- Cycle the rural backroads of Rajasthan, welcomed by villagers as we go
- Marvel at the Taj Mahal as the sun sets, a beautiful time to visit
- Explore the magnificent Amber Fort in the Pink City of Jaipur
- Pedal through the bird-watching paradise of Bharatpur National Park
- Game drive through Sariska National Park, searching for leopards and more
Cycling Through Rajasthan
15 Days
Excluding Flights From
16 Days
from
Cycling
Activity Level
Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you
Comfort Level
Classic
Hop on the saddle to discover majestic monuments and picturesque palaces in India’s Land of Kings
Cycle through Rajasthan, so rich in magnificent forts and palaces that it’s nicknamed the Land of Kings. Led by our expert tour leader, we explore the largest state in India by bike, enjoying a group adventure that balances time on the saddle with immersive cultural stops. Along the way, we visit Mehrangarh Fort at Jodhpur, the lakeside palace of Udaipur, the holy town of Pushkar and the superb pink city of Jaipur. We finish at the Taj Mahal, watching the sun set over a New Wonder of the World.
Departures starting in Delhi on 26 October 2025 and 14 November 2026 are special departures that include the Pushkar Fair – there is an alternative itinerary on days 7-8 and 10-11 for these departures.
Highlights
Key Information
- Accommodation: 13 Classic nights (hotels), 1 Simple night (sleeper train)
- 12 days of cycling (including optional rides) with full vehicle support
- Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Pushkar, Holi and Diwali festival departures available (see Dates & Prices tab)
- Countries visited: India
What's Included
- All breakfasts, four lunches and one dinner
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Local bike hire
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
Pace:
Moderate: 8mph-10mph (13kph-16kph)
Terrain:
Low altitude; 100 percent paved
Day 2
25 km / 15.5 miles
Day 3
23 km / 14.3 miles
Day 4
74 km / 46 miles
Day 5
25 km / 15.5 miles
Day 6
65 km / 40.4 miles
Day 7
35 km / 21.7 miles
Day 10
60 km / 37.3 miles
Day 12
63 km / 39.1 miles
Day 13
35 km / 21.7 miles
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Friday
22 Nov 2025 21 Nov 2025
Saturday Saturday
06 Dec 2025 06 Dec 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price 2 040 € 2 040 €
Optional Single Supplement +438 €
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
06 Dec 2025 05 Dec 2025
Saturday Saturday
20 Dec 2025 20 Dec 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price Usually 2 278 €Now 1 955 €Saving 323 € Usually 2 278 €Now Saving 323 €
Optional Single Supplement +438 €
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
24 Jan 2026 23 Jan 2026
Saturday Saturday
07 Feb 2026 07 Feb 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price Usually 2 398 €Now 2 160 €Saving 238 € Usually 2 398 €Now Saving 238 €
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
07 Feb 2026 06 Feb 2026
Saturday Saturday
21 Feb 2026 21 Feb 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 €
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Wednesday
19 Feb 2026 18 Feb 2026
Thursday Thursday
05 Mar 2026 05 Mar 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price Usually 2 518 €Now 2 280 €Saving 238 € Usually 2 518 €Now Saving 238 €
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Holi Festival Departure
Holi Festival Departure
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Wednesday
05 Mar 2026 04 Mar 2026
Thursday Thursday
19 Mar 2026 19 Mar 2026
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 3 spaces left!
