Description
This tour combines the three spectacular states of Southern India: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala. Be ready for some serious green therapy and abundant wildlife riding amidst the Western Ghats – the long stretch of mountains on the South Western edge of the country. Expect to be submerged in the lush environs of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserve forests along.
Overview
This tour combines the three spectacular states of Southern India: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala. Be ready for some serious green therapy and abundant wildlife riding amidst the Western Ghats – the long stretch of mountains on the South Western edge of the country. Expect to be submerged in the lush environs of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserve forests along.
-
A thrilling biking route with the lush Western Ghats combining three states of Southern India
- Diverse food of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala will definitely enthrall your taste buds
-
Experience an abundant wildlife
GROUP KITTY
- A group kitty is an amount of money collected at the start of the trip from each client, which is used to buy refreshments and sometimes meals for guests and crew.
- Trip Leaders will offer to administer the tipping kitty, but will always ask first to see if any member would like to do it on behalf of the group.
- A group kitty will be fully accounted for. All amounts will be written down and be available to be viewed by the group at any point.
- Leaders may suggest to the group to use the group kitty for additional purposes such as purchasing snacks and tea and tipping.
Inclusion
- Small boutique hotels/home-stays, as mentioned in the tour details (subject to availability)
- True to their heritage and character, small luxury and boutique hotels that reflect local ethos. They hold within them, an unassuming charm and regional character that is an extension of the destination itself. Most of them fall under 3 star category with a possible mix of homestay and 4 star.
- Meals as per itinerary
- On each trip, guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently. Your guides are happy to make recommendations should you so desire.
- A Van support that follows throughout the trip and carries all belongings. If at any point riding seems a little hard, the van takes you for as long or as little as you wish it to. It also provides you refreshments along the way and sometimes a chilled beer.
- Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need
- Small boutique hotels/home-stays, as mentioned in the tour details (subject to availability)
Exclusion
- Meticulously maintained Scott hybrid bicycle with a helmet on hire. You can also bring your own bicycle. This trip is best suitable for hybrid bikes. You can bring your own mountain or road bike, however, the hybrid is preferred over them.
- Transportation to and from the trip including train
- Refreshments & mineral water while cycling
- Personal items purchased during the trip
- Some meals are not included (check your itinerary)
- Beverages
- Gratuities for your Trip Leader(s) are not included in your trip price. Industry standard is 5-7.5% of your trip price for the guide team. Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care and service.
Itinerary
After a short transfer, relive moments from the Bollywood saga, Sholay, on this beautiful countryside bike ride off Bangalore. On this day, we make our way to the dramatic bouldery landscape of Ramanagaram. This rock-scape has been quite a favourite with India’s movie industry. Infact not only Bollywood, even English productions have used this wondrous site- David Lean’s A Passage to India was also filmed here.
Post-lunch, take a transfer to Srirangapatna. Enclosed by the river Kaveri to form a river island, Srirangapatna was a scene of the decisive battle fought between Tipu Sultan and British East India company, a turning point in Indian history.
Bike from here along the idyllic river Kaveri past paddy fields, sugarcane, banana plantations towards Somnathpur Temple, a 13th century Vaishnava Hindu temple on the banks of River Kaveri at Somanathapura, Karnataka. The ornate temple is a classic illustration of the Hoysala architecture, built in soapstone. Enjoy the stunning temple and end the ride with a well deserved local meal.
Meals: Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 70km / 42mi*
The river Kabini flows alongside as we cycle through farms and forests. Further, we cross Karnataka border to reach state of Kerala, also promoted as the God’s Own country. The ride largely remains a rolling one.
Tonight, we stay in a Keralan homestay in the hilly town of Wayanad. Later take a dip into their gorgeous pool and rejuvenate taste buds with sumptuous home cooked local meal.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 70km / 42mi*
This morning, wind your way through the tropical forest and tea plantations to enter the state of Tamil Nadu and immerse yourself in a complete wilderness as we cycle through. The initial leg of ride is through canopy of dense forest largely consisting of teak trees and the second leg is past gorgeous tea plantations. Today is a stunning day on the saddle.
Later we take a short transfer to Mudumalai National Park, a favourite haunt of wildlife buffs & professional wildlife photographers from around the world.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 80km / 48mi*
Today we break away from the wilderness, and ride past agricultural farms and numerous villages, capturing the rural life to enter back into the Karnataka. If time permit, we may climb the Chamundi hills half-way through.
We aim to arrive at Mysore by noon and then shuttle to Bangalore.
Meals: Breakfast
Distance cycled: ~ 30km / 18mi
* With shuttle – short transfers.
Accommodation
- Laika Heritage
- Varnam Homestay
- Tiger Tracks
Cancellation Policy
Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavor to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation, and ration in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the program. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below,
- Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the event: Full refund as cash.
- Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 % refund as cash.
- Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.
- Cancellations will be accepted only by email.
Note: We reserve the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.
Gallery
