South India Western Ghats Cycling Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Western Ghats, one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges, on our South India Western Ghats Ride. This epic cycling tour takes you through stunning landscapes, vibrant villages, and ancient heritage sites, offering an immersive experience of South India’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

The Western Ghats, with their lush tropical evergreen forests, diverse flora and fauna, and perennial rivers, are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a biodiversity hotspot. This region is home to ethnic tribes like the Badaga, Toda, Kota, Kurumba, Irula, Nayaka, and Kani, who live in harmony with nature. However, the increasing human activity and industrial development pose a threat to this fragile ecosystem. The Indian government and forest departments have taken measures to protect the natural diversity of the Ghats, making it an ideal place for eco-friendly exploration by bike.

Our adventure begins on the sunny beaches of Goa, where you will feel the ocean breeze as we cycle along the coastal fishermen villages of Gokarna and Shiroor. The journey then takes us through the dense Agumbe forest, known for its rich biodiversity, to reach the rural charm of Koppa. As we ride further, we enter the scenic landscapes of Chickamagaluru, famous for its vast coffee plantations at Balur. Here, you will get a chance to explore the coffee estates and savor the aromatic flavors of freshly brewed coffee.

Continuing our ride, we arrive in Hassan, home to the 13th-century Chennakesava temple, a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture. The architectural grandeur of the temple will leave you spellbound. From Hassan, we pedal through quaint villages and suburbs to the historic city of Mysore. In Mysore, we take a break to rejuvenate and explore the magnificent Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, and the bustling Devaraja Market.

Our journey then leads us through the wildlife-rich Bandipur and Mudumalai National Parks. Here, we embark on a thrilling jeep safari, with the chance to spot elephants, gaurs, sambars, spotted deer, Malabar giant squirrels, wild boars, Malabar parakeets, and the elusive grey-headed bulbul. The ride continues as we ascend the Nilgiris, or Blue Mountains, towards Ooty. In Ooty, we spend a night in the charming town of Coonoor, surrounded by tea plantations and scenic valleys.

Next, we experience a heritage train ride that offers breathtaking views of the tea-covered hills and lush valleys, taking us to the agrarian village of Pollachi. In Pollachi, you will immerse yourself in authentic village experiences, learning about local farming practices and enjoying traditional cuisine. As we pedal through the misty tea hills of Valparai, the journey becomes even more enchanting with the spectacular waterfalls of Athirapally and the serene backwaters of Chalakkudy River.

Our adventure culminates in the historic town of Fort Kochi, where you will explore its colonial heritage, ancient Chinese fishing nets, and vibrant streets filled with art and culture. For those with a few extra days, our optional beach and backwater add-on tour offers a relaxing end to the journey, cycling to Marari beach, engaging in traditional martial arts, and kayaking through the peaceful backwaters.

Why Choose This Tour?

Immersive Experience: Dive deep into the rich culture and natural beauty of South India.
Expert Guides: Our experienced guides ensure your safety and provide insightful commentary throughout the journey.
Small Group Sizes: Enjoy a personalized experience with our small group tours.

Optional Add-On: Beach and Backwater Tour

If you have a few extra days, consider our beach and backwater add-on tour program:

Marari: Cycle to the fishermen’s village of Marari, relax on the pristine beach, and witness traditional martial arts.
Backwaters Village: Explore the backwaters by kayak, navigating narrow canals, and enjoy a traditional banana leaf lunch at a family homestay.

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

Details

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 along the Coast, Evening Walk at the Ohm beach

Hotel: Stone Wood Nature Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

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

Details

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. Further, we drive crossing the Venkatapur and Chowtani River and enter the gateway of the lush green and biodiverse Western Ghats to wind up our ride at an old-styled eco-resort.

Day 4: Cycling to Koppa

Activity: Cycling to Koppa through Ghat Roads, Plantation walk, Transfer to hotel

Hotel: Ammadi Homestay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

From Kundapura, we initially ride through flat village roads with farms, temples, and dwellings. Further on, we ride steeply uphill through the Agumbe forest area. The unique rainforest ecosystem here serves as one of the top habitats for the great reptile species – the King Cobra. We will progress our ride through hilly and undulating terrain with scenic views of valleys, winding roads, hairpin bends, and swathes of Coffee Estates. In the last section, we will ride towards the rural destination of Koppa, bordering the Chikkamagaluru district. We will wind up today’s endeavor in a traditional and well-kept homestay with 300 years of lineage. In the evening, you can go for a plantation walk.

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

Details

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

Details

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

Details

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

Details

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

Details

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: Transfer and Cycling to Ooty, Visit to Botanical Garden and Toda Temple

Hotel: Accord Highland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

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 through tea hills and villages, Downhill cycling to Mettupalayam, Transfer from Mettupalayam to pollachi

Hotel: Coco Lagoon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

The day starts with a delightful heritage train journey to Mettupalayam, 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 via Reserve Forests, Tea Plantation walk

Hotel: Stanmore Tea Bungalow

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

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 Athirapally

Activity: Cycling and transfer to Athirapally via Sholayar forests, Visit Athirapally Waterfall

Hotel: Casa Rio

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Details

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 through villages along plantations & canals, Afternoon Fort Kochi Sightseeing, Kathakali Dance Performance

Hotel: Dutch Bungalow

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Details

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

Details

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.