Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...
Cycling through Rajasthan is a fantastic holiday. We saw and experienced so much. Magnificent Palaces, forts and Temples in the cities, and the pace and colour of life in the country.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I loved cycling through the market traffic in Udaipur - everything moving constantly, fairly slowly, but never stopping. The Meherangarh fort in Jodhpur, and the deserted citadel of Fatehpur Sikri were highlights for me. The Taj Mahal is spectacular.
What did you think of your group leader?
The leaders were great, Harish led the cycling and Pramod backed up the group. They were with us all day, everyday for the two weeks, and nothing was too much trouble. Harish made it clear from the start if we had any issue, we should raise it with them immediately, and they'd sort it out.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
There was a wide variety of cycling experience amongst our group. There are stretches of straight road through the country where people choose their own pace, and have the opportunity to take lots of fantastic photos - always safe in the knowledge the leader would stop and regroup at every junction, and the backstop leader, and bus were following up if you had a puncture.
Long finger gloves for the early morning cycle.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cycling through rural India, visiting local village, cycling through chaotic city traffic and coping with it, with the help of Sanjay and Promod. The friendliness of all the children and families waving us on even in the remotest of places, there would always be a 'ta ta' springing up from the unlikliest of spots. Last but not least, being able to see India close up on a bicyle, you really get a feel for the country, rather than viewing it from the TV or other media.
What did you think of your group leader?
Sanjay and Promod and the rest of the team were outstanding. Very helpful, always on hand to help and take any questions you may have.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I was anxious about what I had read regarding cattle in road, barking dogs, the naughty sticks and stones, upset stomachs, but it paled into significance with regard to the whole holiday. The cattle just roam, they cause no problems, whilst the other incidents were manageabe and very rarely occurred.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I did not expect so many of the roads to be so bumpy and stony in parts for such prolonged periods. It did not phase most in the group, so it may be due to my not ever cycling off road, as I always cycle on good tarmac roads at home.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cycling past smiling laughing children playing together and watching them run across fields just to wave and say hello to you.
What did you think of your group leader?
Brilliant ! Sanjay and Harish were the best you could wish for and both had an excellent sense of humour. Nothing was too much trouble for them and Harish's passion for his countrys history was very knowlegable and infectious. Sanjays laugh could be heard all round Rajastan and his dancing is a real treat.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you travel over Xmas/ January its very cold and very foggy. Take plenty of warm clothes, i cycled in 8 layers on 2 days, to layer up in the mornings and evenings and warm trousers for your early morning game drive in Sariska ( we had frost). The sun doesn't appear some days till 1030ish and the temperature drops quickly around 4ish. Full cycling gloves as well as fingerless for the cold days and the best padded saddle you can find as theirs are not at all comfortable. A multi way scarf to cover your head, ears and mouth, to keep you warm and prevent some of the dust and pollution getting in your mouth. Wrap around glasses are a must. Also bring a torch as power cuts happen often. Finally bring plenty of anti bacterial hand gel - this is a must and use it a lot !
Be prepared to be a tourist attraction yourself, i lost count of the amount of times our group were asked to be in photos.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A brilliant busy holiday with minimal spare time. The cycling is as fast as the team that cycles and the bus is always behind the slowest cyclist so apart from one particular day ( after the Jain Temple) there is no major pressure.
The support team are also great and good fun too.
You will see some amazing sights, eat lovely food and meet some great people, enjoy the journey :-)
It was a great adventure cycling trough cities with crazy traffic, passing forts, palaces and temples. Cycle along with cows, camels and elephants and beeing greeted by friendly Indians! As a dutchman I had good fun with a group of English, Scots and Manx!
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Just seeing big smiles cycling trough rural Rajasthan when you greet people and children with Namastéfrom your bike. Passing loaded jeeps and tuk tuks with cheering people in, behind and on top of.
It was good fun winning a prize on the Puskar Camel fair by making a human pyramid with 12 other foreigners and beat a Rajasthan team because we first broke a bowl with flowers at 5 metres high! And afterwards being interviewed by Indian news!
What did you think of your group leader?
Harish and Sanjay where great tourleaders who took responsability for a great journey. They where well organized and we had good fun with them! And of course not forget the great bus driver mister Singh and the bike repair team!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Just go for it, have fun and aproach India with a big smile!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Be prepared that next to the cycling you will also spent a reasonable amount of time in the bus because of the long distances. For me the amount of time you spent visiting palaces, forts and temples could be less, especially in Jaipur. I would rather cycle more.