Land Only Trip Price 2 640 € 2 640 €
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 3 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
14 Mar 2026 13 Mar 2026
Saturday Saturday
28 Mar 2026 28 Mar 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 400 € Book with 600 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
28 Mar 2026 27 Mar 2026
Saturday Saturday
11 Apr 2026 11 Apr 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 400 € 2 400 € Book with 600 € deposit Book with 600 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
11 Apr 2026 10 Apr 2026
Saturday Saturday
25 Apr 2026 25 Apr 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 400 € Book with 600 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
10 Oct 2026 09 Oct 2026
Saturday Saturday
24 Oct 2026 24 Oct 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 € Book with 630 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
24 Oct 2026 23 Oct 2026
Saturday Saturday
07 Nov 2026 07 Nov 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 € Book with 630 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesFriday Thursday
06 Nov 2026 05 Nov 2026
Friday Friday
20 Nov 2026 20 Nov 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 € Book with 630 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Diwali Festival Departure
Diwali Festival Departure
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
14 Nov 2026 13 Nov 2026
Saturday Saturday
28 Nov 2026 28 Nov 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 820 € 2 820 € Book with 705 € deposit Book with 705 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +804 €
Pushkar Camel Fair Departure
Pushkar Camel Fair Departure
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
21 Nov 2026 20 Nov 2026
Saturday Saturday
05 Dec 2026 05 Dec 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 € Book with 630 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
28 Nov 2026 27 Nov 2026
Saturday Saturday
12 Dec 2026 12 Dec 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 € Book with 630 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
05 Dec 2026 04 Dec 2026
Saturday Saturday
19 Dec 2026 19 Dec 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 € Book with 630 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
12 Dec 2026 11 Dec 2026
Saturday Saturday
26 Dec 2026 26 Dec 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 645 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Wednesday
14 Jan 2027 13 Jan 2027
Thursday Thursday
28 Jan 2027 28 Jan 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +606 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
23 Jan 2027 22 Jan 2027
Saturday Saturday
06 Feb 2027 06 Feb 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +606 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Wednesday
04 Feb 2027 03 Feb 2027
Thursday Thursday
18 Feb 2027 18 Feb 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +606 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
20 Feb 2027 19 Feb 2027
Saturday Saturday
06 Mar 2027 06 Mar 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +606 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesTuesday Monday
09 Mar 2027 08 Mar 2027
Tuesday Tuesday
23 Mar 2027 23 Mar 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +606 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
27 Mar 2027 26 Mar 2027
Saturday Saturday
10 Apr 2027 10 Apr 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +606 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Wednesday
08 Apr 2027 07 Apr 2027
Thursday Thursday
22 Apr 2027 22 Apr 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +606 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
09 Oct 2027 08 Oct 2027
Saturday Saturday
23 Oct 2027 23 Oct 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 640 € Book with 660 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +606 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Wednesday
21 Oct 2027 20 Oct 2027
Thursday Thursday
04 Nov 2027 04 Nov 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 640 € Book with 660 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +606 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Tuesday
03 Nov 2027 02 Nov 2027
Wednesday Wednesday
17 Nov 2027 17 Nov 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 940 € Book with 735 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +846 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
13 Nov 2027 12 Nov 2027
Saturday Saturday
27 Nov 2027 27 Nov 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 640 € Book with 660 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +606 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Wednesday
18 Nov 2027 17 Nov 2027
Thursday Thursday
02 Dec 2027 02 Dec 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 640 € Book with 660 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +606 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
27 Nov 2027 26 Nov 2027
Saturday Saturday
11 Dec 2027 11 Dec 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 640 € Book with 660 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +606 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
04 Dec 2027 03 Dec 2027
Saturday Saturday
18 Dec 2027 18 Dec 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 640 € Book with 660 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +606 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Wednesday
16 Dec 2027 15 Dec 2027
Thursday Thursday
30 Dec 2027 30 Dec 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 880 € Book with 720 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +606 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip Notes
Itinerary
Delhi Delhi
Adventure starts in Delhi
Begin your adventure in pulsating Delhi.
Join your tour leader for a bicycle fitting around 2pm, so that any necessary adjustments and safety checks can be made before we head out to explore the local area. This is a great chance to make sure everything is comfortable and in working order before the main cycling days begin.
Around 6pm, we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead over a welcome meeting. Your tour leader then arranges an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant (this will be included for all in 2026).
Want more time in Delhi? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative
Accommodation: Ashok Country Resort (or similar)
Morning cycle tour of New Delhi; afternoon sightseeing tour of Old Delhi; overnight train to Jodhpur
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
Arrive Jodhpur; free morning then afternoon city cycle tour including Mehrangarh Fort
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)
Ride/drive to Udaipur via Jain temple at Ranakpur; cycle towards lakeside town of Udaipur
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)
Cycle tour around Udaipur including City Palace
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 flat rural backroads past farmland and small villages and continue through Fateh Sagar Lake and Badi Lake. We finish close to the city, where we visit the impressive City Palace.
Accommodation: Paras Mahal Hotel (or similar)
Ride on backroads to the fort of Kumbhalgarh
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)
Ride/drive to Pushkar
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: 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)
Ride/drive to Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, via rural villages and Rupnagar
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
Optional early morning city heritage ride, Jaipur sightseeing
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)
Ride/drive to Sariska National Park via Pratap Garh
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: Sariska Safari Lodge (or similar)
Pushkar Fair departures: 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)
Game drive; optional afternoon ride
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 you may join an optional 8.5mi (14km) cycle to rural villages with a chance to see the daily routine of Rajasthani village life.
Accommodation: Sariska Safari Lodge (or similar)
Ride/drive to Bharatpur National Park, renowned for its bird sanctuary, later visited by bike
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: Kadamb Kunj Resort (or similar)
Minimum elevation: 767ft (234m) / Maximum elevation: 1,309ft (399m)
Cycle to Fatehpur Sikri, transfer to Agra; visit Taj Mahal at sunset
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 Agra Fort; transfer to Delhi
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: Rockland Hotel (or similar)
Adventure ends in Delhi
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 extending your stay.
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Cycling days: 12 including optional rides
- Average distance: 29mi (47km) per day with full vehicle support
- Terrain and route: Mostly cycling along backroads with some traffic in parts. All roads are surfaced. Our route is a mixture of rolling hills and flat plains. There are two steeper optional climbs: to Mehrangarh Fort on Day 3 and Kumbhalgarh Fort on Day 6. The support vehicle is there for anyone who decides to stop riding.
- This part of India can be very hot.
- Although this trip is moderately demanding there is plenty of time to explore.
Suitability: Traffic in India can be busy with limited enforcement of the rules. Inexperienced riders may find this difficult, but your tour leader is an expert on navigating these conditions and will brief you on how to cycle safely in India. Please listen carefully and follow the instructions.
Speed: You should feel comfortable cycling at a continuous, steady pace throughout this trip, even on the longer days.
Climate: It can be hot and humid in India, particularly during September-November and March-May, which can increase the difficulty of the cycling.
Monuments: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India, including the Taj Mahal, and very occasionally this may mean work is taking place at sites visited on this trip. The ASI schedule is never published so it is not possible to forewarn when work will be taking place.
Some departures coincide with Holi and Diwali, both fascinating times to visit India. We will seek opportunities to see the festivities, though we cannot guarantee what will be happening locally during our trip – the festivals are celebrated in different ways throughout the country.
Holi typically involves people throwing coloured powders and water at each other and smearing powder on each other’s faces. This tends to be done in local communities and families, so it is not always possible to be involved (though you may see the colourful results of this boisterous festival on the streets). During Holi, local monuments and markets close, so departures over Holi have a slight adjustment to the itinerary. In Jaipur, sightseeing is limited, so where necessary we include a cultural day to see local musicians and dancers perform; there may also be an opportunity to join in: playing with colours, dancing, and enjoying food and drinks. Your leader will happily arrange some Holi activities (supplement fees may apply) and you can also purchase the traditional white kurta outfit to look the part and avoid getting your clothes covered in the coloured powders.
Diwali: Some departures coincide with Diwali, the festival of lights to mark the start of the Hindu new year, in which people may illuminate their houses and shops and sometimes celebrate on the streets with fireworks. Lasting up to five days, celebrations can be local (within communities and families) and are not necessarily marked to the same extent throughout the country. We seek opportunities to see the festivities; however, we cannot guarantee what is happening in the area visited. There can be occasional road closures, particularly coming into Jaipur, which may impact your cycle route. You leader will advise you of any changes to the route as soon as possible.
Pushkar Fair: Each year, we operate a departure of this trip that coincides with the Pushkar Fair; please see days 7 and 10 of the itinerary.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Ashok Country Resort, 30 Rajokri Road, Kapashera – New Delhi, Delhi, India
Phone: +91 11 25064590
Recommended arrival time: We recommend you arrive by 1pm today. This afternoon will there will be a first introduction to your bicycles followed by a welcome briefing with your leader around 6pm this evening.
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 15 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Delhi
Location end: Delhi
Hotels and sleeper train
On this cycling adventure in Rajasthan, we spend 13 nights in a mixture of pleasant hotels, most with swimming pools. One night is spent on an overnight air-conditioned sleeper train.
The hotels typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the notable accommodations on this trip.
Delhi to Jodhpur: Sleeper train (night 2)
Experience an icon of travel: the Indian sleeper train! Our journey takes us from Delhi to Jodhpur, skipping the long drive, while also allowing us to interact with the local people and sample the snacks often sold on board. The accommodation is basic: we normally stay in two-tier sleepers, the compartments sectioned off from the aisle by privacy curtains. Seats are allocated at the time the tickets are issued, so the whole group isn’t always together; however, our tour leader is an expert at making the journey as hassle-free as possible and will regularly check in with you.
Jodhpur: Shree Ram International Hotel (night 3)
There’s plenty to recommend the Shree Ram, most notably a sprawling green garden with plenty of space to wander and relax. There’s also an outdoor pool for a quick dip plus a café-bar stocked with wines, cocktails and more. Elsewhere, there’s The Basil restaurant, serving a variety of cuisines.
Udaipur: Paras Mahal Hotel (nights 4-5)
Relax in green gardens overlooking the Aravalli Hills when you stay at the Paras Mahal. Find further chilled moments at the Urvashi Bar, an ideal gathering spot for the group, or with a splash in the pool. It’s also close to the main attractions in Udaipur: the City Palace and Lake Pichola.
Jaipur: Vesta Maurya Palace Hotel(nights 8-9)
Vesta Maurya Palace is a charming hotel in the heart of Jaipur on MI Road, reflecting the city’s unique blend of tradition and modern style. With its pink brick exterior, the hotel offers a rooftop pool, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and a bar, all designed to make your stay comfortable and memorable.
Worth knowing
- Accommodation in Pushkar during the festival departure are Swiss cottage tents (canvas tents designed to emulate Swiss cottages) with attached bathroom facilities. All meals are included.
- Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are only a couple of months when the weather can get cold. You can, however, request more blankets if needed or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter.
- It’s common for hotels in India to have limited times in the day for hot water use to save energy. If you find your shower is cold, please let your leader or reception know so they can make sure the water heater is on.
- Within the sleeper train, you may be sharing a compartment of four beds with members of the public depending on how the seats are allocated.
- Single accommodation supplement excludes sleeper trains.
- Some hotels we use on this trip may have swimming pools; however, these are not heated.
Reviews
Add your own reviewtwo weeks in India
Trip completed in Jan-Feb 2025. This was my first time in India. The cycling was excellent (one day with 900m elevation riding to Kumbhalgarh but otherwise actually easier in terms of elevation/distance than on other grade 3 trips I’ve been on). Cycling in the cities is somewhat of an adrenaline sport which was great fun! The Taj Majal, Udaipur and Jodhpur Fort were all excellent. The food is exceptionally good. The bus was the most comfortable exodus trip bus I’ve ever been on and made the longer journeys a pleasure. I enjoyed the experience of the overnight train journey.
