Step into the heart of India with a luxury motorcycle tour that puts culture at its core. Imagine cruising through history on a classic 500cc Royal Enfield, its iconic thump accompanying you on easy-riding roads as you explore not one, but three UNESCO World Heritage sites. This exclusive tour is crafted for you and a special someone to share in the wonder of India’s magnificent past and vibrant present. From the palaces of erstwhile royalty to the homes of tribal artisans, every stop on our journey offers a unique glimpse into the soul of Madhya Pradesh, and a luxury overnight stay experience.
Savor exclusive culinary delights from royal kitchens and local eateries alike, each meal a celebration of the region’s diverse flavors. Engage with tribal communities as they proudly showcase their unique culture through captivating performances, traditional food, and local brews. Watch tigers, leopards, and other wildlife in their natural habitat on jungle safaris. And as night falls, retire to accommodations that blend luxury with authenticity.
The pinnacle of our tour? A truly special New Year’s Eve celebration within the walls of a royal palace. Here, you’ll be mesmerised by the legendary Maihar Band, whose musical lineage traces back to the great masters of Indian classical music – a once-in-a-lifetime experience to usher in the new year.
Our journey takes us through the temples of Khajuraho, where ancient artisans have carved stories in stone, including the famous erotic sculptures that have intrigued visitors for centuries. And as a grand finale, we build up to the ultimate monument of love – the iconic Taj Mahal, a fitting end to our exploration of India’s cultural treasures.
Rudyard Kipling, the Nobel laureate British author, found inspiration in Madhya Pradesh’s landscapes for his classic “The Jungle Book” (1894). As you journey through the region, you’ll experience the real-life setting that fired Kipling’s imagination and served as a backdrop for his depictions of Mowgli’s adventures over a century ago, adding a literary dimension to your motorcycle adventure. This isn’t just a motorcycle tour; it’s a royal passage through time, culture, and natural splendor. Join us for an exclusive experience that goes beyond the ordinary, crafted to create memories that will last a lifetime.
2024 Tour Details
Duration: 12 days, Delhi to Delhi
Rider: INR 2,75,000 (approx. GBP 2,500 / EUR 3,000 / USD 3,275)
Pillion: INR 2,25,000 (approx. GBP 2,045 / EUR 2,445 / USD 2,680)
Booking amount: INR 10,000
Bookings for the tour close once the required number of riders is met
Tour Price inclusions
- Stay on twin-sharing (double-occupancy) basis
- Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycle
- Dinner and breakfast on all days
- Experienced English speaking road captain
- Support vehicle for carrying luggage and other essentials
- Mechanic throughout the tour
- All road tolls
Tour price exclusions
- Flight and train tickets
- Applicable Government GST Tax
- Lunch on all days
- Fuel for the ride
- Entry fees at all forts and heritage buildings
- Snacks, beverages (bottled water, juice, etc)
- Refundable security deposit for the motorcycle: INR 10,000
- Optional single-occupancy add-on: TBD
- Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions section.
2024 Tour Status
- MP1: Dec 26, 2024 to Jan 6, 2025 – AVAILABLE
Day-wise route plan
ARRIVAL IN DELHI
Upon your arrival in Delhi, the Ride of My Life team will welcome you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. You may choose to rest and prepare for the journey ahead or explore some of Delhi's renowned attractions.
DELHI TO MANDU VIA INDORE
We begin with a morning flight to Indore, followed by a drive to the village of Kunjrod, home to the royal family of Jamnia. Here, you'll enjoy an authentic rural lunch prepared by the royal family. After lunch, you'll be introduced to your Royal Enfield motorcycle. Take a test ride while our mechanic makes any necessary adjustments for your comfort.
