Colorful and Vibrant India

Rajasthan

Tour Description: Guided

Rajasthan defines the "quintessential" India experience – vibrant colours, abundant hospitality, pale brown ornate palaces emerging from the sands of the Thar Desert, vivacious dances, unblemished villages in the interiors, and delicious distinct food from the rest of the country. All in all, a prolific cultural biking trip that will leave you in absolute wonder! India’s pride on the travel map of the world, the unique landscape and architectural marvels of Rajasthan provide the most exotic backdrop to your cycling vacation!

Great attention has been paid to make this trip a perfect blend of luxury as well as getting insights into the "real" India. You ride past villages in an unparalleled expanse of sandy setting and understand the lives of potters, weavers and others who are holding onto the country’s culture with tenacity. Parts of your trip will transport you back into the world of kings, forts and battles.

As you lose yourself in the captivating folklore and fascinating tales spinning from every crevice of this magnificent state, be sure to keep your eye on the road. An eclectic array of splendid forts, grand palaces and revered temples will make the journey even more salubrious! And you actually get to play "royalty" by staying in some of the best-restored havelis (traditional palatial homes) and hotels.

Learn more about guided tours. 

Tour Description: Self-guided

Rajasthan defines the "quintessential" India experience – vibrant colours, abundant hospitality, pale brown ornate palaces emerging from the sands of the Thar Desert, vivacious dances, unblemished villages in the interiors, and delicious distinct food from the rest of the country. All in all, a prolific cultural biking trip that will leave you in absolute wonder! India’s pride on the travel map of the world, the unique landscape and architectural marvels of Rajasthan provide the most exotic backdrop to your cycling vacation!

Great attention has been paid to make this trip a perfect blend of luxury as well as getting insights into the "real" India. You ride past villages in an unparalleled expanse of sandy setting and understand the lives of potters, weavers and others who are holding onto the country’s culture with tenacity. Parts of your trip will transport you back into the world of kings, forts and battles.

As you lose yourself in the captivating folklore and fascinating tales spinning from every crevice of this magnificent state, be sure to keep your eye on the road. An eclectic array of splendid forts, grand palaces and revered temples will make the journey even more salubrious! And you actually get to play "royalty" by staying in some of the best-restored havelis (traditional palatial homes) and hotels.

Learn more about guided tours. 

Highlights: Guided

• Ride past undulating sand dunes flanked by the Aravalli mountain range and the typical rural countryside
• Admire historical stalwarts: weathered forts and breathtaking Jain temples
• Savour Mughal-influenced curries and smoky tandoori food
• Get lost in the meandering markets, buzzing with wonderful chaotic energy
• Feel the pulse of Rajasthan by interaction with villagers who still hold onto traditional customs of animal worship and barter system

Highlights: Self-guided

• Ride past undulating sand dunes flanked by the Aravalli mountain range and the typical rural countryside
• Admire historical stalwarts: weathered forts and breathtaking Jain temples
• Savour Mughal-influenced curries and smoky tandoori food
• Get lost in the meandering markets, buzzing with wonderful chaotic energy
• Feel the pulse of Rajasthan by interaction with villagers who still hold onto traditional customs of animal worship and barter system

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Jodhpur
Arrive in Jodhpur and be greeted by your trip leader who will help you transfer to your hotel and settle in. We have chosen one of the most architecturally delightful hotels at Jodhpur, to start your journey with complete immersion in history and a charming slice of Rajasthan’s grandeur, at the Raas Hotel. Winding through the quaint streets of the city, the hotel comes as a pleasant luxurious oasis in the jumble of houses and markets – undoubtedly an authentic location for you to get inducted into the Rajasthan culture. Check in and relax in this perfect synthesis of contemporary designs, modern facilities, and old world charm of Jodhpur. You can see the famous Mehrangarh Fort from every room here.

Jodhpur, commonly known as the "walled city," is the second largest city of Rajasthan and has earned a moniker of "Sun City"for its bright clear skies and sunny weather. Notice how a large number of houses here are blue in colour – a striking contrast to the pale sandy colour of the city. The towering Mehrangarh Fort, a highlight of Jodhpur, looms over the city from a small hill and can be seen from everywhere. You will see this closely on the second day.

Depending on energy levels, we can go out with a local guide for a short stroll to explore one of the markets. The narrow market streets splashed with color in the form of bright textiles, silver jewelry, ethnic bags, and more. This is just the first taste of Rajasthan’s vibrant culture. 
Overnight in Jodhpur.

