Current as of: December 5, 2023 - 05:36
Current as of: December 5, 2023 - 05:36
3 out of 7 - Moderate
Discover Rajasthan, where rolling hills meet barren deserts and dramatic fortresses stand testament to a long, rich heritage. For this trip, we explore the largest state in India by bike, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in the traditional way of life here. Along the way, we visit landmarks that rival any on the planet, including the captivating Mehrangarh Fort at Jodhpur, the lakeside palace of Udaipur, the holy town of Pushkar and the superb pink city of Jaipur. We finish the trip at the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the New Wonders of the World.
Please note, departures on 29 October 2023, 5 November 2024 and 26 October 2025 (land only) will be special departures including Pushkar Festival – there is an alternative itinerary on days 7 & 8 and 10 & 11 for these departures.
Highlights
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate).
Please note, this part of India can be very hot. Although this trip is moderately demanding there is plenty of time to explore.
Please note, 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 our clients of when work will be taking place.
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 endeavour to seek possible opportunities to see the festivities; however, we cannot guarantee what is happening in the local area visited during the trip.
Pushkar Festival
Each year, we operate a departure of this trip that coincides with the Pushkar Festival; please see days 7 & 10 of the itinerary.
Our Indian team of leaders has proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Indian culture than letting an Indian leader show you around their country.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 5
Max group size: 16
Flights usually depart London in the evening.
The adventure starts at our hotel in Delhi. The rest of the day is used to assemble the bikes and explore locally before an evening briefing about our cycling adventure.
Accommodation: Ashok Country Resort (or similar)
The group flight arrives in the morning. Those who have made their own flight arrangements will join us at the hotel. The rest of the day is used to assemble the bikes and explore locally before an evening briefing about our cycling adventure.
Accommodation: Ashok Country Resort (or similar)
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 will be transferred to Jodhpur by bus (you are advised to 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
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: Standard hotel
Today is a long day so we start early, cycling from the hotel for about 25mi (40km). We then take a bus transfer to Ranakpur (approximately 3hr 30min) 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 by vehicle (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 by bus (approximately 1hr 30min to two hours) to the lakeside town of Udaipur.
Accommodation: Standard hotel
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 travellers 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, we spend the morning exploring the countryside around Udaipur by bike. We cycle on quiet roads past farmland and small villages as we head to Tiger Lake. Continuing on rural backroads, we can visit Animal Aid, an NGO hospital for injured animals. We finish our ride close to the city, where we visit the impressive City Palace.
Accommodation: Standard hotel
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 will be on hand 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: Standard hotel
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 nd travel the rest of the way in our vehicle (approximately five hours’ drive). Surrounded by desert, Pushkar is a Hindu pilgrimage town on a holy lake. Legend has it that 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 Festival, transforming the town into a bustling market. Before heading to our hotel, we spend time exploring the sites and sounds of a town like no other in Rajasthan.
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel
Pushkar Festival departures: 29 October 2023, 5 November 2024 and 26 October 2025 (Land Only)
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 during the festival departure will be provided in 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 will be included.
We leave Pushkar on our bikes travelling through desert backroads and small villages to the town of Rupnagar; a centre for working marble. There is the option to extend the ride by another 21mi (34km) to the Naraina railway crossing, where we transfer by vehicle to Jaipur (approximately 1hr 30min to two hours’ drive).
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel
Cycle: Approximately 37mi (60km) or 58.4mi (94km) including optional ride
If you’re up early, we have an optional ride around this wonderful pink city, cycling through its fascinating narrow laneways. Passing havelis (private mansions) and sacred temples, we head for the majestic Albert Hall, which was built to welcome the Prince of Wales on his visit during the 1870s. Along the way, we stop at popular food stalls where you can sample what the local people enjoy for breakfast. After the ride, we have time back at the hotel to freshen up before we head out for a wonderful day of sightseeing. We 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, such as 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: Comfortable hotel
We leave Jaipur with a combination of cycling and a transfer and return to rural India. We transfer by vehicle to Jamwa Ramgarh (approximately 45 minutes to one hour) and then cycle to Sariska via Pratap Garh and through the beautiful Aravalli foothills.
