Cycle the Backroads of Rajasthan
A colourful, cultural ride through India's desert state via temples, tigers and the Taj Mahal
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, English-speaking tour leader and cycling guideHotel
Bed down in authentic boutique hotels & heritage propertiesMeals
All meals included - tuck in to delicious food throughoutTransfers
Transfers from the airport and throughout the trip, including a support vehicle to hop into if your legs need a restEquipment
Trek X-Caliber 6&7 bikes with flat pedalsSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Explore Delhi on two wheels before pedalling through ‘The Land of the Kings’ to reach Agra and the unmissable Taj Mahal
Head out on a tiger safari by Jeep in Ranthambore National Park, on the lookout for India's enigmatic Bengal tigers
Cycle to the holy city of Pushkar, explore the hidden side of Jaipur by rickshaw, and relax into some yoga overlooking the Taj
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Delhi
Meet your host at the airport in Delhi, and settle in for the transfer across town to your hotel in New Delhi. Check in and enjoy the hotel, before meeting up with the group for a cycle check and dinner together.
Day 2
Cycle past Delhi's highlights
Cycling
Saddle up first thing this morning to hit Delhi's streets, cycling amidst the sights and sounds of India's capital. Pedal past some of the city's iconic sights including the presidential house, India Gate and the National War Memorial. In the afternoon, you'll explore Old Delhi on a cycle rickshaw ride through the chaotic streets, visiting the Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest mosque and the Sheeshganj Gurudwara, a Sikh temple where you can learn about the Sikh religion.
Day 3
Cycle to Jaipur
Driving
Cycling
Head out of Delhi in the van, for a five-hour drive to a village called Samode where your Rajasthan riding truly gets underway. Take in the rural feel of this area, cycling through villages as you make your way to Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital and one of the state's most vibrant cities. Settle into your traditional haveli accommodation before heading out to explore the Amber Fort and watch the sun set over 'the Pink City'.
Day 4
Unique rickshaw capers in the Pink City
A memorable way to see Jaipur awaits today as you meet up with an NGO: The Pink City Rickshaw Company, who provide aspirational employment opportunities to 200 women from low-income households in Jaipur. You'll hop into a custom-designed, carbon neutral e-rickshaw, keeping all the whimsy and iconic nature of this staple of Indian transportation. Your female rickshaw guide will show you the secrets hidden in the walled city of Jaipur, telling stories that offer a peek into the soul of the Pink City. Enjoy some well-earned downtime in the afternoon, relaxing at your haveli or exploring Jaipur at your own pace, before dinner in the evening.
Day 5
Cycle from Jaipur to Pushkar
Driving
Cycling
Bid farewell to Jaipur and hop in the van for a couple of hours to reach Roopangarh Fort. Back on the bikes you'll ride deeper into rural Rajasthan, passing village scenes and several forts before stopping for lunch. Continue pedalling further through this desert-like landscape, finally arriving at the holy lakeside city of Pushkar – an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs.
Day 6
Pushkar to Ranthambore
Driving
Cycling
Hiking
Pedal out of Pushkar, heading east for 40km until you reach the village of Kishangarh. Stop here for lunch and load the bikes onto the trailer as you settle in to be chauffeured the rest of the way to the jungles of Ranthambore National Park. Check into your nature-immersed resort and enjoy some downtime.
Day 7
Tiger safari
Wildlife Watching
Rest your legs today – your eyes will be doing all of the work. You'll head out on jeep safaris into Ranthambore National Park, with the main draw being the chance of sighting Bengal tigers. While the majestic tigers rightly steal the show, Ranthambore is a magical place where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples, and is now teeming with wildlife. The park is also home to the sambar (the largest of all Asiatic deer), plus varieties of eagles, marsh crocodiles, pythons, leopards and sloth bears. Between safaris, you'll also hike to Ranthambore Fort to take in the view of the national park from the top.
