Rajasthan charity bike ride, India

country:	India
location:	Rajasthan, Ranthambore
departures:	2009: 27 Nov 2010: 19 Feb, 26 Nov
price:	From £355 deposit + £2775 fundraised (55% to charity) (10 days) inc UK flights. Self funders - £355 deposit + £1349 (inc £100 to charity) 2010 prices: From £395 deposit + £2695 fundraised (55% to charity). Self funders - £395 deposit + £1313 (inc £100 to charity)

Charity challenges

Charity cycle rides

India holidays

the amazing things you'll be doing

Cycle through Rajasthan and raise money for your favourite charity at the same time as taking part in an amazing adventure!

Highlights include:

Bike 480kms through Rajasthan, Land of the Kings

Desert land, exquisite forts & bustling cities

Tremendous variety of landscape and culture

See tigers in their natural habitat

Visit the Taj Mahal

Your expedition begins in the hustle and bustle of Delhi. Take some time to get behind the chaotic facade and discover the inner peace of a city rich with culture, architecture and human diversity.

Then move on to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal where you can explore the monument before your biking challenge begins. Your bike will take you to more remote locations than most other modes of transport, bringing you in direct contact with the country and its people. Once in Rajasthan the region offers dramatic desert landscape, fantastic wildlife, exquisite forts, bustling cities and rural life that seems frozen in time.

You will be one of the first few mountain bikers to explore this idyllic region, punctuated with villages reminiscent of a time gone by. Traditional rural lifestyles remain preserved and a friendly smile leaves a lasting memory. Your ride ends in Rajasthan's capital city, Jaipur, whose welcoming air ends your challenge idyllically.

what this trip includes

International flights to and from India, all meals and drinking water unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, all accommodation whether in tents or hotel, group first aid supplies, an English-speaking expedition leader, relevant back-up facilities, US$20 donation to a local community project, a T-Shirt and discount from Nomad Travel Stores for personal equipment. We also make a contribution through Climate Care to offset the equivalent CO2 emissions of your international flight.

