Author: Khushal

Ever missed sleeping under the starry skies? or Ever craved for a camping in a breezy night with a billion of stars twinkling for you for a whole night?

Come at Sambhar Lake (a salt lake), near Jaipur to have a lifetime experience of Stargazing. And if you are lucky enough then you might see a meteor shower as well. This place is just 80 km’s. from Jaipur and has a biggest salt producing lake in Rajasthan.

This place is abundant with picturesque beauties and you will find a vast empty land full of desert sand and white salt. It just looks like an empty canvas where you can add your own colors of adventure. The lake is located around 22 km from the Sambhar town. The whole area of the lake is spread over v the length and breadth of 45 km. Travelers can choose to come in the evening and camp in the night. A temple of the Goddess ‘Shakambhari Mata’ welcomes you at the start of the lake and this is exactly where you can descend down to the vast spread of dried and parched area of the lake.

The whole parched region has no vegetation and you can clearly see the horizon to the extent of 360 degree which is a picture perfect scene with the small hills and flickering lights in the night. A cool breeze in the night and a night spent under the starry nights along with a camp fire is one cherishing memory that no-one wants to avoid.

Itinerary: Cycle tour and Motorbike tour starts from Jaipur and it takes you through all the countryside roads which are welcoming sign in the state of Rajasthan. Started in Jaipur, we proceed through the country roads of some towns like Kalwaar, Jobner, Phulera and lastly at Sambhar.

Then, at Sambhar, we have a Horse riding tour planned for some 20 km before the lake. Horse riding is an another kind of adventure which gives guests a graceful and a stud-style of exploring.

Horse Power: A special breed of horses called ‘Marwari’ horses are reared and used in safaris. This breed is considered to be equipped with all the royal qualities like power, grace, beauty, built and their canter which give them a distinctive identity and their riders as well.

The possibilities of adventure and touring are huge. Be it a Cycle tour, be it a Motorbike tour or be it a Horse riding.. you just name it and we have it all for you. We, at Le Tour de India, provide you all those possibilities with a great zeal.

As the season changes and winter are here to delight with its striking colors. Travelers are ready to head to the royal state of Rajasthan which sparkles with all the powerful colors of winter that match with its golden sand and traditional ambiance. Being cycle traveler and a road captain at  ‘Le Tour De India’ we’ve pedaled the length and breadth of royal Rajasthan and have come across some splendid spheres here. Pushkar, the holy town, is the place we’ve explored the most and still find it mystic.

Rajasthan Cycling Holiday Packages

Rajasthan fixed Departure Cycling Tour

Here “Le Tour De India” has picked up some essential things to do when in Pushkar, so whether you are a cyclist, a Motorcyclist or a backpacker, take your pick and enjoy your next trip to Pushkar.

Nestled amidst of Aravali hills this town inherits its name from the lake situated in its center which has my theological importance. The tranquil town tempts everyone, be it a backpacker, a solo wanderer, a hitch hiker, a biker or a cyclist with all its serene sanctity. So here is our travel blog on what-to-explore-in-Pushkar

1. Stroll & Shop

Explore the exotic markets of Pushkar by walking around and roaming through narrow lanes. Just don your hat and sport your shades on and you’re good to go. You will be left eye-struck by the shops of big oil paintings, beaded jewelry, flashy trinkets and traditional wears among others. Be smart and earn your Bargain.

2. Shoot & Scoot

The pristine countryside, golden sand, houses with hued walls, rippling waves of the holy lake, children diving into the lake, painters with their strokes, preachers offering prayers, gypsies playing the chords and walls with graffiti all these eye-striking scenes waits for the apertures of your cameras to be opened up and your focus.
So just fix your camera lenses in, zoom in and out, choose your angle and click. You’ve got it… a memory for life!!

3. Soak in the Spiritual stint

If you are a Spirituality Seeker then you’ve descended at the right place. This holy town, with a whopping number of as many as thousands temples, gives appealing vibes to every religious devotee. Visit the only temple of Lord ‘Brahma’ on earth and ‘Rangji’ temple and listen to the mythological stories sitting on the 52 ‘Ghats’ (steps) of the holy ‘Sarovar’ (lake).

