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.