Udaipur 1200

... is something to savour!  After breakfast we head west out of the valley to just north of Jaipur (160km). 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. 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 200 year old haveli. We arrive in time for a walk through Pushkar's bustling market to its holy lake. Dinner is at a local family's house - hosted by Carrie and Pete's good friends Polly and Tolly Parasher and their lovely children. (220km)

... Deogarh by midday (120km). Today’s journey will take us from Pushkar directly south into the more fertile plains of central Rajasthan. Heading south we take the NH8 road towards Deogarh. We cover some ground on the highway before exiting the main road to pick up a spellbinding backroad at Behroot. We weave through glorious scenes of rural Rajasthani life before rejoining the main road at Bhim. The Deogarh Mahal hotel is a rambling palace, now converted into a beautiful luxury hotel complete with a flower shaped pool and spa. After lunch in the hotel gardens you will have the remainder of the day to relax by the fabulous 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. 

... take beautiful back roads through the villages of Amet, Rajsamand lake, Nathdwawa, Mavli, Nandrel and Dabok. We reach the city of Udaipur by mid-afternoon. The day's riding is wonderfully relaxed. We check into the Mahendra Prakash hotel in time for a swim and dinner at the fabulous lake-side Ambrai restaurant.

... guided tour of the stunning City Palace. In your free time you will be spoilt for choice - you can hire pedalos and relax on Lake Picola, wander the many shops, 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 lakes and hills make perfect biking territory. We end our second night here with a classical music and dance concert in the old city.  

... a quirky, family run hotel well known for its warm welcome and tasty organic food. We take the NH76 initially before picking up the SH79 to Chittor followed by the SH76 to Bassi arriving in time for a dip in the splendid pool or a walk into the local village before a buffet dinner. (156km)

... the tranquil NH27 for most of the ride. Bundi is an ancient and bustling town with a marvellous palace and fort perched above its colourful market. We spend the night at the Bundi Mahal - a beautifully restored havelli on the edge of the town. Still largely off the main tourist trail - Bundi is well known for its laid back atmosphere, warm welcome and typical Rajasthani painted havellis. Family dinner at our friends' house. (145km)

... to the small town of Bharatpur, which is world famous for its bird sanctuary. Our hotel -  The Birders' Inn - has a pleasant garden filled with fruit trees, a pool and a wonderful restaurant.  For those who want to explore the natural wonders nearby, The Birder's Inn is the perfect perch, located a mere stone's throw from the entrance to the park. We arrive early afternoon, in time for a guided tour of the bird sanctuary. The day ends with a sumptuous buffet dinner. 

Birder's Inn acts as a base for our two planned excursions - the ghostly deserted town of Fatepur Sikri and the magnificent Taj Mahal. (189Km)

... not complete until one has witnessed the sheer beauty of this iconic building. Today we ditch the bikes and jump onboard the minibus. We head to Agra (50Km) and have a guided tour with our friend and tour guide Monica. We stop off at the desterted town of Fatepur Sikri on our way back to Birders Inn.

... saying 'good bye' to our Bullets.  We stay in the bustling Paharganj district. If time allows it we head to Karol Bagh - the area where all our petrol head friends hang out! You will meet Arun our motorcycle partner and his mates. We will also meet up again with Sanjay, Anil and Saddam.

The Royal Enfield has an exclusive street dedicated for it in the Karol Bagh Bike Market. Here you can find not only the rarest of spare parts, but can also get immense services and second hand Bullets at some incredible rates. The reason why bike lovers keep flocking to this place in large numbers is the quality of the products available at affordable rates. This is probably the only area in the country where at least 50 shops are lined up to meet the requirements of the bike and Bullet lovers. Some of the classic vintage models too are restored to perfection in this bike market. We enjoy a final dinner and a beer or two at the hotel's roof-top restaurant.

... gets you back to the airport in plenty of time for your flight home.  Your time in India has come to an end but the memories will last a lifetime.