Overview
You start by escaping the long queues at Lake Pichola for a private heritage 45 minute boat ride and an ethereal sunset storytelling by our local host. When you land on the other side of the island your e-bike are ready to breeze you through the narrow lanes and access secret spots on a curated e-bike tour of Udaipurâs atmospheric Old City. You will visit ghats, temples, bazaar & heritage gates (darwaza's) with stories that uncover local secrets on every corner of this 6 kms heritage ride. Next you will uncover an insider edge on the cityâs sharpest royal secret with an interaction with one of Udaipurâs original & only handcrafted sword maker Mr Santosh from Sikligar clan. Learn everything about sword making & the ancient artilleries used by Maharans of Mewar heir. Lastly, you head on to the city's one of the best breweries where freshly brewed beers await you, you can also choose to go for an evening rooftop high tea overlooking city palace at one of our boutique luxury haveli.
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Medical Aid
- Bike Safety Gears
- Strode Host
- Strode E-Bike
What's Not Included
- Shopping in the old city markets
- Additional order of beer/beverage
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
Your itinerary starts at a private jetty where you climb aboard Roopmati, a private, heritage boat named after the legendary poet-queen of Mandu. âSheâ is the perfect vehicle to set sail on one of Indiaâs largest man made lakes.The mighty Aravallis rise on the horizon as you turn a corner while family mansions (havelis), luxury hotels, temples, ancient chabutaras (raised platforms for bird feeding) and Picholaâs iconic waterfronts (ghats) are strung like glowing pearls around Picholaâs neckline. As your eyes take in the pristine views, your ears will be rapt in the anecdotes narrated by your friendly Strode Guide fopr the next 45 minutes. From legendary tales of Taj Lake Palace - a global icon of Indian hospitality and luxury - to the architectural brilliance of Jag Mandir (a floating island palace) and the secrets of Gangaur Ghat, your ride comes with great storytelling perks.
Stop 2
After a short walk from the jetty, youâll pick up your Strode e-bikes and cycle parallel to Lake Pichola towards the Old City. Cross the historic Chandpole Gate and head to Jagdish Mandir flanked by a bustling market; a street shopperâs dream. From 1000-year old silver jewellery to leather artefacts,juttis (footwear) wallets and macrame bags, this vibrant maze of bylanes has many treasures lurking within them. Once again, your trusted Strode Guide leads you to the best routes and coolest pit stops. Even for those who just want to cycle and chill, expect small nuggets of delightful information on the local architecture as you stop to take photographs. Across Chandrapole, Ambrai Ghat, Ghanta Ghar and Gangaur Ghat, itâs a fun ride through centuries of a rich, proud culture. End your exploration at a secret spot where you can witness a grand union of Natureâs beauty blending with Udaipurâs man-made wonders. Keep those cameras ready!
Stop 3
If you've been fascinated by the valour of Rajput warriors, this is your chance to sharpen your knowledge on a local legend that contributed handsomely to several victories on the battlefields of Mewar. Ebiking back from the Old City, youâll stop at an unassuming place - Udaipurâs only surviving handcrafted sword maker's workshop, for a 30 minute meet and greet with Mr Santosh. A descendant of the Sikligar clan, his family has crafted weapons for Mewarâs rulers for over five generations.This master sword-maker talks you through the processes involved in crafting talwars(sword), Mewari daggers and Damascus knife. Observe the fascinating âZawarâ code, a symbol-based indigenous language carved on the blades of damascus knives. You can hold the weapons in your hands (don't run away with them!) while Santoshji shows you the proper techniques of welding these magnificent weapons. Learn, marvel and strike a pose - itâs your shining moment to be a Rajput warrior for a few precious minutes!
Stop 4
Coming back to where your tour started, step into the resplendent Udai Kothi, a luxurious boutique hotel. Itâs where Roopmati - the heritage boat that ferried you around Lake Pichola - is tethered alongside a 30-seater partner boat Baz Bahadur, named after her legendary husband. The royal tales narrated by the eloquent and dynamic hotel owner, whose revival work of tikri (glass mosaic) adorns the mansion along with heritage artefacts. Post the warm Mewari hospitality and a tour of the haveli, youâll partake of a jolly mug of the house beer at Kalali, the hotelâs own brewery. Optionally, you can savour a high tea on the hotel terrace with great views and invigorating company. Sip on delicate flower-infused teas and bite into croissants. In under three hours, youâve explored the old city and are back to gazing out at the serene Lake Pichola, from a new, equally stunning angle. Itâll be a thoughtfully curated moment for your sublime âhero shotâ in Udaipur.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels