rajasthan bike tour 30

Golden Triangle Bike Tour

Qunitessential India, the Golden Triangle tour gives an altogether different spin to the most popular travel circuit in India. Travel along comparatively untreaded paths and little known backroads on this bike tour from Jaipur to Delhi via Taj Mahal. This amazing circuit looks even more beautiful from a bicycle!

Start

Jaipur | 13:00hrs

Finish

Delhi

Lodging

casual

Level

easy

Avg. dist. cycled

50km or 30mi

Cycling Days

3

Highlights

Highlight Image

Majestic landscape

Ride past some of the most interior landscapes

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

DayPlacecasual Inns or similarMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1JaipurDera RawatsarD
DAY 2ShahpuraShahpura HaveliB,L,D50km / 30micycling
DAY 3SariskaVanaashrayaB,L,D50km / 30micycling
DAY 4BharatpurLaxmi Vilas PalaceB,L,D45km / 27micycling
DAY 5Delhi via Taj MahalColonel’s RetreatB,L
DAY 6DelhiB

Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary Image

Day 1: Jaipur

Our guide meets at your hotel and we do a bike fit before starting with a visit to Amer Fort. After bike fit, visit the famous fortress of Kacchawaha kings at Amber. Large courtyards, intricate carvings on formidable structure, and nuances of Rajput rule can be seen in the fort overlooking the Maota Lake. If you’re up for a walk, take a tunnel to Jaigarh Fort.

The rest of the day is at leisure. Jaipur is the erstwhile capital of the ruling Kacchawahas in the early eighteenth century. We recommend taking a walk in the old city and experiencing the delightful ancient markets at ease. Hawa Mahal and the numerous bazaars selling bright textiles and silver are worth every hour spent.

Meals: D
Accommodation: Dera Rawatsar
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Day 2: Shahpura

Our guide meets at your hotel around 08:00am.

This day we start early in the morning and ride past small villages, mountainous and greener landscape. The ride largely remains flat and gives a chance to witness the rural life around Jaipur from close quarters. Jaipur-ShahpurHaveli.png

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 50km / 30mi
Accommodation: Shahpura Haveli
Itinerary Image

Day 3: Sariska

We cycle towards the forest of Sariska, through the amazing Aravalli hills, lakes, and past Pratapgarh Fort. Today is an amazing trail for biking. We will continue cycling to Sariska National Park, a favorite haunt of wildlife buffs & professional wildlife photographers from around the world. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn arid forests, rocky landscapes, dry deciduous forests, rocks, grasses, and hilly cliffs. The park is famous for its Bengal Tigers, one of the most magnificent animals of India, which has long fascinated people with its awesome power and beautifully striped coat. It is the first tiger reserve in the world to have successfully relocated tigers. Shahpura-Sariska.png

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 50km / 30mi
Accommodation: Vanaashraya
Itinerary Image

Day 4: Bharatpur

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, then set off on a bike ride through the picturesque countryside, chequered with mustard fields and millet farms to the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. On the way, we make a stop at Abhaneri for lunch and visit Chand Baori, one of the largest stepwell built over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan.

Later in the evening, we explore the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary on a bike, famous for the avifauna sanctuary that plays host to thousands of birds, where you have an opportunity to interact with the local guide and gain greater insight into the bird lives. Vanaashraya(Sariska)-Abhaneri(Bharathpur).png

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 45km / 27mi
Accommodation: Laxmi Vilas Palace
Itinerary Image

Day 5: Delhi via Taj Mahal

In the late morning, we take a transfer to Agra for a visit to the Taj Mahal. We have a good half-day to visit one of the most awesome and extravagant monuments ever built – the Taj Mahal. It was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife in 1631-1653, with thousands of semiprecious stones inlaid.

Meals: B,L
Accommodation: Colonel’s Retreat
Itinerary Image

Day 6: Delhi

Delhi hoards centuries of history, remnants of which, lie unassumingly in all parts of the city. Weathered monuments mingle with modern life seamlessly.

We recommend exploring Old Delhi by bike, intense and full of history. You can do this ride with our local Delhi-based cycling partner. The Shah Jahan Bicycle Ride is a classic recipe for an exhilarating glimpse into the life and times of the great Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, and the 1500-acre expanse of his capital – Shahjahanabad.

You will find yourself in a Delhi of another time while you also see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, the Spice Market, and tranquil Civil Lines, the former British colonial area as a sharp contrast to hectic Old Delhi.

Old crumbling houses precariously line the edge of narrow streets while old wires obstruct your view of the sky here – with so much going on in one place, yet the warmth and acceptance of the area are heart-warming. If you have an appetite for street food, we recommend a bite of oily parathas, kachoris, lassi, and some tea.

Meals: B

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Dates and Prices

Members get an estimated 10% off when booking at least 6 months in advance.

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Single Supplement

From US $350



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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.

Bike Image

Scott Sportster or similar

hybrid

Included in your trip price

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival

Your tour starts in Jaipur. Jaipur has an airport with good connectivity to major Indian cities. If you are arriving from Delhi, you can also book an air-conditioned bus or train to arrive at Jaipur, as the distance is only 250 kms (155mi).

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.

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 book a cab for the Delhi airport. It is not advisable to take a tuk-tuk as these may not be allowed inside the airport. Delhi is a city of over 20 million, making it one of the largest urban agglomerations in the world. As a result, it is advisable to start well in advance to avoid traffic jams on the way.

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:

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 Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

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:

  1. Always wash your hands before eating anything, even light snacks.
  2. 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.
  3. Avoid eating salads and cut fruits. Peeled fruits such as bananas and oranges are fine.
  4. 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:

  1. CDC portal for travelers from the US
  2. NHS' Fit For Travel portal for travelers from the UK
  3. 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.

  1. US residents may refer to the State Department's travel and vaccination advice for India here.
  2. UK residents may refer to the FCDO's travel advice for India here.
  3. Residents of Australia may refer to Australian government's travel advice including medical advice for India here.

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.

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