Classification: ClubSociety
The following describes the itinary of a charitable event to raise money for the Women for Women charity. The event will take place in India from 25 November - 5 December 2006
India is a large, triangular-shaped country in Southern Asia. It is bordered by Pakistan to the north west, China, Nepal and Bhutan to the north and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. It is the seventh largest country in the world.
The fifty years of freedom from colonial rule have seen a remarkable transformation of the country. Despite the rapid pace of change, many traditions remain firmly rooted and India has retained a profound cultural distinctiveness. Today India is one of the most richly rewarding regions of the world to visit. Its scenery is amongst the most varied and exciting anywhere.
The cycle ride takes place in Rajasthan, the land of kings, which is India at its exotic and colourful best. The harsh landscape and tribal customs have fashioned a people and culture which are visibly different from the rest of the country.
Day 1 - Saturday 25 November Overnight indirect flight London - Delhi
Day 2 - Sunday 26 November Delhi - Agra Early morning arrival at Delhi airport. Bus transfer to Agra (5 hours), lunch and bike fitting. Free time to recover from the long journey and prepare for the challenge ahead. Overnight at the Deedar-e-Taj hotel, Agra.
Day 3 - Monday 27 November Agra Free day to take part in optional tour or to relax before the tart of the challenge.
Day 4 - Tuesday 28 November Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - camp site Bashawar 80km approx Sunrise visit to the taj Mahal. Early coach transfer from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri (35km). A holy man will bless our journey by conducting a Puja ceremony before we set off from outside the site and cycle through the colourful Rajasthan countryside. The whole of the day's ride is on secondary roads full of pot holes through villages and past temples. Overnight camp near the village of Bashawar.
Day 5 - Wednesday 29 November Bashawar - Bhandarej Palace 99km approx We start today on the main Agra-Jaipur highway which is busy but not over congested with traffic. The second part of the day is on quieter secondary roads. After lunch we cycle through probably the most scenic section of the whole trip - Rajasthan rural life at its best. After a long day's cycling we reach Bhandarej village where we spend the night at the atmospheric Bhadrawadi Palace.
Day 6 - Thursday 30 November Bhandarej Palace - Tahela Camp site 93km approx We will begin the day by cycling to the Abhenrai ancient temple complex which is around 7oo years old. The rods are not bad on the first part of the day but become worse and narrower as the day goes on however the surroundings are stunning - green valleys with lush vegetation, ancient forts on the hill tops. We will camp on the edge of the Seriska Tiger park.
Day 7 - fiday 1 December Tahela camp - Doela camp site 71km approx The terrain today is less exotic and more arid. We will stop to look at the ruins of an ancient city, reaching it by cycling on the edge of the Seriski park where there is a good chance we will see some wild life. Certain parts of the roads today are in bad condition. We arrive at the most spectacular campsite of the trio in the sand dunes next to the village of Doela with two ancient forts on the background hills.
Day 8 - Saturday 2 December Doela Camp - Jaipur 82km approx our last day of cycling. Part of this area is arid, almost like a desert. Some of the terrain is undulating, at certain times the asphalt just stops, a dirt road continues and the asphalt returns. Villages remain very authentic almost until the entrance in jaipur. We finish the bike ride at the Amber Fort. Short bus ride to the Jaipur Palace Hotel for overnight.
Day 9 - Sunday 3 December Jaipur Day in and around Jaipur, generally known as the "Pink City" due to the salmon coloured facades of its older buildings. This morning there is an optional tour to the Amber Fort. Afternoon free to explore Jaipur. Evening transfer to Jaipur railway station. The train departs at 17.30 and is due to arrive in Delhi at 22.00hrs. We will eat dinner on board. Overnight at the Hari Prakesh.
Day 10 - Monday 4 December Delhi Day to explore Delhi to take part in an optional tour to the Red Fort and market. Tonight we celebrate our achievement with a gala dinner.
Day 11 - Tuesday 5 December Delhi - London Early morning return flight to London
Authors: Source: Source Date: Document entered by: Andy P Hartley on 25/02/2006 at 15:58