Tour Rajasthan And Kerala

Meals

All meals as stated in itinerary

Guide

English speaking experienced cycling guide / cycle mechanic.

Accommodation

Day 1 Delhi Meals: L, D Accommodation: Royal Plaza Hotel 19 Ashoka Road, New Delhi Ph +91 11 4355 5555 www.hoteltheroyalplaza.com Facilities: Restaurant, bar, gym, pool Features: Centrally located 4-star hotel in the heart of the business district Day 2 Kota Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Welcome Heritage Umed Bhawan Palace Palace Rd, Kota Ph +91 744 2325262 www.welcomheritagehotels.in/ 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 3 + 4 Bijaipur Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Castle Bijaipur Ph +91 147 2276351 Facilities: Restaurant, bar, pool Features: A character hotel in a delightful setting Day 5 + 6 Udaipur Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Hotel Fateh Niwas, 4 Star Udaipur, Ph +91 77 2606 0701 http://www.fatehniwas.com/ Facilities: Spacious rooms, roof top restaurant, bar Features: A superb view of the lake and palace and ten minute walk to the Old Bazaar. Day 7 Kumbhalgarh Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: The Aodhi Kumbhalgarh, Ph +91 295 4242341 www.hrhhotels.com/royal_retreats/the_aodhi_hotel/index.aspx Facilities: restaurant, swimming pool, bar Features: A small comfortable character hotel with views of the hills and close to the fort. Day 8 Ranakpur Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat Ranakpur, Ph +91 293 4285151 www.welcomheritagehotels.in Facilities: Restaurant, swimming pool, tennis & badminton Features: Delightful orchard retreat beneath the Aravalli Hills. Day 9 Udaipur Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Hotel Fateh Niwas, 4 Star Udaipur, Ph +91 77 2606 0701 http://www.fatehniwas.com/ Facilities: Spacious rooms, roof top restaurant, bar Features: A superb view of the lake and palace and ten minute walk to the Old Bazaar. Day 10 + 11 Kochi Meals: L,D Accommodation: Killians Boutique Hotel Post Box 22, River Road, Fort Kochi Ph +91 484 2217245, www.hotelkillians.com Facilities: Restaurant , swimming pool, Ayurvedic spa, yoga and cooking classes, wifi, laundry service. Features: Small luxury hotel within walking distance of Princess St (good shops and cafes), Chinese fishing nets- and interesting churches. Day 12 Thattekkad Meals: B,L,D Accommodation: Hotel Birds Lagoon Thattekkad. Ph +91 485 2572444 www.birdslagoon.in Bird sanctuary with over 253 species of birds. Features: Traditional Kerala architecture, 7 acres of land with views of lake and forest Facilities: Ensuite but 2 star. Restaurant, Ayurveda spa Day 13 Munnar Meals: B,L,D Accommodation: The Tall Trees Resort – 4 star Bison Valley Road Pothamedu Viewpoint Munnar, Ph +91 486 523 2716 www.ttr.in Features: Very comfortable cottages built on stilts under decades-old trees Facilities: Air conditioned rooms, restaurant, bar, internet connection available Day 14+15+16 Kumily Meals: B,L,D Accommodation: Cardamom County – 4 star Kumily Thekkady Road,, Thekkady Ph +91 486 9224501 http://xandari.com/cardamomcounty-xandari-overview.html Features: Peaceful resort with superb individual, thatched cottages with verandahs in spacious grounds. Facilities: Impressive colonial style bar, cooking school, paper making and ayurvedic massage. Swimming pool, badminton, tennis, fitness centre, yoga, meditation centre and good souvenir shop. Day 17 Kumarakom Meals: B,L,D Accommodation: Eastend Lakesong – 4 star Ph +91 484 404 3081 Eastend Lakesong Features: Set on the edge of Lake Vembanad,interspersed by many canals, the resort can only be reached by a ten minute boat ride. Facilities: Restaurant, bar, swimming pool, ayurvedic massage, yoga and meditation center, boating and fishing.seboat Day 18 Alleppey Meals: B,L,D Accommodation: Delux A.C. Houseboat Lunch & Dinner on board houseboat Day 19 Kochi Meals: L,D Accommodation: Killians Boutique Hotel Post Box 22, River Road, Fort Kochi Ph +91 484 2217245, www.hotelkillians.com Facilities: Restaurant , swimming pool, Ayurvedic spa, yoga and cooking classes, wifi, laundry service. Features: Small luxury hotel within walking distance of Princess St (good shops and cafes), Chinese fishing nets- and interesting churches. Day 20 Cochin Meals: B We wish you ‘bon voyage’ and hope to see you again. An airport transfer is included.

