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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
There is no finer way to learn about the diversity of life in India than by cycling. Students explore the famous palaces and forts of northern India with visits to the walled cities of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and the Pink City of Jaipur before commencing a cycle ride. The roads are flat, the days are relaxed and we provide a backup vehicle for your convenience. Our carefully selected route allows for plenty of learning opportunities and takes school groups along quiet village roads via Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and the amazing deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri before concluding this school trip in India at the spectacular Taj Mahal.
Countries:
Start and Finishing Point:
Delhi
Activities:
Grading:Introductory
Addressing:
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Day 1
Arrive Delhi
On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to the group hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
In Delhi, train to Jaisalmer
This morning we have a group briefing before heading out for the day's sightseeing. We start in New Delhi with a visit to Qutub Minar and the India Gate, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we continue to Old Delhi, visiting the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid before transferring to the airport for our flight to Jaisalmer. On arrival in Jaisalmer, there would be a bus for us to take the group to hotel.
Meals: B
Day 3
Arrive Jaisalmer
Today we explore the ancient walled city of Jaisalmer. We visit a 12th century Jaisalmer fort. Beginning our exploration through the fort’s massive entrance gates before entering the narrow, paved stone lanes that weave through a complex of bazaars while the many vantage points along the outlying wall offer fine views across the city. We also explore the havelis, the mansions of the wealthy merchants who made their fortunes at a time when Jaisalmer was an important outpost on the trade route between the Arabian sea and the markets of Central India. Spend your afternoon exploring the sunset point and head back to the hotel.
Day 4
In Jaisalmer
Free morning to wander the markets in the vicinity of the fort of Jaisalmer and in the afternoon we drive (45 km) (28 mi) to Sam sand dune for views of the sunset point and a short camel ride at Thar Desert. From here we appreciate the true desert dunes land and enjoy a camel experience, then travel back to Jaisalmer. Driving time: approximately 1 hour
Day 5
Drive to Jodhpur
With an early start we will reach Jodphur by lunchtime to allow a free afternoon to visit the local markets and appreciate the character of the bustling city. We visit the magnificent Meherangarh fort that dominates the city of Jodphur. Situated on a hill with commending views it is the most impressive in Rajasthan. The complex of palaces and museums reflect the rich cultural history of the region. We also visit the Jaswant Thada, a milky white marble memorial built in 1899 in honour of Maharaja Jaswant Singh located in a serene location a short distance from the fort. The cenotaphs house some remarkable jalais (carved white marble screens) while portraits of Rathore rulers dating to the 13th century add a fitting reminder of the cities rich and abiding historical legacy. Driving distance: 266 km (166 mi) Driving time: approximately 5 - 6 hours
Day 6
Drive to Jaipur
After breakfast we reach Jaipur by lunch time. Jaipur, known as the Pink City is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. The city was founded by Maharajah Jai Singh in the early 18th century when he moved from Amber to the present site. This afternoon we will have our own time to try our hand at haggling at the bustling market near Chand pool. Afterwards we head back to hotel. Driving distance: 333 km (208 mi) Driving time: approximately 6 - 7 hours
Day 7
In Jaipur
We focus on the historic and architectural wonders of the city including the Hawa Mahal (the Palace of the Winds), and Amber Fort with its intriguing Chamber of Mirrors and fine inlay work while we gain views across the stark Aravalli hills. We also visit the impressive City Palace and the World Heritage listed Jantar Mantar Observatory. The sightseeing can admittedly be a little overwhelming (there is just so much you can take in) and for this reason we include a specially devised walking tour of the city to gain a further insight into the vibrant culture of this celebrated city.