The Shree Ram hotel, Kumbhalgarh Forest Retreat and Sariska Safari Lodge I found to be very good and enjoyed staying there. The room in Ashok Country Resort was somewhat damp/musty. With the swimming pool closed there isn’t much to do there and, other than the airport, there’s nothing nearby. Food there was good. Bathrooms in the vesta mayura palace and udai villas were dirty. A night club next to the vesta mayua pumps out window shaking music until around midnight. This holiday is really cheap for two weeks – I know I can’t expect too much of a three star hotel in India but I’d rather have paid a bit more and had a nicer cleaner hotel at every stop.
Most Inspirational Moment
Has to be the Taj Mahal.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you're adding extra nights in Delhi don't stay extra nights in the first hotel, stay somewhere else. The weather in Jan-Feb required only full winter cycling gear on one day (Delhi) with the other days just occasionally needing a autumn/winter cycling jersey for an hour or two to start. Wasn't cold in any of the hotels and only needed to use a hotel heater once.
Reply from Exodus
Thank you for sharing your experience of our India cycling trip. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the cycling routes, the incredible sights like the Taj Mahal and Jodhpur Fort, and the exceptional food. It’s also great to know that the bus and overnight train added positively to your journey.
We appreciate your feedback on the accommodation. We’re pleased that several of the hotels met your expectations, but we’re sorry to hear that others fell short—particularly regarding cleanliness and comfort. We understand how important a good night’s rest is on an active trip, and we’re reviewing the properties mentioned to ensure they meet the standards we aim to deliver.
Your point about the value of the trip is well taken, and we’re grateful for your honesty in saying you’d prefer to pay a little more for consistently higher-quality hotels. This is something we’ll consider carefully as we continue to refine our itineraries.
Thank you again for your thoughtful review. We’re glad your first visit to India was memorable, and we hope to welcome you on another adventure soon.
Cycling through Rajasthan
Interesting ,fun, scary, exhausting, dirty, heart warming
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to identify but the Taj should get the prize.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent, inexhaustible, reassuring and indispensable
Advice for Potential Travellers
Practice cycling on bumpy, dusty roads and speed bumps. Follow the basic bottled or aerated water rules, don’t eat Vegetables or fruits that haven't been peeled or cooked and have a ball. (Need low hotel cleanliness standards. )
Great cycling through the villages and some awe inspiring forts and palaces on the way
We started in Delhi which is a crazy city . First day of cycling cancelled due to fog and the quality of air was very poor . Great days sightseeing of the city then the overnight train to Jodhpur which was an adventure . Not as much cycling as other Exodus cycling trips we have been on but the cycling we did was great . Bikes were good and the support was excellent. We visited a lot of palaces and forts all really enjoyed impressive . Food was brilliant and most of the hotels were usual Exodus standard and fine . It’s a great way of seeing Rajasthan from a different perspective
Most Inspirational Moment
Taj Mahal and the forts
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had two - Manu and Manish and both were very good .
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you are going in January bring warm clothes . The trip notes suggested we might be cold early morning but few of us were prepared for how cold it was for a lot of the time - one night we were even given hot water bottles Bring a mask or bandana to cover your mouth as when cycling through towns there is a lot of pollution and then n the villages a lot of dust
Amazing experience
A really amazing trip Guides really good and looked after me well I’m not really a cyclist though and would have appreciated clarification of the level. Having walked at level 4/5, I was surprised that level 3 was this hard
Most Inspirational Moment
Bird Park Amber fort Udaipur lakes
Thoughts on Group Leader
Manu and Manish were always friendly and approachable Assessment of conditions not always absolutely accurate in my opinion
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be aware that road conditions are often rough Tourist sites are awesome but local guides may be difficult to understand
An experience like no other
This was my first visit to India and hopefully it’s not my last. Certainly it was a different experience from my trips to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand but not in any way negative and with Manu’s guidance and Sunny’s support the minor challenges were all manageable. Cycling in the larger cities and towns required one to be alert at all times and the constant blowing of horns from motor bikes, tuc tucs, cars and buses took some getting used to. The Indian way clearly!! But as with any change one does adapt and we even managed to have some fun on a few tuc tuc journeys. One was never too far away from the many shallow and ‘without warning’ speed bumps which will keep you on your toes.
