North India Adventure

On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to the group hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Lalit hotel or similar

This morning our group leader will brief you before you transfer to the airport for your flight to Jaisalmer. On arrival we are transferred to the group hotel with the afternoon free to wander the labyrinth of markets in the vicinity of the fort. This evening we drive to Sunset point from where we appreciate the true dimensions of the city and the outlying desert.
Overnight: Rangmahal Palace or similar

We explore the ancient walled city of Jaisalmer. We visit 12th century Jaisalmer fort. Beginning our exploration through the fort’s massive entrance gates before entering the narrow, paved stone lanes that weave through a complex of bazaars while the many vantage points along the outlying wall offer fine views across the city. We also explore the havelis, the mansions of the wealthy merchants who made their fortunes at a time when Jaisalmer was an important outpost on the trade route between the Arabian sea and the markets of Central India.
Overnight: Rangmahal Palace or similar

We transfer to our camp located on the north east corner of the Thar desert. Our comfortable camp comprises roomy double tents with camp beds and washing facilities. We will immerse ourselves in desert culture that includes camel rides to local villages, early morning walks across the dunes. At night there is a promise of a camp fire and local musicians to entertain us while we sit under a canopy of stars that illuminate the night sky. Overnight: Desert Prince camp or similar

Upon returning to Jaisalmer in the morning, immerse yourself in the city's rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Spend your afternoon exploring its stunning forts, palaces, and temples.
Overnight: Rangmahal Palace or similar

With an early start we will reach Jodphur by lunchtime to allow a free afternoon to visit the local markets and appreciate the character of the bustling city.
Overnight: Pal Garh or similar

We visit the magnificent Meherangarh fort that dominates the city of Jodphur. Situated on a hill with commending views it is the most impressive in Rajasthan. The complex of palaces and museums reflect the rich cultural history of the region. We also visit the Jaswant Thada, a milky white marble memorial built in 1899 in honour of Maharaja Jaswant Singh located in a serene location a short distance from the fort. The cenotaph houses some remarkable jalais (carved white marble screens) while portraits of Rathore rulers dating to the 13th century add a fitting reminder of the cities rich and abiding historical legacy.
Overnight: Pal Garh or similar

We plan to reach Jaipur by lunch time. Jaipur, known as the Pink City is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. The city was founded by Maharajah Jai Singh in the early 18th century when he moved from Amber to the present site. This afternoon we head to the Amber Fort with its intriguing Chamber of Mirrors and fine inlay work while we gain views across the stark Aravalli hills.
Overnight: Mandawa Haveli or similar

On our second day we focus on the historic and architectural wonders of the city including the Hawa Mahal (the Palace of the Winds), the impressive City Palace and the World Heritage listed Jantar Mahal Observatory. The sightseeing can admittedly be a little overwhelming (there is just so much you can take in) and for this reason we include a specially devised walking tour of the city to gain a further insights into the vibrant culture of this celebrated city.
Overnight: Mandawa Haveli or similar

Departing from the outskirts of Jaipur we commence the cycling component of the trip. Instruction and bike adjustment will take place this morning. We follow the old road that was once a merchant route between the princely state of Alwar and Jaipur. We continue along the Ramgargh road passing small farm settlements and providing endless entertainment to the villagers who are intrigued at the notion of westerners cycling through India. After 17km of cycling we stop at Ramgarh Dam, once the main water source for Jaipur, before continuing to an ancient brick factory, long since abandoned where we stop for a box lunch. After lunch we continue cycling past small towns until late afternoon where stop near Jaisinghpura and travel by vehicle to Sariska where we will spend two nights.
Overnight: Sariska Tiger Heaven or similar
Cycling distance: 65km

We continue riding through timeless India, with lush flowering mustard plantations flanked by overhanging willow trees, and ancient ruins standing as witness to the glorious past of this region. Cycle 10 km to beautiful Siliserh Lake and enjoy lunch at a historical property built by Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1845. We continue our ride to Sariska National Park where our cycling ends for today. Sariska National Park was once home to a significant population of tigers, until a few seasons ago, when poaching reduced numbers. However there are many other animals in the park, and the atmosphere and natural surrounds make the visit very much worthwhile. Return to our hotel.
Overnight: Sariska Tiger Heaven or similar
Cycling distance: 41km
Note: Sariska National Park is closed 1 July to 30 September and alternative sightseeing is a visit to Alwar Fort and our overnight accommodation will be in Sterling Resorts Sariska.

We ride through a number of small villages to Rajgarh where we stop for a packed lunch. After lunch we continue cycling another 15km before boarding the bus for the journey to Bharatpur via Mahua.
Overnight: Pride Hotel or similar
Cycling distance: 38km

Today we begin cycling early to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Our bikes provide a wonderful mode of transport to move around and explore the park, where swamplands provide habitats for hundreds of bird species. The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a vast bird sanctuary and former royal game reserve in the north Indian state of Rajasthan. The park’s woods and man-made wetlands protect over 350 species of migratory and resident birds, including herons, cormorants and eagles.
Overnight: Pride Hotel or similar
Cycling distance: 28km

Today we will travel with our vehicle from Bharatpur to Fatehpur Sikri, to explore Akbar's deserted capital, before continuing on to Agra.
Overnight: Hotel Clarks Shiraz or similar

In the early morning we have a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan's mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. We continue to Agra Fort, a fitting testimony to the Great Moghuls – Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan – during the era when Agra was the capital of the Moghul empire. From the Red Fort we'll have more views of the Taj Mahal before driving back to Delhi that afternoon where our trip concludes.