Tour At a Glance..

Best travel-time:             

October, November, February and march

Start/Finish:                        

Delhi / Delhi

Duration:                                 

15 travel days, 10 riding days

Distance covered:             

around 1120 miles / 1800 km

Day rides:                      

65 - 205 miles / 100 - 320 km

Roads:                                 

Mainly tarmac; around 85 %  / 15 % some stretches with  gravel

Motorcycles:                       

Royal Enfield Bullet 500cc, or Himalayan 411cc with all latest features.   

Rider's requirements:

A comfortable ride on tarmac and gravel. Steady nerves for the traffic needed!

Group size:                     

Min. 4 and max. 10 riders - space for pillion rider in our follow up car.

Accommodations:        

Heritage hotels, old palaces and castles converted into Hotels, sometime middle-class Hotels.

Riding Level:                     

Intermediate

Highlights:                     
Taj Mahal, Udaipur Charms ”Holi Festival”, Jaisalmer Desert Fortress, Rajputana Culture, Colourful land and Amazing People…

Important:                     

VISA needed! For many nationalities "Visa on arrival" possible now. You need to apply online!

RAJESTHAN ESSENTIALS

DRIVING LICENSE (Rider): Full and valid for min 411 cc motorcycle

INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT (Rider): Obtain from your country of residence.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Must cover riding motorcycle overseas for leisure

PROPER PROTECTIVE RIDING GLOVES – SUMMER

PROPER RIDING BOOTS - Preferably water-proof High Ankle

RIDING JACKET + PANTS

HELMET - We’d prefer if you brought your own

* Please note that if your riding gear doesn’t include proper padding OR if you choose not to wear one (specifically on warm days), please bring separate Knee & Elbow guards.

RIDING GOGGLES

BALACLAVA (to protect from dust & insects)

EYE DROPS

SUN SCREEN / SUN BLOCK AND LIP BALM

TORCH/FLASHLIGHT

THERMAL UNDERWEAR & WARM (WOOLEN) CAP

INSECT REPELLENT

MEDICINES/DRUGS (LEGAL) Carry prescriptions with you.

OTHER PERSONAL CLOTHING

ITEMS OF PERSONAL CARE & HYGIENE

OPTIONAL/SUGGESTED

SUNGLASSES / SUN HAT

WATER CARRIER/HYDRATION PACK

SCARF / BANDANA (to protect face/neck)

EAR PLUG

YOUR FAVOURITE BOTTLE OF LIQUOR & COFFEE you might find Indian spirits & coffee unsavoury.

*PLEASE NOTE: ON ALL OUR TOURS THE SPACE ON THE SUPPORT VEHICLES IS LIMITED. HENCE, WE REQUEST THAT YOU LIMIT YOUR BAGGAGE TO 25 KG.

CLIMATE

The climate of Rajasthan is generally
hot and dry. However, the climate of Rajasthan can be divided into four seasons,
namely summers, winters, monsoon and post-monsoon. Read on to further explore
Rajasthan Climatic Conditions:

Summer

The cuisine that originated in Rajasthan and the surrounding
region in India is known as the Rajasthani cuisine. The state of Rajasthan is
famed for its rich regal culture and heritage. The arid nature of the region,
the extreme climatic conditions, scarcity of water and vegetation has witnessed
evolvement of unique cooking styles and food habits of the natives that is
noticeably different from other Indian cuisines. The Rajasthanis have moulded
their culinary styles in such a way that many of their dishes can be shelved
for several days and served without heating. The royal heritage of the region
as well as the gastronomic enthusiasm among locals have led to a wide variety
of delectable and exquisite Rajasthani dishes starting from main courses to
snacks to sweet dishes. Some items like Dal-Baati-Churma and Bikaneri Bhujia
have garnered both national and international popularity among foodies.

