India Biking
- A journey through Rajasthani history, from the Maharaj kingdoms to British rule to modern day
- Bike rural India, past friendly locals, hamlets, temples, peacocks, cows and goats
- Ranakpur, a breathtaking 14th-century Jain temple with intricate carvings
- Ride a camel across desert sand
- Cultural connections on walks through lively markets and artist studios
The Caravan Routes & Desert Palaces of Rajasthan
That’s the thing about India. It’s big. Population. Land mass. It has its own ocean. That’s why we made this journey epic. Ten days of riding. You’ll ride deserts - when the weather is right. You’ll ride camels. You’ll stand tiny beside the walls of Mehrangarh wondering how it was humanly possible. You’ll pause at the bold azure of Jodhpur. Ride through the centuries and stop at Brahman temples in Pali and the 15th-century citadel overlooking Kumbhalgarh. You’ll taste the flavors of India. Sleep like royalty. And ride the warm dry air into the evening thinking: "Another Big Day in India."
Days 1-2 A journey through Rajasthani history, from the Maharaj kingdoms to British rule and modern day 
Tour Jodhpur’s staggering 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, overlooking ancient blue-washed abodes 
Stroll through serpentine alleys to traditional markets selling spices, jewelry, slippers and fabrics Saddle up for a culturally rich bike ride to Bisnoi, stopping to admire the region’s finest pottery and dhurrie rugs.
Day 3 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 Ranakpur, a breathtaking 14th-century Jain temple with intricate carvings Venture into the countryside by foot, bike - or even elephant! - or relish some R&R at our luxurious hotel.
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.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
I have been on several Backroads trip. The trip to India takes First Prize. The flow of trip was amazing...the right mix of biking, culture, down time...it really seems like a dream. I look at my pictures and realize how much I am still digesting from the trip. Every day was so full. I have already recommended this trip to several of my friends. Thanks for making this trip a highlight of my life.- Golden Valley, MN
Everything about the trip was amazing. The experiences, the sights, the sounds, the smells....will be in my mind and in my heart for the rest of my life. The trip leaders now feel like friends, the other travelers were lovely people, the hotels and activities were all top notch. I truly cannot say enough about what a once in a lifetime experience this was for me.- Golden Valley, MN
Premiere Inns*
Taj Hari Mahal
Jodhpur (2 nights) With Marwar-style architecture and Mogul-inspired domes, a peaceful retreat with gardens and a great location near the city markets. (pool, spa, golf)
Manvar Desert Camp
Manvar (1 night) Enjoy the stunning sunrises and dazzling night skies in this remote desert camp with comfortable amenities. (pool)
* Casual Inn
Rawla Narlai
Narlai (2 nights) This 17th-century fortress oasis midway between the cities of Jodhpur
and Udaipur once served as a luxurious hunting lodge. (pool)
* Casual Inn
Devi Garh Palace
Delwara (2 nights) Guarding the road to the Udaipur Valley, this palace-turned-luxury-hotel’s chic guest rooms overlook the surrounding mountain town. (pool, spa)
Oberoi Udaivilas
Udaipur (2 nights) A Travel + Leisure World’s Best, this exquisite hotel located on Lake Pichola has perfected the art of hospitality. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa)
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This Trip Is Rated Level 2-5
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Guided Walk 2 hours
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 23, 29, 42 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 15, 44 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Camel Ride 1 hour
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 24, 37 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 23, 33 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Optional Hiking 1-3 hours
Day 6
- Levels 3 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 40, 50 miles
- 0 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Level 2 2 Route Options Available
- 26 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Guided Village Walk 1.25 hours
Day 8
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 21 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 9
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 15, 30 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 10
- Conclusion of Trip
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the India tour experts. See our award-winning Asia & the Pacific biking tours, Asia & the Pacific walking and hiking tours and Asia & the Pacific multisport tours.
