Compare Cycling Through Rajasthan by Exodus Travels vs Essence of Rajasthan with Varanasi by Payless Tours India

Day 1 Start Delhi

The adventure starts at our hotel in Delhi. The rest of the day is used to assemble the bikes and explore locally before an evening briefing about our cycling adventure. Accommodation: Ashok Country Resort (or similar)

Day 2 Morning cycle tour of New Delhi; afternoon sightseeing tour of Old Delhi; overnight train to Jodhpur

We start cycling early in the morning to get used to the Indian weather and city traffic. After about 15.5mi (25km), we return to the hotel. Post breakfast and a shower, we start our sightseeing of New and Old Delhi by bus. The bikes and main luggage will be transferred to Jodhpur by bus (you are advised to take your required toiletries and other essential items in your day bag for the overnight train journey). In the evening, we transfer to the station and catch the overnight train to Jodhpur. Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train

Day 3 Arrive Jodhpur; free morning then afternoon city cycle tour including Mehrangarh Fort

We arrive at Jodhpur train station in the morning and take a short transfer to our hotel where we have time to relax or explore the area. In the afternoon, we get the bikes out and go sightseeing on two wheels. Jodhpur was founded by the Rajput chief Roa Jodha and was formerly the capital of the Marwar state. The city is surrounded by an immense wall almost 6mi (10km) in circumference and is dominated by a massive fort that stands on a rocky hill commanding the surrounding desert. In the afternoon, we visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort where we have a great view of the blue houses, painted to distinguish them as those of Brahmins. Accommodation: Shree Ram International Hotel (or similar) Maximum elevation: 400ft (122m)

Day 4 Ride/drive to Udaipur via Jain temple at Ranakpur; cycle towards lakeside town of Udaipur

Today is a long day so we start early, cycling from the hotel for about 25mi (40km). We then take a bus transfer to Ranakpur (approximately 3hr 30min) where there is time to visit the 15th-century Jain temple. The main temple, beautifully carved from marble, is dedicated to Adinath. It has 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars, each delicately carved with a different design. We then take a 9mi (15km) transfer by vehicle (approximately 30 minutes) to a roadside Hindu temple. From here, we get back on our bikes and ride through the Aravalli hills for about 21mi (34km) and finally transfer by bus (approximately 1hr 30min to two hours) to the lakeside town of Udaipur. Accommodation: Paras Mahal Hotel (or similar) Minimum elevation: 597ft (182m) / Maximum elevation: 2,992ft (912m)

Day 5 Cycle tour around Udaipur including City Palace

Known as the Pearl of Rajasthan, the City of Sunrise and Venice of the East, Udaipur is a beautiful place regarded by both Indians and travellers as the most romantic city in the country. Situated on the east side of Lake Pichola, the main palace commands an unsurpassed view across the shimmering lake to the dusty Aravalli hills with the luxurious Lake Palace Hotel adding to the scene. Lake Pichola has two islands, each with a palace to rival that on the mainland; Jag Mandir and Jag Nivas (the latter is now the luxurious Lake Palace Hotel) rise out of their own reflections in the lake waters. After breakfast, we spend the morning exploring the countryside around Udaipur by bike. We cycle on quiet, flat roads past farmland and small villages as we head to Tiger Lake. Continuing on rural backroads, we can visit Animal Aid, an NGO hospital for injured animals. We finish our ride close to the city, where we visit the impressive City Palace. Accommodation: Paras Mahal Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Ride on backroads to the fort of Kumbhalgarh

This morning, we drive (approximately 1hr 30min) to Iswal where we start our bike ride to Kumbhalgarh. The route stays away from the main road and follows a less direct but quieter series of backroads, allowing us to see the fascinating rural life of India. It can be hot cycling here but the vehicle support will be on hand if required. We arrive in Kumbhalgarh for a late lunch and a rest. Then there is a chance to cycle to Kumbhalgarh Fort, a challenging 3mi (5km) uphill ride (there is an option to take a 4x4). Kumbhalgarh has one of the finest examples of defensive fortifications in Rajasthan, including a lovely temple and palace with panoramic views. Accommodation: Kumbhalgarh Forest Retreat (or similar) Minimum elevation: 2,119ft (646m) / Maximum elevation: 3,2182ft (981m)

Day 7 Ride/drive to Pushkar

It's back to the desert scenery today as we head to the holy town of Pushkar. Our route follows rural backroads to the main highway, where we dismount nd travel the rest of the way in our vehicle (approximately five hours’ drive). Surrounded by desert, Pushkar is a Hindu pilgrimage town on a holy lake. Legend has it that the lake was created from petals that fell from the divine hands of the creator god Brahma and it is here you can see one of the few Brahma temples in the world. Dotted with 52 ghats (flights of steps) and around 400 milky-blue temples, this town is also known for hosting the annual Pushkar Festival, transforming the town into a bustling market. Before heading to our hotel, we spend time exploring the sites and sounds of a town like no other in Rajasthan. Accommodation: Hotel Dera Masuda (or similar) Pushkar Festival departures: 5 November 2024 and 26 October 2025 (Land Only) The itinerary for these departures is slightly amended to spend two nights in Pushkar (days 7 and 8) and one night in Sariska National Park (Day 11), this is done to maximise time at the festival. Accommodation in Pushkar during the festival departure will be provided in Swiss cottage tents (canvas tents designed to emulate Swiss cottages) with attached bathrooms. The facilities are basic and hot water and electricity can be limited but your leader will assist with any issues if they occur. All meals will be included. Minimum elevation: 2,214ft (675m) / Maximum elevation: 2,933ft (894m)