Accommodation: Standard hotel
Pushkar Festival departures: 29 October 2023, 5 November 2024 and 26 October 2025 (land only)
The itinerary for these departures is slightly amended to spend two nights in Pushkar (days 7 & 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.
Before breakfast, we head off in open 4x4s for our 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. We return to the hotel for a late breakfast and, in the afternoon, there is the option to cycle to the nearby Siliseth Lake. This takes us on backroads through rural villages and farmland. We can have tea at the Lake Palace Hotel with stunning views across the waters to the Aravalli hills. Those who would prefer to relax can enjoy the garden and swimming pool at the hotel.
Optional cycle: Approximately 9mi (15km)
Accommodation: Standard hotel
After breakfast, we begin our ride from our hotel to Muhwa, where we take a short transfer to our lunch spot (approximately 60 to 90 minutes’ drive) and then another short transfer (about one to two hours) takes us to Bharatpur National Park. This park is renowned for its Unesco 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: Comfortable hotel
In the morning, we leave Bharatpur and cycle on backroads passing through Fatehpur Sikri, the emperor Akbar’s deserted royal city. Later we transfer to Agra (approximately one to two hours’ drive) in time to see the sun set 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. The Taj 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: Standard hotel
In the morning, we visit the imposing Agra Fort of Akbar, 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, we transfer to Delhi by bus (five to six hours’ drive, depending on traffic) arriving early evening. Your leader will arrange a group dinner for those who would like one last time together to share memories of the trip.
Accommodation: Hotel Amrapali Grand (or similar) – Changing to Hotel Deventure for all 2024 departures
The adventure ends after breakfast. However, if you’d like more time to explore Delhi, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
For those who are on the flight inclusive package we depart for Delhi airport in the morning for the day flight back to London. The arrangements for those not flying with the group ends after check out.
We spend 13 nights in a mixture of comfortable and standard hotels, most with swimming pools. One night is spent on an overnight air-conditioned sleeper train.
Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are only a couple of months in the year when the weather can get rather cold. You can, however, request more blankets 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. Some hotels we use on this trip may have swimming pools; however, these are not heated.
Overnight train journeys
The overnight train will be booked in two-tier sleeper with air conditioning (or three-tier if two-tier is not available). There are many excellent trains in India; however, the standard of seating and sleeping is not in line with European standards. All seats are allocated at the time the tickets are issued, meaning we cannot guarantee the whole group is together on the train. Your leader will manage this as best as possible and will always check on you during the journey. Indian trains are safe; however, we recommend you keep valuables with you at all times. Snacks are often offered on board (at an additional cost) but you may wish to purchase your own food prior to the journey. While some trains have Western-style facilities, the majority of services are equipped with squat toilets. Please note, trains sometimes get delayed; however, we endeavour to minimise the impact of these delays on the overall itinerary. Most of the luggage will be transported to Jodhpur by bus, so we just take a small overnight bag on the train.
Please note: Accommodation in Pushkar during the festival departure will be provided in Swiss cottage tents (canvas tents designed to emulate Swiss cottages) with attached bathroom facilities. All meals will be included.
Single supplement from £ 360
All breakfasts, four lunches and one dinner are included.
Breakfast on arrival day is not included as you should be given breakfast on your flight. If you do want another breakfast, it costs approximately 660 Indian rupees (US$8) at the hotel in Delhi. You should allow at least 1,400 – 2,400 rupees (approximately US$20 – US$35) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants most of the time, you will spend more than the suggested amount. In most towns, there is a good choice of restaurants and a choice between Indian and Western-style food. If you are a vegetarian, India is probably one of the best destinations to travel to with a wide range of dishes on offer. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A large bottle of beer is approximately 330 rupees (US$4). Mineral water is widely available.
