Cycling Through Classic Rajasthan

After breakfast at the hotel, we take a leisurely two-hour ride through the suburbs of Delhi. This short journey is an ideal opportunity to get used to our bikes and start exploring India on two wheels.

Next, we have lunch and enjoy a guided tour that takes us to the Red Fort before walking through one of the city's busy streets. In the early evening, we are taken to the railway station to travel to Jodhpur by sleeper train (overnight train). Our bikes are sent to Jodhpur in another vehicle heading to Delhi. (2-hour bike ride)

We continue the bike ride to the city of Udaipur over a distance of approximately 40 km. It leads us mainly through the countryside where traffic is less dense, allowing us to enjoy rural landscapes. After covering a distance of 40 km by bike, we are taken to Ranakpur, a small town located in the hills of the Pali district. It is one of the most beautiful residences and one of the largest temples and Jain complexes in Inde and one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. We visit the main temple which is the Adinath temple or the Chaumukha temple, dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Adinath. It was built during the reign of Rana Kumbha, one of the liberal and talented Rajput sovereigns of the 15th century.

We are then driven for 15 km. We leave our motorized vehicle to continue on our bikes for a distance of approximately 34 km across the Aravalli hills. We then continue by car to the beautiful city of Udaipur located on the edge of a lake.

After a delicious breakfast, we are driven quickly for approximately half an hour to Iswal passing through the rural region of Rajasthan. From Iswal, we mount our bikes, ready to explore the magnificent landscapes of the region. We head all the way north, through the many peaceful villages, to finally reach Kumbhalgarh where we will spend the night. Today's route is more challenging since the trails are very uneven and rolling. We visit the fort of Kumbhalgarh whose fortification extends over more than 36 kilometers and contains hundreds of Jain and Hindu temples. We take the opportunity to admire the magnificent and panoramic views from the fort's walls, considered the second largest wall in the world, after the Great Wall of China. Return to the hotel. (Ascent 700m, descent 400m)

Today's itinerary is divided into two parts. We start cycling directly from the hotel. The first cycling circuit covers villages on minor roads to Gomti village. Here, we board our vehicle and depart for three hours of driving to Ajmer from where we set off cycling again to Pushkar. This journey takes a few hours and allows you to cross the desert and pass through the Lox Pass in the Aravalis hills, before entering the city of Pushkar. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Later, we visit the Brahma Temple and the sacred lake. It is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus as it is the only temple of Lord Brahma in Inde. Lord Brahma is known as the creator of the world according to Hindu mythology. The evening is free to visit Pushkar's local market.

Today, we resume our exploration by traveling along the country roads of Rajasthan, heading north from Pushkar through arid fields with patches of cultivation and a number of small villages of Rupangarh, known locally as the marble center. The marble used in the construction of the Taj Mahal was excavated from this region. Nearby is Sambhar Lake. It is India's largest salt lake and supplies most of Rajasthan with salt production. From there, we had the option to continue our ride south of the lake to Naraina station, where we board our vehicle and resume the rest of the journey to Jaipur. We spend the night at the hotel. (Ascent 410 m, descent 520m)

Leaving behind the kingdom of Rajputs, we are transferred by vehicle to Ramgarh from where we begin our cycling tour following the peaceful roads that wind through part of the Aravalli Hills. Along the way, we encounter many farms and villages as well as well-maintained fields dotted with trees. Crossing large valleys and rocky ridges, we cover an easy slope to climb and descend. As we approach our destination, the final cycling route via the small town of Pratapgarh becomes more interesting. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. The rest of the evening is free to relax and prepare for the exploration of the Sariska National Park the next day. (Ascent 190 m, descent 240 m).

After breakfast, we take a bike ride through the park while listening to the birdsong. We meet farmers and women dressed in bright colors working on their farm. As we continue our route towards the east and south, we get closer to our next destination. We board the support vehicle for the final part of the journey. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Today, we arrive early to observe birds in the park. This excursion is organized by our guide and delights all wildlife and flora enthusiasts. Those who opt for this tour return to the lodge for breakfast, before the entire group sets off by bike for what is the last leg of our cycling circuit. We pedal leisurely through the streets of the former Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted royal city built by Mughal emperor Akbar. This impressive and well-preserved citadel served as Akbar's political capital for 14 years until in 1585 he abandoned Fatehpur Sikri due to water shortage.

After the visit, we board the tourist bus and head towards Agra. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Today, we start our day very early to enjoy an incredible sunrise over the Taj Mahal. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj is a true masterpiece in white marble. A symbol of love, it stands on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was built by the 5th Mughal king Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to his fourteenth child.

In the afternoon, visit the Red Fort of Agra, a complex of semi-circular red sandstone forts richly decorated with double ramparts and monuments.

After the visit, we return to Delhi. Upon arrival, we have the opportunity to visit Delhi's local bazaars for last-minute shopping before flying to our next destination.