Transport

Mini coach and trailer

Others

Airport transfer pre and post tour Flight from Udaipur to Cochin via Mumbai / Bombay Drinks and snacks provided during the ride days. Pedaltours souvenir cycle jersey and water bottles. Daily route directions and coloured maps with profiles (RideWithGPS).

Not included:

Flights

International flights not included.

Optional

Bike rental: Hybrid bike: Trek Domane 7.5 - $400 All rental bikes are professionally maintained and supplied with two Pedaltours drink bottles, a computer and a rack pack that contains a pump, spare inner tube, tyres levers and a repair kit. Include helmet if required.

Others

Personal travel Insurance Alcoholic beverages Airport taxes Laundry Bike rental

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Delhi.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Delhi.

his 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.

Namaste! (Welcome). New Delhi, the capital of India, is a blend of the old and new India. After lunch, we take a sightseeing tour of the city that includes the famous India Gate, the Houses of Parliament, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar (a 72.5m minaret tower with 379 stairs). New Delhi, the capital of India reflects the old and new of India, a blend of Mughal India, Hindu India, British India and modern independent India. After the tour of New Delhi, we return to the hotel to refresh before heading to the streets for Connaught Place for our welcome dinner.
Day 2 Day 2: Delhi/Kota
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Delhi/Kota

After an orientation tour of New Delhi, we board the afternoon train to Kota Departs: 13.20 Hrs, arrive at Kota at 19.40 Hr, where we stay in a former Maharaja’s palace.
Day 3 Day 3: Bijaipur.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Bijaipur.

Day 3

Kota to Bijaipur Total distance: 145 kms/ 91 mi

Cycling distance: up to 88 km / 55 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. 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 has been renovated and converted into a heritage hotel and offers views of the Vindhyachal ranges, the valley, lake and village encircling it. The roads carry very little vehicle traffic, but you will come across goats and camels.

Lunch will be in the grounds at Bhainsrorgarh Fort Hotel, overlooking the Chambal River, after a short-guided walk.

Day 4

Optional day ride of 75 km/ 47 mi

Or 38 km / 24 mi direct

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. Cycling in the Indian countryside is a whole new experience; - the villagers love it and are as interested in you as you are in them. 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.
Day 4 Day 5: Udaipur.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Udaipur.

Day 5

Bijaipur to Udaipur Cycling distance: Bijaipur/Chittaurgarh 32 kms/ 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)

Day 06

Udaipur Optional day Ride to Jhadol: 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. The resort is 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.
Day 5 Day 7: Kumbhalgarh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Kumbhalgarh

Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh Total distance: 102 km / 64 mi

Cycling distance: 59 km / 37 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.
Day 6 Day 8: Ranakpur.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Ranakpur.

Kumbhalgarh to Ranakpur Cycling distance: 54 km / 34 mi

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)
Day 7 Day 9: Udaipur.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Udaipur.

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.
Day 8 Day 10: Udaipur To Cochin.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Udaipur To Cochin.

After breakfast we take you to Udaipur airport for your flight to Cochin via Mumbai to commence the second half of our trip.
Day 9 Day 11: Fort Cochin.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Fort Cochin.

After breakfast, we explore Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, Kerala’s commercial capital with one of the finest natural harbours in the world. We visit St Francis Church the oldest European Church in India. Vasco Da Gama was buried here before his remains were taken back to Portugal. Next we visit the Roman Catholic Santa Cruz Cathedral built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, which is famous for beautiful paintings on its ceiling. We continue to the Jewish Quarter with its Old Synagogue and the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese. Later we take a boat cruise to visit Bolghatty Palace and observe the fascinating Chinese fishing nets in action.
Day 10 Day 12: Thattekad.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Thattekad.

Cochin to Thattekkad Cycling distance: 47km/ 29 mi

We drive out of town for about two hours (with no Freeways, driving even on a highway is slow) then cycle on a very minor road through a tropical landscape to the bird Sanctuary of Thattekkad. We will pass rubber, banana, tapioca, coconut and pineapple plantations and have time for a visit to the bird sanctuary.
Day 11 Day 13: Munnar.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Munnar.

