Rajasthan Heritage Tour by Bike

Your Rajasthan motorcycle tour really begins as you ride out to Mandawa, a town in the Shekhawati region, known as the “Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan”. This 18th century town is famous for its beautifully painted havelis (mansions) built by merchant families with murals depicting Rajasthani culture and legends.

On arrival, explore the markets and wander through havelis showing scenes of royal life, mythology and even colonial influence. Highlights include Murmuria Haveli with its bold paintings and Mandawa Fort where you can see the town and the dunes from above. End the day with a camel ride through the old town and enjoy the sights and sounds of this painted town.

Ride to Bikaner, a desert city with many forts and palaces. On arrival visit the Junagarh Fort, a massive red sandstone structure that has never been conquered. This 16th century fort complex has over 37 palaces and pavilions with intricate mirror work, ornate carvings and frescoes. Highlights include Suraj Pol (the Sun Gate), Chandra Mahal and Phool Mahal, all showcasing the royal grandeur of Bikaner.

Visit the Junagarh Fort Museum to see the past of Bikaner through the royal attire, weaponry and miniature paintings and get a glimpse of the rich heritage of this desert city. In the evening, walk through the markets of Bikaner and see the traditional handicrafts and local delicacies of the region.

As you riding through heritage places of Rajasthan, make a stop at the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, also known as the “Temple of Rats.” Here thousands of black rats, called kababs, roam free in the temple premises. Visitors consider seeing these sacred rats as a blessing as it’s believed they are the reincarnated souls of the temple’s devotees.

After this unusual experience, ride to Jodhpur with a lunch stop at the historic Khimsar Fort, a 500 year old fort turned heritage hotel, to get a glimpse of royal life. On arrival in Jodhpur, you have some free time to relax and explore this “Blue City” famous for its blue houses against the arid Thar Desert landscape.

Start your Jodhpur tour with a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most magnificent forts in India, situated on a hill with a view of the blue city below. As you walk through the fort, enjoy live Rajasthani music echoing through the vast courtyards. Highlights are Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) and Jhanki Mahal with royal relics and beautifully latticed windows.

Then descend to the Clock Tower Market and get a feel of the local culture. Try the makhaniya lassi, a creamy saffron flavored yogurt drink that’s a specialty of Jodhpur and then take a fun Tuk-Tuk ride through the narrow lanes.

Then visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the largest private residences in the world. Built in early 20th century by Maharaja Umaid Singh, this art deco marvel is a relic of the era of the last ruling maharajas of Rajasthan. A part of the palace is now a luxury hotel and museum with royal artifacts and the Maharaja’s vintage car collection.

Today you will ride to Pushkar, a holy town around the sacred Pushkar Lake. With 52 ghats (stone staircases) around the lake this is a spiritual oasis and a hub of Hindu devotion, attracting pilgrims from all over India.

In the evening visit the Brahma Temple, the only temple in the world dedicated to the creator god Brahma. Walk through the local bazaars and take a camel or bullock cart ride around the town to soak in the Pushkar magic.

Ride through the Aravalli Hills to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and India’s Pink City. Upon arrival, get into the city’s heritage with a visit to Galta Ji Temple, a hidden temple complex in a narrow gorge. Famous for its water tanks and monkeys, Galta Ji is a beautiful mix of nature and devotion.

As the sun sets, have some free time to wander around Jaipur’s markets, famous for textiles, jewelry and souvenirs. A Rajasthan bike tour isn’t complete without experiencing the chaos of Jaipur’s markets.

Today you will visit Amber Fort, a hilltop fortress with great views of Maota Lake. Walk through the ornate halls like Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) and Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) where the Rajput rulers used to hold court.

Return to the city for a photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), the pink sandstone facade with 953 windows where the royal ladies used to sit and watch the city’s activity. Later visit City Palace, the grand complex that showcases the royal family’s opulence with its museums, weaponry and art collections.

End the day with a visit to Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest observatories in the world with oversized instruments that show India’s ancient scientific prowess.

Ride to Agra with an en-route visit to Abhaneri, a village famous for its ancient Chand Baori stepwell. Built in 8th century, Chand Baori is a stunning structure with thousands of steps descending into a deep water reservoir. This medieval marvel is an architectural wonder, showcasing the ingenuity of Rajasthan’s ancestors.

Ride to Agra and visit Agra Fort, a red sandstone fort on the Yamuna River. The fort has great views of the Taj Mahal and the royal quarters and audience halls where the Mughal emperors used to hold court.

On the last day we will go for a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, looks stunning in the morning light.

Ride back to Delhi and end your Rajasthan heritage motorcycle tour. Have a farewell dinner at a Delhi restaurant and relive the moments of India’s history, beauty and the thrill of riding Rajasthan.