Friday, January 20, 2006

Riding my bike through India?

Well, I've done a bit of research and I'm thinking about doing a bike tour with Intrepid Travel. Here's the intinerary for the trip

Day 1 Delhi We walk through Old Delhi's labyrinth of intriguing narrow laneways and bazaars, which has fed this crumbling part of the city for hundreds of years.


Days 2-3 Udaipur Fly into the most romantic of Rajasthani cities, Udaipur. Prepare to fall in love with a captivating place where artists, musicians and dancers have converged harmoniously through the ages.


Days 4-10 Rural Villages Pioneering cycle explorers by day, we spend our magical nights relaxing in style within Rajput forts and heritage castles, which give a royal flavour to the adventure. Mounting our saddles at the magnificent Kumbalgarh Fort, a ride through a wildlife sanctuary and lunch near the beautifully carved Ranakpur Jain temple proves delightful. The Aravalli Ranges make a stunning backdrop to our travels through colourful tribal Rabari hamlets and grazing camels in Jojawar. After traversing the dry and rocky Thar Desert, set up tents in time for a gorgeous sunset and barbeque under a blanket of bright stars. Acacia bushes offer shade while cycling along salt tracks beside the Kharda Dam, keeping an eye out for the elusive and unusual blue bull. A chance to dive into a cooling pool at the end of the day will have you racing on to our Rohet Castle oasis. En route to Jhalamand, learn about the fascinating Bishnoi tribes native to this region. Possessing unique traditions and a fascinating history, they fiercely protect the herds of black buck and sacred khejri trees we see on our path and make our last two days of cycling truly rewarding.


Day 11 Jodhpur Towering proudly above the 'blue city' stands the majestic Meherangarh Fort. Meander through its vast collection of royal treasures and venture down the cobbled pathway into Sadar Bazaar as it teems with spices and local delicacies, including the best lassi in India!


Days 12-14 Pushkar Kick back and enjoy the mellow atmosphere in one of the rooftop cafes dotted throughout the bazaar and watch the sun set over the holy lake. Taste the life of a nomad astride a camel for a safari into the surrounding area.


Day 15 Delhi A mouthwatering farewell breakfast awaits us following our overnight train into Delhi.

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