Compare Cycling Through Rajasthan by Exodus Travels vs India: Yoga and Meditation by Myths and Mountains

Day 1 Start Delhi

The adventure starts at our hotel in Delhi. The rest of the day is used to assemble the bikes and explore locally before an evening briefing about our cycling adventure. Accommodation: Ashok Country Resort (or similar)

Day 2 Morning cycle tour of New Delhi; afternoon sightseeing tour of Old Delhi; overnight train to Jodhpur

We start cycling early in the morning to get used to the Indian weather and city traffic. After about 15.5mi (25km), we return to the hotel. Post breakfast and a shower, we start our sightseeing of New and Old Delhi by bus. The bikes and main luggage will be transferred to Jodhpur by bus (you are advised to take your required toiletries and other essential items in your day bag for the overnight train journey). In the evening, we transfer to the station and catch the overnight train to Jodhpur. Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train

Day 3 Arrive Jodhpur; free morning then afternoon city cycle tour including Mehrangarh Fort

We arrive at Jodhpur train station in the morning and take a short transfer to our hotel where we have time to relax or explore the area. In the afternoon, we get the bikes out and go sightseeing on two wheels. Jodhpur was founded by the Rajput chief Roa Jodha and was formerly the capital of the Marwar state. The city is surrounded by an immense wall almost 6mi (10km) in circumference and is dominated by a massive fort that stands on a rocky hill commanding the surrounding desert. In the afternoon, we visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort where we have a great view of the blue houses, painted to distinguish them as those of Brahmins. Accommodation: Shree Ram International Hotel (or similar) Maximum elevation: 400ft (122m)

Day 4 Ride/drive to Udaipur via Jain temple at Ranakpur; cycle towards lakeside town of Udaipur

Today is a long day so we start early, cycling from the hotel for about 25mi (40km). We then take a bus transfer to Ranakpur (approximately 3hr 30min) where there is time to visit the 15th-century Jain temple. The main temple, beautifully carved from marble, is dedicated to Adinath. It has 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars, each delicately carved with a different design. We then take a 9mi (15km) transfer by vehicle (approximately 30 minutes) to a roadside Hindu temple. From here, we get back on our bikes and ride through the Aravalli hills for about 21mi (34km) and finally transfer by bus (approximately 1hr 30min to two hours) to the lakeside town of Udaipur. Accommodation: Paras Mahal Hotel (or similar) Minimum elevation: 597ft (182m) / Maximum elevation: 2,992ft (912m)

Day 5 Cycle tour around Udaipur including City Palace

Known as the Pearl of Rajasthan, the City of Sunrise and Venice of the East, Udaipur is a beautiful place regarded by both Indians and travellers as the most romantic city in the country. Situated on the east side of Lake Pichola, the main palace commands an unsurpassed view across the shimmering lake to the dusty Aravalli hills with the luxurious Lake Palace Hotel adding to the scene. Lake Pichola has two islands, each with a palace to rival that on the mainland; Jag Mandir and Jag Nivas (the latter is now the luxurious Lake Palace Hotel) rise out of their own reflections in the lake waters. After breakfast, we spend the morning exploring the countryside around Udaipur by bike. We cycle on quiet, flat roads past farmland and small villages as we head to Tiger Lake. Continuing on rural backroads, we can visit Animal Aid, an NGO hospital for injured animals. We finish our ride close to the city, where we visit the impressive City Palace. Accommodation: Paras Mahal Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Ride on backroads to the fort of Kumbhalgarh

This morning, we drive (approximately 1hr 30min) to Iswal where we start our bike ride to Kumbhalgarh. The route stays away from the main road and follows a less direct but quieter series of backroads, allowing us to see the fascinating rural life of India. It can be hot cycling here but the vehicle support will be on hand if required. We arrive in Kumbhalgarh for a late lunch and a rest. Then there is a chance to cycle to Kumbhalgarh Fort, a challenging 3mi (5km) uphill ride (there is an option to take a 4x4). Kumbhalgarh has one of the finest examples of defensive fortifications in Rajasthan, including a lovely temple and palace with panoramic views. Accommodation: Kumbhalgarh Forest Retreat (or similar) Minimum elevation: 2,119ft (646m) / Maximum elevation: 3,2182ft (981m)

