|
|
|
 |
|
Cascade-Affiliated International Tours
|
|
|
India: Rajasthan, Forts and Palaces |
| Dates: |
Oct. 14 - 24, 2013
4/15/13 update: 4 spots open |
|
| Pace & Distance: |
35 - 80 miles. Suitable for all fit riders |
|
| Group size: |
6 minimum, 20 maximum |
|
| Cost: |
US $2,495-$3,425 - See pricing details. |
|
| Itinerary: |
View detailed itinerary. |
|
| Tour company: |
 |
|
|
|
|
 The tour starts in Delhi, the capital of India. The diverse State of Rajasthan is a stone's throw away from both Delhi and Agra, the latter famed for the shimmering white marble domes of the Taj Mahal. It is home to the Rajput warrior clan whose legacy is an amazing collection of forts and incredibly impressive castles and palaces.
Join Pedaltours as we leave the highways behind and cycle through villages where we will share the road with goats and camels, sacred cows, and elephants; see local women pumping water at the communal wells and be overwhelmed by magnificent Moghul forts rising above deserts and towns.
This tour is fully supported - cycle as little or as much as you wish each day. On most days, a reasonably fit cyclist will be able to cycle the entire distance. Cycling distances given are entirely optional; cycle as little or as much as you wish each day, the support vehicle will always be close by. Suggested cycling distances are given for each day.
|
India:
Rajasthan, Forts and Places
DETAILED ITINERARY
|
MEETING DAY / DAY ONE
Arrive Delhi
|
Namaste! You will be welcomed in the traditional Indian way, with hands clapped together, and then transferred to your hotel.
Lodging: The Royal Plaza Hotel, 4 star
19 Ashoka Road, New Delhi,
+91 11 4355 5555
www.hoteltheroyalplaza.com
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, gym, pool
Features: Centrally located in the heart of the business district
|
|
|
 We meet our local guide at 09:00 Hrs at the hotel lobby where you will meet our fellow travelers and given an overview of the days ahead. We will then check out from the hotel and take a sightseeing tour of the city that Birla house, the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place, Humayun's Tomb and the Qutub Minar - a perfect minaret towering 72.5 meters / 80.5 yards into the sky and there are 379 stairs inside the tower.
New Delhi, the capital of India is a reflection of the old and new of India, a blend of Mughal India, Hindu India, British India and modern independent India. After lunch at local restaurant we drive to Agra. On arrival we check in our hotel.
Meals: B, L
Lodging: Howard Plaza
91-562-4048600,
Fatehabad Road, Agra
http://www.howardplaza.in
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, Fitness Center, pool
|
|
DAY THREE
Agra –Mathura to Kota
|
 We visit one of the most well-known wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. Situated on the right bank of the Yamuna in a vast Mogul garden, this funerary monument combines elements and styles of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. Next we visitAgra Fort, This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, theimperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and theKhas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques.
After our tour, we come back to hotel and check out. We then take lunch at a local restaurant in Agra beforewe leave for Mathura. After lunch we are transferred Mathura railway station in time to board our train to Kota.On arrival in Kota, we are met by our local host and are transferred to our Hotel.
Meals: B, L, D
Loding: Welcome Heritage Umed Bhawan Palace,
Palace Rd , Kota
+91 744 2325262-65
www.welcomeheritagehotels.com
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, lounge, billiard room, shop
Features: A former palace built for Maharaja Umed Singh 2 in 1905 of pink-hued sandstone. Monkeys and peacocks in the grounds
|
DAY FOUR
Kota to Bijaipur
CYCLING
up to 75 km / 47 mi
|
 After breakfast you will be fitted to your Pedaltours bicycle or unpack your own prior to exploring the nearby countryside, heading for Bijaipur, a small village to the south west of Kota. The roads carry very little vehicle traffic but you will come across goats and camels.
Castle Bijaipur was built in early 16th century AD by Rao Vijay Singh, descendent of great Rajput warrior Shakti Singh. Bijaipur was a strategic location in the former kingdom of Mewar, as it defended the frontiers against the invading Mughal and Maratha armies.
The Castle is still home to the ruling family who run it not as a hotel but as a home where people can come and experience traditional Rajput hospitality. The castle has been renovated and converted into a heritage hotel and offers views of the Vindhyachal ranges, the valley, lake and village encircling it.