4. Sublime Sunset:

Walk to the Jaipur Ghat and complacently watch the shining Sun setting down and pouring its scintillating rays down in the unruffled holy lake. Spend your evening here with this enchanting view and with daily traditional music performances that will put you into a trance.

5. Splurge on local cuisine

Devour on the delectable delicacies and quench your gustatory sensations here. If you have a sweet tooth then ‘Maalpua’ (Indian Pancake) is here with all its crisp and sweetness. Made of refined flour and lavish with pure clarified butter, is served hot and properly baked.For some spicy flavors go for ‘’Falafel Wraps’’, the flat bread stuffed with tomatoes and chopped vegetables with curd spread.And for the love of some Italian, French and Mexican food temptations head to some restaurants, splashed with technicolor graffiti, like La Pizzeria, Nirvana rooftop restaurant, and Pink Floyd.

Pushkar has a great public transport connectivity. It’s Just 14 km far from Ajmer city and 140 km far from Jaipur city. With a festive season ahead and a nice weather for travel, plan your trip to romp in this place which is a great confluence of spirituality and modernity.

As the saying goes, “Two roads diverged in the woods and I took the one less traveled”

The thirst of treading the road less travelled, comfort of moving at my pace, freedom of taking as many stopovers so as to soak in the moment, surroundings and place, riding through every possible part of land so that even the minutest details of this chapter of life is not missed, get to know the people as they are and not as they are being told, experience and live every moment, all this concluded in the thought of a Bicycle, backpack, a bottle of water and road less travelled in a landscape through legendary enough but rarely travelled.

Someone once said, “The traveler sees what he sees, but the tourist sees what he has come to see”. A traveler is active, continuously in search of adventure and experience, a tourist is passive as he goes for a sight-seeing trip on the popular notions. I chose to be a Traveler.

To ride on this travel expedition, I chose Rajasthan, the land of colors, the land of forts, the land of royalty, the land of chivalry. A friend suggested me that if I wish to see, explore, experience and live all the colors of life on earth the “Rajasthan” erstwhile Rajputana is the answer. For my travel arrangements and assistance, I hired the services of “Le tour de India” (letourdeindia.com) the experts of the field, Cycle trails, offbeat routes and the country side. They let you to be a traveler and not force you to be a Tourist. Take any wild turn, stop at any hour of the day, and start whenever you feel like, they will be like partners in the crime. Le tour de India has revolutionized the way, one experiences Rajasthan.

This magnificent journey commenced from a magnificent place, Udaipur. On day one in the evening, I was prepared that I was not alone, embarking on this trip, a few like-minded souls were also there, together we were going to explore the land. A brief introduction to tea was organized by Le tour de India to get us familiarized. We were briefed about our rides, equipment, terrain and general climatic conditions of day and night. A very short brief of Udaipur and we were free to explore Udaipur on our own.

The moment I took a step outside our hotel, I was in a totally different world, the place was swarming with all kinds of tourists and travelers. I followed the main roads and a kilometer’s walk led me to the lake front of Lake Pichhola, the magnificent City Palace standing tall on one side, beautiful Lake Palace in the middle of lake, the Ghats, the Havelies now converted to Hotels, Rooftop Restaurants, a Canal crossing the city and meeting another Lake, Lake Fatehsagar and adding charm to this was full moon smiling on this heavenly place, it was all like a film sequence. The thought of this place is truly called Venice of east crossed my mind. What a fulfilling initial few hours of my journey, I was feeling light, fresh and charged for the next day, which was scheduled to begin quite early. I had the dinner together with fellow riders and team captain of Le tour de India at one of the lakes facing restaurant.

Day two was quite early for me especially in winters, we had a wake-up call at 5:30 AM, 6:30 AM breakfast was served and sharp at 07:00 AM we hoped on to our chartered bus to move out of city limits. Our bikes were ready with our support staff, a brief on the route and terrain and we were riding into the hilly terrain with the first rays of sunrise, towards Jhadol, a tiny hamlet. We took a stopover at a lake side for refreshment and acclimatization for the road ahead. We left the main road for the back roads to be discovered, learning a few local farming techniques of hill areas, witnessing a change in the pattern of farming practices and crops with a change of landscape from hills to plains and again hills. The jungle along the roads is rich with various fruit plants. We had a refreshment in the most natural way, plucked the fruits from trees, washed them in the flowing river stream flowing downstream and the feeling of eating was “WOW”, life cannot get better than this, but we were wrong there was much more coming our way. We had lunch at Jhadol. By this time we had paddled almost 60 km’s and were spent for the day, we left our rides with our support team and the bus took us back to Udaipur. Post high tea we went exploring the city and markets on foot. All this time our support team was in the background, let us be on our own, experience and see the things as they are, never interfering but always available.

