Compare Cycle Rajasthan by Intrepid Travel vs The Ultimate India Experience by Sky Vacations

Day 1 Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, there are plenty of things to see and do –maybe visit the World Heritage-listed Humayun's Tomb or the 12th-century Qutub Minar. As the former residence of royal families and British soldiers, the Red Fort plays a vital part in Delhi’s history and is must-see when you’re here. You could also book an Urban Adventure to see Delhi through the eyes of a local. After you meet your fellow travellers and trip leader, you’ll meet your cycling crew and get fitted out for your bike – then, you have free time to grab an optional group dinner and get to know each other a little better.

Day 2 Jaipur

Today starts on the bike with an early morning warm-up ride. For the rest of the day, you’ll take a tour through the main sights of Delhi in a private vehicle. Explore 2000-year-old Old Delhi and visit the Jama Masjid – Delhi's oldest and India’s largest mosque. Then, head to the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara and India Gate – the latter commemorating soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Indian Army in World War I. In the late afternoon, take a train journey to Jaipur – the ‘Pink City’ and the capital of Rajasthan. Tonight, you’re free to find a good spot to feast on the delicious local cuisine – your leader will know all the best spots!

Day 3 Jaipur

This morning, explore the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur by private vehicle and on foot. Visit the Amber Fort – set atop a hill that overlooks Maota Lake, the fort is a gorgeous example of Rajput architecture. Entering the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is a particularly memorable experience. You’ll also have the option to visit Jaipur's Royal City Palace and/or one of the five astronomical observatories built by the founder – Jaipur Maharaja Jai Singh. At the end of the day, you might like to sit back in the iconic Raj Mandir Cinema and enjoy a Bollywood blockbuster.

Day 4 Pushkar

Depart Jaipur after breakfast and mount your bike for a ride to the town of Naraiana. On the way, you’ll pass several forts and make a few stops for photo ops. When you arrive, you’ll drive the last leg to the sacred city of Pushkar. Tonight, head out on a guided walk around the town. Pass the holy Pushkar Lake, where pilgrims come to cleanse themselves of sins and disease by bathing along the lake’s 52 ghats. As the most important temple of its kind, a visit to Brahma Mandir is also a must – this is one of India’s few temples dedicated to the Hindu creator Brahma. The main street of the town is a bustling tourist market and in your free time, you might like to take a stroll around or hunt for a few souvenirs to take home.

Day 5 Udaipur

Spend the day cycling half the way to the ‘White City’ of Udaipur.You’ll ride on small, quiet roads that roll through red soil, fields and small farms, stopping in Beawar. Hop in the support vehicle for the rest of the journey. Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur is often regarded as the most romantic city in India. Set amid the Aravalli Hills, the city curls around Lake Pichola, the two palaces of Jag Mandir and Jag Nivas rising out of the water in their own reflections. When you arrive, soak away the days activities and rest at your accommodation.

Day 6 Udaipur

Spend the day touring the sights of Udaipur with the group today. You’ll wind through narrow streets to the City Palace complex on the banks of Lake Pichola, which is the largest palace in Rajasthan. Pop into the impressive Jagdish Temple, dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. If time permits, maybe visit the rose gardens of the Gulab Bagh, take a boat trip across Lake Pichola or participate in a Sitar lesson.

Day 7 Pangarh

Start your day with a bike ride through the Chittorgarh countryside, before boarding the support vehicle for the last stretch to Chittaurgarh. When you arrive, you’ll climb back on the bikes and cycle through the hills towards Bijaipur. From here, you’ll avoid the main highway and head south to Pangarh Lake. Tonight, your group will spend the night in a comfortable permanent tent camp. When you arrive, unwind with a steaming cup of chai tea and watch the sunset over the lake and the serene Vindhya Range. Soak up the views of the 15th-century Pangarh Fort in the distance, perched on the hill to the north and swap stories with your fellow travellers.

Day 8 Bijaipur

This morning, say goodbye to the campsite and cycle through farmlands to the village of Bijaipur. On the way, you’ll witness local rural life in action and, depending on the season, opium poppy fields in harvest. In Bijaipur, you’ll stay in the 16th-century Castle Bijaipur, which is now a heritage hotel within the original fortified walls. Enjoy the palace’s blend of modern and Mughal architecture as you relax by the pool or in the gardens, pampered by the Mewar hospitality of the hotel’s owners.

Day 9 Bundi

After breakfast, cycle on to Bundi – one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rajasthan, famous for its intricate architecture, cultural heritage and rich history. When you arrive, you’ll explore the town on a leader-led walking tour. Wander the narrow streets packed with blue Brahmin houses, bazaars, temples and shops, and mingle with locals in the downtown market. Visit Bundi’s ancient and ornately carved baoris (step wells), which once provided water to the city. Imposing itself over the town is the 17th-century Bundi Palace, where you can check out some exquisite murals.

Day 10 Ranthambhore National Park

Today, ride to Ranthambhore National Park. Once a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur, this park is now a major wildlife park and the best place in Rajasthan to see tigers in the wild. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon, so you’ll have plenty of time to rest up for an early safari tomorrow.

Day 11 Ranthambhore National Park

Embark on a safari before dawn this morning, in search of leopards, wild boar, hyenas, nilgai, birds and of course, the resident tigers. Deep in the jungle of the park is Ranthambhore Fort – founded in AD944, the ruins of Badal Mahal and the Hammirs Court pavilions hint its previous grandeur. In the late afternoon, explore a different sector of the park on a safari canter bus to increase the chance of spotting a few tigers.

Day 12 Madhogarh

Today is your final day of cycling. Depart Ranthambhore and drive to the small town of Lalsot, where you’ll hop on your bikes. Surrounded by hills, you’ll start the ride through farmland and small villages, making your way to Madhogarh and arriving by the late afternoon. After saying goodbye to the cycling crew, you’ll head out to explore the small village with your group. Soak in the famed Rajput hospitality tonight in the 400-year-old Fort Madhogarh – built by Madho Singh Ji and once the battlefield of the Kachwaha Rajputs. In 2000, the fort was converted into a family-run hotel to finance its upkeep and this is where you’ll spend the night.

Day 13 Agra

Today, travel by bus to Agra – a city of temples, gardens and palaces, rich in Mughal heritage. Today is also the day you visit the Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this iconic structure was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. As described by the poet Rabindranath Tagore, this 'teardrop on the face of eternity' never fails to amaze. If you like, in your free time you can also continue to Akbar's Mausoleum. Tonight, you’re free to find the perfect eating spot.

Day 14 Delhi

This morning you’ll take a tour the spectacular Red Fort. Founded by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, its sandstone walls once enclosed the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. Wander around the fort’s palaces, mosques and halls before the afternoon drive back to Delhi. Arrive in the early evening and enjoy a free night to celebrate a trip well travelled – maybe you’ll want to head out with your group for an optional dinner and drinks.

Day 15 Delhi

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Welcome to New Delhi! Upon arrival your Sky Vacations ambassador will meet and assist you with transfer to your hotel. Delhi is India’s bustling capital city and reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the segregation between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Delhi

This morning after breakfast proceed for a guided tour of Old Delhi. Hop on to a cycle rickshaw and ride through the rugged-rustic lanes of Old Delhi. The tours take you through some iconic streets like Chandni chowk and other important landmarks of Old Delhi including mansions and colourful bazaars. During the tour you will be savouring some hot Jalebi’s a traditional Indian sweet and Samosa at a nearly 200-year-old sweet shop. Drive past the Red Fort made of Red sandstone built by Emperor Shahjahan.

Afternoon proceed for tour of New Delhi visiting the Qutab Minar is built in Indo- Islamic style and has five stories. It is one of the highest stone towers in India and has a diameter of about 14.32 meters/47 feet at the base and about 2.75 meters/9 feet the top, Humayun’s Tomb, built by the orders of Humayun’s widow, Hamida Banu Begum, starting in 1562. Drive around Lutyens Delhi which was also designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Drive past India Gate which was built to commemorate the undivided British Indian Army who died in World War I (1914-21). A stone’s throw away from India Gate lies the Rashtrapati Bhavan or Presidential Palace built between 1919 to 1925.

Day 03: Delhi / Agra

This morning, set out for your drive to Agra. Agra is a medieval city, located on the banks of the Yamuna River, founded by Sultan Sikandar Lodi in 1506. During the Mughal reign, began the golden age in Agra. It remained the capital of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Check in and have lunch.

After lunch proceed to visit the Agra Fort. The Fort was built by Akbar in 1565 and further developed by successive generations. This well-preserved fortress built of red-sandstone is a UNESCO site and dominates a bend of the river Yamuna- with a magnificent view of the Taj. The interior boasts of many grand buildings which include the Royal Pavilions, the Diwan-e-Am (hall of public audience) and Diwan-e-khas (hall of private audience) usually reserved for other kings and dignitaries.

