Rajasthan is often known as the Royal Heart of India and for very good reasons. It has historically been a place of kings and warriors of India who have been well known for their strength and their royal demeanor. But that is not all that the state has to offer as there are layers to the history and cultural heritage of the place and add to that the natural beauty of hills, forests, sand dunes and a plethora of flora and fauna. Cycling in Rajasthan is one of the best and unique ways to experience this region and uncover a lot of lesser-known places that are off-the-beaten paths. Let’s dive into what a Rajasthan Cycling adventure might entail.
Popular Routes for Cycling in Rajasthan
Ready to hit some popular routes on your two wheels then you can keep these routes in mind as they can give you the most bang for your efforts:
1. Jaipur to Udaipur
This route connects two iconic cities: Jaipur, the Pink City, and Udaipur, the City of Lakes. Cyclists journey through rural villages, historic forts, and bustling markets, gaining insights into Rajasthan’s diverse culture.
- Highlights: Amber Fort in Jaipur, Kumbhalgarh Fort, and Lake Pichola in Udaipur.
- Difficulty: Moderate, with some uphill sections through the Aravalli hills.
- Best Time: October to March.
2. Udaipur to Jodhpur
Cycling between Udaipur and Jodhpur offers a mix of tranquil countryside and architectural marvels. This route takes you through picturesque landscapes, small towns, and villages.
- Highlights: The Ranakpur Jain Temple, Mehrangarh Fort, and Umaid Bhawan Palace.
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, depending on the chosen route.
- Best Time: October to February.
3. Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
For adventure seekers, this route provides an exciting ride through the Thar Desert. As you pedal along, you’ll encounter sand dunes, historic havelis, and camel caravans.
- Highlights: Osian Sand Dunes, Golden Fort in Jaisalmer, and desert villages.
- Difficulty: Moderate, with stretches of flat terrain.
- Best Time: November to February.
4. Pushkar to Ajmer
A shorter yet rewarding route, this journey offers spiritual and scenic experiences. Cyclists can explore the holy town of Pushkar and the historic city of Ajmer.
- Highlights: Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, and Ajmer Sharif Dargah.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
- Best Time: November to March.
What to Expect on Rajasthan Cycling Tours
Cycling tours in Rajasthan are designed to cater to a variety of travelers, from beginners to seasoned cyclists. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Diverse Landscapes
From the rugged Aravalli hills to the vast Thar Desert, Rajasthan’s terrain is incredibly varied. Cyclists can enjoy the contrast between lush green valleys and arid desert landscapes, making each day of the journey unique.
2. Cultural Encounters
One of the most rewarding aspects of cycling tours in Rajasthan is the opportunity to interact with local communities. As you pedal through villages, you’ll witness traditional crafts, folk performances, and festivals that showcase the region’s rich culture.
3. Historical Landmarks
When we said Rajasthan is the Royal Heart of India, we weren’t lying as the place is filled with forts and palaces viz. Amber Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, and Chittorgarh Fort to name a few that are included in the UNESCO heritage sites list.
4. Wildlife Experiences
Cycle near the Sariska Tiger Reserve or the Keoladeo National Park where you can spot the local wildlife.
Planning Your Rajasthan Cycling Adventure
If you are a spontaneous traveller then maybe you can go for unplanned trips and do what feels right but to make the most out of your cycling adventure it is better to plan a few things.
1. Choosing the Right Season
Rajasthan can get very hot and if you are planning to enjoy the city on two wheels without getting a heatstroke you should visit the state during the months of October to March when the weather is pleasant for cycling.
2. Selecting a Tour Operator
Choosing a tour operator is a good idea as they can ensure you get the most optimal experience since you don’t have infinite time. There are several cycling tours in India offering Rajasthan holiday packages that cater to different levels of fitness and hit different interest spots.
3. Packing Essentials
Pack all the essentials, including safety gear, first-aid kits, sunglasses, water bottles etc. without overpacking as you don’t want to be cycling with heavy backpacks.
4. Fitness Preparation
While there are tours that are fit for beginners it is a good idea to get your endurance and cardio to a fitter level so that you can enjoy most tours without feeling overwhelmed.
Must-Visit Rajasthan Travel Destinations on a Cycling Tour
To ensure that you do not miss out you can keep these must-visit tour spots in the state. These range from beautiful cities to architectural marvel to natural beauties to cultural experiences.
- Jaipur: This is the heart of Rajasthan not only because it is the capital city but because of the bazaars, the pink-hued architecture, Amber Fort and much more.
- Udaipur: Known for its lakes, palaces, and romantic ambiance, Udaipur is a highlight of any Rajasthan cycling adventure.
- Jaisalmer: The Golden City boasts stunning sandstone structures, including the Jaisalmer Fort and Patwon Ki Haveli.
- Pushkar: A spiritual town with the sacred Pushkar Lake and the only Brahma Temple in the world.
- Chittorgarh: Experience the majestic Chittorgarh Fort which is the largest in the country and gives you an idea of the scale the royals of the time were operating at.
- Ranthambore: The national park at Ranthambore can be an ideal destination if you want to spot wildlife including tigers.
Conclusion
Rajasthan cycling tours are amazing options for anyone looking to have a more unique experience that does not make them feel like they are missing something. These tours are meant not only to let you experience the mainstream places and Rajasthan tour spots but also to go the extra mile to add more unique activities that you might not get to involve yourself in if you just go for the normal tourist tour. You not only get to visit the palaces, landmarks and lakes but also get to go much deeper to enjoy all the layers of experiences that the place has to offer by visiting remote villages, cycling through different terrains and getting involved in the experience of local culture and traditions.