Day 8 Ride/drive to Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan via rural villages and Rupnagar

We leave Pushkar on our bikes travelling through desert backroads and small villages to the town of Rupnagar; a centre for working marble. There is the option to extend the ride by another 21mi (34km) to the Naraina railway crossing, where we transfer by vehicle to Jaipur (approximately 1hr 30min to two hours' drive). Accommodation: Lilypool - The Heritage Jal Mahal (or similar) Minimum elevation: 1,135ft (346m) / Maximum elevation: 1,4992ft (457m) Cycle: Approximately 37mi (60km) or 58.4mi (94km) including optional ride

Day 9 Optional early morning city heritage ride, Jaipur sightseeing

If you’re up early, we have an optional ride around this wonderful pink city, cycling through its fascinating narrow laneways. Passing havelis (private mansions) and sacred temples, we head for the majestic Albert Hall, which was built to welcome the Prince of Wales on his visit during the 1870s. Along the way, we stop at popular food stalls where you can sample what the local people enjoy for breakfast. After the ride, we have time back at the hotel to freshen up before we head out for a wonderful day of sightseeing. We visit the Amber Fort and enjoy the fine museum within the City Palace, former residence of the Maharaja. A trip to Jaipur must include a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). This city is also the centre of many handicrafts, such as woven rugs, carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherware. During our stay, we have time to visit the markets and possibly pick up a souvenir. Optional cycle: Approximately 7mi (12km) Accommodation: Lilypool - The Heritage Jal Mahal (or similar)

Day 10 Ride/drive to Sariska National Park via Pratap Garh

We leave Jaipur with a combination of cycling and a transfer and return to rural India. We transfer by vehicle to Jamwa Ramgarh (approximately 45 minutes to one hour) and then cycle to Sariska via Pratap Garh and through the beautiful Aravalli foothills. Accommodation: Ram Bihari Palace (or similar) Pushkar Festival departures: 5 November 2024 and 26 October 2025 (land only) The itinerary for these departures is slightly amended to spend two nights in Pushkar (days 7 & 8) and one night in Sariska National Park (Day 11), removing the optional afternoon cycle ride. On Day 11, after arriving in Sariska, we head off in open 4x4s for our early evening game drive. Sariska is a beautiful and interesting park to explore with an abundance of wildlife, including leopards, deer, wild boars, antelopes, jackals, hyenas and more. The following morning will continue to Bharatpur National Park. Minimum elevation: 1,115ft (340m) / Maximum elevation: 1,519ft (463m)

Day 11 Game drive; optional afternoon ride

Before breakfast, we head off in open 4x4s for our early morning game drive. Sariska is a beautiful and interesting park to explore with an abundance of wildlife, including leopards, deer, wild boars, antelopes, jackals, hyenas and more. A large variety of bird species also grace the landscape.  We return to the hotel for a late breakfast and, in the afternoon, there is the option to cycle to the nearby Siliseth Lake. This takes us on backroads through rural villages and farmland. We can have tea at the Lake Palace Hotel with stunning views across the waters to the Aravalli hills. Those who would prefer to relax can enjoy the garden and swimming pool at the hotel. Optional cycle: Approximately 9mi (14km) Accommodation: Ram Bihari Palace (or similar)

Day 12 Ride/drive to Bharatpur National Park, renowned for its bird sanctuary, later visited by bike

Day 13 Cycle to Fatehpur Sikri, transfer to Agra; visit Taj Mahal at sunset

In the morning, we leave Bharatpur and cycle on backroads passing through Fatehpur Sikri, the emperor Akbar's deserted royal city. Later we transfer to Agra (approximately one to two hours’ drive) in time to see the sun set over the Taj Mahal. This romantic monument was built by the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first-time visitor; the white-marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun and is matched by the rich interior detail. Accommodation: Taj Vilas (or similar) Minimum elevation: 475ft (145m) / Maximum elevation: 5182ft (158m)

Day 14 Visit Agra Fort; transfer to Delhi

In the morning, we visit the imposing Agra Fort of Akbar, where mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white-marble pearl mosque, palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of his sons and successors, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. In the afternoon, we transfer to Delhi by bus (five to six hours' drive, depending on traffic) arriving early evening. Your leader will arrange a group dinner for those who would like one last time together to share memories of the trip. Accommodation: Hotel Deventure (or similar)

Day 15 Fly to London.

For those who are on the flight inclusive package we depart for Delhi airport in the morning for the day flight back to London. The arrangements for those not flying with the group ends after check out. However, if you’d like more time to explore Delhi, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Day 1: New Delhi

Company representatives will pick you up from the airport at gate 6 outside with the name board.