Day 2: Jodhpur (16 miles/25 km)
Being one of the key cities of Rajasthan, Jodhpur has a lot to offer for the discerning traveller. This morning, we take a short ride to Bishnoi Village (Goda) on the outskirts of Jodhpur. The Bishnois of Thar are known for their love of nature and animals, and are said to be one of the most eco-friendly sects of India. Affable hosts, they would be happy to give you an insight into their world by sharing their craft skills and lifestyle with you. These staunch worshippers of trees and animals are also excellent potters. We spend the morning in this unique village and return by a shuttle.

The afternoon is left to explore the magnificent 15th century Mehrangarh fort built by Maharaja Man Singh. Clinging to a 100-foot perpendicular cliff, the fort epitomizes the majestic history of Rajasthan. One of the best preserved forts of India, it is replete with antiques, artifacts, palanquins, and intricate carvings spread over the period rooms and galleries. The fort expands over 3 miles/5 kms on top of the hill; so colossal are its proportions that Rudyard Kipling called it “the work of giants.”

After this experience, we meet again at dinner at Pal Haveli, a 300 year old traditional home that has been restored and converted into a hotel. The terrace restaurant here is perfect to enjoy the views of the Fort along with other iconic buildings like the Umaid Bhavan, Jaswant Thada, Clock Tower, and Gulab Sagar.

Take a good night’s rest today as the next morning brings a cycling tour that will be forever etched in your memory.
Overnight in Jodhpur.

Day 3: Sardar Samand Lake (37 miles/60 km)
We start cycling early this day across lush millet vegetation and carpets of yellow mustard fields with a surprising amount of wildlife-spotting opportunities on the way. The landscape here is very distinct; you are likely to bump into deer, black bucks, and camels. The roads are largely flat so you can enjoy the vistas with ease, looking forward to your stay at the hunting lodge, Sardar Samand Palace.

An erstwhile hunting lodge, the palace was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1933. Set in tranquil surroundings of a lake, the low lying Aravalli hill ranges, vast shrubby forests teeming with wildlife, the heritage resort is a great stop. A retreat for the royal family, the palace hoards a vast collection of African trophies and original watercolors by Snaffles.

We also visit a small village just 3 miles/5 km off the lodge, where the villagers still rely on barter system and proudly exhibit their strong social tenet of life without hierarchy.
Overnight in Sadar Samand 

Day 4: Narlai (37 miles/60 km)
This morning, we hop onto the bikes and make our way to Narlai, through the ancient trade town of Pali, a former battleground of Mughals and Rajputs. Narlai lies at the epicenter of an area rich with more than 400 historic temples. Arriving in Narlai, we settle into the Rawla Narlai, an enchanting 17th century mansion. Formerly used as a hunting lodge, it is located in the heart of a typical rustic Rajasthan village amidst craggy rock-scape interjected with village houses. Rawla boasts of an esteemed guest list with the likes of Mick Jagger and Francesco Clemet having stayed here.

You take a walk into the village here or settle in with a good book for the day.
Overnight in Narlai. 

Day 5: Kumbalgarh (37 miles/60 km) 
Today, we start in the shuttle, covering the first 12 miles/20 km as the roads are not spectacular and a bit bumpy. The first 7 miles/12 kms on the cycle take us through the famous Dhonk (Anogeissus Pendula) strewn topography. The plant adds a spattering of colour to the pale brown stretches with the Aravallis in the distance. Even though the desert heat beats down on you, the sights around are marvelous. This is one of the best routes of the trip. The undulating ride adds a marginal challenge for cycling, but you have something breathtaking up ahead – the Ranakpur Jain Temple. Jainism is an ancient religion from India that teaches that the way to liberation and bliss is to live a life of harmlessness and renunciation. This architectural wonder in white marvel is known for exquisitely carved 1444 pillars.

Our next stop is Kumbalgarh, yet another historic fort town from the 15th century. Here, we stay at The Aodhi, a heritage property close to the Kumbalgarh Fort. Steeped in luxury, the hotel is perfect for some royal treatment, just as the legacy of the Mewar Kings who lived in the region centuries ago. In the evening, we climb the rugged Kumbalgarh Fort, surrounded by a 22 mile/35 km wall with 365 temples within.
Overnight in Kumbalgarh.

Day 6: Devi Garh (43 miles/70 km) 
The next morning we start with a slight uphill route to finally hit a large stretch of descent that takes us to Devi Garh with the company of a greener landscape. Having received numerous accolades from leading travel magazines, Devi Garh is the residence of the local rulers of village of Delwara. Now luxuriously restored, the hotel is a haven for tasteful extravagance, which you experience for two nights.

