Rajasthan On Bicycle Tour

  India

Jaipur

Dates: Flexible

Description: Cycling is one of the best ways to see India and mainly Rajasthan. It is not difficult and provides the cyclist with glimpses of Rajasthan.

Day 01: Flight to India (New Delhi)
Around midnight arrival in New Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital New Delhi is the main gateway for the travellers to India. Upon arrival, you will be met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the hotel.

Day 02: New Delhi
This morning is at leisure. In the Afternoon we will have sightseeing of Old Delhi. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes "Rajghat", the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and "Jama Masjid", the great mosque of Old Delhi. Today we also visit the famous "Humayun Tomb" which is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. We will also visit "Qutub Minar" which is 71 meter high and consists of five stories. In 1199 work began on this tower, which was intended to be the most glorious tower of victory in the world. Before we proceed to the hotel we will drive through New Delhi where we will visit the India Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies.

Day 03: New Delhi - Agra
In the early morning after having our breakfast we will leave New Delhi and proceed to Agra. Enroute we make a stop and visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. It has been generally stated that it was due to failing in the water supply. In the evening we will arrive in Agra. Evening free at leisure.

Day 04: Agra - Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
We start today our sightseeing by a visit to the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's reign, Shah Jahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque. After the visit of Agra Fort we proceed to visit the most beautiful monument of India, the Taj Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child. We spend enough time at Taj Mahal to take this impressive memory home. In the afternoon after the visit of Agra, we will drive through colorful villages and proceed to Bharatpur by having a cycle ride for approximate 22 km. Evening free for leisure upon arrival in Bharatpur.

Day 05: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - Alwar
Today in the morning we will visit the famous Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary-India's largest bird sanctuary and a paradise for bird lovers is located to enjoy bird watching. The sanctuary is open round the year. However, the best season to visit is August to October, when Indian birds are nesting. This sanctuary is spread on a low Marshland and has 375 species of birds of which 117 are Migratory. Keoladeo National Park is one of the best water bird sanctuary in the world. In winter there are many migratory birds from the northern hemisphere including the rare Siberian crane. Then, we will take cycle ride from Bharatpur to Deeg approx 21 km. We will visit Deeg Palace built by Maharaja Sural Mal (Tehu). Then, we will drive to Alwar. Evening free for leisure upon arrival in Alwar.

Day 06: Alwar - Sariska Sanctuary
In the morning after breakfast we will have cycle ride to Sariska. Sariska National Park is situated in the northern part of Aravali hills. Sariska has an area above 479 sq2 and was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973 from the government of India. We take a Jeep ride to watch the activities of Sambars, Chitals, Nilgais, Chausinghas, Jackals, Wild boars, Langurs etc. Evening free for leisure.

Day 07: Sariska Sanctuary - Jaipur
Today after having our breakfast we will again visit the Sanctuary and then drive further to the Pink City Jaipur. This city owes its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones. In the afternoon we visit the City palace which is still the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the museum of the City palace we visit the private collection of the Jaipur Maharajas. We continue to Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, and the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex instrument reveal us the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy.

Day 08: Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of Amber, laying 11 km. away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved to newly created Jaipur. We will ascend to the Palace Fortress on the back of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we will visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements with each having its own balcony. The windows enabled cool air to circulate and the ladies to watch processions below without being seen. In the afternoon we have a walk through the Colourful Bazaars of Jaipur and visit a factory to see the famous block printing work being done since centuries in Jaipur. In the evening we drive through the new city of Jaipur and visit "Laxmi Narayan Mandir", a Hindu temple made out of white marble. We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer ceremony. Today we have dinner with a presentation of Indian music and dance.

Day 09: Jaipur - New Delhi
In the morning after having our breakfast we will drive to New Delhi. Evening free at leisure. After having the dinner we leave the hotel for the airport.

Day 10: New Delhi
Around midnight flight to home destination.

Highlights: The Rajasthan on Bicycle Tour will take us to one of India's most interesting regions providing an extraordinary blend of architectural wonders, bird and wild life sanctuaries. New Delhi, Agra, Alwar, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Sariska WildLife Sanctuary and Jaipur will be covered during this tour.

Cost in US$: 993 per person !

Exclusions:
       - Any Kind of Personal Expenses such as Tips, Laundry, Telephone Bills and Alcoholic
          beverages.
       - Camera Fees (Still or Movie).
       - Any Flight Charges.
       - Monument Entrances.
       - Unspecified Meals etc.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Indo Vacations's Mission Statement: Indo Vacations offers different courses in Hindi in association with experienced instructors in India and abroad. The courses are of different time duration that can be designed as per the interest of student and the availability of the teacher.

Year Founded: 2000