Day 7 Ride/drive to Pushkar

It's back to the desert scenery today as we head to the holy town of Pushkar. Our route follows rural backroads to the main highway, where we dismount nd travel the rest of the way in our vehicle (approximately five hours’ drive). Surrounded by desert, Pushkar is a Hindu pilgrimage town on a holy lake. Legend has it that the lake was created from petals that fell from the divine hands of the creator god Brahma and it is here you can see one of the few Brahma temples in the world. Dotted with 52 ghats (flights of steps) and around 400 milky-blue temples, this town is also known for hosting the annual Pushkar Festival, transforming the town into a bustling market. Before heading to our hotel, we spend time exploring the sites and sounds of a town like no other in Rajasthan. Accommodation: Hotel Dera Masuda (or similar) Pushkar Festival departures: 5 November 2024 and 26 October 2025 (Land Only) The itinerary for these departures is slightly amended to spend two nights in Pushkar (days 7 and 8) and one night in Sariska National Park (Day 11), this is done to maximise time at the festival. Accommodation in Pushkar during the festival departure will be provided in Swiss cottage tents (canvas tents designed to emulate Swiss cottages) with attached bathrooms. The facilities are basic and hot water and electricity can be limited but your leader will assist with any issues if they occur. All meals will be included. Minimum elevation: 2,214ft (675m) / Maximum elevation: 2,933ft (894m)

Day 8 Ride/drive to Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan via rural villages and Rupnagar

We leave Pushkar on our bikes travelling through desert backroads and small villages to the town of Rupnagar; a centre for working marble. There is the option to extend the ride by another 21mi (34km) to the Naraina railway crossing, where we transfer by vehicle to Jaipur (approximately 1hr 30min to two hours' drive). Accommodation: Lilypool - The Heritage Jal Mahal (or similar) Minimum elevation: 1,135ft (346m) / Maximum elevation: 1,4992ft (457m) Cycle: Approximately 37mi (60km) or 58.4mi (94km) including optional ride

Day 9 Optional early morning city heritage ride, Jaipur sightseeing

If you’re up early, we have an optional ride around this wonderful pink city, cycling through its fascinating narrow laneways. Passing havelis (private mansions) and sacred temples, we head for the majestic Albert Hall, which was built to welcome the Prince of Wales on his visit during the 1870s. Along the way, we stop at popular food stalls where you can sample what the local people enjoy for breakfast. After the ride, we have time back at the hotel to freshen up before we head out for a wonderful day of sightseeing. We visit the Amber Fort and enjoy the fine museum within the City Palace, former residence of the Maharaja. A trip to Jaipur must include a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). This city is also the centre of many handicrafts, such as woven rugs, carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherware. During our stay, we have time to visit the markets and possibly pick up a souvenir. Optional cycle: Approximately 7mi (12km) Accommodation: Lilypool - The Heritage Jal Mahal (or similar)

Day 10 Ride/drive to Sariska National Park via Pratap Garh

We leave Jaipur with a combination of cycling and a transfer and return to rural India. We transfer by vehicle to Jamwa Ramgarh (approximately 45 minutes to one hour) and then cycle to Sariska via Pratap Garh and through the beautiful Aravalli foothills. Accommodation: Ram Bihari Palace (or similar) Pushkar Festival departures: 5 November 2024 and 26 October 2025 (land only) The itinerary for these departures is slightly amended to spend two nights in Pushkar (days 7 & 8) and one night in Sariska National Park (Day 11), removing the optional afternoon cycle ride. On Day 11, after arriving in Sariska, we head off in open 4x4s for our early evening game drive. Sariska is a beautiful and interesting park to explore with an abundance of wildlife, including leopards, deer, wild boars, antelopes, jackals, hyenas and more. The following morning will continue to Bharatpur National Park. Minimum elevation: 1,115ft (340m) / Maximum elevation: 1,519ft (463m)

Day 11 Game drive; optional afternoon ride

Before breakfast, we head off in open 4x4s for our early morning game drive. Sariska is a beautiful and interesting park to explore with an abundance of wildlife, including leopards, deer, wild boars, antelopes, jackals, hyenas and more. A large variety of bird species also grace the landscape.  We return to the hotel for a late breakfast and, in the afternoon, there is the option to cycle to the nearby Siliseth Lake. This takes us on backroads through rural villages and farmland. We can have tea at the Lake Palace Hotel with stunning views across the waters to the Aravalli hills. Those who would prefer to relax can enjoy the garden and swimming pool at the hotel. Optional cycle: Approximately 9mi (14km) Accommodation: Ram Bihari Palace (or similar)

