Rajasthan, India. The Land of Maharajas

Transcription

1 Rajasthan, India The Land of Maharajas

2 TRAVEL DESIGNER Stephane Gautronneau JOHN Our fashion-icon tour leader has two long-standing passions: photography and the Bullet. But above all, he s in love with India. Since his arrival 20 years ago, he s been riding his Royal Enfield all around the country: never tired, always curious! A mythical journey in Rajputana, on a lively and exhilarating motorbike trip brimful of emotions and colors! 2

3 AT A GLANCE 4-6h riding a day Routes blending culture and discovery Period October to March Duration 13 days including 11 days riding Level intermediate English-speaking tour leader Accommodation From Standard or Boutique or Comfort

4 MAP A CIRCUIT WITH UNIQUE SENSATIONS Rajasthan a fascinating mixture of authentic villages, secret trails, majestic forts, palaces, unforgettable encounters and scenes of everyday life. Embrace an intensely new world with surprises guaranteed too! Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Pushkar, Jaipur will leave you blinking at their sheer wealth of history and culture. A magical night under the stars in Thar Desert, then you continue to other climes. This rite-of-passage trip spanning more than 2,200 kms (1,370 miles) will take you as far as the Aravali Range, a wild green haven of peace. More than a motorbike trip, this is an intense and potent experience of India, and will leave an indelible impression! 4

5 YOUR TRIP IN 13 STAGES STAGE 1 Arrival in Delhi Arrival in Delhi at Indira Gandhi International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city. Your room is available at 1200hrs. You can either recover from the flight or go out and discover the trepidant capital of India. Overnight stay at the hotel. Delhi - Alsisar [145 km* 6h riding] Stephane Gautronneau STAGE 2 We start our journey heading towards Shekhawati in North-East Rajasthan, region renowned for its majestic havelis built by the local merchants until the XIXth century. The day begins with a 3 hour drive in a private vehicle to get out of New Delhi. The bikes await us in Behror, for a 170km ride along small and sometimes bumpy rural roads. Overnight stay in Alsisar. 5

6 YOUR TRIP IN 13 STAGES Alsisar - Bikaner [240 km* 6h riding] We ride deeper into sandy landscapes, towards Bikaner the Pearl of Rajasthan. The road is good. Bikaner is located near the Thar Desert. As we visit its fortress and crowded streets, we are fascinated by its overwhelming liveliness. Arrival at the hotel and free afternoon to visit Bikaner and its splendid fort. Overnight stay at the hotel. STAGE 3 Bikaner - Jaisalmer [360 km* 7/8h riding] A long ride deeper into the Thar Desert, we are still riding on good roads. As we get closer to Phalodi, it is not a rare sight to see antelopes on the edge of the road. At the end of the day, we reach Jaisalmer which dominates the desert horizon. Overnight stay at the hotel. Stephane Gautronneau STAGE 4 Bishnois are ardent nature lovers. Inhabiting the arid region surrounding the town of Phalodi, Bishnois have gone to the extent of sacrificing their lives in order to protect the wildlife and trees. Despite being staunch Hindus, Bishnois bury their dead kith and kin, not following the Hindu practice of cremating the dead so as to save trees. Bishnoi men stand apart with their large white turbans in contrast to the men of other tribes who sport colorful turbans. Women are dressed in bright hued saris and wear traditional gold nose rings. 6

7 YOUR TRIP IN 13 STAGES Jaisalmer [90 km* 4h riding] STAGE 5 On the eve of a long day of riding, we take a well deserved break from the bikes to visit the fortressed city, which is like an architectural dream in the middle of the desert. According on your desires you can also take the bikes for a loop around Jaisalmer. STAGE 6 Jaisalmer - Jodhpur [310 km* 7/8h riding] This day takes us on infinite small roads towards the East on the way to Jodhpur, the «Blue City». 300 kilometers of pleasure and friendly encounters! Farmers and heards of camels punctuate our route Overnight stay at the hotel. 7

8 YOUR TRIP IN 13 STAGES Jodhpur - Ghanerao [185 km* 5h riding] STAGE 7 In the morning, we visit Jodhpur, learning fascinating facts, gaping in amazement at its historical Mehrangarh Fort and its gorgeous Umaid Bhawan Palace and catching a glimpse of life while walking in the bustling, colorful, narrow alleys. In the afternoon, we head south to the ancient Mewar kingdom. Overnight stay in a charming fort built in STAGE 8 Ghanerao - Udaipur [115 km* 4/5h riding] We make a short stop at Ranakpur to visit its Jain temples that are as imposing as cathedrals and as white as ivory. Going up and down the boulders and small hills of the Aravali Mountains, we reach the Venice of the East, Udaipur, built around the Pichola Lake. The ancient capital of the Mewar region, Udaipur, is one of the highest cities above sea level with dense forest and rich green areas. Overnight stay at the hotel. Johann Rousselot 8

