Riding the Real Rajasthan
Bike tour in India | 13 days Delhi to Udaipur | US$2700
Ancient cities and forts - back road discovery - historic hotels
Rajasthan is one of India's most captivating states, famed for its Rajput forts and palaces, desert villages, spice markets and the warmth of its people. However the deserved popularity of Rajasthan’s key sights sometimes leaves scant room for a sense of adventure. Traveling by bicycle is the perfect antidote to this and, as well as some of the big drawcards like Jodhpur, Rankapur and Udaipur, our back-road discovery takes us through barren desert and lush oasis to remote villages where traditional Rajasthani life continues untouched by the outside world, as it has done for centuries.
The exact back-country route we take between Jodhpur and Udaipur is a closely guarded secret, but distances covered are between 30km and 80km a day, and the route progresses from the flatlands south of Jodhpur, climbing up to the Araveli Hills towards the end of the journey. Along the way we take rest stops at the principal attractions as well as at a few places where you’ll have the chance to experience rural Rajasthan firsthand. Indeed you may well find that the highlight of your tour is a chance encounter with a pink-turbaned man miles from anywhere, or maybe a shared Rajasthani family meal. That’s the beauty of this trip!
Itinerary
Days 1-2 | Delhi
On the evening of day 1 we have an introduction to the tour and get to know one another over a local meal. The following day we get an introduction to the diversity of India by visiting a Hindu temple, a Sikh Gurudwara and the Jama Masjid. In the evening we take an overnight train to the start point of our ride through Rajasthan: Jodhpur on the edge of the Thar Desert.
Day 3 | Jodhpur
Today we explore the fascinating backstreets of the Blue City and take a walk up to the mighty Meherangarh Fort.
Day 4 | Luni
Today we begin our epic journey across Rajasthan, starting gently with a 40km ride to the historic Fort Chanwa in the village of Luni.
Day 5 | Sardar Samand
A 60km ride east through small villages brings us to Sardar Samand, a hunting lodge for the Maharaja of Jodhpur. The lodge is perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking a watering hole frequented by countless bird species.
Day 6 | Dhakri
Today it’s just a 30km hop to the small village of Dhakri where we stay at a homestay with a difference. In the afternoon we’ll take a village safari by bicycle, visiting local artisans and homes.
Day 7 | Jojawar
Today we ride 60km south to the 250 year old palace at Jojawar where we overnight.
Days 8-9 | Ranakpur
An 80km day of riding brings us to Ranakpur, home to the famed Jain Temples which are nestled in a lovely wooded valley. The following day is free to explore the intricate Jain Temple complex, take a horse ride, or just relax by the pool.
Day 10 | Kumbalgarh
Although it’s only a 50km ride, the route from Ranakpur up into the Araveli Hills is one of our most challenging. The terrain here is completely different from the rest of our ride and we’ll pass small hill villages and see traditional ox-drawn wells. Later in the afternoon we visit the incredible hilltop fortress of Kumbalgarh.
Days 11-13 | Udaipur
In the morning there’s the chance for a jeep safari through Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. The 80km ride today takes us down from the green heights of the Araveli Hills, down through desert lowlands until we reach the fabled lake city of Udaipur where you can enjoy a free day to explore the manifold wonders of the white city before regrouping for a final dinner to mark the end of our trip. The tour ends after breakfast on day 13.
Facts and Information
Style
fully supported cycling
Grasshopper Leader
Simon Foster, India Rough Guides 2003 author will introduce you to the region.
meet Simon
Inclusions
support vehicle, local guides, tour leader, most meals, entry fees
Group Size
minimum 4, maximum 14
Accommodation
11 nights hotel/guesthouse, 1 night overnight train
Meals Included
12 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 dinners
Days Cycling
7
Kilometres Cycled
approx 400km
Difficulty
moderate
Cycling Conditions
Predominantly small, flat, country roads and lanes with little traffic. Occasional stretches on busier roads. Two days hill riding at the end of the tour.