Thattekkad to Munnar Cycling distance: 69 km / 43 mi

with a 1,395 m / 4,600 ft altitude gain

We continue on the minor road until we reach the main highway to Munnar. After just 600 m we turn off the hwy and swoop down through a forest to the Periyer River and the Kallerkutty dam. From here we start the challenging climb to Munnar and its world famous tea plantations. We will also see jacaranda trees and cardamom plantations. With the gain in altitude the temperature will decrease from c.32/ 90 F at the coast to a pleasant c.25 / 77 at Munnar, with night time temperatures dropping to 10 C / 50F.
Day 12 Day 14: 5 + 16 Kumily.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: 5 + 16 Kumily.

Day 4

Munnar to Kumily / Periyar / Thekkady Cycling distance:96 km / 60 mi

Today we make our way to Kumily, known for its spices and proximity to Periyer Tiger Reserve. The Periyer Wildlife Sanctuary covers 777 sq km of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest. The greatest attraction of Periyar is the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. The day is quite hilly but there is an overall loss in altitude as we descend to 800m / 2,640 ft . The day starts with a spectacular descent through forest and tea plantations, later passing rice fields, coffee and cardamom. There will be excellent views of the Western Ghats.

Day 5

Kumily – Theni return, Cycling distance: 70 km on backroads,

Return by mini bus.

We take an excursion into neighbouring Tamil Nadu, a poorer state where you will see many bullock carts and perhaps a working elephant or two. We start with a fabulous descent into a scenic, wide fertile valley and continue gently descending until the town of Theni. Here we have lunch then return on the highway in the mini bus. Time to relax in the afternoon by the pool or do a little shopping.

Day 6

Kumily Rest day

Options include an early morning three hour gentle hike in the Park accompanied by a guide, who will identify plants, birds and other wildlife. There will be a late breakfast on return. Then a visit to a tea plantation and factory and an optional late afternoon trip on Lake Periyer where you are likely to see wildlife, most likely deer, buffalo and elephants, by the lake side. Take binoculars.
Day 13 Day 17: Kumarakom.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Kumarakom.

Kumily to Kumarakom. Cycling distance: 88 km / 55 mi

We start the day with a climb as we make our way through tea plantations to the grasslands of Vagamon. We finish with a fabulous 24 km descent. On reaching the highway we board the mini bus to drive (1¾ hrs) to Kumarakom, located near the coast on inland waterways. A spectacular day’s biking. Kumarakom is a paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.
Day 14 Day 18: Houseboat.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Houseboat.

Kumarakom/Alleppey/Kumarakom. CyclIng distance: 32kms / Houseboat cruise

After breakfast we will bike 32 kms (around 2- 2.5 hours cycling) on flat minor roads through villages to Alleppey. We will board a day-cruise house boat, modeled on a traditional rice boat ("ketuvallam"), for lunch and a delightful lazy afternoon cruising on the picturesque lake and canals with views of villages, paddy fields and the mangrove forests that hug the banks. We return to

Kumarakom around 5.00pm.
Day 15 Day 19: Cochin.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Cochin.

Alleppey to Cochin. Cycling distance: 55 kms

After breakfast we will drive to Alleppey to commence cycling on a flat road, parallel with the Arabian Sea coast, back to Cochin, arriving in time for lunch. You will pass hundreds of brightly coloured fishing boats along the way. In the afternoon there will be time to wander around historic Cochin or do some last minute shopping before our farewell dinner.
Day 16 Day 21: Cochin
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Cochin

We wish you ‘bon voyage’ and hope to see you again. An airport transfer is included.

+13

20 days tour

Rajasthan And Kerala

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Rajasthan And Kerala

Day 1: Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi/Kota

Day 3: Bijaipur.

Day 5: Udaipur.

Day 7: Kumbhalgarh

Day 8: Ranakpur.

Day 9: Udaipur.

Day 10: Udaipur To Cochin.

Day 11: Fort Cochin.

Day 12: Thattekad.

Day 13: Munnar.

Day 14: 5 + 16 Kumily.

Day 17: Kumarakom.

Day 18: Houseboat.

Day 19: Cochin.

Day 21: Cochin

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