At sunset visit the Taj Mahal ( closed on Friday) – Situated on the banks of the River Yamuna, a monument of love built by the Mughal Emperor Shāh Jahān in memory of his beloved wife, Arjumand Bano Begum, also known as Mumtāz Mahal. It took 22 years to build. The white marble came from Makrana in Rajasthan and the red sandstone from Fatehpur Sikri. Precious stones like jade, crystal, turquoise, lapis lazuli, sapphire, jade, coral and diamonds were brought from far-flung places in Tibet, China, Sri Lanka, Persia and Afghanistan. It is believed that a fleet of 1000 elephants was used to transport the material. Post the tour return to the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel. (Meals Included – Breakfast at hotel)

Day 04: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Abhaneri / Jaipur

This morning after breakfast continue to Jaipur. Enroute, stop at Fatehpur Sikri – the Ghost Capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The fortress is a UNESCO world heritage site and built entirely of red sandstone, except the tomb of the Saint Salim Chisti, which in stunning contrast, is made of pristine white marble.

After lunch continue to Jaipur , stop at Abhaneri village and visit Chand Baori the oldest surviving step well in Rajasthan and the most photogenic step well in India. It was built by the King named Chanda or Chandra of the Nikhumbha dynasty and therefore named after the King. The time of the stepwell is 8-9th CE making it 1200-1300 years old. Yes, it is older than Taj Mahal. The city back in the days was called Abha Nagri. When you stand next to this 13story deep step well with 35,000 symmetric triangular steps leading to the water at the bottom, you cannot but be mesmerized. After the visit continue to Jaipur. Arrive and check in and rest of the time at leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Jaipur

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Jaipur, Stop for a photo visit of the honeycomb designed Hawa Mahal also known as the “Palace of Winds”. Built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this is one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. It is an integral part of the City Palace, an extension of the Zenana (women’s chambers) from where the royal ladies, who lived in seclusion, observed life on the outside without showing themselves.

Continue your tour and visit the Amber Fort – where you ascend the hill “Maharaja-style” on Elephant back. The Fort is known for its exquisite mirrored halls and lofty ramparts and is a superb example of Rajput architecture. It is strategically located on a hilltop overlooking the lake. This magnificent fort has recently been wonderfully restored bringing back some of its past glory. During return, Continue and enjoy a photo-stop at Jal Mahal Palace.

The afternoon is free for for shopping and exploring the city on your own. This evening we shall arrange for dinner with the Indian family, interacting with the family and learning about the life and culture of Rajasthan. Post dinner return to the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Jaipur / Udaipur

This morning you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight for Udaipur. On arrival at Udaipur airport you will be met upon and transferred to the hotel.

In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour of the old town where you can walk around and see the artists painting the famous miniatures depicting the glory of the Mughals , we shall arrange for a short tuk tuk ride in the old town. This evening enjoy boat ride [sharing basis] on the Lake Pichola (subject to water level in the Lake permitting). View the Lake Palace from outside the Palace – a Palace established at the center of Lake Pichola, now converted into a luxurious heritage. After the boat ride return to the hotel for overnight stay. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Udaipur

This day proceed for tour of Udaipur visiting City Palace, built in 1725, is actually a conglomerate of eleven palaces overlooking the sprawling Lake Pichola. Next visit The Crystal Gallery, one the most lustrous attractions for tourist showcasing the rare and precious crystal from the royal treasure. The gallery is nearly 129 years old (at the time of writing) with the magnificent collection of Oslers Crystals. These precious crystals were ordered by Maharana Sajjan Singh from the famous manufacturers F and C Osler Company, Birmingham, England around 1877 A.D. These treasured crystals are kept in the charismatic City Palace Complex.

Later in the evening you enjoy boat ride (shared) on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you can see the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. During the boat ride you also visit Jag Mandir Palace. An unforgettable sight on Lake Pichola is the island of Jag Mandir. Maharana Karan Singhji built the palace in 1622 A.D, as a pleasure palace for royal parties and functions. This magnificent monument with its domes, marble pillars and fountains has a special approach of a row of marble elephants that seem to be guarding the island. . Post the ride return to the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Udaipur

The day is at your leisure to explore glorious Udaipur

Day 9: Udaipur

Today we drive and visit Sadhana. The three hour tour includes the Delwara Heritage and Community Walk and a visit to the Sadhna facility for a guided stitching and block printing workshop.

Sadhna was established in 1988 to provide alternative incomes for women in Udaipur’s rural, tribal and urban slum belts. As these communities were not dependent on agriculture, handicraft was chosen to be introduced to them. SADHNA taught Patchwork, Appliqué and Tanka embroidery skills to the women for them to earn a secure living. Today, SADHNA provides continuous training to women artisans to improve their skills, a support network to them in their villages and a respectable position in their family and society. Drive back, rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 10: Farewell India

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.