Day 12 Ride/drive to Bharatpur National Park, renowned for its bird sanctuary, later visited by bike

Day 13 Cycle to Fatehpur Sikri, transfer to Agra; visit Taj Mahal at sunset

In the morning, we leave Bharatpur and cycle on backroads passing through Fatehpur Sikri, the emperor Akbar's deserted royal city. Later we transfer to Agra (approximately one to two hours’ drive) in time to see the sun set over the Taj Mahal. This romantic monument was built by the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first-time visitor; the white-marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun and is matched by the rich interior detail. Accommodation: Taj Vilas (or similar) Minimum elevation: 475ft (145m) / Maximum elevation: 5182ft (158m)

Day 14 Visit Agra Fort; transfer to Delhi

In the morning, we visit the imposing Agra Fort of Akbar, where mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white-marble pearl mosque, palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of his sons and successors, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. In the afternoon, we transfer to Delhi by bus (five to six hours' drive, depending on traffic) arriving early evening. Your leader will arrange a group dinner for those who would like one last time together to share memories of the trip. Accommodation: Hotel Deventure (or similar)

Day 15 Fly to London.

For those who are on the flight inclusive package we depart for Delhi airport in the morning for the day flight back to London. The arrangements for those not flying with the group ends after check out. However, if you’d like more time to explore Delhi, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Day 1: Arrive Delhi. Met And Transferred To Hotel

Accommodation: Hotel The Met – Deluxe Room

Arrive Delhi today. On arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel (check in after 12 noon today).

Day 2: Yoga In Lodhi Garden. Tour Delhi. Yoga Lecture And Welcome Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel The Met – Deluxe Room

Early this morning you will be taken to the Lodhi Garden. Lodhi Garden is an amazing setting for a  garden as it is dotted with some old and beautiful tombs of Sayyid and Lodhi dynasties of medieval India.

Here people come in large numbers for their morning walks and you can see a lot of them practicing yoga as well.

At the Lodhi Garden you have the opportunity to practice some yoga under a Yoga eacher in the serene and green surrounding. Hopefully we will also find some groups practising “Laughter Yoga,” which is quite a sight in itself. You are most welcome to join them in their laughter.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken to visit Jama Mosque followed by a walking/cycle rickshaw tour of traditional businesses of Old Delhi – exploring centuries old arts and crafts with businessmen belonging to the 6th or 7th generation of the men who first started them.

Lunch is at a city restaurant (pay directly).

Then you will be taken to explore a bit of New Delhi – including Gandhi Smriti, a drive past Luten’s Delhi and visit Humayun’s Tomb.

The residence of industrialist BD Birla has been converted into a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, where he used to stay during his visits to Delhi. Gandhiji was assassinated here on his way to offer customary evening prayers. Large collection of photographs and a few personal belongings of Gandhiji are on display here. Humayun's Tomb is a magnificent Mughal building built in 1565-66 and set in a square enclosed garden. This finely proportioned structure in red sandstone and marble served later as a model for the Taj Mahal. The interesting buildings of Lutyens’ Delhi are the India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's House) and Parliament House.

In the evening we have arranged for an expert lecture on Yoga to familiarise you with the system in its various aspects. The lecture will be followed by a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Train To Haridwar. Drive Rishikes and Transfer To Ashram For Activities

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Parnath Niketan Ashram

This morning you will be transferred to the railway station to board your train to Haridwar (Dehradun Shatabdi @ 0645-1122 hrs). “God’s Door” is the literal translation of your destination, Haridwar, and a geo-spiritual description of its location. Haridwar stands at the point where the holy Ganga emerges from the Sivalik Mountains.

On arrival you will be met and driven to Rishikesh (45minutes), where you check into your ashram around lunch time. Rishikesh is a dusty town slightly north of Haridwar.

The rest of the day will be spent pursuing ashram activities, which are as follows:

1:00-2:00pm Lunch

2:30-3:30pm Ayurveda

3:30-5:00pm Gentle Asana Class

5:00-6:30pm Ganga puja and Aarti

7:00-7:45pm Supper

8:00-8:30pm Meditation

Day 4: At The Ashram

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Parnath Niketan Ashram

Full-day at the ashram pursuing various ashram activities as per the following tentative schedule:

6:30-7:15am Prayers and Pranayama

7:20-9:00am Surya Namaskara and traditional Hatha Yoga asa na

9:00-9:45am Breakfast

10:00-10:45am Vedic chanting

10:45-11:30am Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita / Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

11:30-1:00pm Advanced Asana class in Hatha Yoga

1:00-2:00pm Lunch

2:30-3:30pm Ayurveda

3:30-5:00pm Gentle Asana Class

5:00-6:30pm Ganga puja and Aarti

7:00-7:45pm Supper

8:00-8:30pm Meditation

DAY 5: At The Ashram

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Parnath Niketan Ashram

Another day at the ashram pursuing various ashram activities as per the above schedule.