Day 8
Jaipur to Jai Singh Pura
Departing from the outskirts of Jaipur we commence the cycling component of the trip. Instruction and bike adjustment will take place this morning. We follow the old road that was once a merchant route between the princely state of Alwar and Jaipur. We continue along the Ramgargh road passing small farm settlements and providing endless entertainment to the villagers who are intrigued at the nation of westerners cycling through India. After 13 km (8 mi) of cycling we stop at Ramgarh Dam, once the main water source for Jaipur, before continuing to an ancient brick factory, long since abandoned where we stop for a lunch in local Dhaba. After lunch we continue cycling past small towns until late afternoon where stop near Jai singh pura and travel by vehicle to the hotel where we will spend two nights. Cycling distance: 55 km (34 mi)
Meals: B,L,D
Day 9
Sariska Hotel to Siliserh Lake
We continue riding through timeless India, with lush flowering mustard plantations flanked by overhanging willow trees, and ancient ruins standing as witness to the glorious past of this region. Cycle 10 km (6 mi) to beautiful Siliserh Lake and enjoy lunch at a fort restaurant at a historical property built by Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1845. We continue our ride to Sariska National Park where our cycling ends for today. Sariska National Park was once home to a significant population of tigers, until a few seasons ago, when poaching reduced numbers. However, there are many other animals in the park, and the atmosphere and natural surrounds make the visit very much worthwhile. Note: Sariska National Park closes at 2 pm, so we must reach the Park gate before then. Cycling distance: 41 km (25.5 mi)
Day 10
Cycle to Rajgarh, Drive to Bharatpur
We ride through a number of small villages to Rajgarh where we stop for lunch. After lunch we continue cycling another 15 km (9 mi) before boarding the bus for the journey to Bharatpur via Mahua arriving at our camp in the premises of the Swaraj Resort. Cycling distance: 38 km (24 mi) Driving distance: 90 km (56 mi)
Day 11
Bharatpur to Fatehpur Sikri and Agra
Today we begin cycling in the early morning to visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Our bikes provide a wonderful mode of transport to move around and explore the park, where swamplands provide habitats for hundreds of bird species. The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a vast bird sanctuary and former royal game reserve in the north Indian state of Rajasthan. The park’s woods and man-made wetlands protect over 350 species of migratory and resident birds, including herons, cormorants and eagles. Today we will travel with our vehicle from Bharatpur to Fatehpur Sikri, to explore Akbar's deserted capital, before continuing on to Agra. Cycling distance: 18 km (11 mi) Driving distance: 45 km (28 mi)
Meals: B,L
Day 12
In Agra, Drive to Delhi Where Trip Concludes
This morning, we get up a little early to enjoy a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan's mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. We continue to Agra Fort, a fitting testimony to the Great Moghuls – Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan – during the era when Agra was the capital of the Moghul Empire. From the Red Fort we'll have views of the Taj Mahal, before driving back to Delhi where our trip is concludes. Driving distance: 225 km (140 mi) Driving time: approximately 4 - 5 hours
Sustainable Cities And Communities: There needs to be a future in which cities provide opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.
Quality Education: Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to improving people’s lives and sustainable development.
Good Health And Well-being: Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages is essential to sustainable development.
World Expeditions Schools journeys are designed to encourage positive personal development and the learning of life skills, while leaving the communities and environments we travel to, in a better condition than when we arrived.The programs are designed to:• Build strong friendships and bonds with their peers, their teachers, and the local people they meet. • Increase the confidence to engage with new people, and collaboratively make informed decisions.• Discover the benefits of working cooperatively together as a cohesive team, to achieve a common objective.• Increase the ability to face, and cope with, mental and physical challenges and therefore increase resilience.• Give students a chance to appreciate and care for the natural world. The environments we travel through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment.• Learn personal skills i.e., time management, personal hygiene, responsibility for personal gear, patience, tolerance, and public speaking.We help encourage students to learn what it means to be a true global citizen.
What's included
What's not included
Although there is no commitment to extended cycling on this journey we nonetheless want to keep the ‘accent on the active’. We therefore advise some physical training before undertaking the trip to enable you to participate in optional activities. We would suggest at least one hour of cycling, 3 times a week for 2-3 months prior to travel. As for any trip, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy your experience.
Per Person, Twin Share
Since the 1980's, we have helped students from around the globe to experience the world's most exciting destinations, allowing them to travel, give, grow.
Together with students, we have completed over 400 Service Learning programs in developing countries. We will always continue to support causes including social justice, animal welfare, the environment and more.
Want to include service learning, your school curriculum and a physical challenge, or any of the above? Contact us and we can design a program fully catered for your students and budget.
Every school receives a detailed risk management plan that is guided by government advisories and the local partners we work with. We never compromise on the safety of your students to reduce the price of the program.
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