8 days
From US $1,895
Best of Rajasthan Bike Tour
This tour is customized to the needs of the traveler short on time and high on adrenaline. From Udaipur, the city of lakes nestled in the valleys of the Aravallis, we travel in a Northwesterly direction towards the blue city of Jodhpur, sitting on the edge of the Thar desert. Along the way, we get to meet nomadic herdsmen wandering from village to village with their flocks of sheep and camels, tribal women in brightly colored saris and intricate jewelry, and spot wildlife like the blackbuck and the blue bull. Every day we see geography change before our eyes as we ride from the mountains to the desert. This is one of the most popular cycling circuits in the entire Rajasthan.
Udaipur | 13:00hrs
Jodhpur
casual
easy to moderate
50km or 30mi
6
Highlights
Countryside Cycling
Ride past some of the most interior landscapes
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Place | casual Inns or similar | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | udaipur | Hotel Mahendra Prakash | D | ||
| DAY 2 | Kumbhalgarh | Shahpura Kumbhalvillas | B, L, D | 50km / 30mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Ghanerao | Ghanerao | B, L, D | 50km / 30mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Jawai | Bagheera Bagh Jawai | B, L, D | 40km / 24mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Bhenswara | Ravla Bhenswara | B, L, D | 60km / 36mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Luni | Fort Chanwa | B, L, D | 60km / 36mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Jodhpur | Pal Haveli | B, L | 30km / 18mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Departure | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: udaipur
Udaipur can be a jumble of sights, sounds, and smells but is an absolute must for travelers. On the first day of the trip, our guide meets at your hotel at 13:00, and we cover some Udaipur highlights – a guided walk of the City Palace. The City Palace is enclosed in a large complex on the banks of Lake Pichola and has many more palaces inside.
We convene tonight at the dinner, next to the beautiful lake, to celebrate the start of a fabulous cycling journey.
Day 2: Kumbhalgarh
This day we start early and take a shuttle to a short distance and ride to the next town of Kumbhalgarh. This is the most scenic ride of the trip as you climb the Aravallis, maneuver through the rolling hills, and cycle past a Dhonk (Anogeissus Pendula) strewn topography. The plant adds a spattering of colour to the pale brown stretches along the way. Kumbhalgarh is yet another historic fort town from the 15th century.
In the evening, we climb the rugged Kumbhalgarh Fort, surrounded by a 35km wall with 365 temples within.
Day 3: Ghanerao
Another beautiful day on a bike through the dense forest and undulating stretches takes you close to the Aravallis and later to the famous Ranakpur Jain Temple here. After you have rested and had lunch, use this time to see the magnificent temple. Made of marble, the temple is an intricate artwork of local craftsmen; do not miss two of the most exquisite carvings here – one made out of a single marble rock, which showcases 108 snakes and 1444 pillars, which will leave you awestruck.
Day 4: Jawai
Today we ride to Jawai dam, nestled in the emerald wild forests of Jawai Hills, through the beautiful rural countryside. A colorful landscape unfolds here with brightly clothed village women. Here you can see a typical hamlet in Rajasthan with people busy with farming. As we get closer to Jawai Hills, the landscape changes to a dramatic wilderness.
We have lunch at one of the campsites, spectacularly set in the wilderness. Later, enjoy a fabulous leopard safari, where leopards roam wild and free in an untrammeled wilderness, coexisting comfortably with the charismatic communities.
Day 5: Bhenswara
We start cycling early this day across lush millet vegetation and carpets of yellow mustard fields. The ride remains largely flat. You can enjoy the vistas with ease and look forward to your stay at the Ravla Bhenswara.
An erstwhile Ravla (Castle) was built about 240 years ago in typical Rajput style by Thakur Jagat Singh ji Rathore (Champawat) founder of Bhenswara. Set in the tranquil surroundings of a Jawai river, the low-lying Aravalli hill ranges visible in the distance, and vast shrubby forests teeming with wildlife, the heritage hotel is a great stop. Here you can take a safari to visit the villages to meet the indigenous people and have the opportunity of viewing the abundant wildlife.
Day 6: Luni
We ride through a quiet and narrow backroad that offers ample opportunities for spotting wild animals like the blackbuck, blue bulls and if we’re lucky, the shy but extremely graceful Indian Gazelle too. As we ride past swaying masses of yellow mustard and wheat, run into hordes of camels and goats as well as friendly villagers always happy to pose for a photograph or two.
Day 7: Jodhpur
Today we make our way toward the fabled blue city of Jodhpur. We arrive at Jodhpur and visit the towering Mehrangarh Fort, a key highlight of Jodhpur, which looms over the city from a small hill and can be seen from everywhere. The rest of the evening is free and you can spend as per your plan visiting a local market or spending quiet time at nearby rooftop restaurants.
