8 days
From US $3,495
Colorful Rajasthan Bike Tour
Rajasthan defines the ‘quintessential’ India experience – vibrant colors, abundant wildlife, pale brown ornate palaces emerging from the sands of the Thar Desert, vivacious dances, unblemished villages in the interiors, and delicious distinct food from the rest of the country.
You ride past villages in an unparalleled expanse of sandy settings and Aravalli hills. Parts of your trip will transport you back into the world of Kings, Forts, and Battles. As you lose yourself in the local folklore and fascinating tales spinning from every crevice of this magnificent state, be sure to keep your eye on the road. An eclectic array of splendid forts, grand palaces, and revered temples will make the journey even more salubrious! And you actually get to play ‘royalty’ by staying in some of the best-restored ‘havelis’ (traditional palatial homes) and hotels. All in all, a prolific cultural and rural biking trip that will leave you in absolute wonder! India’s pride on the travel map of the world, the unique landscape and architectural marvels of Rajasthan provide the most exotic backdrop to your cycling vacation in India!
Udaipur | 13:00hrs
Jodhpur
premiere hotels
easy
50km or 30mi
5
Highlights
Countryside cycling
Ride past undulating sand dunes flanked by the Aravalli mountain range and the typical rural countryside
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | premiere Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Udaipur | Jagat Niwas | D | ||
| DAY 2 | Udaipur | Jagat Niwas | B, L | 40km / 24mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Kumbhalgarh | Fateh Safari (Casual Inn) | B, L, D | 50km / 30mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Bera | Castle Bera | B, L, D | 50km / 30mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Bera | Castle Bera | B, L, D | ||
| DAY 6 | Chanod | Chanod Garh | B, L, D | 60km / 36mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Jodhpur | Raas | B, L, D | 45km / 27mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Jodhpur | 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 you 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.
Enjoy walking the old market and eating street food at Paliwal Kachori, take an amazing cooking class with Sashi, or a boat ride on Pichola Lake.
We convene tonight at the dinner, next to the beautiful lake, to celebrate the start of a fabulous cycling journey.
Day 2: Udaipur
Today we explore the ‘City of lakes’ on a short half-day-long loop on a bike, swerving to untreaded nooks and corners through the beautiful rural countryside and absorbing this historic capital of Mewar at your own pace. A colorful landscape unfolds here with brightly clothed village women. Here you can see a typical hamlet of Rajasthan with people busy with farming. We get to discover kingfisher, langurs, cows, goats, and peacocks along the way, and a chance to take a refreshing ride around Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar, and Badi Lake.
In the evening, we recommend enjoying an enthralling cultural show organized at Bagore Ki Haveli.
Day 3: Kumbhalgarh
On 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 Aravalis, maneuver through the rolling hills, and cycle past a Dhonk (Anogeissus Pendula) strewn topography. The plant adds a spattering of color to the pale brown stretches along the way. Kumbalgarh is yet another historic fort town from the 15th century.
In the evening, we climb the rugged Kumbalgarh Fort, surrounded by a 35km wall with 365 temples within.
Day 4: Bera
The Aravallis are one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world and its rugged, worn hills are thickly wooded and littered with numerous mountain streams and brooks. The terrain is slightly challenging and offers excellent opportunities to experience at close quarters the lifestyles of the Bhil tribals – an indigenous tribal people of India and one of the oldest inhabitants of the subcontinent.
Another beautiful day on a bike through the dense forest and gradual inclines take you close to the Aravalis. En route, we visit Ranakpur Jain Temple. Jainism is an ancient religion from India that teaches that the way to liberation and bliss is to live a life of harmlessness and renunciation. This architectural wonder in white marble is known for exquisitely carved 1444 pillars.
Castle Bera, set in tranquil surroundings of the low-lying Jawai hill ranges, and vast shrubby forests teeming with wildlife, Bera is a great stop. This is the most wholesome ride of the tour as you get a balanced day of different topographies.
Day 5: Bera
Wake up to a dramatic wilderness. Enjoy a fabulous early morning leopard safari, where leopards roam wild and free in an untrammeled wilderness, coexisting comfortably with the charismatic communities.
Later go on a little tour of a nearby village on foot, to get up close and personal with the rural life of Rajasthan.
Day 6: Chanod
We ride through a quiet and narrow backroad that offers ample opportunities for spotting wild animals like the blackbuck, blue bulls and if you’re lucky, the shy but extremely graceful Indian Gazelle too. As you ride past swaying masses of yellow mustard and wheat, you’ll meet run into hordes of camels and goats as well as friendly villagers always happy to pose for a photograph or two.
The ride remains largely flat. You can enjoy the vistas with ease and look forward to your stay at the Chanoud.
Day 7: Jodhpur
On this day we cycle to Jodhpur along a beautiful route that, despite the barren landscape is known to support a surprising diversity of fauna. En route, you may spot animals like deer, blackbucks, camels, and blur bulls as you ride past swaying masses of yellow mustard and wheat.
Later we take a shuttle and arrive at Jodhpur, the second-largest city of Rajasthan, which have earned the moniker of ‘Sun City’ for its bright clear skies and sunny weather. Notice how a large number of houses here are blue in color – a striking contrast to the pale sandy color of the city. The towering Mehrangarh Fort, a key highlight of Jodhpur, looms over the city from a small hill and can be seen everywhere.
In the afternoon, we explore the magnificent 15th-century Mehrangarh fort built by Maharaja Man Singh. Clutching onto a 100 feet perpendicular cliff, the fort epitomizes the majestic history of Rajasthan. One of the best-preserved forts of India, it is replete with antiques, artifacts, palanquins, and intricate carvings spread over the period rooms and galleries. The fort expands over 5kms on top of the hill. So colossal are its proportions that Rudyard Kipling called it “the work of giants”.
Here we have chosen one of the most architecturally delightful hotels in Jodhpur, to fill your journey with complete immersion in history and a charming slice of Rajasthan’s grandeur, at the Raas Hotel. Winding through the quaint streets of the city, the hotel comes as a pleasant luxurious oasis in the jumble of houses and markets – undoubtedly an authentic location for you to get inducted into the Rajasthan culture. Check in and relax in this perfect synthesis of contemporary designs, modern facilities, and the old-world charm of Jodhpur – you can see the famous Mehrangarh Fort from every room here.
Day 8: Jodhpur
Today, you can venture out into the markets on your own. The narrow market streets splashed with colour in the form of bright textiles, silver jewelry, ethnic bags, and more – a classic taste of Rajasthan’s vibrant culture.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Accommodation
Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.
Jagat Niwas
Jagat Niwas Palace is an early 17th century ‘Haveli’ (mansion), with its charm and aesthetics intact, situated in the heart of the most romantic city of Rajasthan. Nestled in the fertile valley on the breezy, eastern banks of the famous Lake Pichola, Jagat Niwas Palace is a heritage boutique hotel and is highly acclaimed for it’s location and for the stunning view that it provides.
Dates and Prices
Single Supplement
From US $1,150
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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
Scott E-Bike or similar
Available at a surcharge
Arrival & Departure Details
Arrival
Your tour begins in Udaipur, which is served by a domestic airport with regular flights from Mumbai and Delhi.
From the airport, you can book a cab 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 major Indian cities including 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 to the Jodhpur airport. Do not take a tuk-tuk as it may not be permitted inside the 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 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.
Insurance
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Is proof of travel insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
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.
