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Cycle the Backroads of Rajasthan

A colourful, cultural ride through India's desert state via temples, tigers and the Taj Mahal

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Trip Ref #10486

Cycle the Backroads of Rajasthan

A colourful, cultural ride through India's desert state via temples, tigers and the Taj Mahal

DURATION
9 nights
LOCATION
India
ANNUAL LEAVE
6 days off work
SEASON
Sep-Mar
GROUP SIZE
Up to 14 people
MEETING POINT
Delhi Airport
ACCOMMODATION
Classic

Hotel

OVERALL RATING

4.9

Based on 8 reviews
DIFFICULTY
Moderate

You'll cycle an average of 40km per day in hot conditions, so a good level of fitness and some riding experience is necessary

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

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

30km · 120m up · 120m down

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

5hrs

Cycling

40km · 190m up · 190m down

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

2hrs

Cycling

54km · 240m up · 240m down

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

6hrs

Cycling

40km · 210m up · 210m down

Hiking

1hr

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

6hrs

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

5hrs

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

1hr

Driving

4hrs

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.

Included

Guides

Local, English-speaking tour leader and cycling guide

Accommodation

Bed down in authentic boutique hotels & heritage properties

Meals

All meals included - tuck in to delicious food throughout

Transfers

Airport and all other transfers

Equipment

Trek X-Caliber 6&7 bikes with flat pedals

Support Vehicle

To hop in to if your legs need a rest

Not Included

Flights to and from the meeting point

Travel insurance

Personal expenses

Tips for your guides

Some meals as described

Visas where required

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 9

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 10

Departure day

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).

The Area

map

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.

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What's included?

  • Cannondale Quick 6 hybrid bikes with flat pedals

What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
  • Daypack (20-30 litres)
  • Waterproof liner for daypack

CYCLE KIT

  • Helmet (required)
  • Pedals and saddle if you would rather use your own (these will be fitted to the bike for you)

CLOTHES

  • Padded cycling shorts
  • Sports top or cycling jersey
  • Fleece jacket or similar jacket for the evenings
  • Rainproof and windproof lightweight jacket
  • Trousers/leggings for the evenings
  • Cycling gloves
  • Buff or neck scarf
  • T-shirts
  • Underwear and socks
  • Sunglasses and sunhat
  • Something to sleep in
  • Cycling shoes/trainers (bring your own pedals if using cleats)
  • Sandals

OTHER

  • Swimwear (for hotels)
  • Bumbag or small handlebar bag for riding
  • Quick-dry travel towel
  • Universal travel adapter
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Earplugs
  • Suncream
  • Personal first-aid kit (including blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Energy bars and snacks
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Pre/post trip accommodation in Delhi (single, twin or double)

Payable Before Departure

Pre/post trip accommodation in Delhi (single, twin or double)

Optional Private Room Upgrade

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room Upgrade

Private airport transfer - each way

Payable Before Departure

Private airport transfer - each way

- Gill(October 2023)

We had a great trip with a lovely group. Our guide, Maddy, was brilliant - knowledgeable and really looked after us all!

- Sophie(March 2023)

I really enjoyed my visit to India with Much Better Adventures. Our trip was action packed and we really made the most of every minute we had there - I don't think I've ever done so much or seen so much on a holiday before! We did a lot of sightseeing, learnt a lot about the culture and tried local cuisine. The cycling was lots of fun and got to show a different side to India. Without the cycling, we wouldn't have been able to experience the more rural parts of the country or get to meet some very welcoming villagers. I thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in going to India. AK is a great tour guide, very knowledgeable and good fun - he gave us an experience that wouldn't have been possible without him.

- Sarah(March 2023)

Such a brilliant, fun trip with so many unique experiences crammed into a relatively short space of time. The cycling through the towns in rural Rajasthan was so much fun - a really special way of seeing the country and the people there. Suitable for anyone with a good level of fitness. Other highlights were visiting the markets in Delhi, everything in Jaipur (jeep ride, amber fort), the Taj Mahal visit with yoga and an incredible sunrise hike to a hillside temple in Pushkar, complete with monkeys. We also visited a local fabric producer, gemstone jewellers and artisan rug makers - really interesting and an incredible opportunity for some shopping. Spent much more than I was anticipating. Our guide AK was great with us from sunrise to sunset everyday, as was the team of drivers and mechanics who helped us travel around on coach and bike. Really appreciated all their hard work. The hotels we stayed in were beautiful, wish we had a bit more time to enjoy them! Also great food, a lot of curry, but the best curry I've ever tasted! The perfect intro to India.

