Rajasthan: Tigers & Palaces

This eight-day ride leaves the famous Rajasthan circuit behind, heading into the lesser-known northern regions where quiet rural roads link centuries-old forts, palace stays and forested wildlife reserves, with far fewer tourists along the way. The journey begins with a transfer from Delhi to the 15th-century Neemrana Fort Palace for a relaxed afternoon and welcome dinner.

Riders then roll through farmland and villages to the 19th-century Tijara Fort Palace, continuing past low hills and rocky ridges to the 1,100-year-old Dadhikar Fort. The next ride winds through more villages to Kasba Sariska, a traditional haveli within the Sariska Tiger Reserve, where a full day is set aside for an early-morning open 4x4 jeep safari in search of tigers and other wildlife.

The final ride follows backroads and village lanes before a transfer into Jaipur, the Pink City, for two nights at the heritage Samode Haveli. The last full day swaps bikes for a one-hour hot air balloon ride over the countryside, followed by a visit to the hilltop Amer Fort and time in the local markets, with an optional visit to the City Palace. Much of the riding is gently downhill on paved roads, and bilingual guides (roughly one for every six guests) and a support van accompany the group throughout, with dinners featuring local specialties at each palace and fort.

Highlights:

• Stays in historic fort palaces at Neemrana, Tijara and Dadhikar
• Village and farmland cycling through lesser-visited northern Rajasthan
• Open 4x4 jeep safari in Sariska Tiger Reserve
• Hot air balloon ride over the Jaipur countryside
• Amer Fort and Jaipur's local markets
• Two nights at the heritage Samode Haveli in Jaipur

Surface and terrain:
Mostly paved roads with some short stretches of hard-packed dirt. Terrain is largely downhill, passing low hills, rocky ridges and farmland on quiet rural roads with low traffic. Daily distances 45-70 km across 4 riding days.

Weather:
Dry-season touring from October to February, with days in the mid-20s C and crisp evenings dropping to around 10 C.

Suitable for:
Riders comfortable with moderate daily distances on mostly downhill, paved roads, wanting heritage palace stays, a tiger safari and cultural immersion away from the busy tourist circuit.