Please note: This trip can also be booked without flights. Some of the dates are exclusive for specific charities, please contact us for details.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1:	London to Delhi. Your flight will depart from London to Delhi. Our representative will be there to assist you with the check-in and any last minute questions.
Day 2:	Delhi. This morning you will arrive into Delhi International Airport. You will be met at the airport by your tour leader and transferred to your hotel to freshen up. You will have a chance to look around India’s bustling capital, with it’s labyrinth of streets and markets, crowded with exotic produce and a bewildering mix of people. You can ‘shop ‘til you drop’ or take in Delhi’s sights. You can visit the Red Fort; when Delhi became capital of the Moghul Empire in the early 1600’s the Red Fort became the base of Emperor’s kingdom, Jama Masjid; the largest mosque in India and Raj Ghat; the memorial place to Ghandi. Overnight in a hotel in Delhi.
Day 3:	Taj Mahal. You will transfer by Shatabdi express train (approx 2hrs) to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal, having breakfast en route. You will visit one of the most awesome and extravagant monuments ever built - the Taj Mahal. It was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife in 1631-1653 with thousands of semi-precious stones inlaid. You will have time to explore the Taj Mahal. You will now be at the start of your challenge to prepare your bikes for the cycle ahead and meet your support team. Overnight hotel in Agra.
Day 4:	Taj Mahal to Fatephur Sikri - 50km approx / 4-5hrs. Now the challenge begins; a mountain biker’s dream! The terrain you will ride on consists of small roads, some of which are dirt tracks but mainly tarmaced roads. This wont be a luxury though as Indian roads though are rough and full of potholes! You start your cycle from the Taj Mahal and head towards Fatephur Sikri. This magnificent fortified ghost city was the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571-1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Fatephur Sikri was once abandoned, but thanks to the durable red sandstone and a lot of work by the Archaeological Survey of India it remains a perfectly preserved example of a Mughal city at the height of the empire’s splendour. Although a deserted, phantom city, the heart of the palace complex is very much alive. At the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, pilgrims still come in thousands to offer flowers, tie a thread in the latticed screens and to pray for the gift of a son. Overnight in hotel.
Day 5:	Fatephur Sikri to Keoladeo Ghana National Park – 40km approx / 4-5hrs. Keoladeo National Park is your next destination. Declared a National Park in 1983, this 29sq km park is a World Heritage site. The park was first established by the local Maharaja, not for conservation reasons, but for hunting. It is recorded that in 1 day alone, 5000 birds were shot. All of this has since changed to preserve such a wide variety of species of bird in a beautiful sanctuary where the only vehicle allowed is a bicycle! Keoladeo is one of the world's greatest heronries. Its shallow, fresh water marsh attracts thousands of migratory birds. Over 10,000 nests & 400 varieties of birds including: egrets, darters, cormorants, grey herons, spoonbills, cranes, ibis, kingfishers and painted storks can be seen. Mammals like the sambhar, blackbuck, chital, nilgai, fishing cat, otter and mongoose also roam freely here. One of the most breathtaking sights, however, is that of the peacock dancing. The National Bird of India, this graceful bird can be found all over the state. Overnight in hotel.
Day 6:	Keoladeo Ghana National Park to Karauli – 120km approx / 7-8hrs. Continuing on through the National Park with the help of our accompanying escort, you will interact with the locals and gain greater insight into their lives. This diverse state is the home of the Rajputs, a group of warrior clans and tribes who have controlled this part of India for thousands of years according to a code of chivalry and honour akin to that of the medieval European knights. The Rajputs are a very chivalrous and martial race. Their rule here has left them a legacy of magnificent forts, palaces and mansions. The traditional bright and colourful dresses of the locals, their primitive means of agriculture, traditional homes and lifestyles, camel carts and donkey carts, traditional occupations such as clay pottery & hand printing of fabrics, provide a first hand experience of a living museum. Overnight in Maharaja’s Palace.
Day 7:	Karauli to Ranthambore National Park – 105km approx / 7–8 hrs. Today you will cycle to Ranthambore National Park, one of the prime examples of Project Tiger’s conservation efforts in Rajasthan & a favourite haunt of wildlife buffs & professional wildlife photographers from around the world. The park is famous for its tigers, one of the most magnificent animals of India, which has long fascinated people with its awesome power and beautifully striped coat. There are also many other species to see including samba, cheetah, wild boar, leopard, sloth bear, jackal and hyena among others. The park itself covers 1334sq km and its scenery is beautiful. A system of lakes and rivers is hemmed in by steep, high crags and on top of one of these is the Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10th century. Another interesting feature of the park is a huge banyan tree, supposedly one of the world's largest, near the graceful Jogi Mahal water palace. The lower ground alternates between open bushland and fairly dense forest and is dotted with old ruins, pavilions and ‘hides’ – the area was formerly a hunting preserve of the Maharajas. Nestling between the Aravali and Vindhya hills, Ranthambore remains one of Rajasthan’s last sizeable stretches of verdant grassland and jungle. Its forests were once part of the jungles of central India and are of the tropical dry deciduous type, with Dhok being the most prominent tree. Ranthambore is fed by several perennial rivers and contains a number of permanent lakes complete with resident crocodiles. Overnight in luxury tented camp & guesthouse.
Day 8:	Ranthambore National Park to Bhanderej – 70km approx / 5-6hrs. An early start for your sunrise safari into Ranthambore Park. You have the opportunity to pass through Hindu settlements, temples and shepherd encampments. You will be passing through a variety of terrain and staying in ancient forts or palace of the Maharaja's. While crossing the area it is also valuable to note the many pilgrims, traders and armies who have followed these trails for generations and whose journeys reflect the rich cultural history of the region. Overnight in Maharaja’s Palace.
Day 9:	Bhanderej to Jaipur – 80km / 5-6hrs. As you cycle closer to Jaipur you have the opportunity to catch last glimpses of the villages & the people as they wave goodbye and give you wonderful final memories. You head towards the end of your challenge and enter the colourful city of Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan and popularly known as the ‘Pink City’; the colour associated with hospitality. Jaipur is surrounded by barren hills surmounted by forts. This buzzing metropolis is certainly a place of wild contrasts and a feast for the eyes. Vegetable laden camel carts thread their way through the streets jam-packed with rickshaws, bicycles, tempos, motorcycles and pedestrians dodging the crazy traffic. Traditionally dressed Rajput men sporting bright turbans and swash-buckling moustaches discuss village politics outside restaurants and roadside stalls. After a rest we will explore this fascinating city. For things to see and do, you need at least a lifetime in Jaipur. The city owes its name, its foundation and its careful planning to the great warrior-astronomer, Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743). In 1727, Jai Singh decided that the time was ripe to move down from his hillside Amber Fort to a new site on the plains. In 1728, he built the remarkable observatory, Jantar Mantar, which is still one of Jaipur’s main attractions. Another site is the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, constructed in 1799. You can climb to the top of the Hawa Mahal for a fine view over the city. In the heart of the old city, is the City Palace, an incredibly well preserved and interesting palace to view with museums and artefacts. Jaipur is the place to shop until you drop, you cannot beat its variety. There are many handicrafts ranging from papier-mâché puppets to exquisitely carved furniture. Jaipur is well known for precious and semi-precious gems, marble statues, costume jewellery and textile prints are other specialities. You can shop in the Johri Bazaar selling local handicrafts, jewellery and sweets. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur's colourful bazaars. You will have some time in Jaipur to explore the city or shop. We will then celebrate the completion of our challenge and amazing ride through India, with a Rajasthani Party, with traditional banquet, folk music and dancing at the Maharajas Old Palace.
Day 10:	Delhi to London. Early morning transfer to Delhi Airport for the check in for return flight to London. Arrive the same day in the UK.

Award winner

This tourism business won an Award in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society

how this holiday makes a difference

Our responsible commitment extends to helping the local communities we visit. We employ local guides, porters and other essential support staff, and use locally owned accommodation.

Before the expedition departs clients are provided with a fact file on India giving them information on local language, culture, religion and custom to ensure that they are prepared for their trip and pack appropriately. During the trip the local staff share their in depth knowledge of their country with our clients giving them a valuable insight into the history and culture of India.

Clients cycle through rural villages and are encouraged to dress and act appropriately. The group is led and backed up by a member of the local team, ensuring not only the safety of our clients but also to keep them all together, therefore minimising the impact on local communities. Clients are also advised to bring and use biodegradable toiletries to minimise environmental impact and rubbish is always disposed of responsibly; any waste during the day is carried with the clients until a suitable place to dispose or recycle it is reached.

We donate approx USD$500 per trek to various projects including Karm Marg Street Children’s Project in Faridabad, India that works with street children. Karm Marg Street Children’s Project helps children to run a care home themselves, with guidance and supervision. Here street children are provided with shelter, education, nutrition, medical, counselling and vocational training.

As a company we have also drastically reduced the carbon footprint of our UK operations, and are making a huge effort to do so in their destination countries too. We are also investing to offset the emissions from the international flights required to take part in our challenges.

We also provide travellers with a responsible tourism policy detailing ways in which you can be an ethical traveller. From packing conscientiously to advice on local customs & environmental awareness overseas to maintaining contact with your new international friends upon your return – our policy is a comprehensive document providing all the info you need to trek, climb of cycle responsibly.

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