The Royal Rajasthan Cycle 2021

When can I go?

12 November - 21 November 2021	On Sale
Duration	10 days

12 November - 21 November 2021

On Sale

Duration

10 days

What does it cost?

The Royal Rajasthan Cycle 2021

The Challenge

Experience Rajasthan like royalty on this exquisite 372km platinum series bike ride, ending at the world-famous five-star Taj Lake Palace Hotel.

Cycling challenging distances across all sorts of terrains by day, by night we’ll relax in palaces, castles and a former royal home.

We’ll take in a sublime variety of quiet roads, bustling cities, sleepy rural communities and iconic Indian landmarks, with chances to spot the incredible protected wildlife of the area.

Every moment of this adventure is a highlight. Prepare to become immersed in an entirely new world, as we explore the beautiful Blue City of Jodhpur, the captivating local cultures of tribal villages and the breath-taking treasures of the Jain Temples.

We’ll tackle tough climbs to majestic hill-top forts, pass through the enchanting, forested Aravalli Hills and keep our eyes peeled for wolves, leopards, sloth bears and two hundred species of birds at the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, which surrounds the Great Wall.

All this leads to a fantastic celebration at the stunning City of Lakes, with a chance to stay in one of the planet's most famous hotels, the breath-taking Taj Lake Palace Hotel. Our palace accommodation will give us an unbeatable experience in itself, but we'll also enjoy a delicious feast of local Indian cuisine and a relaxing morning boat ride.

What's different about our Platinum Series Challenges?

You'll still conquer great distances, gain all the fitness benefits and donate to your favourite charity, but you'll relax in style. Travelling in small groups, you'll stay in top-rated and hand-picked atmospheric hotels, board luxury coaches for our transfers, relax with daily warm-up rubs and optional massages from a travelling physio. And that's not all... See all the perks of our Platinum Series challenges here.

Your itinerary

Days 1 & 2
London - Delhi - Jodhpur

We first meet as a group at the airport in London, where we catch our overnight flight to Delhi.*

Our friendly local ground agent meets us upon our arrival and we catch a short flight together to Jodhpur. A welcome attack on our senses, Jodhpur greets us with all the bustle, vibrancy, sounds and smells of a multicultural Indian city.

Touching down at the airport, we board our comfortable transport and enjoy a transfer to our palace hotel, the Ajit Bhawan. We pass a variety of beautiful blue buildings and no doubt, glimpse the iconic fort that stands on a rocky mountain, dominating the Blue City.

This afternoon, we have organised a complimentary massage for you to recover from the long flight. You can spend the rest of the afternoon as you please, relaxing at the hotel or exploring the city.

We meet again in the evening for a delicious welcome dinner and a challenge briefing, before retiring to bed to sleep off a long journey.

*You may also opt for our platinum door-to-door transfer service and we'll drive you from your doorstep to the airport in plenty of time for our departure. Simply get in touch and we can arrange this for you at an additional price.

Day 3
Jodhpur cycle tour | approx. 20km

Waking to a big breakfast at our hotel, we have our bike fitting and then we’re off on a stunning cycle tour of Jodhpur.

From our saddles, we take in the maze of medieval streets, the multi-coloured bazaars, the immense wall surrounding the city and of course, the Jaswant Thada, a palace-like cenotaph, built in 1899 by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur State, as a memorial for his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.

Shrouded in an air of serenity and respect, the cenotaph now serves as the cremation ground for the royal Rajput family of Marwar.

We continue our ride up to the Mehrangarh Fort, with stunning reviews to reward us for our tough climb. Leaving the bikes parked, a guided tour of the fort awaits us.

Depending on the time, we either drive back to our hotel for lunch or we walk down from the Fort through the colourful streets of Blue Town. We visit the striking clock tower and the historic step wells, with a chance to try Jodhpur's famous local snack of Kadochi and Lassi along the way.

Riding back to our beautiful hotel, we finish our day with a fantastic Indian dinner.

Day 4
Jodhpur – Luni | approx. 54km

Having found a flavour for the amazing cycling in India on yesterday’s shorter cycle, we now start the real cycling challenge!

Mounting our bikes after breakfast, we pedal out of the city and off the tourist track to see rural Rajasthan at its best.

Our enchanting route takes us through a variety of Bishnoi tribal villages and immerses us in the captivating local culture. The distance may seem long, but every stretch proves joyously flat and well-surfaced. The constant sights, sights, smells and sounds of a country a world apart from our own awes us every pedal of the way.

We reach our accommodation, the iconic Fort Chanwa hotel in Luni in time for a tasty local lunch. You then have the rest of the day free to relax, explore and/or take a leisurely bike ride around the beautiful, historic village of Luni.