Day 8
On to Agra and the Taj Mahal
Driving
Enjoy another of India's big hitters today, swapping tigers for the Taj Mahal as you head to this iconic architectural gem. After breakfast at your Ranthambore resort, you'll settle in for the five-hour road trip to Agra, arriving mid-afternoon. Later in the evening, you'll head into the grounds of the Taj Mahal, approaching the spectacular mausoleum via a network of intricately maintained gardens and fountains. Watch the sun go down before heading back to the hotel for dinner and a well-earned sleep, following a spectacular couple of days.
Day 9
Yoga overlooking the Taj
Yoga
Driving
After all the cycling and wildlife spotting of the past week, a good stretch is needed this morning – one with the most spectacular backdrop. Head to a green space in the Taj Nature Walk Park, overlooking the Taj Mahal and away from the hustle of Agra. You'll find a quiet spot first thing, joining a yoga teacher for a restorative session linking up India's famous physical, mental, and spiritual practice at the site of its most famous landmark. What a way to end the trip! You'll head back to Delhi later for a goodbye meal to toast the trip in style.
Day 10
Goodbye Delhi
Enjoy one last breakfast in India's capital before checking out, for your host to transfer you to Delhi Airport in time for your return flight.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
Anytime on Day 1
Ends
Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
Anytime on Day 9
Transfers
Your host will meet you on arrival at the international airport in Delhi and transfer you to your accommodation in New Delhi. On the last day of your trip, your host will transfer you from your accommodation in to the airport in Delhi in time for your flight home.
Airport transfers are included in the main price if you arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 9. If you wish to arrive before the trip start date or stay longer at the end, your host can arrange private airport transfers and pre/post-trip accommodation. See Optional Extras for prices.
Travel options
There are numerous direct flight options to Delhi with various carriers from the UK, Europe and the east coast of North America. Travellers from the west coast of North America will generally transit through major hubs such as London, Paris and Dubai.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 9
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 10
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Any trip to India is a sensory delight, and the flavours are a big part of that. North Indian cuisine is often mirrored in the curries found outside of India in Western restaurants, so curry lovers will be in their element on this trip. Curry dishes in the north tend to be rich and creamy, with common ingredients being cashew, chicken, lamb, potato, cauliflower, and breads such as naan, paratha and roti. Delhi is fantastic for street food such as chaat - a whole family of different types of savoury snacks, and chole bhature - a famous Delhi street dish of curried chickpeas and fried bread served with chillies, onions and coriander. There are Western food options available if you fancy a break from Indian food at any point. The stunning Bar Palladio (found at your palace accommodation in Jaipur) is a classic Italian restaurant, inspired by European dining in India.
Vegetarians and vegans are extremely well catered for in nearly all parts of India. Other dietary requirements and allergies can also be catered for - please just request these on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Delhi
In Delhi, you'll stay at the Regend Grand Ambassador – an award-winning hotel in Central Delhi infusing traditional and modern styles. You'll stay in a twin-share room with an en-suite bathroom.
Jaipur
In Jaipur you'll stay at the Traditional Heritage Haveli, located at Bani Park in the centre of Jaipur. The haveli (a converted townhouse) has an outdoor pool, spa and wellness centre to help you unwind after exploring the hustle and bustle of the walled city. You'll stay in a twin-share room with an en-suite bathroom.
Ranthambore National Park
On the fringe of Ranthambore National Park, you'll spend two nights at the Pugmark Wildlife Resort – luxury accommodation with a swimming pool, spa services and an excellent restaurant. Designed to nestle in the landscape with its natural gardens, the Pugmark is a fantastic spot to watch the sunset after a busy day of tiger-spotting in the park. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Pushkar
In Pushkar you'll stay at the Brahma Horizon Hotel - a modern, luxury hotel in one of India's oldest cities. The rooms have fantastic views of Pushkar and the surrounding hills, while the pool makes a great place to relax and cool off from the Rajasthani heat. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Agra
In Agra you'll stay at the Hotel Royal Regent – a 4-star hotel in central Agra with a pool and terrace overlooking the city. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Moderate
This trip is designed for cyclists of average fitness able to cover around 45km (average) each on back-to-back days. You'll be riding on rural roads through Rajasthan's desert, without too much elevation gain and loss and there are regular rest breaks each day, so the going is easily manageable by most cyclists with basic fitness. The Rajasthan heat is definitely a factor several months of the year, so bring some suitable breathable clothing to wear and your cycle leader will ensure the rides are broken up with regular hydration stops. No technical skill is required, just some strong legs and a sense of adventure! There will also be a support vehicle alongside the group to transport your luggage, so if the going gets too tough or too hot, you can always jump in for a bit of respite.
