Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi (Arrival)

You'll be met upon arrival into the Delhi International airport and transferred to a comfortable hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure in this bustling metropolis, which successfully combines the ancient with the modern. Along with the fast spiraling skyscrapers, the city is dotted with many historical monuments that stand as silent reminders of the region’s ancient legacy.

Day 2: Delhi (Rickshaw and Foot)

We'll start with a hearty breakfast at the hotel and then head off to spend the full day exploring Old & New Delhi. We begin with a tour of Old Delhi and visit to Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. From here we mount rickshaws, ride to the Red Fort and then through the centuries-old marketplace in Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk. The sounds, aromas, colours and animated people of this bazaar, make for an unforgettable experience. We'll also visit the elegant Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia and then take a heritage walk along the residential quarters of Old Delhi. In the afternoon we'll venture into New Delhi where we'll visit some of the most important sites including the Parliament House, the Presidential Estate and the India Gate, just to name a few. Overnight in the same comfortable hotel in Delhi. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Delhi – Jhansi - Orchha (Biking)

Early morning, we'll be transferred to New Delhi railway station for the train journey to Jhansi. Our local representative will meet us upon arrival at the Jhansi railway station, and transfer us to our camp in Orchha. Orchha lies obscured from sight amidst lush green dark woods along the River Betwa. The camp has comfortable Swiss cottage tents. After lunch, we'll get on our bikes for a ride on the jungle trails through the Orchha Nature Reserve, home to over 200 species of birds. Though tigers once roamed here freely, wild boar, blue bull, monkeys and sloth bears are easier to spot now. In the evening, we'll enjoy a light and sound show on the history of the Bundela rulers. Overnight at the camp. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Orchha - Jhansi – Agra (Hiking or Biking)

In the morning, we have the option of either taking a 2 hour walk or a bike ride. We'll travel along the river passing two palaces, ancient camel stables and ruins that are memorials to Bundelkhand's former rulers. Afterwards we'll return to camp for lunch. We'll then drive to a nearby tribal village to learn more about their culture and way of life. We'll visit a local home and watch a pottery maker at work. In the evening, we'll transfer back to the railway station in Jhansi to board the train to Agra. Upon arrival at the Agra Cant railway station, we'll transfer to our hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Taj Mahal – Fatehpur Sikri – Bharatpur (Biking)

We start very early this morning with a sunrise visit to the legendary Taj Mahal. Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed. We'll return to our hotel for breakfast and then drive to Bharatpur, with a stop at the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Upon arrival into Bharatpur we'll break for lunch and then check in to our heritage hotel. Later in the afternoon, we'll experience the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary on bicycles. This sanctuary is home to over 350 species of birds, with the main attraction being the world famous Siberian Cranes. Overnight at a heritage hotel in Bharatpur. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Bharatpur – Jaipur (Walking)

This morning after a quick nature walk, we'll drive to Jaipur – the fabled “pink city” and the capital of Rajasthan. It is a city of contrasts where camels and elephants wait at traffic lights along with cars and scooters. We'll arrive in Jaipur by early afternoon and check into our heritage hotel. We'll have lunch at the hotel, and then we'll drive outside the city and hike up a small hill opposite the Amber Fort. We'll then visit the Fort, the former capital of the royal family of Jaipur. In the evening, we'll drive to Chokhi Dhani for dinner. Chokhi Dhani is an ethnic village resort with a rustic Rajasthani environment. Here, we'll get to see a variety of shows including a magic show, puppet shows, Rajasthani folk dances, and craftsmen and women at work. The place also has options to ride a camel or bullock cart, and get traditional Henna design on hands. Later after dinner, we drive back to our heritage hotel in Jaipur. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Jaipur (Elephant Riding)

After breakfast, we'll set off to explore the colourful bazaar and streets of Jaipur with a visit to Hawa Mahal – the “Palace Of Breeze”. The elaborate building, now little more than a facade is encrusted with delicate screens and carved balconies. We'll return to the hotel for lunch and then head out to a cinema hall to watch a Bollywood movie. Later in the evening, we'll drive outside the city for our elephant safari through the Aravali forest, which is lush and hilly. We'll experience a wilderness sunset aloft an elephant, stop in a few villages, and visit a local home. Afterwards we'll have a special dinner in Dera Amer with members of the royal family. Dera Amer is located in the foothills of the Aravali Range and surrounded by a wilderness reserve with no urban civilization in the vicinity except for a few hamlets housing the local villagers. Later at night, we drive back to the city. Overnight at the same heritage hotel in Jaipur. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Jaipur – Delhi (Drive) - Dehradun

This morning we drive back to Delhi (5 hour drive) to the domestic airport where we'll catch a flight to Dehradun. Upon arrival we'll be met by a BikeHike Adventures representative who will accompany us to an adventure camp in Shivpuri, located along the Ganga River from the holy town of Rishikesh, the spiritual birthplace of Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda.  Our comfortable adventure camp has safari tents with restroom facilities and power. Our next few days at the camp are action-packed with activities, while our evenings are spent relaxing under the thatched gazebos or by the pool. Later in the evening, we'll be joined by our hosts around the campfire and a gala candle-lit dinner on the pristine silver beach by the River Ganges. Overnight at a luxury adventure camp. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Adventure Camp (Yoga, Rafting, and Sightseeing)

We'll get an early morning wake-up call for a pre breakfast yoga class. After breakfast we’ll drive to the put in for an exciting day of rafting. Upon arrival, we gear up and have a safety briefing. The first section on the river is our primer, with some fun class II-III rapids. We'll reach Leopard Beach Tented Camp in time for a hot lunch and then continue the afternoon on the bigger class III-IV rapids. We take out in Rishikesh where we change into dry gear and refresh with tea / coffee and snacks. Afterwards we'll take a walking tour of Rishikesh. The town is sacred to Hindu pilgrims and is often referred to as the “Yoga Capital of the World”. In Ram Jhoola, we'll walk down to the ghat for an evening Aarti ceremony, which is performed at twilight In Hindu homes and temples. Amid singing and chanting of devotional songs and hymns, the devotees line up along the bank of the river and float lit “diyas” in the Holy Ganga. The sight of the flickering flames of thousands of “diyas” on the river is awesome. Late afternoon we'll make it back to our adventure camp for dinner around the campfire. Overnight at the luxury adventure camp. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Dehradun (Biking and Jeep Safari)

After breakfast, we'll drive down to Rishikesh to start our morning bike ride. We'll cycle along the River Ganga toward Haridwar to another camp located on the periphery of Rajaji National Park. We'll then eat lunch and head out for a jeep safari into the park. Spread over 800 sq. kms, the park is a magnificent ecosystem nestled in the Shivalik ranges. This area is the Northwestern limit of the Asian elephants. Apart from elephants, the park is home to over 40 species of mammals including tigers, leopards, deer and ghurals, and over 315 species of birds. We'll return to the camp for overnight. Our farewell dinner will be around a campfire. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Dehradun - Delhi (Biking)

We'll wake up in the morning and take one last bike ride through the forest trails in Rajaji National Park. The biking trail winds through a local village, dry riverbeds and vegetation of several distinct zones. We'll return to the camp in time for lunch, a quick wash and change and then we'll be transferred to Dehradun airport to board our flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, we are met by our representative and transferred to a hotel where we can rest and have some dinner before returning to the airport for our night flight home. (B,L,D)

More information from BikeHike Adventures:

• View trip on provider's website
  www.bikehike.com/adventures/destination/india…
• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips