India: Discovery Ride of Rajasthan

DELHI ROUND TRIP

17 Days

Discovery Ride of Rajasthan – 2022 and 2023 Departure dates:

20 December 2022 to 5 January 2023

22 January 2023 to 7 February 2023

Rajasthan is an incredibly colourful state in India and the land of Kings. Rajasthan is popular among the tourists for its historical monuments, dramatic forts, grand palaces, ornate Havelis, desert dunes, mesmerising lakes, beautiful hill stations, culture, delicious cuisine, village life, colourful bazaars, teeming forests, wild animals and rare birds; enchanting temples are the jewels of the royal state of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan has the true colours of Indian history and culture, and it is a fairy-tale world: full of quintessential charm, exotic, exquisite and endlessly intriguing. On this motorcycle tour, we explore and experience the most popular and off-beat authentic destinations of Rajasthan. You ride on Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycles through traditional villages and scenic ways with panoramic views every day of this tour.

This 17-day tour will explore popular destinations such as Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh, Jaipur, and Bundi. Then onto the hidden gems such as Khuri, Jawai, Bhenswara, Bijaipur and Pachewar. You will find yourself lost in Rajasthan’s past, reflected on the walls and in the sculptures of the monuments present in these cities. You will become spellbound by Rajasthan as you explore it further and more.

This tour is even for those who have done a Rajasthan motorcycle tour before and wish to come back wanting to experience a unique and different itinerary.

Discovery Ride of Rajasthan Summary:

State: Rajasthan
Best Time: October to March
Number of Days: 16 Nights / 17 Days
Number of Riding Days: 15 Days
Accommodation: 3 Star and 4 Star
Riding Level Required: Intermediate
Terrain: 85% Tarmac and 15% Gravel
Duration of Ride: Between 5 and 7 hours a day on average
Distance Covered on Motorcycle: 2200 kilometres / 1370 Miles
Temperature: Nights and early mornings, 10ºc to 15ºc / Daytime 20ºc to 30ºc.

Places visited along the Tour:

Delhi-Mandawa-Bikaner-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Khuri-Barmer-Bhenswara-Jawai-Ranakpur-Kumbhalgarh-Udaipur-Chittorgarh-Bijaipur-Bundi-Pachewar-Jaipur-Delhi

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi

Arrive at Delhi’s airport; our local representative will personally meet you outside the exit gate of the arrival terminal. To help you recognise them, they will be holding a placard of your name. The representative will transfer you to your hotel in preparation for your tour the next day.

Overnight stay in the selected hotel in Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi to Mandawa – Driven 130 kilometres, then ride 140 kilometres (Breakfast)

After breakfast, you travel 130 kilometres by car to our motorcycle tour starting point. Here you will be united with your Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycle, and the road captain will brief you on the rules of driving in India and how to operate your motorcycle. You will ride from here on country roads, and you will see local markets. Mandawa is world-famous for its heritage Havelis and colourful fresco art. Mandawa was originally a trading outpost for the ancient caravan routes that stopped here from China and the Middle East. On your arrival in Mandawa, you check in to our hotel. Later you will have a walking tour through the colourful market and visit other Havelis.

Overnight stay in the selected accommodation in Mandawa.

Day 03: Mandawa to Bikaner – Ride 220 kilometres / 4 to 5 hours riding (Breakfast)

After breakfast in the hotel, you commence your motorcycle ride to Bikaner. Bounded by dunes and situated on an elevated plain, this vibrant desert town is fondly known as India’s ‘camel country’. Today you take the scenic country roads and join the Desert Highway for a smooth ride to Bikaner. On arrival, you check into our hotel. Later you will explore the 16th century Junagarh Fort; the fort contains numerous monuments with gold plasters, exquisite mirrors, and hidden chambers. Around us will be able to appreciate the incredible network of Havelis. Havelis are mansions with courtyards and balconies of red sandstone and marble.

Overnight stay in the selected hotel in Bikaner.

Day 4: Bikaner to Jodhpur via Deshnok, the Rat Temple – Ride 260 kilometres / 6 hours riding (Breakfast)

After breakfast, you ride to Jodhpur through the fascinating countryside of Rajasthan. You will stop to visit the extraordinary Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok. The 600-year-old temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple hosts thousands of rats that form the major attraction here. The rats are considered sacred and worshipped accordingly. After your visit, you will ride through desert villages, fields and small colourful village markets. You will stop at Osian town, famous as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan due to the erotic sculptures on the temple walls. You will have time to explore the temples and enjoy a camel ride in the Sand Dunes of Osian. You return to your Royal Enfield and continue to Jodhpur. On arrival, you will check into our hotel.