This holiday was quite simply the holiday of a lifetime. It exceeded my expectations in almost every way. I could never have imagined that India had quite so much to offer. The endless stream of temples, forts, palaces and scenery that was simply breathtaking. The people of India were just so friendly and the great thing about cycling through the villages was the opportunity to meet the real people of India.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Pushkar - the afternoon I spent on my own wandering around the streets of Pushkar during the world famous camel fayre was the most memorable few hours of my holiday. I spent a lovely lunchtime overlooking Pushkar Holy Lake in The Rainbow Cafe. The service was friendly and the food excellent but the views and the serenity of the location, in what was a bustling town centre, was simply breathtaking.
Taj Mahal - Nothing can prepare you for the beauty of the Taj Mahal. It is simply perfect. The detail on the building can only truly be enjoyed by being there in person. The story of how it was built is fascinating in itself. This was a great way to bring my amazing trip to India to a close.
Indian Wedding - whilst cycling up a quiet rural road we stumbling into a wedding procession where 26 couples were getting married. We were mobbed by the procession and at one point I was shaking the hands of the guests with both hands at the same time. Everywhere we went in India we met local people who were inquisitive, friendly and always smiling.
What did you think of your group leader?
On our trip we had a team of 5 people taking care of the group of 10.
Mr Singh - our bus driver and his very enthusiastic assistant.
"Michael" who was the bike doctor.
Sanjay was the supporting group leader and Harish was the lead group guide.
The whole team spent the entire holiday looking after us. The attention to detail was amazing and Harish and Sanjay were always happy to help if you wanted a little more information or guidance.
Harish's knowledge of the places we visited was excellent. He is also an expert on wildlife and in particular birds. He is a lifelong member of the RSPB and has even travelled to the UK as a guest of the RSPB to give lectures.
I really felt that for those two weeks, all the team cared about was ensuring the whole group had the best possible holiday.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The cycling was enjoyed by everyone in the group. I would have described the group as generally fit but not athletes by any means. Everyone seemed to enjoy the cycling and managed to complete the routes with relative ease.
The cycling is broken up into shorter legs throughout the day to ensure the group are together at each point of the tour.
The hotels were of a surprisingly high standard. The were usually very impressive locations. Occasionally the hotels lacked the refinements of a European 3/4 star hotels but the staff were always happy to help. I think you have to expect in this trip that at times the hotels may not be as well run and maintained as you might get in the UK. However, the rooms were generally clean, well furnished and the cycling helped ensure a sound sleep at every location.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
India has so much to offer, this holiday may not have been life changing but it was certainly life enhancing. I returned home with a real sense of achievement and an appreciation of so many of the things we take for granted.
Rob Tiller
CYCLING THROUGH RAJASTHAN
Written
You have to be a far better cyclist than they suggest, however its good fun, long days and very early mornings, 0630 get ups. A day of 90km is no fun, Sometimes i wondered why we cycled through some industrial areas, most of the time its was great good countryside and villages. Be warned, Indian villages are dirty, piled high with rubbish, open sewers and never drink the water. its a culture shock.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I enjoyed the forts and palaces, mostly local people were pleased to see us, children and alike. Only twice any problems, stone throwing and slapping, and group stayed together. India is an eye opener.
What did you think of your group leader?
The Group Leader was extremely good, knowledgeable and listened. But cycled too fast ! I was mid group we had to wait for "tail end charlie" and the times we did km by time trial were difficult to keep up
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Becareful and don't expect hot water and wi-fi, it maybe a rich country and the hotels and local towns aren't rich. Mind the cows and the stray dogs, lots of them and not nice.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
On the whole it was a great trip, certainly made me think and in awe of how hard the indian village people work and put up with such hardships. Recommend but take heed of the cycle use, its hard work.
Bob Boyce
CYCLING THROUGH RAJASTHAN
Written
A brilliant trip made special by the group leader and of course the group members. The contrast of city versus rural cycling and daily life is imense but equally attractive in their own way. They cycling is not overly arduous and the chai stops are rewarding and refreshing. Visting a range of attractions (temples, forts, national parks) gives a good feel and overview of Rajasthan.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
For me it was the cycling through the countryside and seeing the daily life of folk. Also listening to Sanjay and Harish talk about their country with immense pride and enthusiam. Very informative.
What did you think of your group leader?
simply superb. Enthusiatic, calm, curtious, effecient, responsive, organised, interested...every thing you would want in a leader for this trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do some cycling at home, bring some warm clothes if travelling in December/January. If you like spicey food, ask for Indian spicey when ordering. Do not expect a lot of time to your self. The itinerary is a full and there is little time for shopping or strolling around the towns. Do not expect Internet even if advertised in the hotels.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This trip is clearly packaged as a two week trip and provides a taste of Rajasthan. A few more days to allow some personal time to explore, e.g. in Pushkar. would be great. It maybe an idea to add a day trip returning to the same hotel and spending two nights somewhere.
from 30 reviews.
Login above to retrieve a previously saved list or 
Click on 'Add to wishlist' to pin trips here.