Day 6: Leave Ashram, Drive And Explore Haridwar And Train To Delhi (1815/2245)

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Airport Novotel – Standard Room

This morning you will follow the morning ashram schedule:

6:30-7:15am Prayers and Pranayama

7:20-9:00am Surya Namaskara and traditional Hatha Yoga asana

9:00-9:45am Breakfast

10:00-10:45am Vedic chanting

After checking out from the ashram (check out time is 11am each morning) and you will be driven to Haridwar (45 minutes drive) for exploring the holy town.

Haridwar is of such significance in the thought of India’s traditional Hindus, that it has earned its sobriquet of honour, ‘the gateway to the Gods’. Legend has it that the holy Ganges, the holiest of all rivers, which flows through this sacred city, has actually been sanctified by the powerful Trinity of Hindu Mythology and the center of the pantheon – Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.

Continue to the rail station to board your train to Delhi (Shatabdi Express @ 1815-2245 hrs). On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel located close to the airport.

Day 7: Fly Varanasi

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Ganges View – Standard Room

This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport in time to board your flight to Varanasi. On arrival in Varanasi you would be met and taken to your hotel.

Varanasi is a city of temples and places of worship and for more than 2000 years, it has attracted pilgrims from near and far. Many Hindus in the latter part of their lives wish to spend their retirement here. This is the city of Varanasi. According to Hindu belief, Benaras or Varanasi as it is known, is the cosmic center of the Universe. Mark Twain once wrote “Beneras is older than history, older than other tradition, older even than legends and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” Situated between the rivers Varuna and Assi as they join the Ganges, Varanasi takes its name from its location. It is also called Kashi, the city of lights.

In the evening you will do some meditation under expert guidance. Afterwards explore a bit of the ghats and understand the ‘significance of the Ganges in Hindu religion’.

End the day by witnessing the mesmerising evening aarti ceremony.

Day 8: Am Boat Ride, Yoga By The Ganges. Visit Sarnath. Meditation In The Garden.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Ganges View – Standard Room

Early this morning you will be taken to the ghats once again and enjoy boat ride on the river while watching spectacular sunrise followed with some yoga by the Ganges.

Viewing the ghats early in the morning from a boat on the river can be an unforgettable experience. The river front, as seen from a boat, early in the morning, at sunrise, is a spiritually uplifting sight. Hinduism, deep and mystical, is everywhere - in a decorated doorway, in a glimpse of a glittering temple, in the sound of a sacred bell and the chants of the priests....

Later in the afternoon you will be driven a short distance outside to visit Sarnath. Sarnath is an important center for Buddhist pilgrims. Having achieved enlightenment at Bodhgaya, the Buddha came to Sarnath and gave his first teaching of the middle path to Nirvana. Later, Ashoka, the great Buddhist Emperor, erected magnificent 'stupas' and monasteries here in the 3rd century BC. Sarnath was at its peak when the Chinese traveler Fa Xien visited the site early in the 5th century AD. In 640 AD, at the time when another Chinese, Huien Tsang, visited here, Sarnath had more than 1500 priests. As Buddhism waned in central India, Sarnath was reduced to insignificance and left in ruins. Only as late as 1836, when British archaeologists started excavations, Sarnath began to regain some of its past glory.

At Sarnath guided by your expert, you will take a meditation session at a garden in Sarnath.

Day 9: Fly Jaipur. Listen To Evening Bhajans

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Dera Mandawa – Suite

This morning you will be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport in time to board your flight to Jaipur (sometimes there is a direct flight to Jaipur but if the direct flight is not operating we will fly you to Jaipur via Delhi). In the evening you can listen to bhajans at Govinda temple.

Day 10: Yoga And Explore Jaipur

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Dera Mandawa – Suite

Early this morning you will learn/practice yoga for a local master. When you are ready, you will visit the city. There are two “cities” – the old walled Pink City and the Jaipur that extended beyond the city walls.