- Jem(March 2023)

This trip exceeded my expectations. From start to finish it was a fantastic experience that I would highly recommend. We had the best guide, AK, who coordinated every detail, made us feel safe, educated us about the history and culture of India, and shared the true beauty of the country and it's people. If you have a chance to do the optional activity in Jaipur of the evening jeep tour of the city—do it! It was a highlight of the trip. This whole adventure is one for the books!

- Christianne(March 2023)

Amazing trip cycling & touring in Northern India - still cant quite believe we did it. Wonderful tour leader AK and support crew who were with us all the way. Wonderful sights, great food, fab hotels and experiences. My first trip with MBA and I'll definitely use them again :)

- Susan(March 2023)

On this trip, India felt like home, when home was very far away. A fantastic adventure filled with rich culture and history, vivid colors, delicious cuisine, shopping to support local craftspeople, biking through beautiful countryside and an amazing guide made for an epic vacation.

- Alice(March 2023)

Really fun week overall, busy days with lots to see and experience. Couldn’t have asked for more in a trip with the cycling, hiking and sight seeing! The accomodation we stayed in was lovely and the host was great too.

- Stuart(March 2023)

A great trip to get a taste of India from cycling on the back roads and yoga over looking the Taj Mahal. AK our guide was a great bloke too!

We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 621kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal for 2023 to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

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.

It's no secret that we love cycling and many of us at HQ think it's the best way to see a country, however, we realise that organising your own trip can be a total faff. On our cycling trips, we've found a local guide who has put together a perfect route and will navigate for you all the way. We even send a van that transports your overnight luggage and provide high-quality bikes and delicious snacks to keep you going. Faff eliminated! All you have to do is turn up, pedal and take in the landscape with your fellow tourers. You don't need to be a lycra-clad 'roadie' although they're welcome too!

You'll be riding Trek X-Caliber 6&7 bikes. These are aluminium 'hardtail' mountain bikes with front suspension - perfect for riding on rural and city roads in India. The bikes have standard flat pedals - if you would rather pack your own saddle and pedals (including SPDs), please do and these will be fitted for you.

Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. The following advice is accurate at the time of writing (Oct 2023) but may be subject to change. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.

All foreign nationalities entering India require a valid visa, which in most cases must be obtained in advance of travel (please check the regulations for your nationality). You must have a machine-readable passport, valid for at least 180 days from your arrival date in India. Persons of Indian origin must have an OCI card. Clients with a Pakistani passport or of Pakistani descent will need extra time and additional documents for visa processing.

Applicants of eligible countries can either apply online for an Indian e-Visa or apply for a Standard Visa, which involves an in-person visit to a branch of the Indian High Commission's Visa Facilitation Service (VFS). There have been delays to Standard Visa processing times so please book your appointment ASAP if using this service.

Travellers eligible for an e-visa, which includes those from the UK, US, CA and EU, can apply online via https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. Applications for 30-day e-Tourist visas can be made from 30 days before the proposed date of travel and not less than 4 days before your arrival date in India (applications for multiple entry 1-year e-Tourist visas can be made from 120 days in advance).

Applications for a Standard Visa (requiring both an online application and an in-person appointment) can be made via the VFS Global website.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:

500 Indian Rupees per activity to the guides; 1000 Indian Rupees per day to the driver; approx, USD 3-5 per person, per day to the tour leader.

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Filtered water is available at most of the hotels you stay at on this trip - you can fill up your refillable bottle and bike bottle from your hotel each day. Additionally, your tour leader and driver will carry a large container of purified water for the group to refill their bottles from.

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.

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.

You can leave excess luggage at the Ambassador Hotel in Delhi, as you are staying here on the first and last nights of the trip. The same support vehicle is used throughout the adventure, so you are also free to leave additional luggage securely in the vehicle for the duration of your ride through Rajasthan.

Ramadan will take place from 22nd March to 20th April 2023 and 10th March to 8th April 2024. The national holiday of Eid ul-Fitr will follow for 2-3 days. Ramadan is an Islamic festival where the religious do not eat or drink during daylight hours. While this is a really interesting time to travel, you can expect some business hours will be shortened, alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and some restaurants will be closed during this festival period. Activities for local people tend to be limited during the day and the nights are very active in cities with lots of different foods being sold and consumed. However in hotel restaurants and tourist areas food and drink are served as normal and Ramadan will not affect the inclusions on your trip.

We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.

Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.

Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.

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