Overnight stay in the selected hotel in Jodhpur.

Day 5 Jodhpur (Breakfast)

You awake in the Blue City! After breakfast, you’ll visit the imposing Meherangarh Fort, one of the oldest and most beautiful forts in Rajasthan. During your visit, you will relive the history of this fortress which has remained impregnable over the centuries. The fort offers you many breathtaking views of the blue city. After your fort visit, you will go to nearby Jaswant Thada (also known as the Taj Mahal of Jodhpur), a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble. Jaswant Thada was built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Later you will take the heritage walk from the city’s heights, passing the small narrow streets amid Indian daily life. You will reach the clock tower located at the Sardar Bazar; Here, you will find a lot of stalls of traditional fabrics, spices and tea. Here you can spend time observing the culture and tradition of Jodhpur. You must try the local snacks of Jodhpur called Mirchi vada and Pyaaz ki Kachori. After lunch, you will explore the Umaid Bhawan Palace and its museum.

Overnight stay in the selected hotel in Jodhpur.

Day 6: Jodhpur to Jaisalmer – Ride 280 kilometres / 6 hours riding (Breakfast)

After breakfast, you ride to Jaisalmer, a famous city for camels and dunes. Jaisalmer is also known as “The Golden City” because the town stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, crowned by a fort, which contains the palace and several ornate Jain temples. On arrival in Jaisalmer, you check into our hotel. Later you will walk in the colourful market of Jaisalmer and enjoy the sunset at the best sunset viewing place with a panoramic view of the whole city and the fort. Here you will also experience dancing and music by local artists.

Overnight stay in the selected hotel in Jaisalmer.

Day 7: Jaisalmer to Khuri – Ride 55 kilometres / 1 hour riding (Breakfast and Dinner)

After breakfast, you will visit Jaisalmer Fort, built in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal. You then see the beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the 12^th – 15^th century and the magnificent Patwon Ki Haveli in the heart of the town. You will stop for lunch afterwards; you will ride for 55 kilometres through the scenic country roads to reach the small village of Khuri. Khuri is famous for its dunes. On arrival, you check into your accommodation. After a refreshing tea, you will take a camel ride in the dunes of the Thar Desert and watch the panoramic sunset from the middle of the dunes. You will then return to camp and a mouth-watering Rajasthani dinner accompanied by folk dancing and a music programme by a group of talented folk artists. If you are interested in birds or wildlife, Khuri offers vantage points to watch the Demoiselle Crane or the Great Indian Bustard.

Overnight stay in the desert camp.

Day 8: Khuri to Barmer – Ride 160 kilometres / 5 hours riding (Breakfast)

After breakfast, you start your ride to Barmer. Barmer, a border district of Rajasthan, is surrounded by soft golden dunes. Once a camel trade route, this area is rich in crafts, including wood carving, pottery, embroidery work, and prints. Enjoy the experience of visiting a secluded and less explored destination. Today, your ride will be on sandy tracks and small rural roads to reach Barmer. On arrival, you will check in and then visit Sanchal  Fort, a stunning heritage styled hotel surrounded by dunes and far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Overnight stay in the selected hotel in Barmer.

Day 9: Barmer to Bhenswara  – Ride 190 kilometres / 5 hours riding (Breakfast)

After breakfast, you will ride to Bhenswara through the scenic countryside route. Bhenswara village is situated on the northern bank of the Jawai River, which originates from Aravali Hills and flows down to the Rann of Kutch. Arid hills and farmland surround Bhenswara village. On arrival, you will check into your hotel. Later, you will explore the area by walking through the village and meet with the local families of Rabari, a semi-nomadic shepherd tribe, to learn about their way of life. Afterwards, you will be driven to the location of the family of leopards. The leopards have made their home in the nearby hills.

Overnight stay in the selected hotel in Bhenswara.

