Cycle India and the Taj Mahal

After months of training and fundraising, the day has finally come for your trip to Delhi. The flight gives you a perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow cyclists or just sit back and relax before the challenge ahead.

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. With plenty of time we will also explore the ancient back streets surrounding the Taj Mahal. Tonight you will have dinner, and a full trip briefing, in the hotel and get a good night’s sleep before the start of your cycle. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Agra hotel

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. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Converted Maharaja’s Palace

Today, it’s an early start for your sunrise safari into Ranthambore National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially signs of tigers. After your safari, you will cycle to the small village of Rawat where you can spend time with the locals. From there, you'll continue your cycle to Dastkar Kendra, a women’s skills project designed to preserve traditional crafts and give women skills and jobs in this area. The cycle continues into the National Park passing diverse nature, birds and animals. Ranthambore Fort was built in the 10th century, a guided walk on this ancient fort wall with amazing views is a welcome break before cycling through the outskirts of the park to return to your resort where the evening brings local entertainment of music and dancing with local folk songs. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Resort on the outskirts of Ranthambore National Park

It’s your final day in the saddle as you pedal to the finish line on the outskirts of Jaipur. The barren hills, and ancient forts, that surround Jaipur enclose a buzzing metropolis, a place of wild contrasts and extremes. Traditionally dressed Rajput men sporting bright turbans and swashbuckling moustaches discuss village politics outside restaurants and roadside stalls. We finish our cycle at a Maharaja’s estate on the outskirts of Jaipur. It is a beautiful and fitting end to our challenge and wonderful cycle through Rajasthan, the land of the Kings. We will have a celebration lunch and feast here and congratulate ourselves on completing the challenge. We will then transfer back to Delhi. If you book onto the Golden Triangle Extension this will give you time to explore Rajasthan’s Pink City and complete the famous Golden Triangle. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Delhi hotel

We will transfer from the end of the cycle into Jaipur. You will enjoy the luxury of staying in a beautiful Maharaja’s Palace and this afternoon you have the chance to relax and then enjoy a feast in the grounds of the hotel.

Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, popularly known as the “pink city” 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. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: converted Maharaja’s Palace

Explore The Observatory, City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Johri Bazaar. 

Today you will visit the great warrior-astronomer, Maharaja Jai Singh II, observatory (Jantar Mantar) which is still one of Jaipur’s main attractions. The most striking instrument is the sundial, and it 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 every day life and processions of the city.

In the heart of the old city is the City Palace. The enormous 5’ high solid-silver urns are listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest silver objects in the world. Jaipur is well known for precious and semi-precious gems, marble statues, costume jewellery and textile prints. If you wish we will spend some time shopping in the Johri Bazaar for local handicrafts, jewellery and local sweets.

Later in the afternoon we take the fast train back to Delhi. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Hotel

Today you will transfer to Delhi airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)