Day three was similar in the morning, wakeup call, breakfast and by bus to our start point. A minimum of 50 km’s of a ride to Ranakpur, mostly uphill but downhill was quite a fun. The jungle along the way is a protected sanctuary for Wild Boars, Leopards, and Monkeys. We had a few stopovers at villages, along with the way to refresh, to interact with the local folk, experience their lifestyle, cuisine, and culture, to find out how rich this place is culturally, and what good hosts they are. On reaching Ranakpur, an architectural marvel was awaiting us, the Famous Ranakpur Jain Temples. By this time as we reveled in the beauty and serenity of the place and temple, our stomachs went on calling out loud. A jungle theme restaurant nearby did the job for us to pacify our tummy. Post lunch we headed to Rawla Narlai for night stay. Rawla Narlai, is a Heritage resort in the Narlai village on a back country road from Ranakpur, hidden away in the heart of Aravali hills.

Day four began with a morning walk in the village with the sun rising from among the hills to witness and experience the morning chores and activities of a Traditional Rajasthani Village and a cup of tea with the locals. After breakfast, we saddle up for a short ride of 30 km’s (by this time 30 km’s cycle ride seems short enough) passing by villages from hills to plains, from jungles to open vast fields. The climate changes from soothing to dry. A stopover on reaching the highway, after refreshments we hopped on to our bus for historical city of Jodhpur. After checking in and lunch, Mehrangarh is the new destination along with the old city of Jodhpur and its bylanes.

Day five is an adventurous ride to Chandelao, it is an off road trail again but of very rough terrain, and I met with some 5-6 punctures, which were readily repaired by the support team. The terrain around is dry, barren and absolutely no roads, it was like riding in the no man’s land. Then, from a far off point we were able to see some houses, then huts, then a few shepherds with their herds. At this point, a race is initiated by our team captain to reach Chandelao fort with a few hints. And it was a race worth participating, through the village, jumping among the streets; the children in the village were looking at us like we were some kind of celebrities or aliens, and suddenly we were in front of a big fort right in middle of the village. There awaiting us was the traditional welcome with Garlands and drums. We relaxed there after this taxing road trip and post launch an open jeep took us for a jungle safari. The stay in this far off land was unmatched and food awesome.

Next day, as usual, we had an early start this time all the way to Pushkar, halting at various villages on the way, experiencing every inch of the land and soaking in it. The change in terrain was amazing; we could barely take in the beauty of the land and people when an almost different world came out of nowhere. But the people always welcoming, the best of hosts, their love and smiles unmatched. Pushkar was altogether a different world, with the ongoing world’s largest Camel fair. The Mela ground was intoxicating; I have never imagined this kind of fair even in my wildest of dreams. We had the wildest of activities a visit to the sand dunes on the camel, a tea made of Camel milk, giving a hand to milk a camel, sunset in the sand dunes, the adventures were not coming to an end, with the Mela ground being altogether an exhilarating place.

Day seven took us to the Pink City, Jaipur. I had been to many places of historic importance, but none like this and to top this experience we experienced the city on bicycles an altogether new idea exploring even the narrowest and busiest streets, enjoying the marvelous city to the fullest. The evening was relaxing and well deserved good nights sleep for us to recharge for the rough seas ahead.

