South India West Coast Cycling Tour

Destination

South India

Duration

11 Days

Activity

Cycling

Grade

Intermediate

Stays

Premium

Price

$1800

Departures Available
November 10, 2024
- November 20, 2024

Goa to Kerala Coastal Cycling Holiday

Embark on an exhilarating 10-day cycling adventure along South India’s Western Seaboard, from the vibrant beaches of Goa to the historic charm of Fort Kochi in Kerala. This journey offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, cultural immersion, and delicious regional cuisine, all experienced from the saddle of your bike.

Your adventure begins in the laid-back beaches of Goa. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted and driven through charming village roads lined with Portuguese-style houses and lush greenery. The serene beaches of South Goa will welcome you, where you’ll settle into a cozy wooden cottage nestled among palm trees. The afternoon will be spent preparing for your ride, with time to relax by the pristine beach and soak up the coastal ambiance.

From Goa, you’ll cycle across the border into Karnataka, where the landscape transitions to rolling hills and dense forests. Your route takes you through picturesque fishing harbors and lush groves, ending at the sacred town of Gokarna. Known for its ancient Mahabaleshwara Swami Temple, Gokarna offers a tranquil sunset at Ohm Beach and a special dinner by the shore.

Continuing south, you’ll cycle through the scenic coastal roads, passing through quaint villages and small temples. The ride takes you to Shiroor, where you’ll stay at an eco-resort surrounded by lush greenery. A visit to the majestic Murudheshwar Temple offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, and you might explore local trails and waterfalls if time allows.

As you pedal towards Malpe, the flat terrain and coconut palm groves set a peaceful backdrop. In Udupi, a visit to the renowned Sri Krishna Temple introduces you to the local culinary traditions. The day concludes in Malpe, where you can enjoy a stroll on the sandy beaches and savor fresh seafood.

The journey continues through the undulating roads of the Malabar Coast, reaching Kanjangad in Kerala. This area, known for its historic forts, offers a glimpse into Kerala’s rich heritage. The Bekal and Kumbala forts stand as testaments to the region’s past, providing breathtaking views of the coastline.

A free day in Kanjangad offers opportunities to relax or witness the traditional Theyyam rituals if your visit aligns with the festive season. Alternatively, you might visit a turtle breeding center to observe the endangered Olive Ridley turtles.

Cycling further south, you’ll reach Thalassery, a town known for its vibrant weaving industry and delicious North Keralan seafood. Here, you can explore local markets and enjoy the unique flavors of the region.

The journey to Kozhikode, formerly Calicut, takes you through historic trading towns and ends at Kappad Beach, where Vasco da Gama first landed in 1498. The area’s rich history and culinary delights, including the famous Kozhikode Biriyani, are highlights of your visit.

As you cycle towards Thrissur, you’ll experience the cultural richness of Kerala, with a visit to the Elephant Fort and the bustling temple festival, if the timing is right. The day offers a deep dive into local traditions and the opportunity to taste regional specialties.

The final leg of your journey leads you to Fort Kochi, where colonial charm meets modern vibrancy. A visit to Cherai Village and the Kodungallur Sree Kurumba Bhagavati Temple provides insights into the region’s history and spirituality. Your adventure concludes with a relaxing stay at a beach resort, offering the perfect end to your South Indian cycling odyssey.

This tour promises not only a physical challenge but also a rich tapestry of experiences, from stunning landscapes and historical landmarks to unique cultural encounters and authentic regional cuisine.

All our tours can be be tailor-made throughout the year to suit your requirements like tour schedule, specific interests, type of accommodation and budget. You can mention this in Requirements field.

Tour Highlights

A group of cyclists wearing colorful jerseys and helmets posing on a sandy beach with ocean waves and lush greenery in the background.

Beaches of South West India

The South West coast of India boasts of some of the most beautiful beaches in India, including Goa, Gokarna Beach, of Konakan Coast and Nileshwar and Thalaserry of Malabar Coast. Visitors can relax on the sandy shores, or take a stroll to witness the spectacular sunsets.
Cycling to Kundapura Karnataka

Ancient Temples of Gokarna & Udupi

Gokarna is known for its ancient temples, including the Mahabaleshwar Temple and Maha Ganapati Temple, which are revered by devotees for their spiritual significance. Udupi is famous for its Sri Krishna Temple, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.
A group of people taking a selfie on a beach, with a traditional boat featuring the Indian flag in the background, surrounded by palm trees.

