by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar.
Fatehpur Sikri About 37 km from Agra, was one of the capital cities of Emperor Akbar, and derives its
name from the fact that Akbar marched from here and conquered Gujrat in 1652. The city is rectangular
in shape with nine huge Darwazas or gates. The whole complex is made of red sandstone and is an
architectural masterpiece which has been declared a world heritage site. Also situated here is the tomb of
the famous Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti .
After the visit, we board the support vehicle and head towards Agra. On arrival, check in at the hotel.
Agra Grew in prominence under the rule of the Mughal Empire in 1526, reaching its zenith between 1556
and 1658, under the successive rules of Akbar, Shah Jehan and Jehangir. Akbar’s reign was memorable in
the city’s history when it became a leading centre of art, science, commerce and culture, drawing
intellectuals and artists to its Darbars and Havelis.
Day 14
Agra ( visit Taj mahal , Red fort ) and drive back to Delhi (230 kms/3-4 hrs)
Today is the day to strike off the Taj from our bucket list. We rise early to visit this astonishing wonder
in white marble. Then we will also visit the Agra Red Fort .
Taj Mahal , a symbol of eternal love, stands on the southern bank of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th
Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in the 16th century
CE. The charisma of the amazing Taj Mahal never fails to leave a first time visitor spellbound.
Red Fort A historical fort in the city of Agra and its walls are richly adorned with red sandstone. Till 1638,
this fort was main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty. Thereafter the capital of Mughal was
shifted from Agra to Red Fort in Delhi.
After the visit, we drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival, we have the option to visit the vibrant local bazaars
of Delhi for last-minute shopping before we pack up for our flight to our next destination the next day.
Day 15
Departure from Delhi
Check-out from the hotel and transfer to the International airport or any point of convenience for
onward journey to respective countries.
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