We won’t blame you if you simply want to make the most of the heritage Fort Chanwa hotel, which is a tourist attraction in itself. Its magical, manicured gardens, ancient red sandstone walls and regal guest rooms make us feel like royalty!

Retiring to our rooms after an exquisite dinner, we’re doubtless to have an amazing sleep here.

Day 5
Luni – Jojawar | approx. 114km

Our biggest day on the bikes begins with an early breakfast, before we cross the Luni river and head through small hamlets.

With a mix of lush, green vegetation, humble local settlements, views across the river and dusty Indian roads, we gain further insight into the local way of life.

We also encounter a range of terrains today, as we enter the Pali district and cross Marwar Junction, an important railway station and the headquarters of the region, stopping for a beautifully presented packed lunch along the way.

The bustle builds here and then peters off as we draw closer to the village of Jojawar, where our accommodation at the Rawala Jojawar, a former royal home awaits.

This evening, we tuck into a well-deserved dinner and you may want to treat yourself to a relaxing massage from our travelling physiotherapist.

Day 6
Jojawar – Narlai – Jojwar Ghanerao – Ranakpur Jain Temple | approx. 60 + 20km

We leave our gorgeous accommodation after breakfast for yet another day cycling through some of the best rural scenery in India.

The flatter terrain through tranquil fields and slow villages is just what we need after yesterday’s long ride. We may also spot local agricultural workers, clad in bright clothes, tending to their cattle.

One of today’s highlights is passing through the enchanting village of Narlai, which lies in the heart of the forested Aravalli Hills. Here, we can admire the bright and busy markets, colourful flowerbeds and awesome vistas across the surrounding countryside.

Pushing on through more serene scenery, we reach the Ghanero Castle Hotel in time for lunch. This gives us the first taste of our royal accommodation, before we’re back on our bikes for an excursion to the spectacular Ranakpur Jain Temple.

Home to a collection of famous prolific art treasures and some of the most striking architecture in India, this incredible landmark is more than worth the extra cycle.

After an amble around its amazing buildings, we transfer in our comfortable transport back to our castle hotel for a delicious dinner and a great night’s rest.

Day 7
Ghanerao - Ranakpur – Kumbhalgarh | approx. 42km

Breakfast at our hotel sets us up for a tougher but no less picturesque cycle today, as we undulate towards the World Heritage Site of Kumbhalgarh fort.

If opportunity allows, we pass through the fascinating villages of Garasia tribes, along with other local communities that rarely see westerners. Pedalling on, we catch glimpses of the iconic fort and its wall, which is the second largest wall in India, after the India Great Wall.

Eventually, we enter the very special wildlife sanctuary that surrounds it. Here, a myriad of animals and plants enjoy a home, protected from poachers and deforestation. Keep your eyes peeled for parakeets, kingfishers and the other two hundred species of birds, along with wolves, leopards, sloth bears and chausinghas (four-horned antelopes).

Finding the handsome Aodhi hotel, which will be our home for the night, we refuel with lunch, before taking a short ride to the famous Kumbhalgarh Fort. As the second most important fort in Rajasthan and one of the “five walls of Rajasthan”, this impressive 15th Century monument has been named a UNSESCO World Heritage Site and treats us to jaw-dropping views of its surrounding temples, palaces and gardens. Needless to say, it is well worth the extra cycle!

We end our day riding back to our palace accommodation for a dinner of delicious local cuisine.

Day 8
Kumbhalgarh – Udaipur | approx. 62km

Our last day in the saddles takes us along peaceful backroads through timeless Indian villages, a chance to immerse ourselves further in the sleepy countryside culture. We ride on until we reach our very welcome finishing point of Iswal.

Here, we tuck into a triumphant picnic lunch and board our comfortable transport to transfer to one of the world's most famous hotels, the luxurious Taj Lake Palace hotel in Udaipur. Staying in this iconic palace will give us an unbeatable experience, with exquisite views across the lake, immaculate hospitality and hotel rooms that you won't ever want to leave.

Along the way, we stretch our legs visiting the famous city palace in Udaipur, aka. the “Pearl of India”, the 'City of Sunrise' and the 'Venice of the East'.

Situated on the east side of Lake Pichola, the main palace commands an unsurpassed view across the shimmering lake to the dusty Aravalli Hills with our beautiful hotel adding to the scene.

Tonight, we toast our success over an amazing celebration feast.

Day 9
Udaipur – Delhi

Beginning with a beautiful early morning boat ride, we spend our final day of the adventure in the City of Lakes.

Our boat ride across the seven stunning lakes gives us unparalleled views of Udaipur in its full glory. Dubbed "the most romantic spot on the continent of India" by British administrator James Tod, the city is known for its history, culture, scenery and the Rajput-era palaces (including last night’s hotel). Still buzzing from our completion of the challenge, it makes the perfect start to our day.