After fresh up enjoys local sightseeing of places like the modern Hindu temple Akshardham, the Old part of the city with sightseeing of the most famous monuments there- the biggest mosque in India - Jama Masjid, stop for a picture at Red fort which is on UNESCO list, the cremation place of Mahatma Gandhi - Raj Ghat and Sikh temple - Gurudwara. During the Old Delhi trip, you will enjoy a rickshaw ride in the narrow streets of Old Delhi with a stop at the spice market. You will have a perfect chance to try street food at legendary stalls and walk at a famous Old Delhi market. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Delhi–Pushkar

After breakfast travel to Pushkar - a holly town of Hinduism. Visit the Temple of Brahma, Sikh temple Gurudwara, and many other temples situated in the holly town. You will have an opportunity to do the shopping and take a walk in a wonderful Pushkar town enjoying the unique atmosphere of this place. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Pushkar – Udaipur

After breakfast travel to the most romantic city in Rajasthan, the city of lakes Udaipur.  Local sightseeing of the city. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Udaipur

After breakfast enjoys sightseeing and seeing places like: a boat ride on Pichola Lake, Jagdish temple, and the biggest fort in Rajasthan. After that, you will be taken to the Royal gardens - Saheliyon Ki Bari. Overnight in Udaipur.

Day 5: Udaipur – Jaipur

After breakfast, travel to the Pink City Jaipur.  Check-in the hotel. Local sightseeing of Jaipur. Visit Galta Gi - monkey temple beautifully situated among the hills. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Jaipur

After breakfast meets the guide and does local sightseeing in the city. Visit places like Amber fort - a magnificent fort palace situated among hills, the City Palace, Jantar Mantar - Astronomic Observatory, Gaitor tombs - Royal tombs of the Jaipur Kings, Jal Mahal - the Water Palace and Hawa Mahal.- the most characteristic Wall in Jaipur with 1000 small windows. Shopping at the local market.  Cooking classes are organized for you. Overnight at the hotel in Jaipur.

Day 7: Jaipur – Ranthambore

Early morning departure for Ranthambore National Park by road with the break for sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri town - the Royal and Sacral part of the city. The park which is the most popular in India inhabits a very big population of Indian tigers and other animal species such as blue bulls, sambar, spotted deer, and wild boar. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Rathambore – Agra

After breakfast safari in the national park. Come back for breakfast in the resort. Journey to Agra. Agra is a home for one of the seven wonders of the world the symbol of eternal love-The Taj Mahal. The monument was built by the emperor Shahjahan in loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is located on the banks of Yamuna and brings huge tourism to Agra. On the way, you will stop in Fatehpur Sikri and do sightseeing in the Royal and Sacral parts of the city. After it, further journey to Agra where you will meet the guide and do local sightseeing of Agra. First, you will do sightseeing at the monument on the UNESCO list - Agra Fort which is one of the most wonderful forts in India. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Agra – Orchha

Visit the symbol of love Taj Mahal with the guide down. After breakfast drive to the small Hindu town Orchha. Once a princely state, Orchha lies in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. The town of Orchha was founded in the 15th century AD and in today's world it is renowned for its numerous temples, palaces, and forts. Highly popular amongst them are the Jehangir Mahal of Orchha (Classic Mughal architecture), Raj Mahal, and Laxmi Narayan temple (mural paintings). Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Orchha – Khajuraho

After breakfast travel to Khajuraho. Visit the eastern and western group of temples, Khajuraho is known for its cluster of Hindu and Jain temples. As you would be done with the breakfast, the sightseeing tour of Khajuraho will commence. Under this, you would be visiting Laxmi & Varaha temples, Kandariya Mahadev temple, and Devi Jagdambi temple. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Khajuraho – Varanasi

After early breakfast travel to Varanasi which is the most significant city for Hinduism. Check-in the hotel and refresh. In the evening enjoy a boat cruise on the Ganga River watching "Arti" - a spectacular ceremony of offering fire to the Gods. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Varanasi

An early morning boat ride in the sacred Ganga River would be arranged for you.  The city of Varanasi is known for its religious ghats. Most spectacular amongst them is the Dashashwamedh ghat, which is located close to the Vishwanath temple

After breakfast, leave for Sarnath (6 km away). Sarnath in the northeast of Varanasi is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. A highly sacred Buddhist religious place, Sarnath lies at the confluence of two rivers-Ganga and Gomati. Popular attractions here are Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Museum, and Chaukhandi Stupa. Post that return back to Varanasi. In Varanasi, you would be visiting the Alamgir mosque, Dashashwamedh ghat, and Bharat Mata temple. Enjoy a street food tour and walk in the narrow streets of the city. Overnight stay at Varanasi.

Day 13/14: Varanasi – Delhi

After transferring to the hotel and refreshingly enjoy sightseeing in New Delhi. Visit places like The India Gate and Diplomatic District where you can see The Parliament House, and Secretarial Buildings. Then, you will see places like Lotus temple - the modern temple of all believes, monuments on UNESCO list - Humajun tomb and the biggest brick minaret in India Qutub Minar. Drop off to the airport in Delhi.