Overview
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. Touring 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 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 done 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 100km a day, and the route progresses from the flatlands south of Jodhpur, climbing up to 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. Indeed you may well find that the highlight of your bike tour is a chance encounter with a pink-turbaned man miles from anywhere, or maybe a shared Rajasthani family meal. That is the beauty of this trip!
502 Km riding. India's state of Rajasthan offers a variety of cycle terrain. This bike tour follows predominantly small, flat, country roads and lanes with little traffic and some occasional stretches on busier roads. To mix it up a little there are some days of hill riding in the tour but all the cycling is broadly achievable at a moderate level of fitness.
Highlights
Take a sunset camel ride through the sand dunes of Osain before staying at a camel camp.
Visit the Mehrangarh Fortress with some beautiful views of the Blue City of Jodhpur down below.
Cycle up into the Aravali hills to Kumbhalgarh fortress.
Stay in classic heritage hotels for an interesting cultural experience.
Day to Day
You arrive in modern India. The nation's capital compresses all of India’s identity into one city, it is all things to all people. This singularity is intensely exhilarating. The streets are full of personalities from 1.3 billion different walks of life, buildings of cutting edge modern architecture neighboring 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 center of this vibrant city.
We spend the day exploring Delhi with an expert guide explaining the new and old parts of this fascinating capital. 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.
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.
Today we begin our epic journey across Rajasthan as we set off for Osain. We pedal through 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 delicious local dinner and entertainment.
This morning we set off early on our ride to discover the famous blue city of Jodhpur and it’s magnificent Mehrangarh fortress. We ride out of the desert and make our way through the scenic agricultural lands scattered with small 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 Mehrangarh fort with stunning views of the “blue city”.
Today is a day of desert palaces as we 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 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, 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 handicrafts.
This is the longest ride of the tour. 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.
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 breathtaking excursion through the hills on a vintage old toy train, over valley bridges and through mountain tunnels. The day is yours to choose.
Today we continue our journey, and as we ride the landscape starts to change dramatically. From sandy scrubland, we ride through villages, across boulder-strewn plateaus, towards the ever-growing Aravalli range. We overnight in the lush wooded valley of Ranakpur. The last stop before the mountains of Aravelli, Ranakpur is a popular holiday destination for local families with its beautiful forests, cool climate and impressive 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.
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 Aravalli 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 Aravalli 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.
Our final day cycling takes us down from the heights of the Aravali Hills and one of Rajasthan’s most important forts and travel to one of its 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.
Today we will explore the many wonders of the white city. Our sightseeing trip will visit the exquisite City Palace, the 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.
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.
Dates & Price
EARLY RIDER PRIZE: Be in the first 4 to book a departure and get 5% OFF the tour price
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
We’ve specially crafted this bike tour to be a fascinating and immersive journey through India’s Rajasthan state. This means stays at iconic heritage hotels, visits to ancient temples of different faiths, fascinating cities, and villages that have lived in the same way for centuries. You’ll have the chance to explore the contrast between new and ancient India on this bike journey. Relax knowing we’ve taken care of all of the small details so you can just enjoy the ride.