Returning to our hotel for a freshly prepared breakfast, the rest of the day is free to spend as you please exploring Udaipur’s numerous forts, palaces, museums, galleries, temples and gardens. You may want to skip the sight-seeing and simply wander the city streets, picking up last-minute souvenirs.

In the late afternoon, we reunite for our short flight to Delhi. Once checked in to our final night’s accommodation near the airport, we have a little time to freshen up before dinner in the hotel restaurant. Then, we retire to get a good night’s sleep before our flight home tomorrow.

Day 10
Delhi – UK

After an early breakfast, we transfer in our luxury in our comfortable transport to the airport in Delhi, where our local challenge leader bids us goodbye.

From there, we catch a daytime flight back to London, touching down in the mid-afternoon. Here, we part ways and you make your own way home.

Again, you can opt for our platinum door-to-door transfer services and we'll drive you in our luxury coach right to your doorstep (not included in challenge costs).

Book my place

What is different about a Platinum Series challenge?

You'll still conquer great distances, gain all the fitness benefits and donate to your favourite charity, but you'll relax in style.

Travelling in small groups, you'll stay in top-rated and hand-picked atmospheric hotels, board luxury transport for our transfers, relax with daily warm-up rubs and optional massages from a travelling physio. And that's not all... See all the perks of our Platinum Series challenges here.

Is it safe to book now with the coronavirus situation?

As we hope you know, the health and safety of our participants is always - and has always been - our highest priority.

Our team of experts here at DC has created an industry-leading 14-step initiative, to minimise the risk of coronavirus and reassure you that you're safe booking with us.

If the challenge can’t happen on the planned dates because of COVID-19, we would postpone it until 2022. We would of course let you know as soon as possible and give you the full details so that you can mark the date in your diary.

A challenge must meet the following criteria to go ahead:

The UK government, including the Foreign Commonwealth Office and the authorities of the destination country, must be allowing travel and events of this type at the time of departure.
There must be no general requirement for isolation or quarantine on arrival in the destination country or on the return to the UK at the time of departure.
The challenge must meet all the relevant parts of our 14-step COVID-19 action plan.
There must be enough participants wanting to travel to make the group viable.
The challenge must be an enjoyable and memorable experience within any actions that need to be taken.

How fit do I have to be?

The Royal Rajasthan Cycle 2021 is not designed for Olympic athletes – it's designed for people looking for an amazing goal to train and get fit for.

A number of the people who take part on this challenge will have a low level of fitness when they sign up. Our cycle through the amazing region of Rajasthan is the perfect motivation to get fit and have the experience of a lifetime.

Once you have registered for the challenge, we'll send you a realistic and achievable training plan, which builds up gradually as the event gets closer. If you can't make it outside to train due to coronavirus restrictions, try out our ten fab indoor training ideas here.

We will tackle quite a few hills on this challenge, including some steep sections, so please take this into account when training for the challenge. Don't let this deter you, though - the breath-taking views across the lush countryside will be more than worth the climbs.

Is there a minimum/maximum age limit?

You need to be 18 years old or over to take part in the Royal Rajasthan Cycle 2021. There's no maximum age limit. One of the amazing things about this challenge is that it brings adults of all ages and from all cycles of life together for one amazing event.

16 and 17-year olds may participate if given permission by the event organisers. Please get in touch with us to discuss this. Simply email events@dream-challenges.com and we'll be happy to help.

What is included?

Your registration fee of £499 per person is used to secure your seats with the airline and to secure rooms at the iconic hotels we will stay at throughout.

Your challenge costs of £3,800 cover:

Your economy flights on a premium airline, including airport taxes and the fuel surcharge, approx. £350*
Exquisite meals and snacks throughout the challenge
Accommodation at 4 to 5 star hotels*
All transfers in India. This will be in luxury vehicles.
High-spec bike hire and mechanical support
Entry fees where required
A team of first-aid and COVID-19-trained challenge guides and Dream Challenges staff
Full support from the Dream Challenges office in the lead up to and during your challenge
Medical support, including at least one UK doctor with expedition medicine training
Your Royal Rajasthan Cycle 2021 medal and bespoke cycling jersey
Complimentary Travel Kits, including eco-friendly toiletries and sweet treats
Post-flight massage and daily warm-up rubs from our pro travelling physio in the mornings and at our lunch stops
Extra protocols taken to protect you from COVID-19 - please see our ground-breaking 14-step action plan here

*Economy flights are included in the challenge costs. However, if you would like to upgrade to a business class or first class seat, please get in touch and we can arrange this for you at an additional price.

**Accommodation is included for all participants on a twin-sharing basis. If you would like to have a room to yourself, we can arrange a single supplement for you at an additional price. Please get in touch at least 14 weeks before our departure by emailing events@dream-challenges.com or calling 01590 646410 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm).

