Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the sites at Agra & Taj Mahal which were amazing. Some really fond memories of village life, visiting local schools, houses etc - Exodus really excel at this. The safari was ok, probably enjoyed the bird sactuary more

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tapesh & the whole team were brilliant - well organised, considerate, communicative etc

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's hot so take good screen, hat etc. Hardly any mossies, so didn't bother with Deet. Take alcohol hand wash to avoid the bugs.

Suggestions

There are lots of visits to palaces & forts which get better as the trip goes on to the well know UNESCO sites, some of these early ones are optional. There are some quite long bus transfers to the cities where these sites are - I believe changes are being made to the schedule to reduce the amount of these. The cycling scenery is fairly dry, and in my opinion much lusher with less urban centres to get to, on the Kerala or Sri Lanka trips. So if you want to see the UNESCO sites and have good (rather than excellent cycling), this would be a good trip. For a more relaxing trip, with lusher scenery & v few bus transfers, the Kerala trip might appeal more

Most Inspirational Moment

So many different memories- the overnight train ride, the mental traffic, tut tut rides! the wonderful people and children welcoming us everywhere we went, the amazing Taj Mahal, chai tea ! - the total India experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manu was was brilliant. Very knowledgeable, very organised, great sence of humour & a totally top chap.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a busy trip but make sure you go at your pace and enjoy the different experiences and savour India.

Suggestions

Manu & his fantastic support team were brilliant. They were all so happy and helpful - nothing was ever too much for them and they really helped to make the holiday so special.

Most Inspirational Moment

We were invited, or press ganged into a wedding, which was a real feast for the eyes, to see how a diiferent culture celebrate here - horses, parades, fireworks and entire banquet filled the hotel grounds. Of course the Taj is an excellent feat in building, but Udaipur palace interior was filled with impressive craftsmans skills. Though ultimately, its the people, the smiles, the friendliness that catches your heart

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manu and Rigsin were exceptional, the knowledge of India and its people, a question was never unanswered. Whilst we were there, we had the problem of the 'black money' - which caused a huge problem for everybody, and given the circumstances Manu helped out wherever he could, and even beyond his duties. Ali and Ramu always helped with water and the bike maintenance, and Mr Singh an amazing driver through those conditions

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check the weather before you go - it was much hotter than the average temperature on Exodus website If you see something, buy it, as youll never have the chance to buy it again - we found Johdpur market (clock tower) wonderful, but held out for Jaipur, which was disappointing and a very long day on and off the bus. Its a great holiday, but be prepared for non stop adventure - rest when you get back home!!!!

Suggestions

The Jaipur day out was laboured, too much to see in a short space of time, therefore withered with the guide, as you really had to listen hard to understand, plus added trips to the factories, were not for me Udaipur looked wonderful, but no chance to walk around as on a very tight schedule, we cycled, then straight out to eat later that evening Food at times went from fantastic at the lakeside in Udaipur, to very expensive roadside cafes, and uninteresting western style restaurants

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the villages were the most interesting and enjoyable times. The sleeper train was a surprisingly enjoyable experience also.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader spoke good English and enthusiastically shared his local knowledge with the group. He wasn't however so enthusiastic about the cycling element and lacked cycling fitness which sometimes compromised safety. The assistant leader is more of a cycling enthusiast with the fitness to match but unfortunately showed little interest in the monuments and sights.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of high energy snacks. Unlike on similar trips, these were not provided or easily bought. Our group were often hungry and energy reserves dipped on some of the more challenging cycling days. We soon learnt to take food from the breakfast buffet to refuel later on. We found we needed more money for food than the trip notes suggest. We were encouraged to tip more than the trip notes suggested also. There are opportunities to get laundry done.

Suggestions

Another great Exodus holiday which we thoroughly enjoyed, however it didn't quite match the standard of other Exodus holidays we have had.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cannot say just one as many days were varied and fascinating places to visit. Agra, for Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. Ranakpur was incredible, Jodhpur,Jaipur, Udaipur and Pushkar all different....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bhupesh ( Boo) and Anand (AK ) were very amazing! Very knowledgeable, fun and went out of their way to ensure we had all that we needed!( Including pharmacy, iPhone shop for smashed phone, birthday fireworks treats!)

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is some time for shopping built into the trip, however not specifically in your free time, which might be better as not everyone in the trip found this time well spent...

Suggestions

Standard of accommodation was one of the best for this type of trip and very well received. Would like to see this more often!

Most Inspirational Moment

??? Knowing I could still be out at the front at 69! I loved Udaipur and the hotel there. Feeling the vastness of the cities - especially Jaipur from above at sunset.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very competent and caring.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your own saddle - women especially.

Suggestions

Some, in fact all, the local guides were not especially interesting - their English was generally laboured. They often managed to say a lot of words without clearly conveying much. I do appreciate that we should be using local guides. More detailed and accurate notes on where we were going would have been helpful. The names of our hotels? in case we got lost. Advice on background reading? I picked up a second hand Rough Guide to India but not really appropriate.

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding through the villages where all the children would come out to line the streets and wave. Wherever we stopped a crowd would gather round to inspect both us and the bikes. I guess strangers, and especially European strangers are a very rare sight in some of these places. Whilst it does take a bit of getting used to, everyone was always really friendly.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Everything worked like clockwork, which given my previous experience of India was probably a minor miracle and a testament to the efficiency of our group leaders. Nice guys, always accommodating, flexible and willing to help.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It can be smoggy in Delhi (they appear to have a real problem with this these days) and it can be dusty in places on the road so do ensure you have something to cover your mouth. A buff kept round my neck worked well for me. Cycling in the cities is not for the fainthearted. Whilst there is a notional drive on the left rule, Indian traffic, people and animals come at you from all directions, and it can be very busy, although generally slow moving. Some element of confidence on a bike will help greatly.

Suggestions

If you don't like curry you may have a problem. Most of our group got a touch of Delhi belly at some point, but nothing serious, so do take plenty of pills with you.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was more than one! The Taj Mahal, the fort at Kumbhalgarh, Pushkar (if you stay off the special Lassi's!!) but above all the assault on the senses that is the cmlexity of India.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Anand Kapil worked his socks off to make sure we got the very best from this trip. He was really well supported by Sunil and the 'boys' (cycle mechanic and the drivers). Top marks to Anand and the team!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you like some cycling and sightseeing, then include this tri on your list. It is moderate for cycling (but you can burn the calories) but action packed given the itneery. You will come away with a real feel for what makes Rajasthan tick!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through rural India and the Taj Mahal

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Good knowledge, social and funny.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware of the traffic in cities.

Suggestions

Just go for it. Prefer the cooler month of november and december.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Taj Mahal

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, knowledgeable, calm, clear, fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you plan to extend your holiday arrange to stay at the Central hotel in Delhi. ( The Siddarth) rather than the Ashok. It takes an hour to get to the centre of Delhi from the Ashok.

Suggestions

Would seem more sensible to start holiday from central hotel and finish at the hotel nearer the airport. Need at least one free day ( Udaipur would be perfect ) More shopping opportunities.