Traditionally inspired designs, motifs and materials come together with contemporary architectural facets. Devi Garh’s impeccable service makes your stay extremely comfortable. After having spent 4 days on saddle, soothe your body, stimulate your mind, strengthen your spirit at Devi Spa. The wellness retreat has all state of the art facilities to offer the best of the East and the West; treatments range from rejuvenating massages, yoga modules, and facials.
Overnight in Devi Garh.

Day 7: Devi Garh (43 miles/70km) 
This day is set aside for some more indulgence. We have kept it relatively free for you to fill your own time. Start your day at the yoga or meditation pavilion for an elevating morning. Pamper yourself to a traditional Ayurvedic massage at the hotel’s spa or visit Devi Garh’s closest highlight, the village of Eklingji. Home to the famous namesake temple, the village is on the outskirts of Devi Garh. Dedicated to a lady saint, Meera, the temple was built in 734 A.D. If you sill have some miles left in your legs take a ride into the village to see this ancient testimony to India’s glorious history and the other 108 temples that are built in the same complex. This little village is quite a temple destination with many more made in black marble and granite.
Overnight in Devi Garh.

Day 8: Udaipur (43 miles/70 km) 
To reach the last destination of the trip, Udaipur, we leave early on the bikes and later hop onto the private shuttle for the last leg to avoid city traffic. The sobriquet "city of lakes" fits perfectly to Udaipur – there are six large and many smaller lakes here. We check into the plush Leela Palace hotel overlooking the famous Lake Pichola and the Aravallis in the distance and relax for some time.

Today, you can venture out into the markets on your own. Having whetted local knowhow of Rajasthani culture, you are free to choose your own venue for dinner, though a glass of wine on the Leela terrace is splendid.
Overnight in Udaipur.

Day 9: Udaipur (12 miles/ 20 km)
On the last day of the trip, we cover some Udaipur highlights – a boat ride in the Fatehsagar Lake, a bike ride to the Monsoon Palace, and a guided walk of the City Palace. The City Palace is enclosed in a large complex on the banks of Lake Pichola and has many more palaces inside.

We meet for the dinner at the hotel to celebrate the end of a fabulous cycling journey.
Overnight in Udaipur .

Day 10: Shuttle to the Udaipur Airport
Our trip concludes late-morning at the hotel. Your leaders will make arrangements for transportation to the Udaipur Airport. 

NOTE: Please note that the above itinerary reflects the Premiere Inns. However, the flow remains same for Casual Inns as well.

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

Oct 20; Nov 10, 2013 - Mar 2, 2014

Dates: Self-guided

Route Map: Guided

Route Map: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Category A
Premium accommodations (4- and 5-star hotels)
Per person, double occupancy $4395 Single room supplement (1 person, 1 room) $1100 Bike Rentals Scott hybrid bicycle $0

Category B
Casual inns (2- and 3-star hotels)
Per person, double occupancy $2395 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) $500 Bike Rentals Scott hybrid bicycle $0

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• Beautiful, luxurious and heritage palaces
• Scott hybrid bicycle
• All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners (except 1 dinner)
• Expert trip leaders who look after your every need
• A van support that follows throughout the trip and carries all belongings
• Entrance fees to historic sites, museums, temples and all other exclusive events
• All transportation from rendezvous to final drop-off
• Complimentary pre- and post-travel planning

Included Services: Self-guided

Hotels: Guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Category A

Taj Hari Mahal, Jodhpur
http://www.vivantabytaj.com

Leela Palace, Udaipur
www.theleela.com/locations/udaipur

Juna Mahal: Jodhpur
www.junamahal.com/

Ranakpur Hill Resort, Ranakpur
www.ranakpurhillresort.com/

Hotels: Self-guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Category A

Taj Hari Mahal, Jodhpur
http://www.vivantabytaj.com

Leela Palace, Udaipur
www.theleela.com/locations/udaipur

Juna Mahal: Jodhpur
www.junamahal.com/

Ranakpur Hill Resort, Ranakpur
www.ranakpurhillresort.com/

Bike Rentals: Guided

The tour company offers Scott hybrid bicycle rentals included in the cost of this tour.

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

The tour company offers Scott hybrid bicycle rentals included in the cost of this tour.

Surface and Terrain: Guided

This tour is rated moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition. It's suitable for children ages 12 and older and is an excellent trip for families. 

