Royal Rajasthan Ride

The route then heads west into Rajasthan – the ‘Land of the Kings’ - and a series of mystical Rajput cities. The state capital of Jaipur is known as the Pink City and features a number of iconic sights including the City Palace and the astronomical instruments of Jantar Mantar. Next up is the Pushkar. With its sacred lake and over 500 temples, it is home to a surprising large number of modern ‘hippies’. All Hindus consider a pilgrimage to this city to be required in order to attain Nirvana. Cycling along the desert roads will allow the riders mix with the local traffic including lumbering camels and colourful bullock carts.

A rest day in Jodhpur – the ‘Blue City' – offers the riders the opportunity to climb up to the imposing 15th century Meherangarh Fort where they can take in the view of the walled city and its signature blue painted buildings. It also boasts the Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the world’s largest private residences with 347 rooms. The route now takes the cyclists south through small rural villages like Dhamli where the riders will enjoy a night in the heritage Fort Dhamli hotel before taking on their first real climb up through the Aravalli Hills to Kumbhalgarh, whose fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A final day’s ride leads the riders into Udaipur with its picture-perfect setting on the banks of Lake Pichola and the end of this historic section.

Highlights

• Taj Mahal
• Rapjut Pink & Blue Cities - Jaipur & Jodhpur
• Pushkar's Sacred Lake & 500 Hindu Temples
• Rajasthan's Historic Forts & Palaces