Rajasthan by Cycle and Safari: Kumbhalgarh Fort Wall & Jawai Leopards — 4 Days

Cycle through Aravali foothills and rural villages; spot leopards at Jawai Dam backwaters near Kumbhalgarh Fort.

This four-day cycling tour moves through the Aravali hill country of southern Rajasthan, linking the 38-kilometer fortification wall of Kumbhalgarh—the second-longest continuous wall after the Great Wall of China and birthplace of warrior-king Maharana Pratap—with the lesser-known Jawai Dam backwaters, where leopards hunt along rocky terrain and migratory birds winter in large numbers. The route combines 40-kilometer cycling stages with short road transfers across hilly, rural terrain, passing through villages and agricultural land largely untouched by organized tourism. Accommodation splits between a hotel at Kumbhalgarh and a safari camp at Godwad, positioned at the rim of Jawai Dam, where two leopard safaris (morning and afternoon) form the centerpiece of the third day. The cycling itself is moderate to hilly; the terrain changes from fortress-side approaches to flatter village paths by the final day.

Best time to go: October to March

Highlights

Cycling the approach to Kumbhalgarh Fort, a 38-kilometer fortification wall spanning the Mewar Kingdom's outer defense
Ranakpur Jain Temple, set in forested terrain near Mithdi Dam
Leopard safari at Jawai Dam backwaters from Godwad camp—a largely untrammeled habitat for Indian leopards and migratory waterfowl
Cycling through shepherd villages and rural settlements in the Aravali foothills with minimal vehicle traffic
Mithdi Dam vicinity, a hilly terrain with slow-paced rural life along the dam perimeter

Day by day

1Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh: Cycling the Fort ApproachUdaipur to Kumbhalgarh · Kumbhalgarh

The route departs Udaipur after breakfast and travels approximately 75 kilometers to Kumbhalgarh—40 kilometers by bicycle and 35 kilometers by vehicle. The cycling portion moves through picturesque, hilly terrain with some steep ascents. Upon arrival at Kumbhalgarh, the tour group checks into a hotel positioned near the fort wall, whose outer fortification extends 38 kilometers across the Mewar landscape. Overnight stay at the hotel.

2Kumbhalgarh to Godwad: Ranakpur Temple & Mithdi Dam CyclingKumbhalgarh to Godwad · Mithdi Dam · Godwad Leopard Safari Camp · Ranakpur Jain Temple

Departure follows breakfast, heading toward Godwad Leopard Safari Camp via an 80-kilometer route—40 kilometers by cycle, 40 by vehicle. The morning includes a visit to Ranakpur Jain Temple, a limestone structure set in forested foothills. The cycling portion traverses hilly terrain through rural settlements with characteristic Aravali hill-country architecture and agricultural patterns. The route then follows toward Mithdi Dam, positioned on the Aravali foothills. Mithdi Dam itself offers views across still water and surrounding rocky terrain; the locale maintains a notably unhurried pace compared to urban areas. The group arrives at Godwad, the tour's only camping site, in time for dinner preparation. Overnight stay at the camp.

3Jawai Dam Leopard Safaris & Shepherd Village CyclingJawai Dam backwaters · camp · shepherd settlements

Early morning begins with a leopard safari by gypsy vehicle around the Jawai Dam backwaters, where Indian leopards hunt across rocky outcrops and migratory bird species congregate during winter months. After returning to camp for breakfast and rest, the group cycles approximately 30 kilometers through nearby shepherd settlements, experiencing the daily rhythms of village grazing lands and pastoral routes. The return to camp precedes an afternoon leopard safari, again by gypsy, before dinner. Overnight stay at the camp.

4Godwad to Narlai: Final Cycling StageGodwad to Narlai · Rawla Narlai

The final day covers 45 kilometers—entirely by bicycle—from Godwad to Narlai following a flat, open route through villages and rural land. This represents a change in terrain compared to the preceding days' hilly sections. Upon arrival at Narlai, lunch is served at Rawla Narlai. The tour concludes with a drive onward to the next destination.

Included

3 Night Accommodations with all Meals ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation based on twin sharing basis
Backup Transport from Udaipur to Udaipur
English Speaking Cycling guide
Cycle Mechanic for whole tour
Helmets
Jungle / Fort entrance Fees
Ranakpur Temple Entrance
2 Common Leopard Safaris in Gypsy
Bullock cart ride at Godwad Camps
2 Mineral water bottles per person per day
First Aid Kit
All applicable Taxes

Not included

Air fare / train fare
Any meals other than those specified in included cost
Expenses of personal nature such as tips, telephone calls, laundry, liquor, still or video camera etc.
Any other item not specified in cost included items