Rajasthan Cycle
Good for: Rajasthan tour
Not good for: Absolute nothing
All content by World Expeditions
Cycle Rajasthan's country roads for a taste of the ‘real' India including a visit to the Taj Mahal and exploration of Fatephur Sikri
From the delights of Jaipur we adjust to the pace of the buffalo cart from handlebar level, savouring a way of life that is still in harmony with the seasons. The roads are flat, the days not unduly strenuous and we provide a backup vehicle for your convenience. There will be ample opportunity to witness the spectacular Taj Mahal at sunrise and explore Fatephur Sikri before returning to Delhi where the trip concludes.
Highlights
- Overnight train journey to Jaipur
- Sightseeing in Delhi
- Pink City of Jaipur
- Cycling backroads of rural India
- Wildlife viewing at Sariska Tiger Reserve
- Cycling within Bharatpur Bird Sanct
- Sunrise at Taj Mahal
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Delhi.
On arrival at the group hotel your leader will brief the group on the trip. The rest of the day is free to adjust to the sights, sounds and smells of India.
Day 2 Train to Jaipur.
We transfer to New Delhi station to board the early morning Express train to Jaipur. The train takes five hours, reaching Jaipur by lunchtime, giving us the afternoon to wander the city. The famed "Pink City" of Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan, and was founded in the early 18th century by Maharajah Jai Singh, who moved from Amber to this new site on the plains.
Day 3 In Jaipur
Today is a full day to explore further the city of Jaipur. We visit the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar - the remarkable observatory reflecting Jai Singh's passion for astronomy. There is also the Old City with its bazaars and the Hawa Mahal - the Palace of the Winds, originally built as part of the City Palace complex to allow the ladies of the Royal household to watch the everyday life in the city without themselves being observed.
Day 4 Jaipur to farm camp (50km)
Departing through the outlying settlements of Jaipur and with the Amber Fort as our backdrop, we commence the cycling.Your leader will give a briefing on cycling in India and handling your bike as well as making time for adjustments before we progress along the Ramgargh road, one of the quieter veins leading out of Jaipur. The route twists through small farming settlements, where we provide endless entertainment to the villagers who are intrigued at the notion of westerners riding bikes through India. By noon we arrive at Ramgarh Lake and enjoy a lunch respite under a huge Banyan tree. After lunch we cycle on to our overnight camp spot; located in a true rural setting, with small rudimentary dwellings and endless fields of crops.
Day 5 Farm house to Sariska Park (52km)
We continue riding through timeless India, with lush flowering mustard plantations flanked by overhanging willow trees, before reaching the gates to the Sariska Tiger Reserve. After a drink stop we continue on to our camp inside the park where we will have lunch. This was once home to a significant population of tigers, until a few seasons ago, when poaching significantly reduced their numbers. However there are many other animals in the park, and the atmosphere and natural surrounds make the visit very much worthwhile. Our camp overnight will be in the grounds of the Sariska Tiger Camp.
Day 6 Cycle to Rajgarh (38km). Drive to Bharatpur camp (90km)
Our ride this morning takes us through numerous small villages as we make our way to Rajgarh. Stopping for lunch we continue a further 15km in the afternoon before we board the bus to drive us the last section of the day to Bharatpur via Mahua. Camp tonight is within the premises of the Swaraj Resort.
Day 7 Bharatpur to Fatehpur Sikri and Agra - (54km)
Today we cycle to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Our bikes provide a wonderful mode of transport to move around and explore the park, where swamplands provide habitats for hundreds of bird species. After lunch in the park we travel in our vehicle for about 20km to Fatehpur Sikri, where we can explore Akbar's deserted capital, before continuing on to Agra.
Day 8 In Agra, then drive to Delhi, trip concludes
In the early morning we have a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan's mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. We continue to Agra Fort, a fitting testimony to the Great Moghuls - Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan - during the era when Agra was the capital of the Moghul empire. From the Red Fort we'll have more views of the Taj Mahal before driving back to Delhi this afternoon where our trip concludes.
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
- airport transfers on Day 1 & Day 8
- expert bilingual guide
- group medical kit
- good quality accommodation in Delhi/Jaipur/Agra
- use of a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
- private vehicles
- sightseeing and site entry fees as listed
- souvenir World Expeditions kit bag
Summary
- 8 day trip
- 4 day cycle
- 4 nights hotel
- 3 nights camping
Group Size Min
4
Group Size Max
16
Accommodation Summary
Equipment Required
Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the season, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc.
Check dates and prices
Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site
from
USD$1,690
Why we recommend World Expeditions
- Pioneers in responsible travel.
- No local payments.
- True adventures in every sense.
- Expert guides and support.
- Quality facilities and transport.
Customer care
World Expeditions is a global company with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada, all staffed with experienced adventure travellers.
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