Rajasthan Highlights by Bike

Begin your adventure in pulsating Delhi. It's a city split in two, with historic Old Delhi in the north and the nation's capital, New Delhi, in the south. Around 6pm, say namaste to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner. Want more time in Delhi? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

We're off to New Delhi Railway Station, where we catch the 6. 10am Shatabdi Express train to Ajmer, arriving early afternoon. The route passes through towns and open fields, and our tour leader provides us with snacks and refreshments along the way.

Upon arrival, we transfer (30 minutes) to our Pushkar hotel. After check-in, we set up our bikes and take a short orientation ride, cycling through peaceful countryside and flower farms. Along the way, gain insight into local agricultural practices and visit community-led gooseberry (amla) orchards, where we can interact with farmers and learn about their traditional cultivation methods.

In the evening, we walk around Brahma Temple, among the very few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma, then explore Pushkar Bazaar, where our tour leader leads us through the lively narrow lanes and introduces us to the vendors. We stay tonight in a grand heritage-style property, designed to reflect the elegance of 19th-century Rajasthani palaces and regarded as one of the best hotels in Pushkar.

Our cycling begins properly today as we ride out of Pushkar and into the Rajasthan countryside. Dry riverbeds, fields and village roads set the tone for the days ahead, giving us an early feel for life beyond the cities.

Later, we pass through an ancient bazaar, offering a rare glimpse into traditional trading life – reminiscent of Old Delhi, but on a much smaller, more intimate scale. Reaching the historic village of Roopangarh, we settle into our hotel: Roopangarh Fort, an elaborate fortress constructed in 1648 for the Maharaja Roop Singh of Kishangarh.

We're back on our bikes, continuing through rural Rajasthan to the town of Jobner on village roads and dirt tracks. Our first stop is a family home, where we take a tea break and enjoy a warm interaction with the household.

Later, we visit Sambhar Lake, the largest inland saltwater lake in India. The landscape is vast and open, with seasonal water bodies and small irrigation tanks (talabs). We cycle along parts of the lake, taking in this striking environment. Finishing our ride, we transfer (1hr 30min) to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. The contrast is immediate: after quiet roads and open countryside, we arrive in one of India's most carefully planned historic cities.

Start early to explore the Pink City as it wakes: expect morning temple visits, shops opening, and daily life beginning. Our ride takes us through the flower and produce markets and to Govind Dev Ji Temple, one of the most important Krishna temples in the city. Returning to the hotel for breakfast, we then transfer to Amer Fort to explore the glorious blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture found at the 16th-century hilltop stronghold. After, we head into Jaipur's bazaars, where our tour leader helps cut through the noise and shows us how each bazaar specialises in a different industry.

Today's route leads us through farming villages and open countryside to Ramgarh Dam, a human-made reservoir that once acted as a major water source for Jaipur. After, we stop to explore the historic Hindu temple of Jamwai Mata Mandir, before finishing outside the ancient city of Dausa – named after the Sanskrit word dhau-sa, meaning beautiful like heaven. We then transfer (45 minutes) to our accommodation for the night, a heritage hotel whose foundations stretch back to the 11th century.

Today is one of our longest rides of the trip, but one that takes us through hamlets, farmland and small settlements. We visit the Ram Janaki Temple, a peaceful, photogenic stop where we can explore and take pictures. The landscape changes gradually as we make our way to our accommodation for the night: Talabgaon Castle, a beautifully restored 200-year-old fort.

Bid farewell to our fort-hotel and continue pedalling through the countryside. Our ride takes us to Khirini village, passing through quiet rural roads where we can see everyday life – homes with livestock, farmers at work, and local people going about their daily routines. We stop for lunch before transferring (45 minutes) to our hotel in Ranthambore, where our transport is waiting to take us for an afternoon safari in search of Bengal tigers.

There are at least 70 tigers in the national park, meaning a relatively high density and a better chance of spotting them. We take a shared ride in a purpose-built safari vehicle, known as a canter, and are accompanied by a forest guard – a skilled tracker who greatly enhances the wildlife viewing with their keen eye and knowledge of tiger behaviour.

Leaving the hotel, we ride along the outskirts of the national park, keeping our eye out for wildlife in the distance. Today's route offers a rewarding mix of nature, rural life, and heritage, as we cycle through countryside and traditional villages. Along the way, glimpse into everyday life in rural Rajasthan, passing mud-brick houses, women dressed in vibrant ghagra, and traditional wells and hand pumps still in use.

As we approach the Chambal River region, we may spot reptiles such as gharials and mugger crocodiles, with time to pause for photos. Our journey ends in the historic city of Karauli. If time allows this evening, your tour leader can take you to explore some of the highlights, including the 14th-century City Palace, set among winding streets filled with shops selling lacquer bangles and local handicrafts. Rest tonight at a charming heritage hotel set within peaceful gardens, offering warm hospitality, and a glimpse into Karauli's royal past.

We spend our final cycling day moving through rural landscapes to the city of Bari, riding out of town with views of Karauli Fort, which sits high on a hill. This day offers excellent village riding, passing through quiet rural roads where we can observe everyday life.

Upon arrival in Bari, we transfer (two hours) to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.

This morning is one to remember! Wake early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the white-marble exterior is illuminated by the soft early light, the crowds are smaller and the birds chatter among themselves. After admiring it from the outside and enjoying a deep dive into this New World Wonder from our tour leader, we head inside, with a chance to explore the beautiful inner chambers and mausoleum.

After we've fully soaked in the magnificence of the Taj Mahal, we transfer (four hours) back to Delhi, where our groups typically enjoy a final group dinner together – a chance to relive the moments we've shared.

You've ridden through the Rajasthan countryside, tracked tigers in Ranthambore and stood before the Taj Mahal at sunrise, but now it's time to begin your return journey home. Alternatively, if you'd like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.