In a world of cars and bikes, cycling tour seems like a boring activity. However, it all depends on your perspective. A cycling tour is not just about wearing lycra and sweating profusely as you pedal through your route. I had always wanted to do more cycling activities but the hectic routine offers me very little time. However, I somehow managed to experience a memorable bicycle tour in Udaipur and I was really excited about it.
After my major cycle accident in 1998, I never really had more cycling experiences. I moved on to using public transport, but my love for cycling never faded. When you wish for something with all your heart things do come true. I often see my friends in India and abroad (Mary you listening) cycling around and I envy them for that.
So, one day I was just browsing through the YouTube videos when I found out about Walk and Pedal Travel Tours. Apart from the bicycle tour in Udaipur, Walk and Pedal Travel Tours also offer Heritage Walk and Spirit of Art tours, which are equally fascinating. Walk and Pedal Travel Tours have also received Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor.
It was probably around the same time when I was planning my trip to Udaipur. Luckily, Walk and Pedal Travel tours offer bicycle tour in Udaipur and instantly I knew I had to take this opportunity. So, I went online, visited their official site and called up Pushpendra Singh Shaktawat, the man behind the concept. After a short telephonic conversation, we decided that I will take the bicycle tour in Udaipur.
Right after our arrival at our Airbnb homestay in Udaipur, we called up Pushpendra and we decided to take more tours including the bicycle tour in Udaipur. Since both, I and Sarah had no experience of riding bicycles at least in the last two decades we needed some help. Pushpendra was kind enough to allow us a trial. The quality of the bicycles was really good. Sarah was doubtful about her cycling abilities so she decided to skip. Eventually, I decided to go ahead alone.
A shaky trial ride to begin with
So, the day right after our Sajjangarh Biological Park trip we decided to take the bicycle tour in Udaipur. Okay, most people who know me clearly know I’m not a morning person. I’m nocturnal. Hence, it was quite a challenge for me to wake up early, but I wanted to do this. It was a now or never situation. I had my own issues because back in my cycling days, I never had a geared cycle, so I had to learn how to use it.
Pushpendra was right on time to pick me up from my location. Officially, it was the first time we met him in person. Well, I’m not paid by Pushpendra to say this, but he is a really sweet, kind and a gem of a person. He is from Udaipur so he knows his city like the back of his hand. He has been working in the hotel and travel industry for around a decade now. However, he is an entrepreneur carving out his own niche in the travel and hospitality industry.
Understanding how a geared cycle works
After doing the trials I chose the blue one
The entrance of the 1559 A.D. Restaurant
We headed to 1559 A.D. restaurant where the bicycled were parked. It was from here that we would resume our bicycle tour in Udaipur. Sarah got into the support vehicle with the camera as she would document the entire experience. It was a nice Saturday early morning and our bicycle tour in Udaipur was officially on.
In the first few moments, I was nervous because I was cycling on the road after two decades. Also, the fact that I was in a different city altogether made me slightly paranoid. However, Pushpendra was always talking to me making me feel comfortable so I knew I had little to worry. Even before I could tell myself to calm down I was enjoying the ride and talking to him.
The tour begins
Do you see the kids heading to school in the background?
We took the Rani Road and made our first stop here. While Pushpendra was busy telling us more about the Fateh Sagar Lake and the birds here Sarah was busy taking pictures. Also, before I miss out, I must introduce my readers to Shankar. He was assisting Pushpendra on the tour and was driving the support vehicle behind us. Not sure, if he is going to read this blog, but we appreciate his efforts in making our bicycle tour in Udaipur memorable.
The Fateh Sagar Lake was goldenish in morning sunlight
Locals kayaking in the lake. Lovely morning
That’s Shankar, me, the bikes and the support vehicle
Took some pictures at the Rani Road before we move ahead
After our short break, we moved ahead on the Fateh Sagar Road and into the smaller lanes of the village. Probably in the next ten minutes, my muscles were getting tired and I was desperate for another break. While Pushpendra was quickly pedalling ahead, I was struggling to keep my pace.
Getting into the rural parts of the Udaipur
I was trying my best to keep pace
A quick water break was helpful
This might be a revelation to Pushpendra, but at a point, my body was on the verge of giving up. While I was pedalling my cycle, my mind was battling to make a decision. In the next couple of seconds, Pushpendra asked me for a cup of tea at a local stall. I readily agreed and that saved my bicycle tour in Udaipur. It would have been a disaster otherwise.
Look at me, I’m exhausted completely
This tea break was so critical to keep me going
Feeling refreshed. I’m ready to go
By this time, my body was going through some serious shocks. My body is not used to waking up early in the morning and definitely has no cycling routines. However, it wasn’t like I was struggling hard. I just had to encourage myself to push a bit more. Later we rode through some narrow lanes made the entire experience fun.
The pain had subsided and I was beginning to enjoy the ride when the landscape changed. The fun and the challenging part of the bicycle tour in Udaipur was that the topography never stays the same. Thanks to the research done by Pushpendra, the bicycle tour is never boring. You get these ups and downs that keep you invested in the process.
Some steps to break the water flow or something.
Riding up was the most challenging part
Just before you reach the Badi Lake, the steep road is the most challenging part of the bicycle tour. Although I tried to push my physical limits I eventually decided to climb the steep road manually. However, my bicycle tour in Udaipur just became better from here on.
After the pain comes the gain. Look at this Badi Lake view
The view of the Badi Lake in the morning sunlight made my day. The road was pretty smooth and the view was breathtaking. For me, this was the highlight of my bicycle tour in Udaipur. On a personal level, we believe Badi Lake is the best of all lakes in Udaipur. With mountains surrounding the lake from all corners, it offers a more peaceful experience.
