Set off on an 8-day long cycling trip through the Western Ghats of Karnataka - in the middle of a glorious monsoon. The smell of the rain in the air, the dark clouds gathering in the horizon and racing towards you, and the warm, fierce rain that drenches you and the landscape around in a rejuvenating shower - it's the perfect adventure.
On this cycling trip, you'll spend a night at a coffee plantation so you can see how coffee is grown, visit a temple complex, stay at a research centre and do a night trek to learn about amphibian life in the monsoon, visit a farm to see how the rains influence the agriculture of the region, and end with a stay at a beach resort in Maravanthe.
This expedition is accompanied by 1 support vehicle that will carry spare parts, baggage, and can be used by cyclists who want to rest or are unable to cycle that day. There are rest stops every 25-30 minutes, and you'll be able to get a snack or drink, or access your luggage if you need to.
IMPORTANT: This is a moderately challenging cycling tour that covers about 50-70 kms per day. Participants should be seasoned cyclists with good levels of fitness.
Destination
You'll be driven from Bangalore to Sakleshpur, from where your cycling trip begins. You'll ride through the misty mountains of Karnataka, with rolling views of the Western Ghats that turn a lush green in the monsoon. You'll stop at Kudremukh National Park, Agumbe National Park, trek up to Kavaledurga Fort and visit the ancient temple of Sringeri. The dramatic landscape changes to the gorgeous views of coastal Karnataka as you cycle down from the Western Ghats towards the end of your trip. On the last day, you'll spend a night in the beach town of Maravanthe, where the soft sands are the perfect setting for a golden sunset.
Destination highlights
Chase the monsoon through the Western Ghats on the Karnataka cycling tour. | Enjoy the rain-drenched landscapes of the forested Ghats and the coastal views of Maravanthe. | Explore the local wildlife at rainforests and national parks. | Stay at a coffee plantation, a research centre, a beach resort, and a farm. | Visit historic forts and ancient temples.
Day 1 of Karnataka cycling: Bangalore to Sakleshpur
Arrive at the meeting point in Bangalore by 07:00 hrs in the morning, and board vehicles that will drive you to Sakleshpur. You will arrive at Sakleshpur by afteroon and check in to a quaint homestay. After lunch, you can rest for a while and then you'll head out for a short trek to the waterfalls around the area. You will trek on a moderate-intensity trail through small hills and farms. Return to Sakleshpur by evening, in time for a campfire evening and a hot dinner. Overnight in home stay.
Overnight at Sakleshpur in home stay.
You will be staying in a comfortable home stay. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Your breakfast will be a typical Karnataka style breakfast, as well as omlettes, at a local joint en route your journey. Lunch and dinner will be traditional cuisine.
Day 1 Milestone
Bangalore
Sakleshpur
06:00 AM
Food
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Veg|Non veg
Day 2 of Karnataka cycling: Sakleshpur to Mudigere
Today is the first day of your cycling expedition. You'll begin with a ride of 55 kms, through coffee estates and lush green farms. Your resting spot for the night will be a home stay in the valleys. In the evening, your hosts will cook up a traditional 'Malenadu' hot meal, ideal to soothe your rain soaked muscles. Overnight at Mudigere in home stay.
Overnight at Mudigere in home stay.
Spend your night in Mudigere in a rustic home stay at a farm. Today's meal package includes all the meals, with your hosts cooking a traditional 'Malenadu' cuisine for dinner. Apart from this, during your rides you'll also be given snacks, nutrition bars, chikki, fruits and filtered safe drinking water.
Day 2 Milestone
Sakleshpur
Mudigere
07:00 AM
Food
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Veg|Non veg
Day 3 of Karnataka cycling: Mudigere to Kudremukh National Park
Today's journey is a scenic one as it takes you to the lush greenery amidst the Sahyadri Hills. Begin your day with a ride up to the Devaramane Hills, followed by a downhill route towards Kalasa town. From here, make your way towards the Kudremukh National Park and then arrive at a quaint spot amidst the Sahyadri Hills. You will stay at a heritage home stay that overlooks a river stream and vast plantations of coffee and tea. Spend your evening surrounding a campfire and have fun with rest of the cyclists in the group. Overnight at Kudremukh National Park in home stay.
Overnight at Kudremukh National Park in home stay.
Spend your night near the Kudremukh National Park at a local family's home stay. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, either cooked by your hosts at the home stay and or at local restaurants.
Day 3 Milestone
Mudigere
Kudremukh National Park
07:00 AM
Food
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Veg|Non veg
Day 4 of Karnataka cycling: Kudremukh National Park to Sringeri
Another breathtaking journey through the Western Ghats, today you will ride from the Kudremukh National Park all the way towards the holy town of Sringeri. After arriving at the town, you will visit a 1200-year old temple at Sringeri. Proceed to your accommodation for the night at Sringeri and go for a short walk through the surrounding farms and try to spot any local wildlife that emerge from the wild during the monsoons. Overnight at Sringeri in home stay.
Overnight ar Sringeri in home stay.
Spend your night in the holy city of Sringeri in a home stay. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner along with fruits, chikki and nutrition bars along your journey.
