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The Bangalore to Goa Cycling Tour is a 14 day cycling tour at the end of which you reach the golden beaches of Goa, travelling through the mountains of the Western Ghats, the long coastline and places of historical significance. From the royal city of Mysore, to the magnificent forests at Coorg, through the historically important towns of Belur & Halebidu, India’s highest waterfalls at Jog, through the beach rides at Gokarna, Karwar and Goa, this tour has it all! Your accommodation would be at homestays, atmospheric resorts, wildlife lodges and plantation bungalows.
Day 1: Mysore
You will be met at Bangalore & transferred to a hotel at Mysore - 4 hours away. After checking out your cycles & briefing by your guide, you will have a tour of the city of Mysore, the official seat of the Wodiyar dynasty, the former royal family of Mysore. A visit to the Palace & the Chamundi hills is part of the tour besides a look at the frenetic Mysore markets before retiring for the night.
Day 2: Coorg
You will be transferred by our vehicle to a short distance away from the city to avoid the morning traffic. The tour begins with a leisurely ride to the foothills of the Western Ghats and onwards towards the beautiful Coorg countryside with coffee estates, tea gardens and forests that cover the entire area. Your stay for the next 2 days would be at a homestay at this tranquil getaway of mist-covered cardamom and coffee plantations, famed for the hospitality of its people.
Day 3: Coorg
Bylakuppe is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India. Today you will be going through the narrow country roads through fields of maize and hamlets gives way to the flamboyantly painted temples of the Namdroling Monastery with its three gleaming brass statues of ‘The Buddha’ and vividly coloured murals depicting scenes from Tibetan mythology. The prayer flags are prominently displayed all over the settlement. After a visit to this village, you will be returning back to the country house. If the mood takes you, a walk down through the quiet countryside with your guide is an option.
Day 4: Hassan
Today, you pedal through country roads shaded by the ‘Flame of the Forest’ trees and the occasional Banyan and coconut groves. You get to witness the beauty and unique culture of rural India firsthand on this ride to the historic town of Hassan, where you will be staying at a beautiful theme resort.
Day 5: Mudigere
Today’s cycling route has two very special stopovers, Belur and Halebid. Belur is home to the Chennakeshava temple, which is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture with Halebid, the capital of the Hoysala Empire. The temples, Hoysaleshwar and Kedareshwara, built in 1121 AD, stand testament to the architectural excellence of the Hoysala Empire. The elaborately detailed carvings in stone adorning the temple facade and the monolithic Nandi, the mount of Lord Shiva keeping guard at the entrance, and the detailed carvings that even showcase the jewellery and dance positions of the dancers are some of the fascinating features of these temples. These temples are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Once you have had your fill of architecture, you will continue cycling to Mudigere in the hills. Here, you can experience the unspoilt countryside with its rolling mist covered hills, thick forests, coffee plantations, farmsteads around which wild flowers grow in abundance and also spot beautifully plumaged Orange Minivets and Ioras during your lazy walks here. You will retire for the night at a well appointed homestay here.
Day 6: Mudigere
You will stay on at Mudigere, and go on a round of cycling through the undulating countryside of rural Karnataka. You have two options here. One, biking trip will take you on a 30 kilometre ride through the beautiful tea plantations here. The other will take you 50 kilometres cycling through the forested pathways. After a lunch at the homestay, we will take a tour of the coffee plantations, watch the harvesting & preparation of coffee or go bird watching in the areas around the homestay, if you are a bird enthusiast.
Day 7: Chikamagalur
You will start cycling to Chikamagalur, the Coffee capital of Karnataka. The ride today will be challenging, with a gradual climb till we reach the Taj, perched on the gentle slopes of the Sahyadri mountains, surrounded by flower-filled gardens and evoking memories of an era of planters who made this place the coffee capital of India. The ride is peaceful and amongst the green canopy of the forests and the agreeable climate. You will stay at the Taj, a luxurious place, to unwind in the evening.
Day 8: Lakkavalli
Today’s ride is through the mountain paths cut through the coffee plantations. The first 10 kms of the ride is uphill, and then through undulating terrain and finally flat roads as we reach the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area with the primary intention of tiger conservation under the ambitious Project Tiger Programme. The sanctuary has a wide range of flora and fauna. Over 30 tigers are estimated to be residents of this wildlife sanctuary. Other mammals in the sanctuary include elephants, gaur, sloth bear and leopards. Here you will go on a jeep safari through the sanctuary, trek with a naturalist and spend the evenings in the ‘Gol Ghar’ exchanging stories about the day’s events.