Day 10: Bhenswara to Jawai – Ride 90 kilometres / 2 hours riding (Breakfast)

After breakfast, you ride to Jawai. Jawai is quintessentially an abode for people searching for tranquil moments amidst the wild. It is a place that has retained its pristine beauty, where one can experience the true, unadulterated glory that nature offers. On arrival, you will check into our hotel. Jawai, India’s Leopard Hills, is one of the few places in India where one can easily sight Leopards. The picturesque locations of Jawai Hills and Dam are also home to other Wild Animals and migratory Birds. Leopards roam in the surrounding forests. Along the area flows the Jawai River, with the Jawai Dam built on it, and the resulting beautiful lake is home to some of the biggest crocodiles you will ever see. These are not a part of any national park or sanctuary; Most people don’t know about It, not even Rajasthanis. Here there are no tourist crowds. You will check in on arrival at the resort. In the late afternoon, you will leave for a leopard and wildlife safari in the mystic countryside of Jawai for 2-3 hours; During the safari, you may see wildlife like hyenas and Nilgai.

Overnight stay in the Jawai Resort.

Day 11: Jawai to Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh – ride 120 kilometres / 3 hours riding (Breakfast)

You finish breakfast, then start riding to Kumbhalgarh via the scenic route. Along the way, you will visit the magnificent 15th century Ranakpur temple. Ranakpur is home to one of India’s biggest and most important Jain temple complexes, covering an area of nearly 48,000 square feet. The complex has 29 halls and 80 domes supported by 1444 marble pillars, intricately and artistically carved, yet no two of them are alike. On arrival in Kumbhalgarh, you will check in to your hotel. Later you will explore the second largest fort in Rajasthan, the 15th century Kumbhalgarh Fort. The fort built on the Aravalli Mountain Range offers a superb bird’s eye view of the surroundings. The fort wall is 36 kilometres long and wide enough to take eight horses abreast and is said to be the second-largest wall after the Great Wall of China. Kumbhalgarh Fort has now been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight stay in the selected hotel in Kumbhalgarh.

Day 12: Kumbhalgarh to Udaipur – Ride 90 Kms / 2-3 Hrs Riding (Breakfast)

This morning after a leisurely breakfast, you start your ride to Udaipur through a panoramic mountainous road. Udaipur is also called the ‘City of Lakes’ because of its awe-inspiring lakes. On arrival, you check into our hotel. Later, you visit The City Palace. This magnificent palace was started by Maharana Udai Singh II and is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Built of glittering granite and marble, it majestically towers high on Pichola Lake. Here we find Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden for the Maids of Honour of the queen, which has beautiful fountains, pools with delicately chiselled kiosks and elephants in marble. A delightful lotus pool and a sitting room decorated with paintings and glass mosaics. This evening, you will cruise on Fateh Sagar Lake; this artificial lake was built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh. After heavy rains destroyed it, the reconstruction took place under the guidance of Maharana Fateh Singh. You will return to your hotel.

Overnight stay in the selected hotel in Udaipur.

Day 13 Udaipur to Bijaipur via Chittorgarh – Ride 190 kilometres / 4 to 5 hours riding (Breakfast)

Today’s ride after breakfast takes you to Bijaipur Castle. Bijaipur is a quiet and charming village surrounded by graceful forests; there are views of the valley’s farmlands from the forest. You will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fort of Chittorgarh. It is the largest fort in India and the grandest in the state of Rajasthan. Chittorgarh is a symbol of the valour and the chivalry of the Rajputs. The Fort of Chittorgarh has been captured three times. Throughout its history, the men died on the battlefield every time than surrender to the enemy. They donned yellow robes and rode out to die by the sword. The women inside committed Jauhar, collectively burning themselves on a pyre. Today, the fort lies in ruins; its long-lost splendour and majesty can still be perceived. After lunch, your ride continues to Bijaipur Castle. On arrival, you will check into the 17^th-century heritage hotel. Later you will take a tour of the village by walking or by horse ride, where you will meet local people to learn about their culture and activities of daily routine life and visit some old temples

Overnight stay in the selected hotel in Bijaipur.

Day 14: Bijaipur to Bundi – Ride 150 kilometres / 4 hours riding (Breakfast)

You finish our breakfast and then start your ride to Bundi. You will explore Kota along the way. The next leg of the ride continues to Bundi. Bundi is a delightful town with a rustic setting that stands on the foothills of the Aravali Mountains. Bundi is famous for its palaces and the beautifully decorated stepwells that, in the 15^th and 18^th centuries, were used to collect water during the monsoon season. In the afternoon, you visit the Bundi Fort, arguably one of the most beautiful palaces in India, home to outstanding miniature paintings portraying the history of the palace and its royal family. The fort is set high on a hill overlooking Bundi with blue stonewashed houses.

Overnight stay in the selected hotel in Bundi.