Interaction with Fishermen

Visitors can interact with local fishermen and witness their daily activities such as fishing, boat making, and net mending. The experience provides a unique insight into the livelihoods and culture of coastal communities.
Cycling to Kanjangad Kerala

Forts of Northern Kerala

Northern Kerala is home to several historic forts such as the Bekal Fort, and Thalassery Fort. These forts, built by the rulers of the region, provide a glimpse into the rich history and architecture of the area.
Theyyam Ritual North Kerala

Theyyam Performance

Theyyam is a popular ritual art form of North Kerala, where performers don elaborate costumes and colorful face paint to enact stories from mythology. Visitors can witness this mesmerizing performance during the festival season and get a taste of the local culture.
A couple enjoying a South Indian meal served on large traditional thali plates in a restaurant setting.

South Indian Food

South Indian cuisine is known for its diversity and deliciousness, with a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes made with fresh ingredients and aromatic spices.
Tuk Tuk Sightseeing Tour Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi on Auto-Rickshaw

Visitors can explore the charming city of Fort Kochi on an tuk-tuk tour, which takes them to historic landmarks such as the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, the Dutch Palace and the Jewish Synagogue. The tour provides a unique and exciting way to experience the rich history and culture of the city.

Itinerary

Goa Beach

Day 1: Arrive at Goa

Activity: Arrival and Transfer to Hotel, Explore Anjuna Beach
Meals: Breakfast
Detailed: 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, restaurants serving Goan Fish Thali and favorite beverage - the Feni brewed from the juicy Cashew fruit. We drive along the silent beaches of Varca & Cavelossim to reach the tranquil beach in South Goa. 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 West Coast Ride ahead.
Group of cyclists riding along a scenic road lined with palm trees and greenery.

Day 2: Cycling to Gokarna

Activity: Cycling via Woody Roads and Coastal Villages, Dinner at Ohm Beach
Activity Distance : 50 Kms
Terrain : Hilly, Undulating & Flat
Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch, Dinner
Detailed: Crossing the Goa state border, we will transfer you to Karwar in Karnataka which will take an hour and a half. The drive will be through the hilly undulating terrain with sparse forest and woody patches. En route, you can also view the sea shaking hands with the river Kali. We will cross the river on a Ferry along with the locals. From here, we start cycling towards our first destination - Gokarna. Further, we ride on the backcountry roads, mostly flat terrain with the view of fishing harbors, Coconut, Cashew, and Mango Tree groves along the western coast. We will finish today’s ride at a scenic nature resort in Gokarna. Being a prime pilgrim center in South India, Gokarna is famous for the 4th century CE Sri Mahabaleshwara Swami Temple. According to legend, the Atma Linga – the Soul of Lord Shiva is worshipped here. Hence, it is believed that the Mahabaleshwara temple is one of seven temples to be visited for attaining Moksha. In the evening, you will be visiting tranquil Ohm Beach for a sunset walk followed by a special dinner at the beachside restaurant.
Detailed:
A group of cyclists biking on a rocky trail surrounded by lush greenery and hills in the background, under a clear blue sky.

Day 3: Cycling to Shiroor

Activity: Cycling through Coastal Villages, Ferry Crossing, Murudeshwar Temple visit, Transfer to Hotel
Activity Distance : 65 Kms
Terrain : Undulating & Flat
Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch, Dinner
Detailed: Today, we will start our bike ride Southwards, along the coastal road with the Arabian Sea in the west. We will pass through the fishermen villages of Honnavar and Manki with its off the grid beaches and small temples. The terrain is a combination of flat and undulating back roads. 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 and the vast sea in the backdrop. We will wind up the ride for the day in nature's lap at a tranquil eco-resort. The unique accommodation will take away your senses with lush greenery around and its oldtime comfy feel. Here, we can go for a short trek in the nearby forest area to see endemic birds and the scenic Kosalli waterfall (if time permits).
Detailed:
Three people riding bicycles down a path in the woods. Kasaragod Kerala

