The Caravan Routes & Desert Palaces of Rajasthan

Bucket lists. We bet you have one. And if biking in India isn’t on it, it should be. You need one epic journey. This could be yours. The colors, the sounds, the smells, the history, the culture…the ride. A bit overwhelming at first? Perhaps. But who wants to cross an ocean and be underwhelmed. Yes, India is crowded - but our route through regal Rajasthan is not. Those cows ambling down the road and the kids walking to school? Think of them not as obstacles on your bike path but as fellow travelers. When you need a break from the raw energy of it all, peace can be found. In Brahmin temples. In the quiet desert. And in our luxury hotels - some of the finest in the world - where you’ll dine and slumber like royalty. Come with us. It’s time to check India off.

Days 1-2 A journey through Rajasthani history, from the Maharaj kingdoms to British rule and India's dynamic present  Tour Jodhpur'’s staggering 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort Sleep like kings and queens in a palace still inhabited by the Jodhpur royal family Saddle up for a culturally rich bike ride to Bisnoi, stopping to admire the region's finest pottery and dhurrie rugs A local family welcomes us into their home for a traditional Indian feast.

Day 3 Relive a classic Indian form of travel - with a camel caravan across desert sand for a night beneath the stars in safari-style tents (with all the necessary amenities, of course)  Pedal through the countryside, stopping along the way to meet local schoolchildren. 

Days 4-5 Bike rural India, past friendly villagers, colorful temples, peacocks, cows and goats  Pali's three exquisite Brahman temples leave you inspired for the heart-pumping ride through the Aravalli Hills to Narlai Explore Kumbhalgarh, an imposing 15th-century citadel perched above the arid landscape.

Days 6-7 From Ranakpur, a breathtaking 14th-century Jain temple with 1,444 intricately carved pillars, cycle through rolling terrain to the exquisite Devi Garh Palace, our home for the next two nights  Venture into the countryside by foot, bike - or even elephant!

Days 8-10 Spin past lake palaces and temples en route to Udaipur  Rugged terrain leads to the traditional village of Piplya (pop. 100), where we're invited for lunch in the community house Stroll through the craft shops in Udaipur for handmade paper, silver, copper or leather goods - or relish some R&R at one of the most luxurious and romantic hotels ever included on a Backroads trip.