We crammed a lot into the 2 weeks but it was all very worthwhile and our time in Agra where we visited the stunning Taj Mahal in the late afternoon, and even though crowded due to the holiday period this was still an amazing experience. Then a visit to the Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was quite impressive. We had also spent a few hours the previous day visiting the beautiful bird sanctuary in the company of a wonderful guide.
Most Inspirational Moment
Without doubt the visit to the Taj Mahal.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Manu was excellent and very willing to share his family and general life's experience which gave an important and indeed enlightening insight into India and the impact Hinduism's teaching and philosophy has had on its citizen's way of life.
Advice for Potential Travellers
While the traffic can at times seem chaotic and intimidating it's important to stay calm and alert while cycling. Despite all the honking from vehicles, road users are not aggressive and honking appears to be just the Indian way of life.
Amazing and crazy in equal measures
If you want to experience Rajasthan’s famous sights and more peaceful rural life on two wheels this is a great trip.
The distance covered is vast, so expect long days with lengthy transfers on crazy uneven roads
If you are a confident cyclist the cycling is not too hard, however, you do need to concentrate as anything from a tuk tuk to a cow can suddenly appear in your path! Plus a tarmac surface can suddenly become rubble!
Cultural highlights include hill forts, palaces and not forgetting the beautifu lTaj Mahal.
Delhi and Jaipur are noisy and can feel overwhelming with the constant blarring of horns. The colours, sights and sounds will be with us for a very long time
Most Inspirational Moment
Visiting the Taj Mahal Seeing rural life close up
Advice for Potential Travellers
We timed our visit to coincide with Diwali. Sadly spending it in Jaipur wasn't the experience we had hoped for as its a bit like London on NYE Unless the itinerary is changed so Diwali is spent in a smaller town I'd avoid going then. Pack layers as the mornings can be chilly on the bike.
Palaces and Backroads
very good route and good rides through interesting countryside great palaces at Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaipur Taj Mahal is special
Most Inspirational Moment
Taj Mahal
Thoughts on Group Leader
Manu was very good. Delivered the programme. Told us a lot about India, and very open about his country. All the crew were very good.
Advice for Potential Travellers
India is chaotic and assaults all your senses. On the road you will see people, cows, dogs, buffalo, and lots of rubbish and plastic. It takes about a week to get used to the chaos !
Reply from Exodus
Thank you for your review of your November cycling trip to Rajasthan with us, Adam. We were pleased to read that you enjoyed the rides and were happy with your tour leader, Manu, though we were very sorry that you found two of the hotels used to be of a poor standard, which is not at all the kind of feedback we expect to receive.
We have contacted our local operator to investigate your comments, and would like to assure you that these hotels are not our standard properties used on this trip. The properties you mention were last minute replacements for this departure, after our standard allocated hotels were unable to provide the number of rooms we required for your group due to unforeseen issues. We had believed these replacement properties to be of a similar standard, with the same facilities provided as those of our usual properties, however, it appears that they were not prepared for quite how busy they became immediately after the restart of tourism to the region (particularly domestic tourists). For our departures since, we have used the standard hotels for this itinerary, which receive very positive feedback, and won’t be using the alternative properties you mention again. While we hope that this can provide an honest explanation for the issues you faced in Sariska and Jaipur, we do remain regretful of your disappointment with the accommodation there.
-Sarah Puttnam, Product Manager
Great cycling and site seeing combination
This trip is a great way of seeing a selection of famous sites as well as getting glimpses of the real India from cycling on back roads, waving at friendly locals, looping round cows, avoiding wandering pigs, nipping past sleeping dogs, pausing to allow flocks of sheep and goats to cross, overtaking bullock carts and even camels. The sometimes parched scenery may not be as lush as south India but there are plenty of sights to see along the way and regular snack stops to break up the longer cycling days. The longer rides tend to be pretty flat and there are some stiff but achievable hills too. But there’s always a back up vehicle for anyone who has had enough and plenty of snacks and sweet chai to keep you going.