Day 8: Departure
Travel further as per your onward plans.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Single Supplement
From US $375
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Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
trip leader
Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
shuttle
A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
refreshments
Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.
entrance
Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.
Exclusions
Airport pickup and drop
We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.
Scott Sportster or similar
Included in your trip price
Arrival & Departure Details
Arrival
Your tour begins in Udaipur. Udaipur has a domestic airport with regular flights from Delhi and Mumbai.
You can book a cab from the airport to arrive at your hotel. All major airports in India have prepaid taxi cab booths located inside the airport itself. These are typically situated just before the exit gate of the terminal. You can book a prepaid taxi cab from this booth.
Uber is also available in Udaipur.
You can exchange local currency from the exchange situated within the airport, or from ATMs situated outside the airport.
Departure
You can ask your hotel to arrange a cab for the Jodhpur airport.
Weather
August and September mark the monsoon season in Rajasthan and the countryside feels alive. The temperature (similar to March) could be close to 25-30 degree Celsius at night, but the days are sunny & humid with temperatures around 30-35 degrees Celsius. Though it may be a bit hot, it is still a good time for biking as the countryside is amazingly green with many water bodies. Generally, it rains for a short period and then settles down which makes the condition much cooler and perfect for biking.
November, December, January & February marks the winter season in Rajasthan. The monsoon season has ended. The temperature could be close to 2-5 degree Celsius on nights in Dec-Jan, but the days are sunny with temperatures around 15-20 degrees Celsius. Nights can get chilly in the highlands. It is recommended to carry warm clothes and a breathable windproof jacket. These are the best months for cycling in Rajasthan. By March, the temperature starts picking up and is around 25-30 degree Celsius at night, but the days are sunny with temperatures around 30-40 degrees Celsius.
In a nutshell, our bike tours in Rajasthan run from August to March. April to July is a complete no-go.
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one soft-sided medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
Yes, your trip leader will carry bottled water or RO water in a camper in the support van for guests' use.
Here are a few tips to avoid getting Delhi Belly while doing this bike tour:
- Always wash your hands before eating anything, even light snacks.
- Do not drink tap water. Drink only bottled water provided by your trip leader or by the hotel/restaurant you're staying or eating in. When buying bottled water from outside, check for seal and the brand. Avoid using ice, since ice is often made from tap water. Soda water, however, is usually safe.
- Avoid eating salads and cut fruits. Peeled fruits such as bananas and oranges are fine.
- Cooked food that is freshly prepared is usually safe to eat. Restaurants and eating joints that are busy are usually safer as the food is fresh and they rarely have anything refrigerated overnight.
Yes, please communicate your dietary preferences to your trip leader and they'll ensure that the food you eat is spiced as per your requirements.
The road surface is mostly good. 90% of the cycling on this bike tour happens on paved roads.
We've designed this itinerary such that most of the cycling happens on quieter countryside roads far from busy traffic. The shuttle transfers on this tour have been strategically planned to bypass busy vehicular traffic.
We are not medical advisors, and as such are not qualified to dispense medical advice. However, we recommend consulting the resources below for advice on vaccines and medications:
- CDC portal for travelers from the US
- NHS' Fit For Travel portal for travelers from the UK
- Smart Traveller portal or travelers from Australia.
In addition to the above, you may also refer to the travel advice issued from time to time by your government.
We generally avoid regions which are prone to outbreaks of malaria and dengue. However, as a preventive measure, you may carry mosquito repellant, and wear full-body clothing.
Consult your medical advisor for any pre-emptive medications or vaccines for the above.
While your tour price covers most common expenses, a few meals are not included in the itinerary. This allows you the opportunity to dine independently and explore the local cuisine at your own pace. Your guides will be happy to provide recommendations if desired. As a general guideline, you can budget approximately US $100–200 per person for additional expenditures over the course of the trip.
Tips are not included in your tour price.
As a general rule, you may tip US$ 15-25 per person per day.
This figure is for the entire crew including the trip leader, the driver, and other support staff.
However, you are not obligated to tip, and you can always tip less or more than the above amount depending on the level of service you received on tour.
It is usually the norm to tip the tour guide, who then distributes the amount among the entire crew. However, you can also tip each individual member of the crew if you so desire.
In case you want to tip the staff at a hotel such as porters, you may pay them US $2-3 per day.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
Yes, you may wear riding shorts while riding your bike. When not cycling, it would be advisable to wear comfortable full-length pants. We recommend keeping a pair of comfortable pants handy in you support van.
When visiting temples and monuments, visitors should wear full-length, loose-fitting pants. Holy places of certain religions may also require covering your head. Your guide will inform of the dress etiquette required for visiting specific religious places.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
We don't have anything planned for the last day, so you are free to depart at your discretion.
For answers to broader questions, please visit our Comprehensive FAQs section.