Cycling Through Rajasthan

Flights usually depart London in the evening.

The adventure starts at our hotel in Delhi.

The group flight will arrive this morning and transfer to our hotel. Those who have made your own flight arrangements, Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport. Please ensure you have provided your flight details to our customer operations team no later than 2 weeks prior to arrival.

This afternoon (from approximately 2pm), we will be introduced to our bicycles, making any necessary adjustments and safety checks before heading out to explore the local area. A great chance to make sure everything is comfortable and in working order before the main cycling days begin.

In the evening your leader will give a briefing about your cycling adventure and any safety points to note.

Accommodation: Ashok Country Resort (or similar)

We start cycling early in the morning to get used to the Indian weather and city traffic. After about 15.5mi (25km), we return to the hotel. Post breakfast and a shower, we start our sightseeing of New and Old Delhi by bus. The bikes and main luggage are transferred to Jodhpur by bus (take your required toiletries and other essential items in your day bag for the overnight train journey). In the evening, we transfer to the station and catch the overnight train to Jodhpur.

Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train

We arrive at Jodhpur train station in the morning and take a short transfer to our hotel, where we have time to relax or explore the area. In the afternoon, we get the bikes out and go sightseeing on two wheels. Jodhpur was founded by the Rajput chief Roa Jodha and was formerly the capital of the Marwar state. The city is surrounded by an immense wall, almost 6mi (10km) in circumference, and is dominated by a massive fort that stands on a rocky hill commanding the surrounding desert. In the afternoon, we visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, where we have a great view of the blue houses, painted to distinguish them as those of Brahmins.

Accommodation: Shree Ram International Hotel (or similar)

Maximum elevation: 400ft (122m)

Today is a long day so we start early, cycling from the hotel for about 25mi (40km). We then take a bus transfer (approximately 3hr 30min) to Ranakpur where there is time to visit the 15th-century Jain temple. The main temple, beautifully carved from marble, is dedicated to Adinath. It has 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars, each delicately carved with a different design. We then take a 9mi (15km) transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to a roadside Hindu temple. From here, we get back on our bikes and ride through the Aravalli Hills for about 21mi (34km) and finally transfer (approximately 1hr 30min to two hours) by bus to the lakeside town of Udaipur.

Accommodation: Paras Mahal Hotel (or similar)

Minimum elevation: 597ft (182m) / Maximum elevation: 2,992ft (912m)

Known as the Pearl of Rajasthan, the City of Sunrise and Venice of the East, Udaipur is a beautiful place regarded by both Indians and visitors as the most romantic city in the country. Situated on the east side of Lake Pichola, the main palace commands an unsurpassed view across the shimmering lake to the dusty Aravalli Hills with the luxurious Lake Palace Hotel adding to the scene. Lake Pichola has two islands, each with a palace to rival that on the mainland; Jag Mandir and Jag Nivas (the latter is now the luxurious Lake Palace Hotel) rise out of their own reflections in the lake waters. After breakfast, spend the morning exploring the countryside around Udaipur by bike. Cycle on quiet, flat roads past farmland and small villages as we head to Tiger Lake. Continuing on rural backroads, we can visit Animal Aid, an NGO hospital for injured animals. We finish close to the city, where we visit the impressive City Palace.

Accommodation: Paras Mahal Hotel (or similar)

This morning, we drive (approximately 1hr 30min) to Iswal, where we start our bike ride to Kumbhalgarh. The route stays away from the main road and follows a less direct but quieter series of backroads, allowing us to see the fascinating rural life of India. It can be hot cycling here, but the vehicle support is available if required. We arrive in Kumbhalgarh for a late lunch and a rest. Then there is a chance to cycle to Kumbhalgarh Fort, a challenging 3mi (5km) uphill ride (there is an option to take a 4×4). Kumbhalgarh has one of the finest examples of defensive fortifications in Rajasthan, including a lovely temple and palace with panoramic views.

Accommodation: Kumbhalgarh Forest Retreat (or similar)

Minimum elevation: 2,119ft (646m) / Maximum elevation: 3,2182ft (981m)

It’s back to the desert scenery today as we head to the holy town of Pushkar. Our route follows rural backroads to the main highway, where we dismount and travel the rest of the way in our vehicle (approximately five hours). Surrounded by desert, Pushkar is a Hindu pilgrimage town on a holy lake. Legend says the lake was created from petals that fell from the divine hands of the creator god Brahma and it is here you can see one of the few Brahma temples in the world. Dotted with 52 ghats (flights of steps) and around 400 milky-blue temples, this town is also known for hosting the annual Pushkar Fair, transforming the town into a bustling market. Explore the sites and sounds of a town like no other in Rajasthan before heading to our hotel

Accommodation: Hotel Dera Masuda (or similar)

Pushkar Fair departures: 5 November 2024 and 26 October 2025

The itinerary for these departures is slightly amended to spend two nights in Pushkar (days 7 and 8) and one night in Sariska National Park (Day 11), this is done to maximise time at the festival. Accommodation in Pushkar are Swiss cottage tents (canvas tents designed to emulate Swiss cottages) with attached bathrooms. The facilities are basic and hot water and electricity can be limited but your leader will assist with any issues if they occur. All meals are included.