Most Inspirational Moment
The Taj Mahal literally took my breath away, the Amer Fort in Jodhpur was amazing and the City Palace in Udaipur was spectacular, but there were many fascinating insights into local life too whether seeing a couple making rope along the roadside or watching bricks being made by hand.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sanjay and Manu were both excellent, highly experienced guides who worked hard to make sure that everything went smoothly.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you are travelling in January, it is probably going to be colder than you think. I was glad of the down jacket I had worn to the airport and even wore it for cycling a couple of times until me and the day warmed up. Personally, I felt most comfortable wearing my over the knee mountain biking shorts as village women always have their legs covered but no one had any issues when wearing shorter shorts. Two pairs of cycling under shorts were sufficient as there are enough two night stops for them to get washed, three would be better if you have them. You'll need something warm to wear on cold evenings too as we ate outside a couple of times. But I guess that won't apply to later departures.
Good cycling but a shame about the pollution in the cities.
We’ve visited India twice before, the first time 20 years ago and then again 10 years ago, and so as keen cyclists we were excited about the prospect of cycling around the back roads of Rajasthan. The cycling was fantastic, along quiet country roads through small rural villages where everyone waves and shouts hello. Brilliant! But beware – after the cycling you end up in large cities where the levels of pollution are now so bad that it is not only unpleasant to walk around but potentially very bad for your health. I and 3 others ended up with chest infections and 2 of us couldn’t cycle again for the remainder of the trip. Our trip was over Xmas and New Year and the hotels, although perfectly clean and adequate, had no heating and it was very very cold at night – we had to ask for extra blankets just to be able to sleep. Our leader Manu and all the support crew were excellent but the bikes were a little tired. Would I recommend this trip – No! Although the cycling was great the pollution in the cities is horrendous!
Most Inspirational Moment
The cycling and the excitement of the local children.
Fantastic trip through Moghul India
This was a great trip to be on, saw amazing sights; buildings, landscape, wildlife as well as having a chance to see and interact with local people. We cycled through some varied and interesting landscape as well as some that was dull. The roads were quite a mix, some better than the guides remembered from their last trip, others much worse. The heat was relentless on a few days due to lack of shade and start times being later due to coach transfers, this did cause problems and maybe needs more thought. I have to say that, after a few days cycling, most of us improved but the 34km extenI think the trip will be a five in future but it needs some tweaking of itinerary and trip notes to get there. sion on day eight seemed to be wasted as the countryside was probably the worst we came across, uninspiring. Overall a great trip though with a few adjustments to trip notes and tweaking of itinerary.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were a few, sorry! 1) The forts and palaces generally, especially at Jaipur and Udaipur 2) cycle up to Kumbhalgarh and visit to the fort 3) Morning guided heritage cycle around Jaipur, everyone thought that was fantastic 4) Ride through Sariskar NP buffer zone on day 10 5) Day 13 cycle through backroads to Fatehpur Sikri 6) And finally, the visit to the Taj Mahal, amazing
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had two tour leaders who shared duties, Sanjay who was the most senior and Tapesh. I thought they were a good mix and ensured we had the chance to meet locals, especially in impromptu situations. They looked after everyone on the rides and catered for the varying levels of fitness and determination. Socially they were good fun as were the cycle rides. They made the trip in my opinion.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don’t underestimate the heat and it’s impact on performance. Drinking plenty is difficult when the water in your bottle is 40C so try and mix with other drinks or take some squash or similar. Travel light, a bar bag is a useful thing to take rather than rucksack. Have camera handy for photos as you pass through small villages and chai shops.
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Cycling Through Rajasthan
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