Of palaces and forts - bicycle trail through Jaipur

The Pink City is famous for its majestic palaces and numerous havellis, but often people who visit Jaipur fail to get an opportunity to witness the hidden sides it has.

From the bustling streets that exhibit a rich local culture to the splendid palaces that reflect an equally rich past, this cycling tour of three hours is aimed to offer the best of both worlds in Jaipur. Pedal through the busy streets of Jaipur, with numerous shops on one side, street food being served on the other. You would want to keep a camera handy to capture the vibrancy of the city. You will be accompanied throughout by an expert guide, assuring a quality experience.

The trail you will be pedaling along will cross the Hawa Mahal or the Wind Palace. An iconic structure in Jaipur, the architectural brilliance is exhibited through the 953 small windows, which is also the reason for its name. Your first stop will be the Jal Mahal, a palace from the 18th century surrounded by the pristine Man Sagar Lake. The stunning architecture is such that it seems as if the palace is floating on the water, offering an impressive view, especially with the lights at the night. It also abounds with migratory and water birds, you might even get a chance to spot some of these while pedalling along.

The main attraction of this experience is the Nahargarh Fort for which you will be following a trail that follows a gradual climb up to 700 m above sea level. The 6 km trail ends at the fort that's perched on the edge of the Aravali range. From the construction that has weathered offers a panoramic view of the city of Jaipur. There's also a stepwell that was built within the fortifications for when summer rendered the water canals dry. You get plenty of time to look around, take a break and get some rest before making your way back.

The downhill slope on your way back would make for a relaxing ride, and as you reach Jaipur, you will be taken to the bazaars for a quick shopping of the variety of Rajasthani artifacts and handicrafts. And as you make your way back, you will realize the ride through Jaipur's streets, past the splendid palaces and towards a fort that offers breathtaking panoramic views have left an indelible impression on you.