Before departure, we'll conduct a comprehensive tour briefing, covering the itinerary, safety protocols, and cultural etiquette - essential information for your journey through Madhya Pradesh. Our first ride takes us a short 32 kms to Mandu, an ancient city dating back to the 6th century. After checking in at the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Malwa resort, we'll attend a captivating Sound and Light show at the Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace), built in the 15th century. The day concludes with a dinner of local specialties prepared by a homestay, complemented by a local wine.MANDU TO JAMNIA AND BORIYA MAL
Today's journey follows the edge of the Malwa Plateau towards Jamnia, a short 20 km ride. In Jamnia, you'll have the unique opportunity to engage with the local royal family and experience the area's rich culture.
From Jamnia, we ride to the jungles of Boriya Mal, situated on the banks of the majestic Narmada river. We'll spend the night at the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Hanuwantiya resort, a jungle resort nestled in the wilderness.BORIYA MAL TO RATAPANI NATIONAL PARK
Our route today takes us through lush forests to Ratapani National Park. The park's towering teak trees and diverse ecosystem offer a stark contrast to urban life. In the evening, we embark on a safari to observe the unique flora and fauna of central India, including the possibility of spotting tigers and leopards. We'll spend the night at the luxury Jungle Brook retreat within the park.
RATAPANI TO BARGI DAM
Today we ride through small villages en route to the Bargi Dam, an impressive structure on the Narmada River. The journey offers insights into rural Indian life, while the dam itself stands as a testament to modern engineering. In the evening, we'll enjoy a cultural program, providing a window into the artistic traditions of Madhya Pradesh. We spend the night at the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Maikal resort.
BARGI DAM TO MAIHAR
New Year's Eve brings us to Maihar, a town renowned for its rich musical heritage. The Maihar Gharana has produced legendary musicians such as Baba Allauddin Khan and Pandit Ravi Shankar. We'll welcome the New Year at the Maihar Heritage Palace, the royal residence of the Maihar family, with a performance by the Maihar Band. Founded in 1918 by Baba Allauddin Khan, this fifth-generation ensemble is known for its unique instruments like the Nal-tarang and Jal-tarang.
BRUNCH TRIP TO PANNI KHOH
We start the new year with a short excursion to Panni Khoh. These natural springs, once a meditation site for the revered Yogi Shri Neelkanth Maharaj, offer a tranquil setting. We'll enjoy a leisurely brunch before returning to Maihar for the night.
MAIHAR TO PANNA NATIONAL PARK
Our wildlife exploration continues as we ride to Panna National Park. We'll check into Ken River Lodge, a resort on the banks of the Ken River, home to the unique Indian Gharial. An evening safari offers another opportunity to spot the elusive Bengal Tiger and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
DAY TRIP TO KHAJURAHO
After breakfast, we embark on a short 25 km ride to the world-famous Khajuraho Monuments built between 885 CE and 1000 CE. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its temples adorned with intricate sculptures, some notably erotic in nature. After exploring these remarkable monuments, we return to our resort in Panna for the night.
PANNA TO ORCHHA
Today we ride to the ancient town of Orchha, dating back to the 16th century. Situated on the banks of the Betwa River, Orchha appears frozen in time, boasting an array of historical monuments from palaces to cenotaphs. After checking into The Bundelkhand Riverside Heritage Hotel and having lunch, we'll explore the town's architectural marvels. The evening brings a change of pace with a river rafting excursion, followed by a taste of Orchha's famous samosas.
ORCHHA TO AGRA
We bid farewell to Madhya Pradesh as we ride to Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Home to the iconic Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, Agra provides a fitting finale to our journey. These monuments, built in the 16th and 17th centuries, offer profound insights into Mughal architecture and history. Agra is also renowned for its handicrafts, providing an excellent opportunity to acquire souvenirs of your Indian adventure.
AGRA TO DELHI
Our motorcycle tour concludes as we board a comfortable train for the less than two-hour journey back to Delhi. Upon arrival, you'll have access to a hotel room until the following morning. The next day, you will be dropped off at New Delhi international airport for your flight back home.