I was really enjoying the view now
Talk Talk and keep pedalling. I’m a chatterbox
Decided to take a break here
We took a break here. Pushpendra had brought in some sandwiches and Tropicana which helped me to recharge my quickly depleting batteries. We saw some fishermen on the far end of the lake which was a good sight. Also, we sat for some time and had a small talk and I was ready for the tour ahead.
A picture of me at Badi Lake for the memories
We headed down for a small break
Shankar, Me and Pushpendra at the Badi Lake
Sarah finally comes into the picture
This is the view we are looking at
Fishermen at the far end of the lake
They live around the Badi Lake I was told
Ready for some fishing
Sarah had to zoom in on the subject
Then, took the road around the Badi Lake and it was a joyride. The descending road was making it easier to race quickly through the turns. The wind was blowing right on my face and into my t-shirt inflating it like a balloon. I was now in my element enjoying this bicycle tour in Udaipur and making the most of it.
My t-shirt looks like an inflated balloon
The road now was smooth as butter
Bidding goodbye to the Badi Lake
So, I tried doing some tricks and balancing my bicycle without any hand support. Since we were circling around the Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, we had a glimpse of it. In less than half an hour, we entered the city limits and we saw plenty of village houses and stalls. From here, the support vehicle decided to take the lead.
Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
Picking up some pace on the flat road
I’m just coming into my mischief mode
That’s how you fly on a bicycle
My first cycle ride in 20 years and look what I’m doing.
I can easily join any circus team
After all these tricks I need to adjust my clothes
What do you do when your hands are tired? This.
Finally we entered the city limits when support vehicle took the lead
Sarah was already waiting at the finish point
That’s my finishing line
My memorable cycle tour comes to an end
I and Pushpendra managed to reach the 1559 A.D. restaurant in the next few minutes and that is where the tour ended. It was a great experience that I enjoyed for the day, but trust me, I wanted more.
Well, this post has already stretched a bit, but I would like to end this post on why I would recommend this bicycle tour in Udaipur to others. The most important reason is that you create an experience like no other. Exploring a city in a car and on a bicycle are two different things. The perspective changes and you see Udaipur as you have never before. You pedal through interior roads, see things around at your own pace and observe.
Also, you get plenty of information about Udaipur from Pushpendra because he is a local. He knows information that you can’t find on Google. Now, isn’t that a cool thing?
Additionally, you also get to see the morning routine of the people in Udaipur. You see kids heading to school, women busy with their household chores, old men sitting on the porches chatting and men heading to work. You also see cows on their way to the fields or just loitering around on the streets. The more you see, the more it adds to your experience.
Thank you Pushpendra for everything
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Pushpendra for his immense support to make this cycle tour and many other tours memorable. Yes, we will see more of him in the upcoming posts. A big thank you to Shankar for assisting us.
Last but not the least, thank you Sarah for such lovely pictures. Let me inform my readers that most of the pictures you saw are taken from the back seat of the support vehicle through the windshield.
Watch the snippet of the bicycle tour.
Note: This is not a sponsored post.
8 comments
Wow this was such a nostalgic post for me. I got time travelled to my younger school days. Cycling was always so fun. Infact after coming to Bombay I wanted to buy one, but this city is sure not for cycling (unless you wake up at odd hours in the morning). Would love to take a cycle ride with you Sharukh, lets have a race 😉
During my college days I wanted to do a Bombay Pune cycling trip but none of my friends agreed. You can cycle in the city for sure. Thoda jaldi uthna padega. Thank you for your comment.
Fantastic photos – Sarah did a great job. I love biking – at the ocean, for about an hour, on flat terrain. Haha. Don’t think I could do your wonderful trek. Thanks for bringing us along.
Thank you, Pam. Yes, Sarah did exceptional work here because she was way behind in the car. She had to be quick to capture my actions while I’m doing all those bicycle stunts. Also, she never stopped the vehicle for landscape pictures, so even some landscape pictures are from a moving car. Personally, I was caught between my passion for cycle and my physical limits. While Pushpendra was really helpful and supportive but cycling all of a sudden after 20 years can impact your body in different ways. I’m glad you liked the cycle tour. If you’re interested in art stay tuned for my upcoming blog post. Probably one of my best ever.
Sharukh, I’m a tad bit jealous! It has become too cold here to go for a bike ride, but I’m holding out hope I may have one more day to pedal myself down a trail.
You had a most excellent bike ride in gorgeous Udaipur country. Badi Lake is gorgeous and worth the manual bike walk up the hill (I would have joined you under that circumstance. Not a fan of pedaling up hills.) How many miles did you ride? Are you itching to get on a bike again? It’s addictive, right? 😉
Kudos to you for daring to get on a bike again and to Sarah for taking some great photos.
Thank you for your time and comment. I was eager to share this story with you from the day I did this activity. However I had to hold on to the thought. If you recollect I did mention to you that I have one post specifically for you. It was this one. I loved the experience and I believe we cycled around 10 to 12 miles. Cycling has always been my passion. After my accident I had little money to buy a new one. Plus I was doing my college in the morning and restaurant job in the evening so I was more focused on the job to pay my college fees. I wanted to cycle Bombay to Pune (100 miles) with my friends but none were interested. Yes, someday I will have my own bicycle again for sure. Thank you once again for your time.
This looks like a wonderful ride. I’m with Mary, a bit jealous. I love the photos you shared. They say you never forget how to ride a bike, it comes back to you quickly. It looks like that was the case for you. There’s a certain freedom about moving under your own power around such beautiful spots and being able to stop whenever the scene suits you. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad that you enjoyed the journey through the pictures, Dan. We’re glad that we chose these unique tours because we wanted to make the most out of it. Doing something different helped us make our tour more than just a romantic trip to Udaipur. Thanks for your kind comments.