Biking Through Dessert Country of Rajasthan
Day 10 - Sam / Jaisalmer / Jodhpur
After breakfast we bike back to Jaisalmer. We would have a couple of rooms for wash and
change. The afternoon is free. In the evening we board an overnight train to Jodhpur
(D-2210, A-0730-next day). Accommodation would be first class cabins and bed
rolls/blankets would be provided.
Overnight on Train
Day 11 - Jodhpur
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to hotel Ajit Bhawan Palace. After
breakfast we pick up our bikes to visit the massive Jodhpur Fort, set on top of a hill.
The biking would quite steep from the foot of the hill to the Fort - 3 Kms. It is most
impressive and formidable fort, in a Fort studded Rajasthan. Inside the Fort, there are a
whole series of courtyard and place apartments. The later have a fantastic collection and
elephant howdahs, miniature paintings, folk music instruments, the inevitable Rajput
armoury, palanquins, furnitures and costumes. The palace apartments are beautifully
decorated and have delicately carved red sandstone and lattice work windows. In the
afternoon we bike 9 Kms to Mandore, famous due to its extensive gardens with huge rock
terraces. The dinner at our palace Hotel is something special. Served in an open courtyard
by ethnically dressed waiters, accompained by folk music and dance and the maharaja mixing
with the guests in his flowing robes.
Overnight At Ajit Bhawan Palace
Day 12 - Jodhpur / Jaipur (260 Kms)
An early morning drive / bike to Jaipur with packed breakfasts. On our way we would buy
oranges / bananas from hawkers. The journey would be through interesting small towns and
villages. Ploughing by hand, ox drawing water from wells, colorfully dressed woman working
on road works or construction work - mixing cement / tar by shovels, carrying them on
their head in metal saucers. climbing on flimsy scaffoldings etc are only some of the
fascinating sights. We arrive into Jaipur late afternoon. We check into hotel Jaipur
Palace. The evening is free. We could visit the popular and busy link road shopping
market.
Overnight At Jaipur Palace
Day 13 - Jaipur
After breakfast we bike up to the Amber Fort (11 Kms). Set on the dry wrinkled Aravalli
hills, the Amber Fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture. A slow elephant taxi
takes to the top of the Fort. The several interesting buildings include the hall of public
audience with a double row of columns and latticed galleries above. The hall of victory
has inlaid panels and glittering mirror ceilings. The hall of pleasure, with an ivory
inlaid sandalwood door, has a water channel running right through the room.
Overnight At Jaipur Palace
Day 14 - Jaipur / Bharatpur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
Early morning start. An interesting stop would be at the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - one
of the best water bird sanctuaries in the world. We would bike around the reserve for a
couple of hours and observe the egrets, plovers, parakeets, kingfishers, teals, ducks,
stroks etc. from here we continue biking 20 Kms to Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned capital
of the mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire's splendor. The
city divided into religious and secular sections has interesting well-sculpted buildings.
We drive on to Agra and check into Holiday Inn. A typical magic show would be organised
for us this evening.
Overnight At Holiday Inn
Day 15 - Agra / Delhi
At sunrise we pick up our bikes to proceed to the Taj Mahal. The rays of the rising sun
on this extravagant monument create a dazziling effect. Besides symetry in every aspect of
its construction, the inlay work of semi precious stones into marble in pietra dura style
is absolutely remarkable. We return to our hotel for breakfast and then drive / bike for
our last night in delhi. Check into hotel The Connaught.
Overnight At The Connaught
Day 16 - Delhi / Departure
Once the bikes are packed up, we proceed to the airport to connect our return flight.
END OF TOUR
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