Price from
3175 USD
Duration
8 Days | 7 Nights
Level
2
Average Ride
22 People are considering this Tour
Overview
Explore Rajasthan, 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 highlights sometimes leaves scant room for a sense of adventure. Touring by bicycle is the perfect antidote to this! As well as some of the big draw cards like Jodhpur, Ranakpur and Udaipur, our back-road cycle route takes us through barren desert and lush oasis to remote villages where traditional Rajasthani life continues untouched by the outside world, as it has for centuries.
The exact back-country tour route we take between Jodhpur and Udaipur is a closely guarded secret, but distances covered are between 40km and 60km a day, and the route progresses from the flatlands south of Jodhpur, into the Aravali 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. We’ll stay in some heritage hotels in restored palaces for an interesting and luxurious accommodation Rather than the well-known sites, you may well find that the highlight of your bike tour is a chance encounter with a pink-turbaned man in the middle of nowhere, or maybe a shared Rajasthani family meal. That is the beauty of this trip and all of the cultural experiences it entails!
225-270km / 140-168mi riding. India's state of Rajasthan offers a variety of cycle terrain. Predominantly on small, flat country roads and lanes with minimal traffic, the tour provides a serene cycling experience. However, occasional stretches on busier roads require heightened awareness. The inclusion of hill riding days introduces a gratifying challenge, diversifying the journey. With distances ranging from 25km to 95km per day, this tour is accessible for cyclists with a moderate fitness level, offering a balanced mix of ease and challenge.
Highlights
- Appreciate views of the blue city of Jodhpur from the 15th century Mehrangarh fortress up above.
- Take a jeep ride out to see traditional villages of Bishnoi tribe members and their centuries-old way of life.
- Cycle out through the Aravalli Hills after exploring the imposing Kumbhalgarh Fort.
- Take a walking tour of the historic Old Town of Udaipur as you learn about its past and present.
Inclusions
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
- 7 nights in comfortable hotels
- Local guides and support team
- Quality bikes and support vehicle
- Healthy snacks and water during cycling
- All activities and site entry fees
- Memento cycling jersey and water bottle
- Tips for non-Grasshopper service staff
Day to Day
Welcome to the hustle and bustle of modern India? The group convenes at 10am for our flight to Jodhpur. Once we land, the adventure begins! After checking into the hotel, we will head out on foot to explore the blue city. We'll tour the imposing walls of the 15th century Mehrangarh fortress with views of the indigo houses below before enjoying dinner in the old town.
Today is full of desert palaces as we ride out of the old city of Jodhpur to have lunch in Jhalamand Garh. By the end of the day, we will be riding dusty lanes through the desert to Rohet. These roads are as old as time and were used by Marwari then Rajput traders to navigate the treacherous lands between the different warlord kingdoms. The ride ends at historic Rohet Garh. This Rajput stately home, set next to a desert oasis, is beautiful and comes complete with swimming pool and massage therapy to take the edge off the saddle sore! We will take a Jeep trip out to visit local villages among the sand dunes where communities of the Bishnoi tribes have very unique ways of living and produce interesting crafts.
This morning we’ll set off on our bikes, stopping at a shrine on the main road that is dedicated to travelers to say thanks for our safe travels before we veer off onto narrow farm lanes through the picturesque desert. We’ll pass through friendly Rajasthani villages and keep our eyes peeled for a camel sighting. Once we’ve reached Khairwa, we’ll make a stop at a traditional Heritage Haveli there for a tasty lunch. Following lunch there is an optional 45 km ride on to Jojawar or a transfer by van, once here you can enjoy our heritage hotel’s pool before a traditional dinner is served.
Get ready for an exciting day ahead! If you're up for it, hop on your bike and join us as we head towards Deogarh. But if you prefer a slower pace, feel free to relax in the morning before we leave for Deogarh. We'll cycle a bit further from Jojawar to Phulad, then catch a train back to Khambli Ghat. From there, it's a short drive to Deogarh Mahal for lunch. Afterward, we'll return to Jojawar, where you are free to sample the different tastes of the town in the evening before another night in our heritage hotel.
Today we continue our bike journey, and as we ride the landscape starts to change dramatically. Sandy scrubland shifts shape to boulder-strewn plateaus dotted with villages as we ride towards the Aravalli range. We overnight in the lush, wooded valley of Ranakpur. The village of Ranakpur is a popular holiday destination for local families with its 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 time for relaxation to enjoy the hotel’s amenities.
Your day begins with a short transfer to skip over a challenging section of terrain. The fifteen-minute drive takes us into the Aravalli Hills, which present quite a change in backdrop for our journey. We'll pass by small hillside hamlets and villages and see traditional ox-drawn wells - Our destination, Kumbhalgarh fortress.
Deep in the heart of the Aravalli hills is the incredible hilltop fortress of Kumbhalgarh. The fortress features the world’s second largest man-made wall, second only to China's Great Wall, creating the impenetrable defenses of the Marwar kingdom. Kumbhalgarh fortress is an awe-inspiring sight, and we’ll get the chance to discover it for ourselves.
Fortress exploration over, we'll take to the bikes and begin our ride out of the hills. The route is undulating but largely downhill with gentle slopes, so you can pedal comfortably for the most part and enjoy the sweeping views and scenes of daily village life. Our ride concludes in the city of Haldighati at the Maharana Pratap Museum and memorial. This land was the site of a fierce and epic battle between thousands of Mughal and Rajput forces, the memorial commemorates the battle and in particular the legendary warrior Maharana Pratap.
To round out a busy day we return to the van and transfer to the city of Udaipur, our destination for the night.
The riding is done and so today we explore the historical sights on foot. In the morning, we visit Sajjan Garh Fort, known as the monsoon palace and then see out the middle of the day with lunch and some downtime at the hotel. In the afternoon, we'll head into the city of Udaipur to explore the historic Old Town, along the way you'll learn about the history of this fascinating and beautiful city, before finishing off with a boat ride on lake Pichola.
This evening we'll gather together along the lakeside for dinner. Take in your magical surroundings and celebrate our last night together as we reminisce about our adventures through Rajasthan.
Our tour concludes today in Udaipur and you can stay on in the city, or continue your journey. There are flight or train options if heading back to Delhi, and we are happy to help assist you with any onward travel plans from here.
Dates & Price
EARLY RIDER PRIZE: Be in the first 4 to book a departure and get 5% OFF the tour price*
*Not applicable with guaranteed, private, or self-guided tours, other discounts, trip credit, or special offers
22 People are considering this Tour
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
In this unique bike tour of India, we’ve done our best to pack plenty of cultural experiences into your cycling holiday to ensure an in-depth exploration and plenty of amazing memories. We’ve chosen heritage hotels and unique accommodations that offer the utmost comfort while honoring Indian culture and style, as well as choosing some of our favorite food stops along the way for some delicious meals typical of the region. We’ve figured out all the details so you can relax and enjoy the ride.