9 YOUR TRIP IN 13 STAGES Udaipur [20 to 100 km* 3h riding] Today you will have the choice between visiting Udaipur, the City of Lakes, or take the bike for a loop in the heart of the Aravallis. STAGE 9 Udaipur - Auwa [210 km* 6/7h riding] Stephane Gautronneau STAGE 10 Early departure towards the fortress of Khumbalagarh, which has the second longest wall after the Great Wall of China. In the afternoon, we head north to the city of Dhamli. We leave the Aravali hills to reach the wide semi-arid plains of the Marwar region. Overnight stay in a fort. 9

10 YOUR TRIP IN 13 STAGES Auwa - Pushkar [175 km* 5h riding] STAGE 11 We ride towards Pushkar, a small and very important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Built around a holy lake, Pushkar has the only temple dedicated to Brahma (the Creator in Hindu mythology). It is also famous for its annual Camel fair; Pushkar is a museum in itself. Overnight stay at the hotel. STAGE 12 Pushkar - Jaipur [190 km* 6h riding] Heading north, we take small roads to the pink city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. On the way, we discover the great salted lake of Sambhar. In the afternoon, you are free to visit the Pink City. Overnight stay at the hotel. Jaipur is known for its palaces, its jewelers and its liveliness. The city was built in 1727, by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. One of the wealthiest cities of Historic India, today Jaipur is a beautiful and vibrant amalgam of modern times and ancient Indian culture. From Camel rides to swanky cars, multiplexes to boulevard shops, Jaipur gives a true picture of the princely state of Rajasthan. 10

11 YOUR TRIP IN 13 STAGES Jaipur - Delhi - Airport [280 km* 6h drive] STAGE 13 Return to Delhi early morning in a private vehicle, to avoid the hustle and bustle of the capital. One or two rooms are booked for you to freshen up before your flight back home. Drop off and farewells at Indira Gandhi International Airport. End of our services. Johann Rousselot *Riding distances are indicative. 11

12 YOUR FORMULA Join a fixed departure 2690 / pilot* 2390 / pillion* Book at 4 and more: 2540 / pilot* To know the dates of our upcoming fixed departures. go to - tab "Our Trips", or contact one of our travel advisors at: contact@vintagerides.com. *These rates are indicative, please refer to our General Terms & Conditions. Want to leave in a closed group? Ask us for a quote for a private tour. And enjoy 5% off your second trip 10% off your third trip and more Always in the limit of

13 MORE INFO PRICE INCLUDES A Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycle provided with full mechanical assistance and all spare parts Domestic transfers as appearing in the program, by private vehicle An English-speaking Tour Leader (from day 2 to day 12) Fuel expenses An expert mechanic of Royal Enfield motorcycles A support vehicle with driver for groups with 4 or more participants; side luggage carrier for groups of less than 4 participants Lodging in comfort hotels, in double bed rooms on a twin-sharing basis. If you wish to stay in a single room (extra), please inform your travel advisor at the time of registration. Meals: half board meals (breakfast and lunch) during days of riding Third party motorcycle insurance PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE Compulsory insurances, such as repatriation assistance which covers you in case of a motorbike accident in India legal assistance A refundable security deposit of 400 for the motorcycles International flights and airport taxes Visa fees Dinners and meals during days of transfers (day 1 and day 14) Admission fees to various monuments, temples etc. Drinks and personal expenses Tips Christmas Eve and New Years Eve event fees 13

14 MY CHECKLIST Appropriate equipment is a component of a successful journey! Travel lightly,try TO STAY UNDER 45LBS (20 KGS) BAGS: A sailor bag would be perfect, a walker's bag too (without steel bar). You can close it with a padlock if you want to.don t forget to tag it before leaving with your address. Also with the address of Vintage Rides in India. A small backpack of 20 litres is advised for daily necessities such as camera, sunscreen lotion. SPECIAL MOTORCYCLE EQUIPMENT: Motorcycle boots are strongly advised or trekking shoes (waterproof) Light motorbike jacket (leather or synthetic) A rain suit (just in case!) Gloves Helmet PERSONAL MEDICINES : Sunscreen lotion Lip balm Broad-spectrum antibiotic Paracetamol Anti-diarrhea Elastoplast Skin disinfectant Bandages and special blisters bandage CLOTHES AND PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: Light pants Shirts (including some with long sleeves, to protect yourself from the sun) A swimsuit Hot sweater or jacket for cold nights Sunglasses Hat Light sport shoes Flip flops 1 liter canteen (flask) and a flashlight (don t forget the battery) Some sweets and cereal bars 14

15 CONTACT US Copyright photos : Franck Charton, Johann Rousselot, Marie Diemer, Jolly Bilitis, Benjamin Benini, Serge Girard. VINTAGE RIDES INDIA C-65 Okhla phase 1 New Delhi Tel: VINTAGE RIDES FRANCE 98 Rue Baudin Levallois-Perret By appointment only Tel: CONTACT@VINTAGERIDES.COM 15