Cycling and Chai , Jaipur

This unique cycling tour is counter-intuitive. Who in their right mind, would want to voluntarily get on their bike and brave the busy streets of Jaipur, with the traffic, buzzing scooters, tooting buses and meandering cows?

It would take a maniac to set up a tour like that, but someone has and furthermore, it works brilliantly. Starting early, before the streets are busy, you’ll get a gentle introduction to Indian road cycling before exploring the back streets and alleys of the old town, or “Pink City”. The group is very well organised and the bikes are brand new every season and meticulously maintained. Cycle helmets are of course provided too.

The tour is actually about much more than simply the cycling, which is really very gentle and fun. There are regular stops for local specialities, starting with a delicious Lassi from Jaipur’s famous Lassiwallah, moving to a chai on the rooftops to a pakora and then finishing with a proper Indian breakfast. Delicious and a welcome change from the hotel fare. There are also fantastic cultural titbits pointed out by the guide and a chance to walk through the trader’s main temple during morning Pooja, which is amazingly atmospheric.

Highly recommended for anyone who occasionally enjoy wobbling along onto a bicycle!