This tour features relaxed cycling over rolling hills and distances of up to 35 miles per day.

A van follows the group of riders throughout the trip and carries all belongings. If at any point riding seems a little hard, the van takes you for as long or as little as you wish it to.

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

This tour is rated moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition. It's suitable for children ages 12 and older and is an excellent trip for families. 

This tour features relaxed cycling over rolling hills and distances of up to 35 miles per day.

A van follows the group of riders throughout the trip and carries all belongings. If at any point riding seems a little hard, the van takes you for as long or as little as you wish it to.

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start
Nearest airport:  International airports in Mumbai or Delhi, and then a domestic flight to Jodhpur. Taxi to hotel.

Tour end
Nearest airport: Udaipur (and then connect to Delhi or Mumbai and your final destination)  

If requested, the tour company will provide transportation from initial renezvous to final drop-off. 

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start
Nearest airport:  International airports in Mumbai or Delhi, and then a domestic flight to Jodhpur. Taxi to hotel.

Tour end
Nearest airport: Udaipur (and then connect to Delhi or Mumbai and your final destination)  

If requested, the tour company will provide transportation from initial renezvous to final drop-off. 

Weather: Guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Weather: Self-guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Tour Company Background: Art of Bicycle Trips: Guided

Art of Bicycle Trips offers simple and unique ways to experience the real India, exploring its rich culture, heritage and countryside - by bike.

The tour company has been in business for 2.5 years and is based out of Bangalore, India. 

Experience India in an active way!
Art of Bicycle Trips offers simple and unique ways to experience the real India. We design unique biking, walking & hiking safaris exploring the culture, historic sites, architecture, ethnic diversity, scenic beauty, remote villages and realities of daily life of India. Each safari is unique, has a mix of adventure activities and highlights the diversity and most interesting facets of the region. With Art of Bicycle Trips you’ll bike or hike though beautiful landscapes at your own pace, engage with communities along the trip and indulge in unique regional cuisine.

Join us and celebrate the triumph of human potential, spirit and creativity; give a chance to the inner call for exploration, adventure and freedom and experience the rustic, mystic and chaotic India the Art of Bicycle Trips way.

Why cycle with us

• Itineraries that are designed to reveal India's diverse culture, heritage and countryside.
• Ride at your own pace, engage with communities along the trip and indulge in unique regional cuisine.
• Small group sizes of 2 to 10 means more interaction and attention at a more intimate level.
• Every day is more personalized. It’s your vacation. It’s your day.
• Knowledgeable, active and passionate local guides who love to show you around as friends.
• Get an insider perspective to the visited region.
• Hotels that reflect local character. Be it premium or casual inns.
• We provide some of the best bikes in the industry suited to the terrain.
• We take extreme care in planning non-cycling part of the day as well.
• More value per cent. 

Tour Company Background: Art of Bicycle Trips: Self-guided

Art of Bicycle Trips offers simple and unique ways to experience the real India, exploring its rich culture, heritage and countryside - by bike.

The tour company has been in business for 2.5 years and is based out of Bangalore, India. 

Experience India in an active way!
Art of Bicycle Trips offers simple and unique ways to experience the real India. We design unique biking, walking & hiking safaris exploring the culture, historic sites, architecture, ethnic diversity, scenic beauty, remote villages and realities of daily life of India. Each safari is unique, has a mix of adventure activities and highlights the diversity and most interesting facets of the region. With Art of Bicycle Trips you’ll bike or hike though beautiful landscapes at your own pace, engage with communities along the trip and indulge in unique regional cuisine.

Join us and celebrate the triumph of human potential, spirit and creativity; give a chance to the inner call for exploration, adventure and freedom and experience the rustic, mystic and chaotic India the Art of Bicycle Trips way.

Why cycle with us

• Itineraries that are designed to reveal India's diverse culture, heritage and countryside.
• Ride at your own pace, engage with communities along the trip and indulge in unique regional cuisine.
• Small group sizes of 2 to 10 means more interaction and attention at a more intimate level.
• Every day is more personalized. It’s your vacation. It’s your day.
• Knowledgeable, active and passionate local guides who love to show you around as friends.
• Get an insider perspective to the visited region.
• Hotels that reflect local character. Be it premium or casual inns.
• We provide some of the best bikes in the industry suited to the terrain.
• We take extreme care in planning non-cycling part of the day as well.
• More value per cent. 

Terms and Conditions: Art of Bicycle Trips: Guided

FINE PRINT

• To reserve your trip, we require a deposit of $300 per person. The balance of your payment is due 45 days prior to departure.