Day 9: Koppa
You will start today’s ride near the Bhadrawathi dam and we go a short distance uphill through thick forests for 25 kms. Thereafter, there is a fascinating ride downhill, towards your destination Koppa, a small town famously known as the Kashmir of Karnataka for its gentle weather and fascinating scenery. Encircled by the Western Ghats, this is a lovely place located at a height of 800 meters above sea level. You will stay at a small homestay, which is basic but very welcoming.
Day 10: Jog Falls
An early start from Koppa will see you riding through the lush tropical forests with climbs & downhill riding as you head towards the biggest waterfalls in India – the Jog Falls set amidst the Sharavati Valley Wildlife sanctuary. Cascading from a height of 250 meters, the waterfall consists of four distinct cascades – known locally as Raja, Rani, Rover and Rocket. The four cascades merge to form the huge waterfall. The waterfall is locally known as Geruoppe Falls is India’s highest water falls. Here we will settle down at a homestay. The ride is a long one; hence you will be riding part of the way & then transfer to your destination.
Day 11: Gokarna
After a morning visit to the great Jog Falls, you will go down the mountains & join the coastal roads, towards Gokarna, a small and remote holy town, with four of India's most secluded and pristine beaches nestled nearby. Gokarna's main attractions are its beaches, where people come to chill and soak up the sun for months at a time. You will ride along the coastal route, heavily scented with the smell of the sea and sand, to reach the resort.
Day 12: South Goa - Palolem
Once again, we ride along the scenic beach side with cliffs dropping off to the beautiful beaches below. This is also known as the ‘mango’ belt for the delicious ‘Alphonso’ Mangoes that grow in profusion here. Karwar an ancient site of sea trade frequented by the Arabs, Dutch, Portuguese, French and later the British is historically significant. The picturesque Sadashivgad Fort is located by the Kali River on which Karwar stands. From here we will ride into the beautiful beaches of South Goa.
Day 13: Sunny Goa
Today is the last day of cycling to take in the beauty of Goa. Your ride takes you to the Northern parts of Goa. En-route you will also visit the villages of interior Goa, temples, churches, historic bungalows. We will also take time off to visit the Bom Jesus Cathedral, an expression of Portuguese sovereignty for 400 years colonial rule. You will finish the ride & delicious Goan cuisine and the laid back ambience awaits you.
Day 14: Depart
Visa
Visitors to India must obtain a Visa before departure. You can consult the nearest Indian Embassy/ High Commission/ Consular Office for the same.
First Aid
Our guides have been adequately trained in first aid and always carry a comprehensive first-aid kit. In case of any medical emergency we have facilities to transfer you to the nearest hospital immediately.
Accomodation
You will be put up in Heritage Hotels, Villas, resorts & eco-lodges.
Climate
The weather is tropical and warm. Monsoons months are June to September.
Transportation Guides
Transportation (sometimes including airport transfers) are included in the cost. The vehicle with roof top carriers will accompany throughout. We provide qualified cycling guide for the tour..
Food
Food is a very important part of these journeys and we have ensured that the local Cuisine is a part of this adventure. Refreshments and bottled mineral water are provided on all cycling days. Any special food requirements can be met if sufficient notice is given.
Spending Money
During the cycling there will be opportunities to do some shopping and money spent along the way goes directly into the hands of the local communities.
Foreign Exchange
You can exchange your money at most major towns. ATMs are found in most towns. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Please check with us for details.
What to bring
Clothing:
Cottons
Warm Clothes (Fleece, Jackets, Gloves, Caps) for the hills
Biking shorts
Camelbacks
Waterproof jackets
Casual Shirts/T-shirts
Others:
Binocs & Camera (optional)
Torch
Insect repellent
Sunglasses, cap
Sun screen lotion
Canteen
Day pack
Bike Specifications
Bike type: Cannondale/ Trek / MERIDA
Number of gears: 21-24
Brakes: V-Brakes
Suspension: Front
Pedals: Standard
frame range: 16 - 21
Bike bag provided: Yes
Water bottle holder provided: Yes
Water bottle provided: No
Adjustable handlebars: No
Female saddles provided: No
Gel saddles provided: No
Option to fit own saddle: Yes
Option to fit own pedal: Yes