What other costs will I have to pay?

In addition to paying your registration fee (£499) and your challenge costs (£3,800), you'll need to budget for your:

Travel to and from the airport in the UK. You can arrange this for yourself or book our fantastic platinum door-to-door transfers services. We'll drive you to and from the airport in our luxury vehicles.
Personal travel insurance.
Gratuities.
Personal expenses.
Your visa for India, currently approx. £20 ($23) but subject to change at the discretionary of the Indian embassy. You will need to arrange this yourself. We'll send you details of this in the lead up to the challenge.
Economy seats with a premium airline are included in your challenge costs, but you may opt to upgrade to business/first class seats for an additional price.
You may also opt to pay for a single supplement at our luxury accommodation, including a single supplement at the world-famous Taj Lake palace Hotel. If you would like to request this, please get in touch for more details and so that we can arrange this for you. Please note, this is not included in your challenge costs.

Do I need special equipment?

A cycling helmet is essential. Cycling shorts are also recommended and everyone will need their own water bottles or a Camelbak-type hydration system.

Apart from that no specialist equipment is required. We will supply you with a list of everything you will need to take before you go.

Cyclists will have the use of high-spec 18 or 21-gear bikes and it is suggested that you bring the saddle or gel cover you are used to riding on. If you would rather bring your own bike, that's no problem on this Platinum Challenge. Please simply let us know at least 14 weeks before departure.

We'll also send all participants a free Travel Safety Kit ahead of the challenge and it's essential you bring this with you to minimise both your own and your fellow participants' risk of COVID-19.

Your Travel Safety Kit will include hand sanitiser, anti-bac wipes and face masks for each day of the challenge. Please note, you do not have to wear face masks while cycling.

Where will we sleep overnight?

We will stay in luxury, atmospheric and hand-picked heritage hotels, including forts, castles and a former Royal Home. This Platinum Series challenge also gives us the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay in one of the world's most famous hotel, the Taj Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur.

Luxury accommodation is included on a twin-sharing basis. However, if you would rather have a room to yourself, please get in touch with us at least 14 weeks before departure and we can arrange a single supplement for you at an additional price.

Can I extend my stay at the end of the challenge?

Yes of course! If you wish to extend your stay, please let us know at least 14 weeks before our departure date and we can arrange this for you.

The easiest way to get in touch is by emailing us at events@dream-challenges.com or calling us on 01590 646410 (9am - 5pm Monday - Friday)

Can you arrange a door-to-door transport service for us?

Absolutely! We are delighted to offer all Platinum Series Challenge participants an optional door-to-door transport service for an additional price. Instead of meeting at the airport in London, you can opt for us to drive you from your doorstep in luxury transport to the airport and drop you off at the end of our challenge as well. Please get in touch at least 14 weeks before departure to find out more and request this service for an additional price.

What about insurance and visas?

Travel Insurance

You will need to take out your own personal travel insurance covering health, accident, loss and repatriation. We're delighted to have found a fantastic travel insurance policy, which covers you for this type of activity and also for cancellation due to medically diagnosed COVID-19. Please ask the insurer about the nature of the cover. It is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate cover for your challenge.

You can, however, take out your own insurance, providing it covers you for a cycle in India.

Visa
All participants will need a tourist visa for India, currently approx. £20 ($23) but subject to change at the discretionary of the Indian embassy. You will need to arrange this yourself.

Please don't apply for your visa until we advise you to do so. We will send you all the relevant information about how to do this before the challenge.

Please make sure to apply for your visa on the correct website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

This is the only website the High Commission of India uses and other sites are likely to be scams and/or charge unnecessary fees.

What will the group size be?

Our Dream Challenges are renowned for their camaraderie, but we find that the strongest bonds are formed in smaller groups. We'll travel in a group of around 20 people or fewer and you're likely to make friends for life! What's more, a small group mean no queues!

Can you offer travel vaccination advice?

As we're not medically trained, we're afraid we can't offer you advice on this. We recommend you contact your GP or your local travel clinic, who will have the latest travel health advice.

We also recommend you visit the NHS Fit for Travel website here, to keep up to date with current travel health news and advice on staying healthy abroad.

NHS Fit for Travel website: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own bike, providing it is a mountain bike and suitable for the conditions. Please let us know if you would like to do this at least 14 weeks before the challenge starts and we can arrange this with the airline for you.

Can I pay for a single supplement?

Yes, luxury accommodation is included on a twin-sharing basis. However, if you would rather have a room to yourself, please get in touch with us at least 14 weeks before departure and we can arrange a single supplement for you at an additional price.

The Royal Rajasthan Cycle 2021

When can I go?

What does it cost?

The Royal Rajasthan Cycle 2021