Rajasthan Cycle Challenge: Bike challenge to India

Your challenge day by day

Day 1, Fri 20 Nov 2015

International departure from London

After months of training and fundraising the day has finally come to meet the rest of the team at the airport for our trip to Delhi. The flight is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow cyclists or just sit back and relax before the challenge ahead.

Day 2, Sat 21 Nov 2015

Arrive Delhi, India’s capital

A local Charity Challenge representative will meet us and escort us to our hotel. We then have the opportunity to explore the labyrinth of streets and markets, overloaded with exotic produce and unusual gifts. Cultural highlights include the Raj Ghat, memorial place of Gandhi, or a walk around India’s largest mosque. Tonight will be spent at the hotel after our first team dinner together.

Day 3, Sun 22 Nov 2015

Visit the Taj Mahal

All aboard the early Shatabdi express train to Agra, home to the most magical mausoleum– the Taj Mahal. Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1631-1653 in memory of his beloved wife, the magnificent monument is a modern wonder of the world. From here, we will prepare our bikes and meet with the support team for the forthcoming ride. Overnight and dinner in Agra.

Day 4, Mon 23 Nov 2015

Taj Mahal to Fatephur Sikri (approximately 85kms)

Our first day in the saddle will be spent on dirt and tarmac roads. As the Taj disappears in the distance, we power on towards Fatephur Sikri, a fortified ghost city and former capital of the Mughal Empire between1575-1585. Pilgrims flock in their thousands to the palace complex which houses the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chrishti. Overnight in local hotel.

Day 5, Tue 24 Nov 2015

Keoladeo Ghana National Park to Karauli (approximately 113kms)

This diverse state was home to the Rajputs, warrior clans and tribes who controlled this part of India for thousands of years. Their rule left the region with a legacy of forts, palaces and mansions. Pedaling past camel and donkey carts and locals in traditional dress gives the impression of a living museum. Ancient forms of agriculture and trade still exist. Overnight at the Maharaja’s Palace.

Day 6, Wed 25 Nov 2015

Karauli to Ranthambore National Park (approximately 112kms)

Today we cycle to the rugged Ranthambore National Park, between the Aravali and Vindhya hills. Famous for being a prime example of Project Tiger’s conservation, the park is popular with wildlife photographers from around the world. Besides the majestic tigers, we might be lucky enough to spot samba, cheetah, wild boar, leopard, sloth bears and more. Tonight will be spent in a luxury tented camp and guesthouse.

Day 7, Thu 26 Nov 2015

Ranthambore National Park Cycle (approximately 45kms)

Early start for your sunrise safari into Ranthambore National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially signs of tigers. You cycle to Rawal, a small local village and interact with the locals before continuing your cycle to Dastkar Kendra a women’s skills project, to preserve traditional crafts and give women skills and jobs to help them in this area. Overnight in a luxury tent camp and guesthouses.

Day 8, Fri 27 Nov 2015

Ranthambore National Park to Bhanderej (approximately 80kms)

It’s an early start for our exciting sunrise safari into Ranthambore Park. Besides looking out for wildlife, we will be exploring the many Hindu settlements, temples and shepherd encampments en route. Today’s ride takes us over varied terrain, which was formerly used by pilgrims, traders and armies who impacted on the local culture. Spend the night in Maharaja’s Palace.

Day 9, Sat 28 Nov 2015

Bhanderej to Jaipur (approximately 56kms)

It’s our final day in the saddle as we pedal into Jaipur, Rajasthan’s Pink City. Produce-laden camel carts thread their way through the streets which are packed with rickshaws, bicycles, tempos, motorcycles and pedestrians. In the evening we celebrate completing our cycle challenge with a Rajasthani Party, complete with traditional banquet, folk music and dancing at the Maharaja’s Old Palace.

Day 10, Sun 29 Nov 2015

Delhi to London

Very early morning transfer by coach to Delhi’s airport for our return flight to London. We arrive back home on the same day.