What will I need to carry?
No. You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you. If you wish to ride with a small backpack or to bring along a saddle bag to keep your phone, camera and any other small valuables in, then please do - see kit list.
Travellers flock to Rajasthan throughout the year, however for a physical trip the months of May-August are best avoided due to the heat of the pre-monsoon and monsoon months. We don't run departures during this period. Winter in Rajasthan is from October-March when temperatures are at their most pleasant and rainfall at its lowest. Expect highs of between 22-29°C / 72-84°F. Things start hotting up in April with temperatures notching up by several degrees and humidity rising as the monsoon builds up, however, cycling trips are still enjoyable during the month of April.
Fab intro to India
A fantastic trip with a great mix of cycling and sightseeing! Our guide Maddy was excellent, very knowledgeable, well organised, friendly and funny! Fantastic support staff too, always on hand refilling water bottles and feeding us with fruit. Hotels were all adequate with all but 1 having a decent pool which was well received by the group after a hot day on the bike! My first trip to India and MBA and it totally exceeded my expectations
Had a lot of fun
Had a lot of fun under the guidance of Maddy. Was pushed out of my comfort zone (in a good way) Went into this with zero training, but still had a fun time. Nice variety of activities
Absolutely loved this tour. It
Absolutely loved this tour. It covered all the main sites of Rajasthan, plus the Taj Mahal and Ranthambore National Park. An action packed itinerary that gives a real insight and feel to India without the stress of having to organise and plan it all yourself. Lots of laughs and fun with an excellent tour group and Maddy was a great guide.
What an amazing experience!
What an amazing trip - Maddy, our leader was just fantastic. He made sure that we covered all the stuff in the itinerary as well as well as reading the vibes of the group. The trip itself was the perfect blend of adventure, culture, food and sightseeing. All the people on the MBA trip were lovely too. Overall, I couldn’t recommend it more strongly as my first visit to India (and my first MBA trip).
A trip of a lifetime!
The most fun filled, exhausting, rewarding and once in a life time experience! Having never visited Asia before, I was very nervous coming on this trip, but wow I couldn’t have been more wrong. From arrival in the airport I felt relaxed and looked after, and once I met the group and our incredible tour guide Maddy I knew this was going to be a special holiday. We packed so much in to the trip, and the itinerary was spot on. But what I liked most is that Maddy would happily adapt things to the groups wants and needs throughout. He was knowledge, friendly and his laid back nature made me feel at ease the whole time. The hotels were brilliant, and the food was tasty. A lot of curry, but I was expecting this! I loved every minute and would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in India!
What an adventure!
What an amazing adventure! I can’t rate this trip highly enough - the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of India will stay with me forever. Our guide Maddy absolutely made the trip, with his knowledge and intelligent insights, his wit and charm, and his infectious laugh! The hotels were great - each one better than the last; the food, while maybe a little curry-heavy for some, was all delicious; and the experiences, particularly the Taj Mahal, were outstanding. Since returning I have looked into countless other MBA trips and I would say this was “culture with a bit of cycling thrown in” so it’s probably more for a curious traveller than a keen cyclist - there is a lot of time in the bus… don’t underestimate the “extras” (forts, safaris, rickshaws etc) - they really enhance the trip, but all in all what a way to see this amazing country, I would do it again in a heartbeat.