India Family Biking
The Caravan Routes & Desert Palaces of Rajasthan
In India's majestic northwest corner, our epic family biking journey ushers you into one of the world's most spectacular regions. Travel with us from princely Jodhpur through the Thar Desert to Udaipur - a route perfectly suited to exploration by bike, as well as on the backs of camels, the more traditional transport mode! En route you and your kids will delve into rich and romantic culture, discover awe-inspiring architecture, savor sublime natural beauty and meet some of our gracious local friends. Over the millennia, the warrior princes of Rajasthan filled this dry sun-soaked region with impregnable palaces and menacing fortresses - transformed today into incredible hotels that will have you and your gang feeling like aristocrats in no time.
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Jodhpur
Investigate Jodhpur's 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, which towers above a sea of ancient blue-walled houses 
Wander serpentine alleys and explore teeming markets Kids get escorted into the vibrant spice market, where elephants and camels roam freely 
Bike into remote villages of the Thar Desert, where you'll admire fine pottery and learn about raising water buffalo At a dhurrie weaving demonstration, try your hand at this most ancient form of floor decor.
Day 3 Manvar
Bike a serene road amid rolling sand dunes, green fields and traditional nomadic tribes to isolated Manvar Journey by camel - it's like riding a four-legged rocking chair! - to a remote desert camp, our unique home for the night.
Days 4-5 Narlai
Shuttle to Pali, home to three exquisite Brahman temples Then pedal to Narlai among the starkly beautiful Aravalli Hills Watch the sunrise from atop Elephant Hill Pedal to Kumbalgarh, a formidable 15th-century citadel overlooking the arid plateau Kids delight in watching a snake charmer at work You can learn the difference between a googly and a flipper during a fun-filled cricket lesson or hone your Indian culinary knowlege during a cooking lesson.
Days 6-7 Delwara
Cycle along a gorge with dramatic views, then follow lightly traveled roads through rolling river-laced countryside Opt to bike or hike through the countryside to nearby villages Explore a breathtaking 14th-century Jain temple Take advantage of our luxurious resort's offerings, from spa treatments and yoga classes to elephant rides and poolside relaxation.
Days 8-10 Udaipur
Bike past lake palaces, temples and small colorful communities en route to laid-back Udaipur Pedal to Pie, passing through rugged terrain and small tribal villages Take a final stroll around Udaipur, stopping in craft shops and relishing lake views.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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India Family Biking
DESERT OASES: Premiere Inns*
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Jodhpur (2 nights) Lauded on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List, this sandstone palace blends modern design with classic royal elegance.
Manvar Desert Camp
Manvar (1 night) Nestled among the rolling hills and sun-streaked dunes once frequented by nomadic camel traders, this collection of tents is not your typical rustic dwelling; full plumbing and plush amenities accompany this traditional wilderness retreat.
* Casual Inn
Rawla Narlai Hotel
Narlai (2 nights) This 17th-century fortress retreat once served as a luxurious Raj-era hunting lodge. Today it offers rustic yet charming and colorful guest rooms in the heart of a vibrant desert village.
* Casual Inn
Devi Garh Palace
Delwara (2 nights) Guarding the road to the Udaipur Valley, the palace-turned-luxury-hotel's chic guest rooms overlook the surrounding mountain town.
Oberai Udaivilas
Udaipur (2 nights) With near perfect marks on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List and claiming Travel+Leisure's World's Best number-two spot, this exquisite property located on Lake Pichola has perfected the art of hospitality.
India Family Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Walking Tour 2 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 18, 30, 42 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 22, 34 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Camel Trek 1 hour
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 18, 38 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 12, 31, 62 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Optional Hiking 1 to 3 hours
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 15, 30, 74 miles
- 0 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 22 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 18, 26 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 9
- Levels 1 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 16, 56 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 10
- Conclusion of Trip