When prince, soldier, and astronomer Sawai Jai Singh II built the pink, harmonious city of Jaipur in 1727, he did it in accordance with a treatise on town planning and architecture, the Shilpa Shastra that is timely even today. With its walls and seven gates, pink and orange buildings, camel-drawn carts, and colorful Rajasthanis, this state capital sits on a flat, dry seabed surrounded by barren hills and ruined fortresses.

You begin with a visit to the City Palace, which, at the behest of Sawai Jai Singh, was built near the temple of his personal deity Govinda Deva. The seven stories Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) is a sprawling complex with multiple courtyards, public buildings, astronomical observatory and zenana mahals (harems). Within the palace complex are several museums including an interesting textile gallery exhibiting a fine selection of textiles and costumes from the royal collection.

You path leads on to the Jantar Mantar, the largest and best observatory, built by Jai Singh in 1728. Even today, one can read time in the giant monoliths designed by the astronomers of 300 years ago.

The rest of the day is spent wandering the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of the Wind, entering the busy markets of Jaipur. Jai Singh the founder of Jaipur after his palace was completed concentrated on building the bazaars and inviting traders from as far as Iran to come and settle in the city. As a result, these artisans who have been practicing their trade for generations have become an integral part of the city’s economic growth and strolling through the bazaars is a lesson in the diversity of Rajasthan’s hand made goods.

You will spend time in the oldest and busiest of markets in the walled city, Johori Bazaar. It is the main shopping area for the local people. The market has temples, vegetable sellers, grocers, emerald dealers, and textile shops all in the same area.

Day 11: Am Yoga. Visit Milk Market And Amber Fort. Pm Free

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Dera Mandawa – Suite

Early this morning you will learn/practice yoga with a local master. Later in the morning you will be taken to visit local milk market where large quantities of milk are procured from individual sellers and then resold to whole buyers. Enjoy the interesting ways by which the buyers judge the purity of milk and negotiate the prices. Then head to the ancient capital of Jaipur State, Amber Fort. The fort is perched high on a hillside overlooking a lake, whose waters reflect the terraces and ramparts of the fort Amber was begun in 1592 by the commander of Aqbar’s army, Raja Man Singh. The afternoon is free to explore on your own or rest.

Day 12: Drive Agra Via Fatehpur Sikri

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Four Points Sheraton – City View

This morning you will be driven to Agra (4 hours) – en route visiting deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri.

After breakfast, you head out for Jaipur, stopping on the way at Fatehpur Sikri. Just over 400 years old, Fatehpur Sikri was the inspiration of the third Mughal Emperor – Muhammad Jalaludin Akbar. When the lack of a male heir, led Akbar to the door of the Saint Shaikh Salim Chisti, his prediction of three sons led to the construction of a few royal palaces near the Saint’s hermitage. Then, once his son was born, Akbar made a second change, moving a part of his court from Agra to Sikri. Thus, was born Fatehpur Sikri – the first and only time a whole city was constructed using the prevailing Indo Saracenic or Indian-Islamic architectural styles. In its day, the city served as a joint capital with Agra. Built of red sandstone, this collection of extraordinarily striking disparate buildings is still as pristine and perfect as when it was chiselled.

Later in the afternoon you will be taken to visit to Taj Mahal where you arrive around sunset. The Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) has been described as a 'tear on the face of eternity' and as an enduring monument of love. The unique beauty of Taj Mahal is blended with grandeur and its massive overall design is matched with immaculately intricate execution. Built by Mughal Emperor Shan Jehan in the memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal complex took 22 years to be completed and is today counted among the Seven Wonders of the World. It is particularly stunning at the time of sunrise and sunset.

Day 13: Surise And Sunset Meditations. Visit The Agra Fort.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Four Points Sheraton – City View

Early this morning you will be taken to a garden which offers view of Taj Mahal. You will do a yoga session at the garden facing the Taj Mahal. Return to your hotel for breakfast and a bit of free time and then visit the Agra Fort, begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565 as a military structure, and finished by his grandson, Shah Jehan, as a luxurious palace. Many of the historical events leading to the construction of the Taj occurred here.

The evening meditation has been arranged at Mehtaab Bagh, offering spectacular views of the Taj Mahal from the other side of River Yamuna. Tonight, you will have a farewell dinner.

Day 14: Final Meditation. Drive Delhi And Connect Out

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Four Points Sheraton – City View

This morning you will have your last round of yoga and meditation. After a leisurely free morning, you will be driven to Delhi airport (4 hours), in time to board your flight to onward destination.