Kings, colonies and worship – Goa to Cochin

Kings, colonies and worship – Goa to Cochin

Kings, colonies and worship – Goa to Cochin

Kings, colonies and worship – Goa to Cochin

Kings, colonies and worship – Goa to Cochin

Kings, colonies and worship – Goa to Cochin

Kings, colonies and worship – Goa to Cochin

Kings, colonies and worship – Goa to Cochin

Kings, colonies and worship – Goa to Cochin

An incredible journey into India’s rich history and World Heritage sites in a landscape that is as surprising as it is spectacular.

This 19-day cycling tour encompasses the: amazing World Heritage monuments of the Great Indian dynasties; Imperial maritime power of the Portuguese, Dutch, and English; British colonial past;

and Hindu, Jain and Christian masterpieces.

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Highlights

  • Scenic Goa’s famous beaches, churches, and temples, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites reflecting its history as a Portuguese territory.
  • Hampi the grand Hindu Vijayanagara Empire capital, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Chikmagaloore, the “birthplace of coffee in India”.
  • Hill stations and tea and spice plantations in the Western Ghats.
  • Jain and Hindu spiritual and architectural gems.
  • The world's largest monolithic statue (an18m/58 ft stone man) and its Jain temple complex.
  • Mysore heritage sites including Royal Palace’s durbar hall and golden royal elephant throne, Hindu temples and Christian churches.
  • Ooty colonial hill station with its English-style cottages and gardens harking back to another time and place.
  • Nilgiri Mountain Railway and steam trains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Abundant, ever-present birdlife in forests and in a renowned bird sanctuary.
  • Kochi’s intriguing maritime and trading history, pre-dating even Vasco da Gama and the Romans.
  • Mouth-watering traditional South Indian cuisine.

Who is this tour for?
Riding preference:

  • Best suits an active rider or those who want a challenge. Averages 40-70 km per day.
  • This long tour has stretches on the coast and in the Western Ghats that provide pleasurable cruising. It also has some more challenging up-and-down sections in the foothills and mountains, with a demanding short uphill stretch near Ooty. However, to ensure your comfort and conserve your energy for the good stuff, we provide 6 legs with coach transfers.

Interests:

  • Perfect for someone interested in the history and heritage of India and its rulers, and the arts, technology, trade and religion of European colonial empires.
  • Suits a culture lover who is interested in the masterpieces of architecture, sculpture and painting created by the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures and the living religions of India – Hindu, Jain and Christian.
  • Suits a nature lover, bird watcher and wildlife enthusiast.

About the tour

Day 1 – Arrive Goa – transfer from airport.

Day 2 - Goa – explore by bicycle with sightseeing.

Day 3 – Goa to Om Beach - explore beachside by bicycle.

Day 4 – Coach transfer from Om Beach to Hampi.

Day 5 - Hampi – explore by bicycle.

Day 6 – Coach transfer from Hampi to Chikmagaloor

Day 7 – Bicycle day excursion to Sringeri, return Chikmagaloor.

Day 8 – Bicycle from Chikmagaloor to Hassan via Belur and Halebadu.

Day 9 - Bicycle from Hassan to Mysore via Sravanabelagola.

Day 10 - Explore Mysore by bicycle with sightseeing.

Day 11 - Bicycle from Mysore to Masinagudi.

Day 12 - Bicycle from Masinagudi to Ooty.

Day 13 - Explore Ooty by bicycle with sightseeing.

Day 14 - Bicycle from Ooty to Munnar via Mettuppalayam and Willington

Day 15 - Explore Munnar by bicycle with sightseeing.

Day 16 - Bicycle from Munnar to Thattekkadu.

Day 17 - Explore Thattekkadu by bicycle with sightseeing.

Day 18 - Coach transfer from Thattekkadu to Kochi – explore Kochi by bicycle.

Day 19 - Kochi - Transfer to airport.

Accommodation: Optional

Not quite right? Let us create a private customised short tour

Any qustions ?

At a glance


Goa - Cochin


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Min : 2 Max :10


Min : 12+