Udaipur 1300

... is something to savour! A gentle start to the day before we visit the Nirvana Foundation. This wonderful charity schools local children who would not otherwise receive an education and helps local communities with environmental and socio-economic development. After lunch we visit the Sariska Tiger Reserve where we hope to spot the elusive Indian tiger. The day's excursions will provide a gentle (and very scenic) opportunity for the motorcyclists to get to know the ins and outs of Indian traffic protocol. 

Accommodation: Dhadikar Fort. This beautifully restored heritage hotel is set in a 13th century fort. Its stunning location high above the Aravelli Hills affords panoramic views of the rural Rajasthani countryside and the forested valley beneath. The hotel is noted for its excellent organic cuisine and rustic interiors. It will make a perfect location to rest and unwind after your flight and offer a charming and comfortable base from which to explore this fascinating region. Treatments are available in the small Ayurvedic spa. 

... this small village is located just north of Jaipur (160 Km). Today's journey skirts the Sariska National Park, taking us on some beautiful rural roads abundant with wildlife and colourful villages. We take a leisurely pace, with plenty of chai stops. We arrive at the idyllic Samode Bagh hotel mid afternoon where you may chose to relax by the pool, potter about on your bullet, or wander the hotel's beautiful grounds. 

The evening of Day 3 will end with a tour of the nearby palace and then a dinner in the palace garden. 

Accommodation: Samode Bagh. This beautiful boutique hotel is an oasis of hospitality and luxury close to the hustle and bustle of Jaipur. Leafy courtyards, fountains, whitewashed interiors, pools and gardens create the impression you are staying in a traditional Rajasthani Palace. The Samode Bagh prides itself on its environmental policies. It runs a farm which produces much of the hotel's organic food. 

... weave cross-country heading to Pushkar. Away by 8am we take well surfaced, smaller roads through the villages of Chorum and Renwal before heading south to Jobner, Phulera and Naraina. We hit Dudu before the last short scenic ride to the holy town of Pushkar. Pushkar is considered deeply sacred to the Hindus and has been drawing pilgrims and travellers to its holy lake and temples and colourful bazaar for hundreds of years. We have two nights here after this relatively long ride. Our hotel is the magical Seventh Heaven, a petal strewn, 200 year old haveli repleat with cushioned swing seats and a rooftop restaurant. (220Km)

... into the beautiful countryside surrounding Ajmer and Pushkar. The desert backdrop makes a fabulous place to explore on our motorcycles! We take the mountain pass to Ajmer where we visit the Jain Temple, also known as Soniji Ki Nasiyan. It was built in the late nineteenth century. The main chamber, known as the Swarna Nagari "City of Gold", has several gold-plated wooden figures, depicting figures in the Jain religion.

We dine with a local family, take a tour of the lake and temples and experience the joyful lakeside prayer ceremony. (75Km)

Accommodation: Seventh Heaven. The moment you step off the streets of Pushkar bazaar and into this 100 year old haveli (mansion) you will feel as if you have entered a different world, so magical and welcoming is the atmosphere of this family run boutique hotel. There is an incense and petal strewn courtyard with fruit trees, an abundance of swing seats, hammocks and silk cushions and a wonderful rooftop restaurant where meals and snacks are served overlooking the lake and hills.

... Deogarh by midday (120 KM). Today’s journey will take us from the deserts of Pushkar directly south into the more fertile plains of central Rajasthan. After lunch in the hotel gardens you will have the remainder of the day to relax by the fabulous flower shaped pool or explore the local environs. Jeep safaris into the countryside can be arranged or the immediate town is a peaceful place to take a stroll and buy local crafts, there is also a lovely Ayurvedic centre where treatments are available. Dinner will be served on the roof terrace which affords views of the local town and surrounding palace. 

Accommodation: Deogarh Mahal. Literally translated as “abode of the Gods”, this luxurious 15th century converted palace is steeped in history. There is a spa, a lotus shaped pool, several terraces offering splendid views where you can relax, a fabulous art Deco bar and nightly music and dancing before dinner. The hotel also runs its own organic farm which produces most of the hotel’s produce. Dinner is usually served on the roof terrace and is sumptuous and candle-lit. 

...gentle backroads takes us to Ranakpur where we will be staying in the splendid Fateh Bagh Palace hotel, a converted palace with a beautiful pool, classical decor and a fruit tree filled garden. The hotel is only a stone's throw from the medieval town of Ranakpur with its world famous Jain temples. A guided tour of these beautiful sacred monuments is included in your stay. Dinner at the hotel restaurant.

... as it is often known, Udaipur is famous for its lakes and palaces. We will take our time on this journey, enjoying a more rural route that winds its way close to the Kumbhajgarh National Park. We arrive by mid-aftrenoon in time for a dip in the pool or an Ayurvedic massage perhaps. We head into Udaipur old town for a lake-view dinner at the fabulous Ambrai Restaurant.  (120Km)

... of the stunning City Palace. You will then have the rest of the day to explore at leisure - in this beautiful lake-side city you will be spoilt for choice. Hire pedalos and relax on Lake Picola, wander the many boutiques and emporiums in the main bazaar or take a sunset trip to the surrounding mountains and Monsoon Palace. For those itching to stay in the saddle, the surrounding hills and lakes make amazing biking territory. We end our second night here with a classical music and dance concert in the old city before dinner.

Accommodation: Mahendra Prakash. As you enter through the gates of Mahendra Prakash you find yourself in an oasis of Rajasthani charm and comfort where you are treated like one of the family. This small family-run havelli-style hotel has a pleasant pool and gardens and even a family of pet tortoises! There is a garden cafe and a small Keralan Spa where excellent Ayurvedic massage is available.

... the wonder of the Indian railways on an overnight sleeper train journey back to Delhi. Don't worry, we're travelling First Class and will be given a bed, blankets, pillows and a hearty breakfast in a private compartment. A wonderful and surprisingly comfortable way to travel!

... early morning. We will be staying in the peaceful Lutyens’ Bungalow. Lutyens’ Bungalow is located in the heart of New Delhi, a stone’s throw from the tranquil Lodi Gardens where a stroll amongst the trees and Moghul monuments will be the perfect antidote to your train journey. After a few hours to eat a lunch and to rest or perhaps take a dip in the pool, we will visit the Ghandi Smriti memorial and take a guided walk around the monuments of Lodi Gardens. The day will end with an alfresco dinner in Lodi Gardens. 

Accommodation: Lutyens’ Bungalow. This ‘home from home’ heritage property in the heart of New Delhi provides a very warm and peaceful welcome to India. It has a lovely pool, an acre of lush garden to relax and enjoy yoga in and incredibly tasty vegetarian food, much of it grown on site. Shukla and her family make the most attentive hosts and Lutyens’ often feels more like a home than a hotel. It is the perfect retreat from which to enjoy the sights of Delhi. 

... explore Delhi at leisure. Taxis and guides will be at your disposal should you require them. Just talk to your tour leader and a great progranmme will be arranged. For those petrol heads amongst you we will also visit the Karol Bagh district of Delhi - street after street of Royal Enfield dealers. You will meet Arun our main partner in his infamous workshop and office at Madaan Motors.

On our final evening we will enjoy a celebratory dinner and drinks in the fashionable Haus Kaas area of New Delhi. Your Rajasthani adventure has ended but will resonate for years to come.

... get you safely back to Indira Ghandi Airport mid-morning to catch return your flight.