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging: Castle Bijaipur
+91 1472 276-222
www.castlebijaipur.com
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, pool
Features: A character hotel in a delightful setting
|
DAY FIVE
Bijaipur
CYCLING
Optional day ride: 75 km / 47 mi
|
 A day to either soak up the atmosphere of the castle or explore the surrounding countryside by bike and see the local way of life in this part of Rajasthan. Lunch will be at Panagarh Lake Resort, overlooked by Panagarh Fort. On the western banks of the lake, a luxury camp has been set up by the Bijaipur family. Relax in the castle grounds in the afternoon.
You may even be lucky enough to have the Maharajah personally accompany our group on his own bike.
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging: Castle Bijaipur
+91 1472 276-222
www.castlebijaipur.com
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, pool
Features: A character hotel in a delightful setting
|
DAY SIX
Bijaipur to Udaipur
CYCLING
32 km / 20 mi
|
 In the morning we head north on minor roads, passing small villages on our way to Chittaurgarh, famous for India’s largest fort. We will have lunch in town at the Hotel Pratan Palace prior to taking a guided tour of the fort. We then drive to Udaipur. (2 ½ hrs).
Udaipur is called the Venice of the East, with splendid Lake Pichola lapping against shimmering white buildings. The centrepiece of the city is the floating Lake Palace.
Ask about the excellent optional cultural music and dance show in Udaipur. Udaipur is also a great place for shopping.
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging: Karohi Haveli Hotel – 3 Star, Udaipur
+91 294 320-6638
www.karohihaveli.com
Facilities: Restaurant and bar, internet café, laundry service
Features: A heritage hotel built in 1820. Located on the shores of Pichhola Lake and handy to shopping and cafes.
|
DAY SEVEN
Udaipur: Optional day Ride to Jhadol
CYCLING + HIKING
44 km / 28 mi
|
|
Today we take a beautiful day ride from Udaipur to Jhadol Safari Resort. We drive to the edge of town to commence cycling; a superb day cycling on narrow paved roads through rolling country and little villages. We relax on the lawn with a well earned drink prior to lunch at Jtadol Safari Resort, an oasis nestled in the foothills of the Aravalis at the edge of a magnificent lake. Take your ‘togs’ for a dip in the swimming pool. After lunch those with energy to spare could cycle back to town on a circular route, alternatively drive.
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging: Karohi Haveli Hotel – 3 Star, Udaipur
+91 294 320-6638
www.karohihaveli.com
Facilities: Restaurant and bar, internet café, laundry service
Features: A heritage hotel built in 1820. Located on the shores of Pichhola Lake and handy to shopping and cafes.
|
DAY EIGHT
Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh
CYCLING
55 km / 34 mi
|
 We drive out of town to commence cycling on a quiet road, climbing gentlythrough pleasant rural countryside with increasing views. After lunch we visit impressive Kumbhalgarh Fort. Built by Rana Kumbha in mid-15th century, Kumbhalgarh is the second most important bastion of Mewar, after Chittaurgarh, covering an area of 12 sq km.
The fort lies 1,100 metres above sea level (the second highest point in Rajesthan) and enclosed within its fortified ramparts are palaces, temples, fields, water sources and farms fully self-contained to withstand a long siege. Kumbhalgarh provides an excellent view of the countryside where many fierce battles were fought. It is worth returning in the evening as it is floodlit.
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging: Club Mahindra Fort Kumbhalgarh
www.clubmahindra.com
Phone + 91 96727 23444, +91-9672724555
Facilities: Restaurant, outdoor gazebo restaurant, swimming pool, spa and gym
Features: A modern resort offering a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.
Rooms: Double Room: Large King Size Bed
Please note, Twin Bedded room is not available at Club Mahindra- Kumbhalgarh.
|
DAY NINE
Kumbhalgarh to Ranakpur
|
 Today we cycle to Ranakpur; a very scenic ride on a quiet road with a few short steep climbs and finishing with a major downhill. We will pass many Persian water wheels. Named after Rana Kumbha, Ranakpur is renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples dating from 1439; it is amongst the five holiest places of the Jain community. After lunch there is the opportunity to visit the impressive Ranakpur temples if you wish. (no shorts or short skirts and no leather items allowed)
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging: Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat, Ranakpur
www.welcomheritagehotels.com
Phone + 912934 285151
Facilities: Indian and continental cuisine, swimming pool, tennis and badminton
Features: Delightful orchard retreat beneath the Aravalli Hills.
|
DAY TEN
Ranakpur to Udaipur
|
 After breakfast we drive (2 hrs) to Udaipur for a (optional) city tour, visiting the City Palace, Saheliyon Ki Bari and the folklore museum where we can see a presentation of the string puppet show typical to this area. Then time for a little last minute shopping.
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging: Karohi Haveli Hotel – 3 Star, Udaipur +91 294 320-6638 www.karohihaveli.com
|
DAY ELEVEN
Udaipur (to Delhi or home)
|
| After breakfast we take you to Udaipur Airport for your flight (not included) to Delhi or other destination and home.
We wish you ‘bon voyage’ and hope to see you again. An airport transfer is included.
|
THE FINE PRINT
|
Pricing:
The following are estimated tour costs per rider, in US dollars (all prices on a twin-share basis):
- 16-18 cyclists: $2,495
- 12-15 cyclists: $2,845
- 10-11 cyclists: $3,075
- 6-9 cyclists: $3,425
Single room supplement: $650
Bike hire: $240 (or bring your own)
A deposit of US$500 is required to confirm your booking. We request full payment six weeks before trip departure.
Trip Inclusions
- Accommodation on Twin sharing basis in the mentioned hotels
- Breakfasts x 10
- Lunches x 9
- Dinners x 8
- Bottled water throughout the tour
- Transport in air-conditioned vehicles for all sightseeing tours, arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary.
- Services of English speaking guide / Tour Escort as per the itinerary throughout the tour.
- All currently applicable taxes, including service tax @ 2.58 %
- Entrances to forts and castles
- Domestic train and airfare
Trip Exclusions
- Bicycle rental.
- International, visa fees, airport tax or any kind of insurance cover
- Items of personal nature like table drinks during meals, laundry, telephone calls, tips, etc.
- Any other meals than those mentioned in the itinerary.
- Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like change in schedule / cancellation of flights / trains / political disturbances, natural phenomenon etc.
- Personal Travel insurance including lost baggage, medical insurance in case of any emergency evacuation and hospitalization.
- Any other item not specifically mentioned above as 'INCLUDED'
Cancellation Policy
If for any reason it is necessary to cancel a reservation, the following will apply: Cancellations more than twelve weeks before trip departure, loss of 50% of deposit. Cancellations between twelve and six weeks before trip departure, loss of full deposit. Cancellations within six weeks of departure will result in forfeiture of full payment, however if you are able to find a replacement for yourself, there will only be a $25 cancellation fee.
There will be no refunds once a tour has commenced.
Flight Plan
Cascade Bicycle Club recommends Seattle travel consultants Elizabeth Holmes Travel for booking airfare. Elizabeth Holmes supplies services to tour operators and travel media entities including Rick Steve’s Europe Through the Back Door, Rudy Maxa, the Savvy Traveller, Earthbound Expeditions and Tofino Expeditions. Most recently they were recommended in the National Geographic’s Adventure Magazine.
Please Contact Sarah Ferris Scott at 206-547-8361 or visit www.elizabthholmes.com.
This website will introduce folks to current information and airfares. They can’t begin to cover every city in the world, but hope the selection of destinations and fares will demonstrate why you should give them a call. Speaking of calling, you will notice that they are not ‘into’ e-commerce. You have to call to get real quotes.
Other Important Information
Emergency evacuation insurance is compulsory in India. We advise against discounted airfares that carry restrictions.
Note: Cascade Bicycle Club strongly recommends independent trip insurance for riders. Read the fine print of each policy to make sure you get the coverage you need. Most policies include medical coverage- although at a minimum, you may just buy the medical coverage ala carte.
|
Worried you might not be in good enough shape to tackle this tour? Join Cascade Ride Leaders in the Cascade Training series. We'll be leading rides every weekend geared to getting YOU ready for this summer's big CBC rides. Visit the Activities Calendar for more information and ride listings.
|
|
|
|