Morning, and to the battle stations. our rides were ready, we saddled up and paddled to Sawarda a distance of some 60 km’s, not once touching the highway, meandering through the country roads or connecting roads, through lush green fields, crossing lakes and ponds, capturing the most photogenic villages. We got to try hands in the carrot crop, a tea with the locals left us wondering whether our team Captain, Khushal is having family and relatives at all the places in this land or the people actually are so welcoming. They even filled our bags full of fresh fruits and vegetables. Though our team was, completely stock up with our refreshment rations, water, energy drinks etc, but need to use them never arose, as wherever we halted the people there never allowed us to leave without our tummies and bags full. Wow, does this kind of people still exist in this mean world. Reaching Sawarda, again a witch hunt was called by our Team leader. Sawarda again was a wonderful place, a walk in the village took us to Potter’s hut, I tried my hand at pottery, and actually made a coffee mug for my mom. This journey was turning out to be memorable enough to pass it on to my future generations, though I am quite young to think of future generations, but couldn’t spare the thought. At the fort we had our hands full of colorful traditional Rajasthani dresses, a team was ready to help us with the dresses and turbans. The dinner was in house cooked by the ladies of the house, even the thought of it has activated my taste buds and left longing.

Day eight had some 85 km’s of cycle ride to Tordigarh. The real fun was tracking up to the old ruined fort at the top of the hill, the view from the top was holding lush green fields with a river flowing nearby and some beautiful villages. Our team leader never tires of putting surprises, only when the tea and snacks were served to us at this place which could not even be imagined, that we came to know of the person who walked with us with the supplies. As usual, the Le tour de India team working in the background to make us sail, safe and happy.

Day ten from Tordigarh to Ranthambore, every Tiger enthusiast must have heard of this place and longed to come here. We paddled for some 60 km’s, through small villages, using back country roads, taking pit stops at some local tea joints before finally stopping for lunch at a very Indian AC restaurant. The way to Ranthambore from this point was approx 100 km’s, as we chose the again the back roads and bus to reach our destination, it came out to be a rollercoaster ride. Ranthambore, do I need to write about Ranthambore, so much has already been written about this place. I can only say this, I you are a Tiger enthusiast, then it’s a must.

By the time our journey was coming to an end, I got addicted to this land, people, and my two wheeled companions. The team of Le tour de India was a big part of this once in a life time experience. This travelogue remains incomplete without their team and efforts. They were like sailors with expertise in every field assisting the captain of the ship to navigate through calm and rough seas through bright sunlight and dark nights. This journey was so mesmerizing that I wanted it never to end but every journey has to end so as to recollect, share and learn from the experience earned and eventually set sail for the next one in the life.
For, someone once said, “The world is a Book and those who do not travel read only a page”.

This day trip is a colorful way to discover Incredible India. An experience of riding on bicycles in the early hours of the morning, pedaling away from the chaos of the city.
While the urban population of the world is fighting over open spaces for public use, Rajasthani village like Rotwada, Jaipur stand tall as a great example of community service and individual participation. Gaushala is a kind of a rescue center for cattle, built on land collectively donated by the village folk where all the disowned street cows are adopted and taken care of.

A cycling experience coupled with a volunteering activity with the most loved and respected creature of India.
Home for abandoned animals

1. Gaushala is a kind of a rescue center for cattle, where all the disowned animals are adopted and taken care of.
2. A fulfilling experience, volunteering for the less advantaged.

The Ideal Village of Rotwada

1. The village is self-sufficient in terms of water conservation and food supplies.
2. Raw materials like cattle fodder used in the cow shelter produced locally by the village folk.

Cultural Walk through the Village
Learn the nuances of the traditional lifestyle of the Rotwada village.
An unparalleled experience learning from the natives about the humble and sustainable way of life.

A Fun – Filled Cycling Experience and Volunteering at the cow rescue center.

What do we give?
A day of hearty labor at the Gaushala that gives you a feeling of accomplishment when one relishes the fruit of animal serving. Assisted by the team of volunteers take a walk in the village fields picking up fresh vegetables from the farms and later spent some time in the kitchen preparing our own food with the help of the kitchen staff.

What do we gain?
A day fully utilized, an experience of Mother Nature, a satisfaction of contributing to the lives of less advantaged while enjoying every minute of the day, learning a few management mantras and a day to remember, a day worth mentioning in the pages of your diary.

“Come let’s Explore the thoughtful way, the natural way, the Fun way, the Green Way.”

In these modern times, everything is technology driven, and no one seems to care about nature and healthy lifestyle. The modern day technology has made us highly dependent on it for every thing from day to day life style to the upbringing of children. We have forgotten our natural spaces, the eco based resources, organic- natural food, and what not.

