India

Royal Rajasthan

Biking, Hiking and Elephant Riding

(9 Days)

Slide Show

Medieval fortresses rising out of golden deserts are the legacy of Rajasthan. It’s an exotic place of vibrant colours - the ruby reds and bold yellows of the tribal clothing, the soft pinks of princely palaces, the earthy browns of the Indian desert. Traditional culture is one of Rajasthan's enchantments, and it’s prominent everywhere. You’ll feel transported back in time on this 9-day affair that is bursting with culture and a multitude of activities. We start in delightful Delhi, exploring the bustling city by rickshaw. There are 3 days of cycling, from the dazzling Taj Mahal, to the exquisite “ghost town” of Fatehpur Sikri and through tribal villages where traditional rural lifestyles remain preserved. We visit Ranthambhore in search of tigers and ride elephants in Jaipur. A morning sunrise at the Taj Majal and an overnight in a maharaja's palace add to our royal pleasures in this fascinating country.

Trip Highlights

• Cycling around Agra and the Taj Mahal
• A night sleeping in a Majaraja's Palace
• A Tiger Safari to Ranthambhore Game Reserve
• Elephant Riding in the Pink City of Jaipur

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Delhi (Sightseeing)

Arrive early morning into The Delhi International Airport. A BikeHike Adventures representative will greet you and transfer you to The Hotel Taj Palace or similar. The remainder of the morning is at leisure to relax before setting off to explore the two different eras of delightful Delhi. We start with the Moghul built Qutub Minar and the Humanyun’s tomb, both magnificent structures surrounded by beautifully laid out Gardens. After Lunch, we see the more recent Delhi, the one built by the British during the Raj. We slowly drive across Lutyen’s Bunglow Zone…designed by Sir Edward Lutyens in 1911. While the city has far outgrown it, this region was the original “New Delhi”. We drive past the Lutyen’s Bunglow zone, the Parliament House, the Presidential Estate and the India gate. Later we end the day by having dinner at the United Coffee House, a charming small restaurant established during the British rule in India. Overnight in The Hotel Taj Palace or similar. (D)

Day 2: Delhi (Rickshaw Cycling and Walking)

The way to experience India is to dive in head first, and that’s exactly what we do today. We drive to the Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial. From here we hop on to the three wheeled cycle rickshaw and ride across the red fort and then through the narrow busy colourful bazaar lanes of Chandani Chowk and Old Delhi that are sure to leave you awestruck, if not altogether gob-smacked. Our slow paced sightseeing aboard the cycle rickshaws comes to an end at the famous Jama Masjid, Asia’s largest and probably the grandest Mosque. After visiting the Mosque, we take a guided heritage walk along the residential quarters of Old Delhi finishing at the Hotel Broadway, where we enjoy a late lunch at eclectic Chor Bizarre restaurant. Overnight in The Hotel Taj Palace or similar. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Agra - Taj Mahal (Mountain Biking)

We start early today with a transfer to the train station destined for Agra. The journey is 2 1/2 hours and very scenic. Upon arrival into Agra we'll transfer to our hotel, freshen up and then begin our adventure on two wheels. From the hotel we cycle to 40kms exploring the idyllic rural countryside that surrounds the Taj Mahal to its east. We finish at the Magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the new seven wonders of the world. Built in 1652 by Emperor Shah Jahan, it took 22 years and 20,000 skilled artisans to complete. We retire at our hotel for the day, leaving the evening to contemplate the beauty and elegance of the Taj. Cycling 3 hours. Overnight in a comfortable hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Fatehpursikri - Bharatpur (Mountain Biking)

After a hearty breakfast, we visit Fathepur Sikri, the ghost city built in honor of Saint Salim Chisti, who predicted the birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar. We'll visit the Akbar’s Palace first, then get rolling on our bicycles. From Fatehpur sikri we cycle 45 km's through idyllic villages and fertile farmlands. We end in Bharatpur, home to the Kaladeo National Bird Park, and many migratory birds. We'll pedal through the park at a leisurely pace, keeping our eyes peeled for the many exotic birds who reside here. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.(Cycling; 4 hours) (B,L,D)

Day 5: Bharatpur - Hindaun - Karauli (Mountain Biking)

Today is a relatively challenging day, and we start early to make time in the pleasant morning sun. We cycle along the back roads and soon notice the gradually changing built environment around us. As we cycle westwards, we leave the northern state of Uttar Pradesh and enter the desert state of Rajasthan. While it’s no desert yet, the farm homes turn into mud huts with delicate frescos on their walls. You’ll notice the women in these parts dress in more vivid and brighter colours! We’ll cycle 70kms today, with several snack and drink stop, plus a picnic lunch en route. The lunch with delicious fresh fruits, sandwiches and revitalizing fruit juices, also gives us some time to interact with the local folk in the villages we ride past. We end the day cycling just before the busy small town of Hindaun. Here we give our bikes, and jump in the vehicle for a drive to Karauli, to a charming little palace of the local maharaja, who still occupies a part of the now heritage hotel. This is our home for the night. (Cycling; 5 hours) (B,L,D)

Day 6: Karauli - Ranthambore (Hiking)

Today we drive to Ranthambore. Ranthambhore is a wonderful game reserve, dominated by the ruined battlements of Ranthambhore Fort. This is one of the most dramatic and mysterious forts in Rajasthan — it is one of the finest examples of the Hindu concept of a "vana-durg" or a fort protected by a jungle. We'll have an early lunch, then go one a wilderness hike around the fort. The fort was built in AD 944 and the interior now lies in a splendid ruin. (Wilderness hiking, 3 hours) Overnight in comfortable hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Ranthambore - Jaipur (Jeep Safari to the Tiger Reserve)

We start with a pre dawn breakfast before driving to the game park in open safari jeeps. Given the nature of this adventure, we are accompanied by armed guides and very experienced park guides who’ll help us spot the tigers! The park has a core area of 158 square miles and is part of the project Tiger conservation project. The Ranthambhore tigers are famous — they are not merely nocturnal but rather often stalk their prey in full view of visitors. This has made Ranthambhore a favorite place for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. We come back to our hotel for lunch, then drive 4 hours to Jaipur. Overnight in a comfortable hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Jaipur (Elephant Riding)

Known as the 'Pink City', Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743) and is the capital of Rajasthan. It is a city of contrasts where camels and elephants wait at traffic lights along with cars and scooters. The whole city was painted Pink when the Prince of Wales, Edward VII, visited Jaipur in 1876. Today, every home in the old city is obliged by law to maintain this façade. In the morning we visit Amber Fort, the former capital of the royal family of Jaipur. Returning to the city, after lunch we visit another highlight - the City Palace. The former royal residence built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The palace houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and Mughal and Rajput weapons. Early evening we set out we'll drive just outside to the city to begin our Elephant Safari. These decorated giants will take us through the Aravali Forest and it’s beautiful hilly terrain. We'll experience a wilderness sunset, aloft an elephant. Enroute we'll stop to visit a local home before we disembark for a special dinner in a farmhouse with members of the royal family. Later we drive back to our hotel in Jeeps. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Jaipur. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Jaipur - Departure

The morning is at leisure in Jaipur to wander through the colourful bazaars or visit the Jantar Mantar and Palace of the Winds. After lunch transfer to the local airport to catch a flight back Delhi. Upon arrival connect with international flights home or extend onwards. (B)

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