Minimum elevation: 2,214ft (675m) / Maximum elevation: 2,933ft (894m)

We leave Pushkar on our bikes, travelling through desert backroads and small villages to the town of Rupnagar, a hub for working marble. There is the option to extend the ride by another 21mi (34km) to the Naraina railway crossing, where we transfer (approximately 1hr 30min to two hours) to Jaipur.

Accommodation: Vesta Maurya Palace Hotel (or similar)

Minimum elevation: 1,135ft (346m) / Maximum elevation: 1,4992ft (457m)

Cycle: Approximately 37mi (60km) or 58.4mi (94km) including optional ride

If you’re up early, we have an optional ride around this wonderful pink city, cycling through fascinating narrow laneways. Passing havelis (private mansions) and sacred temples, we head for the majestic Albert Hall, built to welcome the Prince of Wales on his visit during the 1870s. Stop at popular food stalls along the way where we can sample what the local people enjoy for breakfast. After the ride, we have time at the hotel to refresh before a wonderful sightseeing day.

Visit the Amber Fort and enjoy the fine museum within the City Palace, former residence of the Maharaja. A trip to Jaipur must include a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). This city is also the centre of many handicrafts, including woven rugs, carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherware. During our stay, we have time to visit the markets and possibly pick up a souvenir.

Optional cycle: Approximately 7mi (12km)

Accommodation: Vesta Maurya Palace Hotel (or similar)

Leave Jaipur with a combination of cycling and a transfer and return to rural India. Transfer (approximately 45 minutes to one hour) to Jamwa Ramgarh and then cycle to Sariska via Pratap Garh and through the beautiful Aravalli foothills.

Accommodation: Ram Bihari Palace (or similar)

Pushkar Fair departures: 5 November 2024 and 26 October 2025

The itinerary for these departures is slightly amended to spend two nights in Pushkar (days 7 and 8) and one night in Sariska National Park (Day 11), removing the optional afternoon cycle ride.

On Day 11, after arriving in Sariska, we head off in open 4x4s for our early evening game drive. Sariska is a beautiful and interesting park to explore with an abundance of wildlife, including leopards, deer, wild boars, antelopes, jackals, hyenas and more.

The following morning will continue to Bharatpur National Park.

Minimum elevation: 1,115ft (340m) / Maximum elevation: 1,519ft (463m)

Before breakfast, we hop in open 4x4s for an early morning game drive. Sariska is a beautiful and interesting park to explore with an abundance of wildlife, including leopards, deer, wild boars, antelopes, jackals, hyenas and more. A large variety of bird species also grace the landscape. Return to the hotel for a late breakfast and, in the afternoon, there is the option to cycle to the nearby Siliseth Lake. This takes us on backroads through rural villages and farmland. We can have tea at the Lake Palace Hotel with stunning views across the waters to the Aravalli hills. Those who would prefer to relax can enjoy the hotel garden and swimming pool.

Optional cycle: Approximately 9mi (14km)

Accommodation: Ram Bihari Palace (or similar)

Ride from our hotel to Muhwa after breakfast, where we take a transfer (approximately one hour to 1hr 30min) to our lunch spot. Another transfer (about one to two hours) takes us to Bharatpur National Park, renowned for its World Heritage-listed bird sanctuary, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. This entire region was originally semi-arid and only received rainfall during the monsoon season. The Maharaja of Bharatpur diverted water from a nearby irrigation canal and it was converted into a bird sanctuary in 1956. On arrival in Bharatpur, we visit the bird sanctuary on our bikes, home to an array of egrets, ducks, coots, storks, kingfishers, owls, eagles and harriers. There are now more than 360 bird species living here.

Accommodation: Udai Vilas (or similar)

Minimum elevation: 767ft (234m) / Maximum elevation: 1,309ft (399m)

Leave Bharatpur in the morning and cycle on backroads passing through Fatehpur Sikri, the emperor Akbar’s deserted royal city. Later, we transfer (approximately one to two hours) to Agra in time for sunset over the Taj Mahal. This romantic monument was built by the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. It is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first-time visitor; the white-marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun and is matched by the rich interior detail.

Accommodation: Taj Vilas (or similar)

Minimum elevation: 475ft (145m) / Maximum elevation: 5182ft (158m)

Visit the imposing Agra Fort of Akbar in the morning, where mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white-marble pearl mosque, palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of his sons and successors, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. In the afternoon, transfer (five to six hours) to Delhi by bus, arriving early evening. The tour leader will arrange a group dinner for those who would like one last time together to share memories of the trip.

Accommodation: Hotel Deventure (or similar)

The adventure ends this morning. You can begin your return journey home, but if you’d like more time to explore this magnificent city, speak to your sales representative about booking post-tour accommodation.