Day 4: Cycling to Malpe

Activity: Cycling through Coconut Grooves and Villages
Activity Distance : 80 Kms
Terrain : Flat
Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch, Dinner
Detailed: Today, we ride further to the south along the west coast on the rustic roads through the endless coconut palm groves. We will be riding along the scenic Maravante Village close to the Arabian Sea. With a few climbs, the terrain will be mostly flat. We will reach Udupi town by noon and a visit to holy Sri Krishna temple is scheduled in the afternoon. The temple is conjoined with an Aashram - a place for living and worship. Food is being prepared in the temple kitchen using local ingredients and distributed to an approx. Twenty Thousand devotees as Prasadam - the Sacred Food every day. Janmashtami festival, the birthday of Lord Sri Krishna and many other festivals like Navaratri, Deepavali are celebrated here with great pomp and glory every year. Post Temple visit, we will ride to Malpe town, the hub of Mogaveera Fishing Community. Here, we will go for a stroll on the white sandy beaches with coconut palms striking a rustic pose against the clear blue sky.
Detailed:
A group of cyclists riding their bicycles along a path near a harbor filled with boats and colorful flags.

Day 5: Cycling to Kanjangad

Activity: Cycling to Mangalore along fishing harbours, Transfer to Hotel, Enroute visit Bekal Fort
Activity Distance : 60 Kms
Terrain : Flat
Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch, Dinner
Detailed: Today, we exit the state of Karnataka, the sentinel of the Konkan coast. We will ride through the undulating roads towards the Malabar Coast. In India, the culture, traditions and cuisines change with each village. South India is no exception to this cultural diversity. You will be able to notice the cultural difference as you reach Kanjangad in Kasaragod district. Kasaragod is predominantly known as the land of forts in Kerala. We will be visiting the historic forts, the Bekal and the Kumbala built by the ancient rulers. These forts were conquered many times, yet they stand undestroyed as a testimony of time in front of you. Presently, the Bekal Fort is being maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. The view of the forts towering adjacent to the sea coast is majestic as well as a never miss sight along the South Western seaboard of India. Don't forget to click a smiling selfie with the locals here.
Detailed:
A group of cyclists posing with their bicycles in front of a grassy mound, smiling and wearing colorful cycling apparel, during a scenic outdoor excursion.

Day 6: Free Day at Kanjangad

Activity: Leisure a the Beach Resort, Optional visit to the local Temple to witness Theyyam Ritual
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Detailed: Free Day at Kanjangad can be spent relaxing in the sea-facing cottage at the resort, with the serene beach close by. If your tour is during the right time of the year, we will be visiting the traditional family temples nearby to witness the age-old temple ritual performance - Theyyam. The festive season starts from the end of October and lasts for a few months depending on each temple. It’s a great feat for culture lovers to witness this bizarre and unique temple ritual in all its original colours. There are more than 400 types of Theyyam out of which as many as hundreds are highly significant. It is believed that the performer embodies the spirit of ancestors or the family god/goddess and possesses special powers to see into the future and give blessings. If you are not travelling during the festive period and miss this opportunity, we will be visiting, a breeding centre for the endangered Olive Ridley turtles in Thaikadapuram beach. Here, this rare species crawl to the shore for laying eggs and mass breeding, best witnessed after the monsoon months from September to January
Detailed:
Malabar Coast Cycling 1

Day 7: Cycling to Thalassery

Activity: Cycling through coastal villages along the river, Try-out special Malabar Cuisine
Activity Distance : 70 Kms
Terrain : Undulating and flat
Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch, Dinner
Detailed: Today, we will ride along the scenic shores of Northern Kerala on mostly flat terrain with the view of villages, small temples, and coconut groves. The ride will pass through main towns of Nileshwar, Payyanur and Pazhayangadi crossing numerous bridges across the west-flowing rivers to reach Kannur. We will be visiting a traditional weaving industry in here. You can witness beautiful clothing being made by the master weavers using the generations-old handloom. After the visit, you will reach the cosy accommodation with a private beach at Thalassery. It’s time to taste the exotic North Keralan seafood cuisines prepared from the fresh catch for lunch. Evening, we can go out for the local visits - to see youngsters play cricket or check out the cake shop nearby or a casual walk through the market. During the festive season, we can also visit specific temples around here to witness more Theyyam performances as well.
Detailed:
A cyclist with a helmet and a yellow jersey stands on a bridge, looking at a bustling fishing harbor filled with boats under a clear blue sky.