Le Tour De India in its endeavor to bring nature and natural spaces closer to lives, make them more accessible and homely under its flagship program ” Something for Society” has been organizing many cycling events, especially for school kids and corporates. One such event was conducted on 10 Sep 16 for the students of – “Modern Defense Sr. Secondary School Shapura” at Nahargarh biological park to promote nature and eco tourism. The event was attended by 55 kids and teaching staff. This was a complete event in the wilderness of jungle with cycling, excursion, treasure hunt and various other activities with direct involvement under expert supervision, so as to experience and gain knowledge of wild life, birds, animals, plants, the eco system of Nahargarh biological park. The tour was completed with a message of the healthy, organic, sustainable and natural way of life.

Jaipur is a Heritage city with Rich culture tradition and heritage. Riding a bicycle is a great way to discover a city. Pedal tours provide you a sea of opportunities to discover a city as it is known to its natives. * Cycle Tour in Jaipur Cycle Tour in Jaipur the pink city Rajasthan. *
There are numerous untold stories about a city, which you come to learn when you are on a bicycle, you not only discover a place but see the real colors of this vibrant historic city.

A bicycle tour can be a great way to discover Jaipur and have an experience that you might miss out while in a car. The morning city bicycle tour is designed to give a traditional perspective of the Jaipur Morning time in the beautiful and historical city of Jaipur.

It is an exploration cum historic experience tour of the old city of Jaipur. On bicycles where we pedal through the old city’s narrow lanes as we ride through the pages of history. Get to catch a glimpse of the lifestyle of the Jaipur’s local and also learn how the morning time develops in the city of Jaipur.

Ride your bikes to the palace temple and participate in the morning Shringar Aarti with the locals. Cycling tours also include short walks like in the local farmer’s vegetable market where you try to bargain and buy some fresh organic fruits and vegetables like a local.

For food lovers: Experience the Jaipur street food like a local, ride your bike through to some of most sought after and highly acclaimed food joints. The food outlets are handpicked for your city ride to provide you the much-required energy for the bicycle tour of the pink city.

The Real exploration of Jaipur: Hop on a bike and maneuver the streets like a Jaipurite through the old Havelis (Private Mansions) and sacred Temples within the streets of the walled city of Jaipur. Participate in the morning prayers with the devotees in the palace temples.

The Cycling tour of Jaipur is growing up to be one of a unique popular way to discover the Pink City. The enigma unravels as one traverses through the mystic narrow lanes. Travellers who opt for the cycling tour describe the experience as a fresh new way to engage with the local culture and practices. And who was once a stranger, becomes a part of the city.
A bike tour is a great way to break away from the annoyance of regular group tours in India. It is the most peaceful way to enjoy your holiday without the bustle of commercial tourism. Why travel halfway across the world just to end up in an equally chaotic environment.

A city bike tours give a local perspective to the visitor. The traveler can see from the native’s point of view how the mood of the city develops and what do the locals love about their city which is not just limited to the tourist spots.
India is a land of legends and stories. The Tales can be of heroic kings and stories of some of the greatest wars ever fought. When you are on a bike you get to listen to these stories from the real people that can be any one from a temple priest to a naive housewife.

Le Tour De India has been conducting city tours in Jaipur, Udaipur and 10 – 15 Days long cycling tours across Rajasthan for the past 4 years.

Discover Rajasthan on bicycles while staying at luxury forts and palaces. Rajasthan is the land of varied rich culture and traditions and this land will be best explored on a bicycle.
Riding a bicycle provides you a direct perspective into the way the people of Rajasthan live and love this land.

Rajasthan Cycling Tours by Le Tour De India

Rajasthan is the land of chivalry and royalty. Along with its rich heritage and vibrant culture, Rajasthan is a cycling heaven for the vast landscape and untouched trails in the Aravali Range.

Le Tour De India organizes guided bespoke cycling tours across Rajasthan along the less traveled country roads passing villages and forests all the way to Agra, the land of Taj Mahal.

Le Tour De India provides high-end mountain bikes that are very responsive through the rusty Aravali terrain.
Cycle across Rajasthan with an experienced tour leader and stay at luxury forts and palaces now converted into heritage hotels.

