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South India Western Ghats Cycling Tour

  • 15 Days
  • South India
  • 2,800 USD per PAX
All our tours are customizable.
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Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Western Ghats, crossing four vibrant South Indian states—Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

Start with the golden beaches of Goa and cycle along the scenic West Coast through fishing villages, with a sunset at Om Beach, Gokarna. Ride into Karnataka’s lush coffee hills of Chikmagalur, visit the ancient Belur Temple, and enjoy a wildlife safari in Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

Continue into the cool tea plantations of Ooty, the coconut groves of Pollachi, and take on the thrilling hairpin bends of Valparai. Visit the spectacular Athirapilly Waterfalls before pedaling past palm groves, rubber plantations, and charming rural villages.

Your adventure ends in Fort Kochi, where you can explore heritage streets, vibrant markets, and colonial landmarks.

Along the way, discover ancient sites, breathtaking landscapes, and the rich culture of South India on this epic cycling adventure.

Tour Highlights

  • Cycling along the enchanting Konkan Sea Coast
  • Heritage city of Mysore
  • Ancient Hoysala Temples of Hassan
  • Cycling through the biodiversity hotspot of Western Ghats
  • Wildlife safari in Bandipur National Park
  • Magnificent waterfall of Athirapally

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: The tranquil beach of South Goa
Activity: Arrival, Bike Fitting, Free day
Hotel: Marron Sea View Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Our guide will pick you from Goa International Airport. We will drive for roughly 90 mins through the village roads with a view of Portuguese styled houses, Churches, Mangroves, Coconut and Cashew trees. Here we spend overnight in a cozy wood cottage nestled in palm groves adjacent to the pristine beach. After you settle down, the bike fitting is scheduled for the afternoon. Rest of the day, you can relax by the beach and prepare for the Western Ghats Ride ahead.
Day 2: Cycling to Gokarna
Activity: Cycling to Gokarna, Cycling Distance 50kms (Undulating and Hilly)
Hotel: Stone Wood Nature Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we will drive to the cycling start point in Karwar, which will take about an hour and a half. The drive will be through forested and woody patches. From there, we will start cycling towards Gokarna, home to pristine beaches. The ride will take us through undulating and hilly terrain along backcountry roads, with views of fishing harbors, and Coconut, Cashew, and Mango tree groves along the western coast. We will finish today’s ride at a scenic nature resort in Gokarna. As a prime pilgrimage center in South India, Gokarna is famous for the 4th-century CE Sri Mahabaleshwara Swami Temple. In the evening, you will visit the tranquil Om Beach for a sunset walk, followed by dinner at a beachside restaurant.
Day 3: Cycling to Kundapura
Activity: Cycling to Murudeshwar, Temple visit, Transfer to hotel
Hotel: Blue Waters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we will start our bike ride further south, along the coastal road with the view of the Arabian Sea in the west. We will pass through the fishermen villages of Honnavar and Manki with their off-grid beaches, fish markets, and small temples. We will cross the Aghnashini and Sharavati river and ride through a combination of flat and undulating backroads. En route, we will visit the majestic Murudheshwar Temple standing 20 stories tall in the coastal village of Bhatkala. A mechanical lift will take you to the roof of the temple. From here, you can see the gigantic statue of Lord Shiva sitting gracefully with blessing mudra with the vast sea in the backdrop. after the temple visit transfer ( 1 hour) to Kundpura, where you stay overnight in a riverfront hotel.
Day 4: Cycling to Koppa
Activity: Cycling to Koppa through Ghat Roads, Plantation walk, Transfer to hotel
Hotel: Ammadi Homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we begin our ride straight from the hotel, cycling along the scenic Kodi Beach. From here, the journey takes you through quiet villages, farmlands, and small temples. Pedal further into the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, enjoying peaceful forest roads filled with nature’s charm. We end the ride at the foothills of Agumbe forest, where a local restaurant awaits us for a hearty lunch. Later, we transfer to Koppa and check into a traditional homestay with a proud 300-year-old heritage. In the evening, take a leisurely plantation walk and soak in the timeless beauty of the countryside.
Day 5: Cycling to Balur
Activity: Cycling to Balur through Plantations, Coffee Plantation walk at Balur Estate
