DURATION: This is a relaxed, leisurely cycle tour which takes between two and three hours, depending on the progress of our guests.

THEME: The main aim of the tour is to acquaint our guests with how the early morning unfolds as the city slowly awakes and picks up speed as it goes through its paces until it is a pleasant hive of activity.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JAIPUR CYCLING TOUR

For Gastronomes and Food Lovers: You will get a taste of the pink city’s best traditional food and snacks at carefully selected eateries. We have chosen these venues with care; after pedaling past ancient monuments you will get all the nourishing fuel your muscles need for the next stint.

For the Inquisitive and Curious: Take to two wheels, maneuver your way through streets lined with traditional private mansions or Havelis, museums housed in ancient buildings, and join devotees in their morning prayers in a sacred palace temple.

For Seekers of Unique Experiences: Traversing the old fortified city of Jaipur on a bike is a far more personal and firsthand sightseeing experience. You will have time to take in all the wonders you passed, unlike simply a quick drive-by in a vehicle.

DETAILED ITINERARY

7 a.m. – Meet at Statue Circle, alias Sawai Jai Singh Circle

Our tour guide will brief us on the exact route we will be following as well as other aspects of the trip. To avoid traffic, we start early and ride through the oldest part of town, past markets, while observing the city throwing off its slumber blanket. To witness the awakening of an ancient city is a special experience; slowly new smells begin to fill your nostrils, and every minute there is more movement and activity. Our first stop is at the amazing Palace of the Winds, or Hawa Mahal. In ancient times, ladies of the court would watch the festivals and other happenings in the streets below from behind the screens of the palace, without being seen.

Our tour includes breaks for refreshments, sampling some of the local street foods. Mango Lassi, a delicious shake made with churned yogurt, is a wonderful nourishing drink, especially if you enjoy it at an 80-year old store built during the time of independence, in view of the massive old walls that protected the city in the ancient times.

7:30 a.m. – Entering the Old Walled City

We make our entrance into famous Jaipur through the magnificent Ajmeri Gate, painted a distinctive pink color, and the reason for the city’s popular alias, the Pink City. Pedaling past age-old Havelis, we drink in the wealth of culture and history we see everywhere. Fellow local cyclists wave greetings and we strike up conversations with the friendly Jaipurites during our visits to some of the architectural.

8 a.m. – Aarti Ceremony at Govind Dev Temple

The Palace Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, plays an essential part in the religious and cultural lives of the people of Jaipur. We attend the Aarti, a Hindu ritual of worship when lighted wicks are offered to the deity. After making our own offer of flowers, we stroll through the beautiful gardens of the palace to a nearby flower and farmers’ market, where we hone our bargaining skills for some fresh fruit.

8:30 a.m. – Rooftop Tea Break

We jump on our bicycles, leave the City Palace gates behind and get off at the historical sweets and spices market. Although the shops are still closed, the wonderful aromas of hundreds of spices fill the air. On top of a nearby sweets shop sits a popular tea store, and this is where we are heading. We make ourselves comfortable on the rooftop terrace with tea and the very best pakoras, typical Indian fritters, to enjoy the views of this extraordinary city.

9 a.m. – Original Bombay Mix, then the Albert Hall Museum

Bombay Mix is renowned and loved the world over, but here in Jaipur, you will taste the authentic version. This all-day-round dried snack comes in many varieties and is best tried at Shankar Namkeenwala in the famous Namkeenwali Gali, the lane of spicy spices. Last on our list of destinations is the magnificent Albert Hall. This museum was constructed in 1870 and was named after King (Albert) Edward VII, Prince of Wales. The grand entrance of the museum makes the perfect finishing spot for the most enjoyable cycling tour of Jaipur. We bid each other goodbye with a parting gift to take home, along with all our happy memories of fabulous Jaipur.

INCLUSIONS

• A new Giant bicycle with gears.
• One bottle of mineral water.
• High-quality safety helmets.
• An experienced cyclist who acts as a leader, and another escort following us to ensure everyone’s safety.
• Tastings of the local cuisine prepared by our food connoisseurs, experts in the many delicacies that make up the rich food culture of Jaipur.
• A glass of lassi, the shake made with churned yogurt.
• Rooftop tea break.
• Various snacks including chili and potato fritters.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Between 2 and 10 people are required per group.
• Bookings are subject to availability.
• We should be advised of any changes at least 3 days in advance.
• The maximum enthusiasts per group is eight.
• Transfers between your accommodation and the starting venue is not included in the price
• Arriving more than 30 minutes late will be considered a no show.
• Please dress appropriately out of respect for your host city.
• The tour is conducted in English. French, German, and Spanish guides are available at an extra fee.