Cycle Rajasthan

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, there are plenty of things to see and do –maybe visit the World Heritage-listed Humayun's Tomb or the 12th-century Qutub Minar. As the former residence of royal families and British soldiers, the Red Fort plays a vital part in Delhi’s history and is must-see when you’re here. You could also book an Urban Adventure to see Delhi through the eyes of a local. After you meet your fellow travellers and trip leader, you’ll meet your cycling crew and get fitted out for your bike – then, you have free time to grab an optional group dinner and get to know each other a little better.

Today starts on the bike with an early morning warm-up ride. For the rest of the day, you’ll take a tour through the main sights of Delhi in a private vehicle. Explore 2000-year-old Old Delhi and visit the Jama Masjid – Delhi's oldest and India’s largest mosque. Then, head to the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara and India Gate – the latter commemorating soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Indian Army in World War I. In the late afternoon, take a train journey to Jaipur – the ‘Pink City’ and the capital of Rajasthan. Tonight, you’re free to find a good spot to feast on the delicious local cuisine – your leader will know all the best spots! (B)

This morning, explore the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur by private vehicle and on foot. Visit the Amber Fort – set atop a hill that overlooks Maota Lake, the fort is a gorgeous example of Rajput architecture. Entering the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is a particularly memorable experience. You’ll also have the option to visit Jaipur's Royal City Palace and/or one of the five astronomical observatories built by the founder – Jaipur Maharaja Jai Singh. At the end of the day, you might like to sit back in the iconic Raj Mandir Cinema and enjoy a Bollywood blockbuster. (B)

Depart Jaipur after breakfast and mount your bike for a ride to the town of Naraiana. On the way, you’ll pass several forts and make a few stops for photo ops. When you arrive, you’ll drive the last leg to the sacred city of Pushkar. Tonight, head out on a guided walk around the town. Pass the holy Pushkar Lake, where pilgrims come to cleanse themselves of sins and disease by bathing along the lake’s 52 ghats. As the most important temple of its kind, a visit to Brahma Mandir is also a must – this is one of India’s few temples dedicated to the Hindu creator Brahma. The main street of the town is a bustling tourist market and in your free time, you might like to take a stroll around or hunt for a few souvenirs to take home. (B/L)

Spend the day cycling half the way to the ‘White City’ of Udaipur. You’ll ride on small, quiet roads that roll through red soil, fields and small farms, stopping in Beawar. Hop in the support vehicle for the rest of the journey. Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur is often regarded as the most romantic city in India. Set amid the Aravalli Hills, the city curls around Lake Pichola, the two palaces of Jag Mandir and Jag Nivas rising out of the water in their own reflections. When you arrive, soak away the days activities and rest at your accommodation. (B)

Spend the day touring the sights of Udaipur with the group today. You’ll wind through narrow streets to the City Palace complex on the banks of Lake Pichola, which is the largest palace in Rajasthan. Pop into the impressive Jagdish Temple, dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. If time permits, maybe visit the rose gardens of the Gulab Bagh, take a boat trip across Lake Pichola or participate in a Sitar lesson.

Start your day with a bike ride through the Chittorgarh countryside, before boarding the support vehicle for the last stretch to Chittaurgarh. When you arrive, you’ll climb back on the bikes and cycle through the hills towards Bijaipur. From here, you’ll avoid the main highway and head south to Pangarh Lake. Tonight, your group will spend the night in a comfortable permanent tent camp. When you arrive, unwind with a steaming cup of chai tea and watch the sunset over the lake and the serene Vindhya Range. Soak up the views of the 15th-century Pangarh Fort in the distance, perched on the hill to the north and swap stories with your fellow travellers. (B)

This morning, say goodbye to the campsite and cycle through farmlands to the village of Bijaipur. On the way, you’ll witness local rural life in action and, depending on the season, opium poppy fields in harvest. In Bijaipur, you’ll stay in the 16th-century Castle Bijaipur, which is now a heritage hotel within the original fortified walls. Enjoy the palace’s blend of modern and Mughal architecture as you relax by the pool or in the gardens, pampered by the Mewar hospitality of the hotel’s owners. (B)

After breakfast, cycle on to Bundi – one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rajasthan, famous for its intricate architecture, cultural heritage and rich history. When you arrive, you’ll explore the town on a leader-led walking tour. Wander the narrow streets packed with blue Brahmin houses, bazaars, temples and shops, and mingle with locals in the downtown market. Visit Bundi’s ancient and ornately carved baoris (step wells), which once provided water to the city. Imposing itself over the town is the 17th-century Bundi Palace, where you can check out some exquisite murals. (B)

Today, ride to Ranthambhore National Park. Once a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur, this park is now a major wildlife park and the best place in Rajasthan to see tigers in the wild. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon, so you’ll have plenty of time to rest up for an early safari tomorrow. (B)

Embark on a safari before dawn this morning, in search of leopards, wild boar, hyenas, nilgai, birds and of course, the resident tigers. Deep in the jungle of the park is Ranthambhore Fort – founded in AD944, the ruins of Badal Mahal and the Hammirs Court pavilions hint its previous grandeur. In the late afternoon, explore a different sector of the park on a safari canter bus to increase the chance of spotting a few tigers.

Today is your final day of cycling. Depart Ranthambhore and drive to the small town of Lalsot, where you’ll hop on your bikes. Surrounded by hills, you’ll start the ride through farmland and small villages, making your way to Madhogarh and arriving by the late afternoon. After saying goodbye to the cycling crew, you’ll head out to explore the small village with your group. Soak in the famed Rajput hospitality tonight in the 400-year-old Fort Madhogarh – built by Madho Singh Ji and once the battlefield of the Kachwaha Rajputs. In 2000, the fort was converted into a family-run hotel to finance its upkeep and this is where you’ll spend the night. (B)

Today, travel by bus to Agra – a city of temples, gardens and palaces, rich in Mughal heritage. Today is also the day you visit the Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this iconic structure was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. As described by the poet Rabindranath Tagore, this 'teardrop on the face of eternity' never fails to amaze. If you like, in your free time you can also continue to Akbar's Mausoleum. Tonight, you’re free to find the perfect eating spot.

This morning you’ll take a tour the spectacular Red Fort. Founded by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, its sandstone walls once enclosed the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. Wander around the fort’s palaces, mosques and halls before the afternoon drive back to Delhi. Arrive in the early evening and enjoy a free night to celebrate a trip well travelled – maybe you’ll want to head out with your group for an optional dinner and drinks.

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.