The state of Rajasthan is steeped in history, sand dunes and a colourful culture like no other. Udaipur and Jodhpur are two of the main cities in Rajasthan that attract numerous Indian and international tourists every year. Each has its own share of a rich history and heritage, palaces and forts that echo of royalty, and delicious food. A bike trip from Udaipur to Jodhpur has to be on your list of bike trips in India, if it isn’t already. With one of the nicest routes, several tourist stopovers, plenty of food stops as breaks, and great destinations on either side, here’s your guide to a bike trip from Udaipur to Jodhpur.
Royal Blood – Udaipur and Jodhpur
Udaipur is known as the City of Lakes, and as soon as you get there you’ll see why. Filled with bazaars, handicraft markets, havelis, heritage hotels, palaces and lakes, it comes packed with a ton of things to do. It was founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II and served as the new capital of the illustrious Mewar Kingdom. One of its most famous attractions is the breathtaking Lake Palace, an island of luxury located in the middle of the serene Lake Pichola. Also visit the City Palace and Sajjangarh aka the Monsoon Palace.
The presence of lakes is evident in the City of Lakes, and the presence of the colour blue is evident in the Blue City! Jodhpur is rustic, traditional Rajasthan, with narrow mazes of roads and blue houses stacked one after the other. It sits right on the edge of the Thar desert, and is overlooked by the mighty Mehrangarh Fort that looms overhead. The lanes in Jodhpur are so narrow that cars can’t squeeze through. Luckily for you though, you have the maneuverable bikes at your disposal!
Your Route
You have a few options when taking a bike trip from Udaipur to Jodhpur. The main routes are via NH62 and a second via NH 58 and NH62. However, the 250 km route from Udaipur to Jodhpur is a long one and you will have to make at least one, if not two stops. The roads are dotted with dhabas offering delicious food, as well as a number of other small and big restaurants so food is not a worry. But while you’re at it, why not stop at some of the great tourist spots on the way? We’ve noted down routes with these spots so you can decide accordingly.
Via NH27 and Rajasthan State Highway 32: This route will take 5.5 hours with no stopping. However, not only is 5 hours a long time to ride continuously, but you have to stop en route to see the tourist sites. The main spot on this route is the 15th century Ranakpur Jain Temple. Actually a complex of temples, Ranakpur boasts 1444 marble pillars, each uniquely and intricately carved. No two are alike. Ranakpur is located at a height, nestled among the hills. You will pass by villages and vast farms, allowing you to soak in the beauty of rural Rajasthan.
Via Maharana Pratap Marg and NH62: This route is much longer without stops, coming up to a little over 6 hours. The good thing is the massive Kumbhalgarh Fort on the way makes for a great stop. A fortress of the Mewar kingdom, it boasts the second largest wall, with the Great Wall of China in first place. It is a 15th century structure that holds UNESCO status as a World Heritage Site.
Also make sure you stop at the famed Om Banna Temple, or the Om Bullet Baba Temple. The deity here is a Bullet bike, and as bikers, stopping here is a must! Legend has it this is the same bike that belonged to Om Singh Rathore, who died in a crash at this spot. The bike kept disappearing from the police station to reappear here, leading to a shrine being constructed at the spot. It is said that praying here grants you a safe journey.
If you’re taking this route, make sure you make an early morning start from Udaipur. The route is long enough without stops, and Kumbhalgarh with a few rest and refreshment stops will make it longer still.
Who Is This Trip For
The roads and highways from Udaipur to Jodhpur are smooth and non-problematic. There is plenty of other traffic to keep you company so you will never face the danger of being deserted. There is also an absence of steep inclines and hairpin turns. Thus, the bike trip from Udaipur to Jodhpur can be undertaken by even a beginner. However, if you are a beginner undertaking this trip, do not ride solo. Keep in mind that your drive is very long and pausing to recover from tiredness also means losing precious time. Try to rent a bike made for covering long distances so you are ergonomically supported.
Best Time For A Bike Trip From Udaipur To Jodhpur
Rajasthan’s desert terrain means it faces very hot summers and very cold winters. Temperatures cross 44°C in the summer, which is why taking a bike trip from Udaipur to Jodhpur is a big no in the summer months i.e. March to June. The ideal time for your trip is the winter, when temperatures can dip to as low as 10°C, sometimes going even lower at night. These are the months from November to February. Just remember to carry enough woollens and be adequately padded so the cold wind hitting you while riding doesn’t make you ill.
Both crown jewels of Rajasthan, Udaipur and Jodhpur are best experienced with a bike trip. Apart from taking in the sights on the way, ensure you explore both cities and the history, handicrafts and street food they have to offer. You now know all there is to know about a bike trip from Udaipur to Jodhpur, so just look into renting a bike and kickstart your Rajasthan adventure!
Related: Exploring Udaipur On A Bike| Exploring Jodhpur On A Bike