Important information

The itinerary is there as a guide and may change due to weather patterns, wildlife movements, and the strength of the group. Indian travel can also throw up limitations of its own! We will do our very best to keep to the set itinerary; however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your expedition leader will have the final say.

Important information about the Jaipur City Extension extension

Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, it is popularly known as the “pink city”. Jaipur is surrounded by barren hills surmounted by forts. This buzzing metropolis is certainly a place of wild contrasts and a feast for the eyes. Vegetable laden camel carts thread their way through the streets jam-packed with rickshaws, bicycles, tempos, motorcycles and pedestrians dodging the crazy traffic. Traditionally dressed Rajput men sporting bright turbans and swash-buckling moustaches discuss village politics outside restaurants and roadside stalls.

Day 10: Amber Fort, Polo Bar and Raj Mandir Cinema.

This morning after breakfast you will head North of Jaipur to Amber, the ancient capital. The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, built in 1592, stunningly situated 0n a hillside and overlooking a lake which reflects its terraces and ramparts. A 15 min walk to the fort. We’ll stop for refreshments at the Polo Bar of the opulent Rambagh Palace. The royal sport of Polo is synonymous with Jaipur, we’ll catch a game if our timing is right.

The Raj Mandir cinema is one of the most opulent and famous in all India, a great place to take in a Hindi film, the audience being a major feature themselves! The evening will follow with a Rajasthani Banquet and overnight stay at Diggi Palace.(B,L,D)

Day 11: Explore The Observatory, City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Johri Bazaar. Afternoon train to Delhi.

Today you will visit the great warrior-astronomer, Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743) observatory (Jantar Mantar) which is still one of Jaipur’s main attractions. At first the Jantar Mantar appears to be just a curious collection of sculptures but in fact each construction has a specific purpose, such as measuring the positions of stars, altitudes and calculating eclipses. The most striking instrument is the sundial, and is incredibly accurate.

The Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, constructed in 1799, is one of Jaipur’s major landmarks. It was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the every day life and processions of the city. You can climb to the top of the Hawa Mahal for a fine view over the city.

In the heart of the old city, is the City Palace, an incredibly well preserved and interesting palace to view with museums and artefacts. The enormous 5’ high solid-silver urns that another maharaja had got made to carry the sacred Ganges water with him on his trip to England, are listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest silver objects in the world.

Jaipur is the place to shop until you drop. So many handicrafts ranging from papier-mache puppets to exquisitely carved furniture. Jaipur is well known for precious and semi-precious gems, marble statues, costume jewellery and textile prints are other Jaipur specialities. We shop in the Johri Bazaar with local handicrafts, jewellery and local sweets before catching the evening train to Delhi. Overnight in Jyoti Mahal Hotel.(B,L,D).

Day 12: Return to UK.

This morning you will relax over Breakfast at the rooftop restaurant catching glimpses of Delhi before your transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK, arriving the same day. (B)

Included:

Entrance Fees including Amber Fort, The Observatory, City palace and Hawa Mahal
Optional elephant ride
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Water and soft drinks.
One way Train ticket Jaipur - Delhi
2 nights accommodation on a twin share basis; 1 night at Jyoti Mahal (the superior room), 1 night at Diggi Palace (superior room) on full board.
Services of qualified English-speaking driver/guide

Excluded:

Personal expenses (i.e.: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
Tips for local team (we recommend you allow $6 per person for tipping your guide)

Please note that this extension is subject to a minimum of 4 people and flight availability and should be booked no later than 10 weeks prior to departure. In some cases, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking. Full payment must be received no later than 8 weeks prior to departure or your place on the extension may be cancelled. All bookings will be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to departure.

The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, We will accommodate you in a room with someone of the same sex.

*= Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.

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Rajasthan Cycle Challenge

Fri 20 Nov - Sun 29 Nov 2015