Riding the Real Rajasthan

You arrive into modern India. The nations capital compresses all of India’s identity into one city, it is all things to all people. This singularity is intensily exhilarating. The streets are full of personalities from 1.3 billion different walks of life, buildings of cutting edge modern architecture neighbouring 2000 year old structures standing proudly through the test of time. This evening of we have an introduction to the tour ahead and get to know one another over a local meal in the centre of this vibrant city.
Meals: D

We spend the day exploring Delhi. Being expertly guided through the old and new aspect of the city. We are shown the diversity of India, visiting beautiful Hindu, Sikh & Islamic places of worship. We use all of our senses to navigate the markets of “Old Delhi”, take a breath of fresh in many manicured parks, littered with ancient tombs and shrines and visit the impressive parliament buildings. In the evening we take an overnight 1st class sleeper train to the start point of our ride through Rajasthan.
Meals: BLD

10km cycling

After arriving in Rajasthan and disembarking from our train cabins, we take a short transfer to have breakfast in an old palace. Then we continue our drive out to Khimsar, stopping briefly to experience a special local temple. Once we have arrived at our fortress accommodation, we are fitted to our bikes and take a short ride around the fort and out to the sand dunes for sunset drinks. Before heading back to the hotel for New Year’s Eve dinner and celebrations.
Meals: BLD

77km cycling

Today we begin our epic journey across Rajasthan, we set off for Osain. Through the farmland, spotting large antelope amongst the poppy fields. Stop at local Jain & Goddess temples along the way, before settling for the night at a camel camp. This luxury tented camp is situated on the edge of the Thar desert. Treat yourself to a camel ride catching sunset on the dunes, before you enjoy the delishious local dinner and entertainment.
Meals: BLD

70km cycling

This morning we set off early on our ride to discover the famous blue city of Jodhpur and it’s magnificent Mehranrarh fortress. We ride out of the desert and make our way through the scenic agricultural lands scattered with small ancient villages that have been there for centuries. These villages become larger and increasingly modern as we approach the city. We transfer from the outskirts into the heart of the city where we reach our destination a beautifully preserved heritage Haveli outside the old market square.
Our guide will then take us up to explore the imposing Mehranrarh fort with stunning views of the “blue city”.
Meals: BLD

60km cycling

Today is a day of desert palaces as we ride ride out of the old city of Jodhpur to have lunch in Jhalamand Garh and then by the end of the day we will be riding dusty lanes through the desert to Rohet. These roads are as old as time. Used by Marwari then Rajput traders to navigate the treacherous lands between the different warlord kingdoms. The ride ends at historic Rohet Garh, set next to a desert oasis this Rajput stately home is beautiful and comes complete with swimming pool and massage therapy to take the edge off the saddle sore! We will take a trip out to visit local villages among the sand dunes where different tribal communities have very unique ways of living and produce interesting handy crafts.
Meals: BLD

100km cycling

This is the longest ride of the tour today. After a few kilometers on the main road, we pay thanks to our safe travel at a shrine to motorcycles (and all travelers), then take a beautiful desert odyssey on narrow farm lanes through picturesque and friendly Rajasthani villages Looking out for the herds of camels (and cows, as always). The journey ends at a 250-year old fort at Jojowar where you can relax and rest on the swinging Jhoola by the pool. This evening’s dinner is set in the open courtyard, warmed by open fires, served by mustachioed waiters dressed in the traditional style.
Meals: BLD

Relax, rest your legs and enjoy your 250-year old surroundings. Take a swim or treat yourself to a massage after yesterday's long ride. Explore the local village and barter with locals for beautifully made handicrafts. Or take a breath-taking excursion through the hills on a vintage old toy train, over valley bridges and through mountain tunnels. The day is yours to choose.
Meals: BD

60km cycling

Today we continue our journey, as we ride the landscape starts to change dramatically. From sandy scrubland, we ride through villages, across boulder strewn plateaus, towards the ever growing Aravelli range. We overnight in the a lush wooded valley of Ranakpur. The last stop before the mountains of Aravelli, Ranakpur is a popular holiday destination for local families with it’s beautiful forests, cool climate and jaw dropping Jain temple. In the afternoon we'll have some time to explore the intricate Jain Temple complex, as well as just relax and enjoy the hotel’s amenities.
Meals: BLD

60km cycling

Although only a relatively short ride, the route from Ranakpur up to Kumbhalgarh is the most challenging. As we start to climb up into the Aravelli Hills, the terrain here is completely different from the rest of our ride and we will pass small hill-side hamlets and villages and see traditional ox-drawn wells as we work our way through the undulating hill-scape to our destination. Deep in the heart of the Aravelli hills is the incredible hilltop fortress of Kumbhalgarh. With the world’s second largest man-made wall creating the impenetrable defenses of the Marwar kingdom, this fortress is an awe-aspiring sight.
Meals: BLD

65km cycling

Our final day cycling takes us down from the heights of the Araveli Hills and one of Rajasthan’s most important forts and travel to one of it’s most important cities. We ride the long descents through the many ancient mountain villages. Into the desert lowlands famous for their rose water and healing elixirs, until we reach the palace of the famous warrior Pratap Singh, where we end our ride and transfer into the fabled lake city of Udaipur. The glow of the city lights reflecting on the waters of the lake make a romantic backdrop for our dinner tonight.
Meals: BLD

Today we will explore the the many wonders of the white city. Our sightseeing trip will visit the exquisite City Palace, fascinating Jagdish Temple and the lofty Monsoon Palace. In the evening we will celebrate the end of the tour with a delicious Udaipur dinner.
Then we board an evening flight back to Delhi.
Meals: BLD

Today we say our goodbyes after check out. Our hotel is conveniently situated close to the airport and also the new train-line into Delhi city or beyond. We are more than happy to help you with any transfers or onward travel plans you may have.
Meals: B