A support vehicle is with the group at all times, so you only have to carry your day-to-day items.
October to March is the ideal time to visit northern India. Days are normally warm to hot and nights cool or mild. Humidity is very low and little or no rain falls. In March, April and October, it can get very hot during the day. Evenings in Delhi and in the Thar Desert can be surprisingly cool, so bring warm clothing plus a sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. It gets very cold in the early mornings and evenings between December and February.
Start hotel: Ashok Country Resort, 30 Rajokri Road, Kapashera – New Delhi, Delhi, India
Phone: +91 11 25064590
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately.
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
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.
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) from the end hotel.
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
Free Transfers
Exodus offers free airport arrival and departure transfers on any flight for this trip. Unless specified otherwise, the transfer 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 may be shared with other Exodus customers on the same flight, or on a flight with similar arrival times. All those taking advantage of the free airport transfers must provide full flight details for both arrival and departure in advance.
Please note: The Indian government has banned e-cigarettes and related products. You can’t buy e-cigarettes in India or bring them into the country. Please ensure you do not pack these in your luggage.
Included standard bike
The standard bike for this trip is a Merida Big Seven 40D or Big Seven 100.
We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.
Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing
For all cycling trips we recommend:
To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India.
Travellers from the UK, US, CA and EU normally need a visa to enter India. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html
Travellers eligible for an e-visa, which includes those from the UK, US, CA and EU, can apply at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
For more information on applying for your Indian Visa, including details required for your start hotel and local reference contacts, please click on this link: Indian Visa Information
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.
You will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of a polio vaccination may also be required by some travellers. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
Additionally, dengue, a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, is a known risk in India. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approximately 6,560ft (2,000m), there is little risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips above 9,840ft (3,000m), there is a risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the Trip Notes for further information.
The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.
Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in places visited on this trip. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
India's time zone: Asia/Kolkata (UTC +05:30)
India's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins), D (three round pins) and M (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
India's currency: Indian rupee (INR). Please note, it is illegal to import or export rupees. Do not accept torn or very dirty Indian banknotes from banks or in change as they will almost certainly not be accepted as legal tender in India. You can normally change money back from rupees into US dollars or British pounds at the departure airport, but you must produce an exchange receipt showing that you changed money in India.
ATMs are widely available in India (Visa and Mastercard are best). However, you should not rely on these 100 percent of the time, so please take some cash with you. Please inform your bank before departure that you are travelling to India and carry the relevant telephone number with you in case they block your card. You can pay with credit cards in bigger shops all over India. Well-known brands of travellers cheques can be exchanged but this can take time and banks are not always open when you need them.
Money exchange facilities are available on arrival at Delhi international airport, although the rates are not always favourable. You can change US dollars and British pounds in cash outside of Delhi in the main cities.
Allow at least 660 rupees (US$8) per day for personal expenditure such as soft drinks. Shopping opportunities throughout this tour are endless and we suggest you take as much as you can afford for souvenirs. Even if you are generally not a keen shopper, we have found that most people succumb to some of the wide variety of handicrafts on offer.
Many sites now charge a small fee for video cameras and you should allow approximately 740 rupees (US$9) for these.
Tipping is part of the culture in India and usually expected. However, it can be an awkward affair, especially when in an unfamiliar country where you are not sure when or how much to tip. As such, your tour leader will offer to arrange and look after a group tipping kitty, which will be used to tip hotel staff, local sightseeing guides, mechanics, bus drivers and any other support staff used throughout your trip. Your leader will suggest how much to contribute, depending on group size, but it is usually about 4,200 rupees (approximately US$55) per person. At any time during the trip, your leader will be happy to show you an account of how the kitty is being distributed. For smaller groups, the leader may have to collect more than the above amount.
Tipping of leaders is not included in the kitty and is at your own discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation a tip of around 420-520 rupees (US$6-US$7) per person per day would be appreciated.
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Cultural respect
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.