Hotel: Linger at Balur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start today’s ride through the undulating and hilly terrain of Chikkamagaluru towards Balur. We transverse through the high mountains of the region with the view of scenic landscape, slithering rivers, waterfalls and lush vegetation. After riding we will wind up today’s endeavor to reach a rustic bungalow nestled in a 400-acre expanse of Coffee plantation located at a height of 1100m above sea level. The ideal weather and rainfall make Chikkamagaluru, the coffee capital of India alongside the Kodagu district in Karnataka. Established in the year 1826 by the British, these numerous plantations provide employment to the local population invariably. We unfold the coffee heritage of the estate during the plantation walk scheduled in the evening.
Day 6: Cycling to Hassan
Activity: Cycling to Hassan through Villages, Visit Chennakesava and Hoysaleshwara Temple, Transfer to hotel
Hotel: Hoysala Village Resort
Meals: Undulating suburb roads
Today, we again ride on undulating terrain through the small agrarian villages of Mudigere with coffee and spice plantations. Further, we will ride along the Yagachi water reservoir to reach the temple town of Somanathapura, Belur. The town is renowned for the Chennakesava temple dedicated to Lord Kesava / Vishnu located on the banks of river Kaveri. The 13th-century temple is the epitome of exceptional Hoysala architecture. The temple has very finesse stone carving and inscriptions depicting ancient Hindu scriptures Mahabharata, Bhagavata Purana, and Ramayana. If time allows, we will further drive to Halebidu to visit the Hoysaleshwara temple dedicated to Lord Kesava, After the temple visits, we drive through the back-country roads to reach the rustic Hassan and wind down at a scenic village resort.
Day 7: Cycling to Mysore
Activity: Cycling to Mysore via backroad
Hotel: Southern Star
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning, after breakfast, we leave Hassan and ride through the rural roads towards the city of Mysore also called Mysuru. Today, the terrain will be undulating with a slight downhill. We will pass through villages with a vast stretch of cultivated lands, tobacco plantations, vegetable farms and small temples along the way. We ride alongside the Krishna Raja Sagara lake which is the confluence point of Sacred river Kaveri and its tributaries. Kaveri river is also the basis of Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary which supports a variety of avian species in the region. Once this land was affected by famines and droughts severely affected the local cultivation and livelihood. Further, we drive the last short stretch to reach the palace city of Mysore and wind down at a cozy hotel.
Day 8: Break day at Mysore
Activity: Mysore Sightseeing, Visit Palace, Chamundi Hill & Devaraja Market walk
Hotel: Southern Star
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
It’s a break day for cycling and today we set out for the sightseeing tour of Mysore city. Mysore is an ancient city with more than 600 glorious years of legacy. Known for its glittering royal heritage, bustling markets, magnificent monuments, cosmopolitan culture, and a friendly populace. The city is also a thriving center for the production of premium silk, sandalwood, and incense. We visit the famous Mysore Palace with its Durbar Hall and the Golden Royal Elephant Throne. We will further visit Chamundi Hill to have a panoramic view of Mysore city. Further, we will visit the ancient Chamundeshwari temple and the Nandi temple with its giant stone sculpture of a sitting bull dedicated to God Nandi. We will wind up the sightseeing tour with an evening walk through the old-time Devaraja Market packed with its flowers, fruits, and vegetable stalls.
Day 9: Cycling to Masinagudi
Activity: Cycling to Bandipur via villages, Drive through Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary, Jeep Safari
Hotel: Jungle Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured out of the city limits to start your cycling adventure towards Bandipur. The 50-kilometer flat and undulating backroad route will take you through picturesque rural villages and the serene countryside, offering a glimpse into the life of the local people. Various crops, including rice, millet, sugarcane, and vegetables, can be seen. Livestock like cows, goats, and chickens are common sights, reflecting the self-sustaining nature of rural communities. Upon reaching Bandipur we go for a jeep safari in the Tiger reserve.The national parks here are primarily dedicated to conserving endangered habitat of the tiger. . Look out for the commonly seen species like the Elephant, Gaur, Mouse deer, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Wild Boar, Malabar Parakeet, and the Grey-headed Bulbul. After the Safari, we drive to cozy accommodation in Masinagudi.
Day 10: Cycling to Ooty
Activity: Cycling to Ooty, Cycling Distance 40kms (Hilly)
Hotel: Accord Highland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you will be driven to the starting point of your 50-kilometer cycling route towards Ooty. The route will take you through the enchanting Nilgiri Hills, offering a mix of challenging hilly terrain and stunning vistas. As you pedal through the region, you'll be surrounded by the lush green expanse of tea plantations and experience the local culture and vibrant lifestyle of the hill communities in the villages. The roads are lined with towering eucalyptus and pine trees, adding to the picturesque setting. Upon arrival in Ooty, you have the option to visit the renowned Botanical Garden, known for its diverse collection of plants and beautifully landscaped gardens. After a fulfilling day, relax at your elegant hilltop accommodation.