• Once received, we send you a confirmation including details about your trip. Please make sure you get a confirmation by email/phone, and provide us a contact number.

• A private tour for a couple, group of friends, a family, a club, perhaps a company, can also be organized on mutually agreed dates.

CANCELLATIONS
Days prior to trip       45+ 0-45
Fee per person $300 100% of trip price

CHANGES
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Art of Bicycle Trips may have to make partial changes to the stated itinerary. Every effort is made to keep changes to a minimum, and our high quality is always maintained. We reserve the right to cancel any tour that does not reach the minimum level of participation. In the unlikely event that we cancel a tour, you will receive a full refund. Art of Bicycle Trips will not reimburse for any personal expenses due to changes in itineraries or tour cancellations, such as prepaid hotel expenses or airline tickets. Art of Bicycle Trips reserves the right to decline a reservation or to refuses service during a tour to anyone whose health or behavior could impede the welfare or enjoyment of fellow guests.

LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY
Art of Bicycle Trips is not liable for bodily injury or property damage as a result of (but not limited to): physical exertion for which a guest is not prepared; forces of nature; travel by plane, train, auto, boat, or other conveyance, or by bicycle, horseback, foot, or other form of active or adventure travel; consumption of alcoholic beverages; civil unrest; terrorism; breakdown of equipment; high altitude; lack of or limited access to medical attention in remote locations; and the adequacy of medical attention once provided. Art of Bicycle Trips is also not liable for: expenses (e.g., meals, transportation, or hotel costs) that are not specified as included in the trip cost but may be required to get to or from a trip start or end. Art of Bicycle Trips reserves the right to make route and hotel modifications as necessary to improve the quality of a trip or to accommodate the comfort and well-being of guests. Guests grant Art of Bicycle Trips express permission to take photographs or film records of its trips for promotional and commercial use, without remuneration.

In further consideration for participating in the trip, our guest agree that Art of Bicycle Trips, or their designate, may use any photographic or film records of the trips for promotional and/or commercial purposes, without any remuneration to the guest. The guest agrees to assign all right, title and interest they may have in or to any media in which their name or likeness might be used to Art of Bicycle Trips.

Terms and Conditions: Art of Bicycle Trips: Self-guided

FINE PRINT

• To reserve your trip, we require a deposit of $300 per person. The balance of your payment is due 45 days prior to departure.

• Once received, we send you a confirmation including details about your trip. Please make sure you get a confirmation by email/phone, and provide us a contact number.

• A private tour for a couple, group of friends, a family, a club, perhaps a company, can also be organized on mutually agreed dates.

CANCELLATIONS
Days prior to trip       45+ 0-45
Fee per person $300 100% of trip price

CHANGES
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Art of Bicycle Trips may have to make partial changes to the stated itinerary. Every effort is made to keep changes to a minimum, and our high quality is always maintained. We reserve the right to cancel any tour that does not reach the minimum level of participation. In the unlikely event that we cancel a tour, you will receive a full refund. Art of Bicycle Trips will not reimburse for any personal expenses due to changes in itineraries or tour cancellations, such as prepaid hotel expenses or airline tickets. Art of Bicycle Trips reserves the right to decline a reservation or to refuses service during a tour to anyone whose health or behavior could impede the welfare or enjoyment of fellow guests.

LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY
Art of Bicycle Trips is not liable for bodily injury or property damage as a result of (but not limited to): physical exertion for which a guest is not prepared; forces of nature; travel by plane, train, auto, boat, or other conveyance, or by bicycle, horseback, foot, or other form of active or adventure travel; consumption of alcoholic beverages; civil unrest; terrorism; breakdown of equipment; high altitude; lack of or limited access to medical attention in remote locations; and the adequacy of medical attention once provided. Art of Bicycle Trips is also not liable for: expenses (e.g., meals, transportation, or hotel costs) that are not specified as included in the trip cost but may be required to get to or from a trip start or end. Art of Bicycle Trips reserves the right to make route and hotel modifications as necessary to improve the quality of a trip or to accommodate the comfort and well-being of guests. Guests grant Art of Bicycle Trips express permission to take photographs or film records of its trips for promotional and commercial use, without remuneration.

In further consideration for participating in the trip, our guest agree that Art of Bicycle Trips, or their designate, may use any photographic or film records of the trips for promotional and/or commercial purposes, without any remuneration to the guest. The guest agrees to assign all right, title and interest they may have in or to any media in which their name or likeness might be used to Art of Bicycle Trips.