Distinct Features

The culinary style of the region to a great extent shaped up
according to the bellicose lifestyle of the natives. Unavailability of a
variety of fresh vegetables, fruits and other ingredients and scarcity of water
due to the arid nature of the region has profound effect on the cooking style
of the locals, particularly those living in the desert pockets. Traditionally
the locals preferred to prepare such items that could be retained for a few
days and consumed without heating them. Paucity of water in the region has
witnessed extensive use of dairy products by the inhabitants like milk, butter
and butter milk so as to compensate or reduce the water content while cooking.
Beans, dried lentils and legumes like gram flour, bajra and jowar form the main
ingredients of many of the Rajasthani dishes. Ghee is liberally used in
preparing different Rajasthani dishes which are rich in spice and flavour.
Although predominantly a vegetarian region, the influence of the Rajputs who
savoured non-vegetarian dishes including game meat saw the evolution of several
luscious non-vegetarian dishes such as laal maas, jungle maas, khad khargosh
and safed maas.

Rajasthani breads are made out of conventional staples of the
region like corn, barley and millet which are grounded into flour. Breads are
generally roasted in frying pans and served after adding ghee on each piece. Of
late wheat flour has replaced these traditional grains to some extent.

Popular Rajasthani Dishes

Rajasthani cuisine offers some exotic and scrumptious combo meals
and dishes that are sure to delight the taste buds of foodies. Some of them are
mentioned below. 

Bajre ki roti and Lashun ki chutney

Bajre ki roti made with bajra (millet) is very popular and
healthy flat bread that is relished across Rajasthan. Though it can be taken
with any vegetable dish or kadhi, it is generally savoured with onions and
Lasun ki chutney that is a saucy preparation made with garlic. This combination
has remained a staple food for the locals.

·       The Royal Enfield 350 & 500cc Bullet, EFI

The R E Bullet 350cc (500cc is now discontinued but we have some parked in the garage for you) is now equipped with front and rear disc brakes and EFI. This is a perfect motorcycle for chugging along the gently winding roads. The long solo seat with a raised pillion is also a great benefit if you have a pillion, which is common on our Every tours.

·       The RE “Himalayan” 411 cc, EFI

We use these bikes in most of our tours to India. The tall stance, high placed handlebars, high ground clearance, the up-angled silencer and the belly pan prove their worth both on road and off. With a 21? front wheel and a rear “mono-shock” suspension, it can pretty much ride over everything. At 411cc / 24.5 bhp, it has enough grunt in it to keep you going on the rougher sections in the Himalayas as well as On the Indian National highways .

The Royal Enfield Classic 500 cc  (discontinued)

This “Classic” with it the vintage charm and the “Retro Bullet feel” was loved by our customers.  However, in 2019, when India moved from BS4 to BS6 emission norms, Royal Enfield discontinued production of this model.  As we constantly “retire” our older bikes and replace them with newer ones, we are no longer able to do that with the 500cc one. Hence, we had to take the decision of discontinuing this model from our fleet, till RE launches another suitable 500cc model.  However, if you wanted to ride only this bike on one of our tours, do write to us with a special request and we’ll do our best to get one for you.

Local Culture*

Being a mix of faiths, practices, and
diversities, Rajasthan showcase a vibrant display of cultures. Life in this
desert land is all about traditional ways of living. Be it the architecture,
costumes, cuisine, local dialects, arts and crafts, or its fairs and festivals,
you can always find a unique charm and plethora of celebrations while
travelling around this state.

Today, Rajasthan has developed like
any other Indian state. However, unlike them, this gorgeous state has endured
all its cultural aspects and never hesitates to introduce the outer world with
them. Let’s delve deep into the cultures of Rajasthan and have a livelier
glimpse of how life thrives in this desert land of India.

a)Traditional Costumes*

Bright colours, intricate designs,
mirror works, and chunks of silver or other pieces of jewellery are the most
important elements of Rajasthani attires. Be it the men or the women, they all
love to adorn themselves in thwe most colourful ways while being grounded to
their tradition and cultural values.

Since the state is dotted with a
diverse range of cultures, dressing among the locals vary from according to
their region. However, they showcase a striking range of similarities. Men
usually love to don colourful turbans called ‘pagri’; the Jodhpuri Safa and
Jaipuriya Pagri are the two most popular variants of pagris used in Rajasathan.