Day 11: Cycling to Pollachi
Activity: Heritage train ride, Cycling Distance 40kms (Undulating and Long Downhill)
Hotel: Coco Lagoon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day starts with a delightful heritage train journey to Coonoor, offering panoramic views of the lush Nilgiri Hills and verdant landscapes. The train ride itself is an enchanting experience. You then embark on a 30-kilometre downhill cycling adventure. As you descend, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, forests, and distant mountains. After the exhilarating cycling experience, you will be driven to Pollachi. En route, you'll pass through scenic rural areas and lush fields, capturing the essence of Tamil Nadu's countryside. The day ends as you arrive at the tranquil resort in Pollachi, where you can unwind amidst coconut groves and serene landscapes
Day 12: Cycling to Valparai
Activity: Cycling to Valparai, Cycling Distance 50kms ( Flat and Hilly)
Hotel: Stanmore Tea Bungalow
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start our ride through the vast plains of Pollachi with the view of Aliyar Lake, Coconut Plantations and rustic villages. We reenter the Western Ghats to traverse between Anamalai Tiger Reserve and the Alliyar Reserve forest. Further, you will be riding uphill through the exhilarating 42 Hairpin bend roads with stunning views of the Tamil Nadu hinterland. The terrain is hilly with scenic tea plantations and countryside roads. Keep a lookout for the Lion-Tailed Macaque sighting here. We will reach the decade-old Plantation Bungalows in Valparai to wind up the ride. In the morning, you can explore the misty and manicured tea plantation to have a closer look of the tea plucking, processing and also to taste refreshing tea.
Day 13: Cycling to Athirappally
Activity: Cycling to Athirappally, Cycling Distance 35kms (Undulating and Up and Down), Visit Athirapally Waterfall
Hotel: Casa Rio
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning, we start our ride through the undulating backcountry roads towards Athirapally. We pass by the Sholayar Dam and see numerous Tea and Coffee plantation which were introduced by the British planters in the 19th century. No doubt that the high-altitude climate here is most suitable for cultivation of these cash crops. We will end todays ride at Malakapara to board the transport and drive through the restricted core Sholayar Forest Ranges. Reaching Athirapally village, we will set out to visit the spectacular Athirapally waterfall here. The view of enormous water gushing down from the mountain and crashing into the river bed is breath-taking. The region is also known for its rich biodiversity and home to a wide variety of wildlife including the Great Indian Hornbill.
Day 14: Cycling to Fort Cochin
Activity: Cycling to Fort Kochi, Cycling Distance 50kms (Undulating and Flat), Afternoon Fort Kochi Sightseeing, Kathakali Dance Performance
Hotel: Dutch Bungalow
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, you will ride through undulating country roads along the Chalakudy river. You will be seeing many villages, irrigation canals, rubber and palm plantations on the way. We will embark the transport before we hit the bustling city traffic. We drive to Fort Kochi – the queen of the Arabian Sea. Afternoon, we will go out for the History tour of Fort Kochi to know more about its colonial heritage. Once been a major port and trade Centre, it evolved as a settlement hotspot for numerous merchants from across the world. The gradual intermingling of their cultures for centuries has made Fort Kochi a unique heritage city to visit. We will walk through the Jew street, flea market, watch the creaking Chinese fishing nets. Later, a traditional Kathakali dance performance will be showcased. It will be nice to check out the local restaurants for a dinner before winding up in a comfy hotel.
Day 15: Cochin Airport
It’s the time to say Adieu, with fond memories of the ride through the biodiverse and culture-rich Western Ghats. We will be happy to drop you at the Cochin International Airport. If you have a couple of days more left, the add-on tour program offers more experiences of the beach and backwaters of Kerala as you can read through below.
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Gallery

Inclusions

  • Accompanying English Speaking Guide
  • Geared Bicycles (Trek / Giant / Cannondale / Scott)
  • Accommodation in Twin Share
  • Snacks, Beverages & Drinking Water
  • Entry Fees at Forest, Monuments, Plantation, Museums etc
  • Transfers in AC vehicle
  • Airport Pickup and Drop
  • Toll, Vehicle Permit, Parking & Government taxes

Route map

Western Ghats Cycling Tour Route Map
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