Day 8: Cycling to Kozhikode

Activity: Cycling through rustic villages
Activity Distance : 60 Kms
Terrain : Undulating & Flat
Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch, Dinner
Detailed: Today, we ride through the flat coastal roads to Kozhikode, erstwhile Calicut. It was a major seaport during ancient times under the rule of sea warriors – The Zamorins. The port has served as a trade centre for spices and other local commodities with the western world and the Chinese. This land is also known for its traditional Vadakan Pattukal - Northern Ballads singing the stories of epic heroes and deities. Riding past trade towns of Mahe, Vatakara, and Koyilandy, you will reach the famous Kappad beach. Here the great explorer, Vasco da Gama first landed in the year 1498. Today, the place is progressing as a futuristic IT Hub in itself. Food enthusiasts should never miss the famous local dishes here. Kozhikode Biriyani and Halwa are few dishes to savour and witness how it’s being prepared. We will wind up the ride at a comfy beach hotel to relax for the rest of the day.
Detailed:
Four cyclists riding on a path through lush greenery and palm trees, enjoying a scenic outdoor experience.

Day 9: Cycling to Guruvayur

Activity: Transfer out of City, Cycling through Coastal Villages, Visit Elephant fort
Activity Distance : 60 Kms
Terrain : Flat
Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch, Dinner
Detailed: Today, we ride further southwards to the cultural district of Kerala - Thrissur. We will cross the ancient port town of Beypore and significant rivers like Chaliyar and Bhratapuzha, traversing on the flat village roads. Thrissur is well known for the Pooram festival in the Vadakkunnathan Temple. It is one of the biggest temple festivals in Kerala and takes place during the month of May every year. The festival showcases more than hundreds of decorated elephants with a huge gathering of people and visitors. Trissur is again famous for its food joints where you can try out the delightful and special local dishes. Afternoon, it’s time to visit the the Anakottai - Elephant fort (Punnathurkotta). Once was a palace of the local ruler, it is now being used to house and nurture temple elephants. This unique facility in 11 acres of land has around 50 – 60 elephants dedicated to the famous Guruvayur Mahavishnu Temple.
Detailed:
Two people cycling on a narrow rural path flanked by water and lush palm trees on a sunny day.

Day 10: Cycling to Fort Kochi

Activity: Cycling along Wetlands, Fish farms & Beach
Activity Distance : 30 Kms
Terrain : Flat
Meals: Breakfast
Detailed: Today, we will progress our ride to the fisherman village of Cherai through the flat coastal roads. You will be visiting the Kodungallur Sree Kurumba Bhagavati Temple en route. Goddess Bhadrakali - one of the fiercest forms of Goddess Shakti is worshipped here. This ancient temple is also the prime Bhadrakali Temple in Kerala. After the temple visit, we will ride to the excavated sites with traces of the 1st century port of Muziris, believed to be washed off during a deluge. This urban port was once the gateway to India for the Arabs, Chinese, Jews, Romans, Portuguese and the Dutch. Further, you will be riding past numerous wetlands with its vast fish farms, a key occupation of natives. The quaint village of Cherai awaits you with its myriad colours of sunset striking against the ocean and the wetlands. You can also book a soothing Ayurveda massage here at the beach resort.
Detailed:
Goodbye Image

Day 11: Tour Ends

Detailed: It’s the time to say Adieu, with fond memories of the South India West Coast Ride. We will be happy to drop you at the Cochin International Airport if this is as per your schedule

Route Map

Inclusions

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

Exclusions

  • Airfare
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Gratitude

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