Rajasthan Village Cycle Safari – Jaipur to Samode

Countryside Biking Tour near Jaipur, discovering the real Indian village culture and experiencing the life of the land first hand with the unique perspective of riding a bicycle. The endearing process that cycling is, it puts you right into a plethora of cultural and traditions of Rajasthan.

There is so much to be discovered in Rajasthan, yet there is a cobweb of too much commerce around the usual tourist cycles. The really exuberant experience will be the one where you are a part of the life-long festival that is the spirit of this land.

Riding countryside roads near Jaipur, on mountain bikes with a devoted cycling tour captain extremely well equipped with the knowledge of biking trails that lead all the way to the historic land of Samode.

Bike Ride to Nahargarh in Jaipur

Ride your bikes to the Mighty Nahargarh Fort in the Jaipur. Enjoy the panoramic view of the glorious city, enjoy the aerial view of the beautiful pink city from the top of the Nahargarh Fort.

This ride is also a great way to enjoy the nature while we ride through the forest trails, get a chance to take pictures of some of the rarest migratory birds that grace these forests during the winter months.

Biking through several hairpin curves, to the top of the hill and later through canal roads. The Canal is a 400-year-old water conservation system that once was the life line for the cities of Amber and Jaipur.

Bike Ride to Harsh Parvat near Sikar

The Harsh is the second highest peak in Rajasthan and is home to a 1000-year-old ancient Shiva temple that was once destroyed in a war later restored to similar glory.

Just a hundred kilometer from Jaipur and 13 kilometers from the base that provides scenic mountain views and a very strenuous climb all the way to the top at the Harsh Parvat Summit.

On reaching the top one can stay at the forest department guest house which is available on request. Decent accommodation at the base of the climb is also available.

The Aravali Adrenaline Rush – Thaar

Organized locally by the Jaipur Cycling Comrades Club, This three-day cycling extravaganza is designed to give you a fairy tale experience of the ancient royal tradition of Jaipur.

“THAAR” is for those who’d love to relive the bygone era of Forts and Palaces by pedaling through. So get ready for the enthralling Cycling challenge amidst world’s oldest and mightiest Aravali ranges.

Thaar 2016 has two categories, which includes a 250-kilometer road race through a grueling route consisting cobbled paths and gravel roads as well as scenic rolling terrain through the Sariska National Park. The second one is thrilling 125-kilometer MTB Race through the low-lying Aravalli range near Jaipur.

Bike Trip to Bhangarh and Sariska

A Cycling Safari to the back roads of the Aravalli through Bhangarh Fort, Ramgarh Lake and Nayla through forests of Sariska and Bhangarh. Ride across the Aravalli Range through the historic city of Nayla and majestic grasslands of the Jamwa Valley.

This ride is an undulating yet thrilling experience where ride both off and on road along this scenic route, even through gravel roads crossing the Jamwa Valley and forest lands on the edge of the Sariska National Park.
Spinning into various switchbacks and reach the forests of Bhangarh and Sariska. Enjoy a wonderful wildlife safari in the Sariska National Park later retire in a casual inn right in the middle of the forest. Enjoy and admire the clear night sky in the wilderness.

Overnight accommodations after this grueling ride will be provided by Le Tour De India in luxury Swiss tents on sharing basis.

Wildlife Cycling in Nahargarh Rescue Center

Just a few kilometers away from Amber near Jaipur is the Nahargarh Biological Park. A mountain biker’s heaven.
This ride is a thrill and spills galore while you enjoy the scenic landscape of the Nahargarh Forest. A high chance to spot some of the rarest species of migratory birds in the Ram Sagar Lake.

Supported by Le Tour De India with a well-experienced road captain. A team of support staff that takes care of important necessities such as nutrition and hydration.

The Nahargarh Rescue Center is also rehabilitation for endangered species of animals. Mainly tigers rescued from circuses from across the country.

Udaipur Jhadol Bike Safari

A bike ride in Udaipur can be a unique way to discover this city. You begin riding from downtown Udaipur early in the morning and ride along the country roads to the nearby tribal village of Jhadol.

Udaipur, the Venice of the East also known as the city of lakes is the most romantic city in India.
Bike trip to Jhadol Tribal Village is an enriching experience while you ride the undulation country roads through village
field and protected forests to meet the preservers of nature. This tribe has preserved its ancient ways to live their lives without disrupting the environment.