Day 15: Bundi to  Pachewar – Ride 150 kilometres / 5 hours riding (Breakfast)

Today after breakfast, you will ride to Pachewar. Fort Pachewar Garh is situated in the middle of the village of Pachewar, from where one has a panoramic 360-degree view of the entire village. You will check into your heritage hotel. Later you will walk through the village and explore the ancient temples and royal cenotaphs situated on Lake Pampasagar. Here you will see different artisans at work like blacksmiths, goldsmiths, earth pot makers, carpet weaving, the making of blue pottery, extraction of oil from oilseeds by the traditional method with the help of oxen. A cooking demonstration in a local house where the lady of the house gives us a demonstration of cooking their daily meals, and you will visit the village’s small market.

Overnight in the heritage hotel in Pachewar.

Day 16 : Pachewar to Jaipur – Ride 110 kilometres / 2 hours riding (Breakfast)

With breakfast completed, you will do your last day of riding on this motorcycle tour of Rajasthan as you head for Jaipur. Jaipur is also known as Pink City because many buildings are still washed in pink, the traditional welcome colour. On arrival, check into your hotel and say your farewells to the crew. The tour of Jaipur will be as a regular tourist. You will visit the 16th century Amber Fort with an elephant ride, then visit the Magnificent City Palace (Royal Museum), built in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Singh. The Palace complex consists of a fascinating museum, an armoury, sprawling gardens, buildings and several fine halls. Then you will proceed to Jantar Mantar, the Astronomical Observatory and afterwards, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds).

Overnight stay in the selected hotel in Jaipur.

Day 17: Jaipur to Delhi – Driven 250 kilometres / 5 to 6 hours driving (Breakfast)

After breakfast, you will then be driven to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, you will be taken to the airport for your flight. If you are staying longer in Delhi, you will be transferred to your hotel.

17 Days – Discovery Ride of Rajasthan Pricing:

• 1 Rider / 1 Bike / 1 Room: AU$ 5,255.00 per person
• 2 Riders / 2 Bikes / 1 Room: AU$ 4,570.00 per person
• 2 Riders / 1 Bike / 1 Room: AU$ 3,930.00 per person
• Car Passenger (Twin Share): AU$ 3,285.00 per person

What’s Included:

• 15 nights of hotel accommodation on a share basis with breakfast daily.
• 1 night in Desert Swiss Camp with attached European Style Toilet on a share basis with breakfast and dinner.
• All ground transfers from the start of the tour until its completion, sightseeing and overland journeys by air-conditioned Vehicle on non-riding days.
• Use of a Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycle on all riding days.
• Fuel for the motorcycle.
• Experienced English speaking Motorcycle Road Captain.
• Experienced Royal Enfield mechanic with all necessary spare parts for the motorcycles.
• First-aid medical kit.
• Refreshments for stops during riding days.
• Support vehicle for your luggage and non-riders.
• Replacement of motorcycles parts when required due to normal wear and tear
• Farewell dinner on the last riding day.
• The services of an English-speaking guide on sightseeing days.
• Assistance by friendly, knowledgeable English speaking ground representatives.
• All Currently Applicable Taxes.

What’s Not Included:

• International Flights.
• Pre or post tours (We can arrange these).
• Lunch and Dinner (except where specified).
• Monument and attraction entrance fees.
• Video and Camera Fees.
• Travel insurance including medical (Compulsory).
• Motorcycle damage.
• Visa fees.
• Tips.
• Items of personal nature i.e., laundry, drinks or food.
• Anything which is not mentioned in included section.

What to bring on the ride:

Following is a detailed list of items required in the Tour for the safety and comfort level. We do not provide any of these, so we highly suggest that all Riders bring all of the required items mentioned below:

Clothing & Other Kit:

• Rider Licence: Full and valid for a 500cc motorcycle.
• Travel Insurance: Must cover riding a 500cc motorcycle.
• Sunscreen/sunblock UV 30/40.
• Lip balm.
• Insect repellent.
• Fleece/under jacket.
• Kidney belt.
• Warm clothes.
• Strong pair of jeans/pants.
• Thermos for hot and cold drinks.
• Sun hat/cap.
• Earplugs.
• Your regular medicine (if any).

Bike Gear:

• Riding Jacket and Pants and Boots.
• Helmet.
• Motorcycling gloves.
• Hydration pack.
• Goggles/sunglasses.
• Snood/ dust mask.
• Water resistant backpack.
• Knee and Elbow guards (if your riding gear doesn’t include proper padding or if you choose not to wear one specially on warm days).