Day 4 Milestone
Kudremukh National Park
Sringeri
07:00 AM
Food
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Veg|Non veg
Day 5 of Karnataka cycling: Srinegri to the Agumbe Rainforest
Embark on a short but insightful ride to the land of the reptile king, the Cobra. Begin riding from Sringeri and cycle towards the dense Agumbe Rainforest. Depending on weather conditions, you might encounter rainfall during your journey as you will be cycling through the region known to have the second highest rate of rainfall in India. Upon entering the rainforest, you will stay at the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station where you can meet conservationsts that will guide you through reptilian land of King Cobra and the efforts to conserve the species. As the sky starts turning dark over the rainforest, you will go out for a short trek through dense jungles. Overnight at Agumbe Rainforest Research Station in rooms.
Overnight at Agumbe Rainforest in Agumbe Rainforest Research Station.
Spend your night in the wilderness of the Agumbe Rainforest at the Research Station. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5 Milestone
Srinegri
Agumbe Rainforest
07:00 AM
Food
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Veg|Non veg
Day 6 of Karnataka cycling: Agumbe Rainforest to Kavaledurga Fort
Wake up to the morning mist of the rainforest and begin today's ride towards the Kavaledurga Fort. As you reach the base of this 9th century fort, you will leave your cycles with the support vehicle and continue the rest of the journey on foot. Hike uphill to reach the fort and take some time to explore the ancient architecture and learn about the once prominent Vijayanagar Dynasty. After a picnic lunch by the riverside, you will cycle a short distance to a nearby farm where you will spend the night with hosts that practice sustainable farming and are keen artists as well. Overnight at Kavaledurga Fort in home stay.
Overnight at Kavaledurga Fort in home stay.
Spend your night close to the Kavaledurga Fort at a home stay in a farm. Today's meal package includes a typical Karnataka breakfast as well as omlettes, followed by a picnic lunch and concluding in a traditional dinner.
Day 6 Milestone
Agumbe Rainforest
Kavaledurga Fort
07:00 AM
Food
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Veg|Non veg
Day 7 of Karnataka cycling: Kavaledurga Fort to Maravanthe Beach
Wake up to the smell of coffee at the farm. Post breakfast, embark on a downhill trip towards Maravanthe Beach. This beach town, known for one of the most beautiful beaches in India, has the Arabian Sea to its right and the Sauparnika River to its left. Reach the town by late afternoon and spend your evening at quiet, beautiful beach, listening to the waves. Overnight at Maravanthe Beach in beach resort.
Overnight at Maravanthe Beach in beach resort.
Spend your last night of this trip at a beach resort on the Maravanthe Beach. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 7 Milestone
Kavaledurga Fort
Maravanthe Beach
07:00 AM
Food
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Veg|Non veg
Day 8 of Karnataka cycling: Return to Bangalore
On the last day of your cycling tour, you can wake up late and take a relaxed stroll down the sandy beach. After breakfast, you will board vehicles that will take you back to Bangalore. A 450-km, 6-hr drive late, you will reach Bangalore by evening. Your trip ends here.
Your trip ends before nightfall.
Today's meal package includes breakfast and lunch en route to your journey back to Bangalore. You will reach Bangalore by late evening. Trip ends here.
Travel arrangements in private vehicles from and to Bangalore
All required equipment for cycling
Mountain bicycles and helmets
Designated support vehicle to carry luggage, spare parts and support crew/mechanic
Accomodation in home stays/beach resorts for all nights
All meals from breakfast on Day 1 to lunch on Day 8
Snacks, nutrition bars, chikki, water and fruit juices
Services of an experienced tour guide and mechanic
Permit fees and entry charges
First Aid kit
All applicable taxes
Excludes
Travel costs between base city and Bangalore
Photography charges at sightseeing locations
Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, road blocks etc.
Personal expenses such as tips to staff, alcohol or beverages etc.
Travel or medical insurance
Anything not mentioned in inclusions
What to Wear
What to Wear
Comfortable, quick-dry apparel
Quick dry footwear with good grip
Woollen socks and gloves
Windcheater or jacket
Sweater and thermal wear
Raincoat or poncho
Shirts/t-shirts and track pants
Woollen cap/balaclava
Not to wear - Denims or jeans (while cycling)
Flip-flops/slippers (while cycling)
Expensive gadgets or jewellery
Hard luggage like suitcases
What not to Wear
Loose clothing that will tangle around you while swimming
Restrictive clothing
Flip-flops
Equipment / Gear
We Provide
Private vehicle for transport from and to Bangalore
All required equipment for cycling
Mountain bicycles and helmets
Designated support vehicle to carry luggage, spare parts and support crew/mechanic
First Aid kit
You need to get
Rucksack (with rain cover)
Day pack (with rain cover)
ID proof
Sunglasses (polarised, anti-glare)
Torch (extra batteries)
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm
Dry snacks (Biscuits, energy bars etc.)
Insect repellent
Personal toiletries
Water bottle
Raincoat/poncho
Medical Kit
Please carry specific personal or prescribed medication, and a personal first-aid kit.
Directions towards the Pick up Point
Bengaluru is well-connected to most major cities of the country via flights to the Bengaluru International Airport or trains to the Bengaluru Railway Station. You can take local, public transport in Bengaluru to reach MG Road. Google Maps pin: https://goo.gl/maps/wPAJZKyoJzq
Directions towards the Start Point
Your operator will arrange your transport to the start point of this trip.