While in some places, ‘dhotis’ are
considered to be the primary wear, ‘pyjamas’ can also be seen in most of the
places as the traditional attire for the lower portion of the body. Rajasthani
men are also inclined towards ‘kurta’ or a traditional dress called ‘angrakha’
that resembles much to the frocks worn by ladies.

Women in Rajasthan has a strong bond
with colourful clothing and classical jewelleries. While ‘sari’ is considered
as the most traditional women-wear, women in the ‘Desert Capital’ of India
loves to wear colourful ‘ghagras’. Usually worn from the waist, this skirt-type
dress reaches till the ankle. They mostly prefer hand-printed, block-printed,
or dyed ghagras along with a blouse called ‘cholis’. Be it the ghagra or the
cholis, they are never complete without matching set of jewelleries. In some
cases, you would also find ghagras laced with precious metals, stones, or even
diamonds!

b)  Language

With Hindi as the most commonly
spoken language, you can always find the mix of local essence among the
Rajasthanis. Each of the region has its own dialect and; you may also find new
words or linguistic scriptures as you move around the entire of the Desert
Capital of India. Though language is a diverse aspect, you would always find
all the forms and dialect equally soothing to your ears. 

c) Music and Dance Forms

Music has always been an integral
part of Rajasthani Culture. Historical evidences found across the state clearly
shows its affinity and inclination towards folk music and dance. Being
dominated by tribal groups in the past, tribal or folk music plays a pivotal
role in the culture of Rajasthan.

To name a few, there are the Ghoomar
dance form originating from Udaipur and Kalbeliya dance form originating from
Jaisalmer. Other popular and prismatic dance form includes Kathaputali, Bhopa,
Chang, Teratali, Ghindar, Kachchighori, Tejaji, Parth, and several others.

Talking about the folk songs of
Rajasthan, they mostly include the heroic tales, eternal love stories, and
devotional songs. The use of traditional musical instruments like dholak,
sarangi, sitar, and others make Rajasthani music a true euphoric experience for
the listeners and music enthusiasts. 

d)  Art, Crafts & Architecture

The rulers of Rajasthan were patrons
of art, crafts, and architecture; the opulent palaces, glorious forts,
intricate metal works, textile printings, mirror works, etc. are lively
examples of this! Most of the Rajput rulers were connoisseurs of art and
crafts, and have periodically showed their extravagant skills in multiple ways.

Their exquisite taste caused the
perfect amalgamation of different types of art-forms into one; mainly Indian
(or Hindu forms), Islamic, British, and European. Their yearning for art, craft
and architecture, makes it pretty evident that they were much ahead of their
time. Their visionary skills, eye for perfection, and cravings for the most elegant
establishments is truly unique and cannot be matched in the coming centuries.

Be it the opulent architecture,
miniature paintings, handicrafts, or even the art forms used in puppetry,
culture of Rajasthan is truly inspiring for the entire world and a true delight
for the eyes of the beholders. Tie-dye works, zari work, embroidery, mirror
work on clothes, use of precious metals, and other metal works are some of the
indigenous forms of Rajasthani traditional form of art and crafts.

e)  Fairs & Festivals

The culture of Rajasthan is mainly
driven by its fairs and festivals. Be it a religious festival or a regional
one, a celebration for good-will or to mark any of the historical events of
past, the mighty Thar Desert celebrates all its events with great enthusiasm
and vigour. While most of its fairs and festivals follow the Hindu beliefs and
practises, the entire of the state participates in the celebrations and make
each of them a gala event.Diwali,
Gangaur, Teej, and Makar Sankranti are some of the most revered festivals in
India’s Desert Capital. Also, since the culture of Rajasthan has an eternal
bond with camels, the state hosts a number of events to commemorate this bond
throughout the year. Kite Festival, Desert Festival, Pushkar Mela, and Jaipur
Literature Fest are some of the most appealing and colourful annual festivals
in this part of the country.