This was our first trip with Exodus (ie my wife and I) and to India. The description on the... Robin GATENBY, 2019 See more reviews
A wonderful cycle exploration of a fascinating part of India with a great team and group. Mostly... Tricia Simon, 2018 See more reviews
This was an easy cycle ride with lots of smooth tarmac . There were a few hills to contend with... Robby Tucker, 2018 See more reviews
This was my first group cycling trip with Exodus and my first visit to India.........and what an... Laurene Tubb, 2018 See more reviews
Itinerary Expand all Mysore to Goa Day 1 Start Mysore; thali lunch and explore the main bazaar Those on the group flight arrive in Bangalore early in the morning and transfer by coach to our hotel in Mysore (3.5 hr drive). Please note that we may have to wait until around noon if rooms are not ready. Those travelling independently should meet us in Mysore. Our hotel is a charming place to relax, in the city of Mysore. After checking in at the hotel, we'll have a short tuk tuk drive to the city centre for a traditional southern Indian thali lunch; a selection of small dishes served on one plate. A short walk from here is the main bazaar of Mysore, a fascinating old market area. After exploring this area, we'll return to the hotel for our bike fitting. For those who wish to do so, we can go and see the Mysore Palace lit up at night. Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Lunch Day 2 Mysore Palace; afternoon leisurely ride to Srirangapatna Today we start with a guided tour around Mysore Palace (also known as the Amba Vilas Palace), the official residence of the Wodeyars - the former royal family of Mysore, which ruled the state of Mysore for over seven centuries. The Wodeyar kings first built a palace in Mysore in the 14th Century but it was demolished and constructed multiple times. The current palace construction was commissioned in 1897 and completed in 1912. It was later expanded around 1940. The décor is simply stunning if a little bit over the top and the former maharaja is still living in his private quarters. We then return to our hotel and check-out. From the hotel, we ride through the backstreets of Mysore and into the surrounding countryside, passing fields of dahl and sugar cane, the main crops associated with Mysore. Traditional oxen and cart usually line up outside the villages, which are used to transport the harvested crops. Our leisurely ride continues to Srirangapatna, the ruins of Tippu Sultan's capital. Srirangapatna was destroyed by the British in 1799 during their final battle to secure control of southern India, which consequently led to the death of Tippu Sultan (also known as 'the tiger of Mysore'). The island fortress stands in the middle of the Kaveri River and is held sacred as one of the abodes of Lord Vishnu. We cycle over the bridge to the ruins and explore the old ramparts. We also visit Tippu Sultan's Mosque and the Hindu Ranganathaswamy Temple, which is considered one of the most important Vishnu temples in southern India. After cycling around the ruins, we continue for another 20km to Brindavan Gardens. Our hotel, the Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden Palace & Spa, overlooks the gardens and is a charming place to relax or enjoy an evening stroll around the gardens. Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Ride to Shravanabelagola; transfer to Hassan This morning we cycle from our hotel along quiet backroads to Shravanabelagola, a Jain shrine famous for its giant 57ft stone statue of Gommateshvara Bahubali, the spiritual leader of Jainism. The shrine is perched on top of a hill and depicts the spiritual leader standing in a meditation pose, which he maintained for a whole year, hence the vines growing around his legs. The statue is thought to be the largest in the world and was built in 981AD by his followers. It is reached by climbing 614 steps from the small bustling town nestled at the bottom of the hill, which has a lively spiritual atmosphere due to the numerous Jain pilgrims. Every 12 years a spectacular purification ceremony takes place, where the statue is anointed with water and turmeric before being garlanded with flowers. For lunch, we try roasted Bajra Methi Poori, a local bread made of millet flour and fenugreek leaves. We then transfer 70km to Hassan. If you still have the energy, there is the option to ride this part. Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 4 Cycle from Hassan to Belur (Karagada). After breakfast, we get on our bikes and cycle 31km towards Halbeedu, the 12th Century capital of the Hoysala Kingdom. We explore the ornate Hoysaleshwara temple, with carvings of Hindu mythology and two shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. We spend time exploring the temple before riding another 17km to the old capital of Belur, arriving in time for lunch. The afternoon is free to explore the old city before we ride another 9km to our hotel.Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Cycle to Chickmangalore. Today we cycle on village roads towards Chickmangalore, the centre of India's coffee growing region. As we cycle, we'll see that the lower forested hills of the Mullayanagiri mountain range are covered with coffee plantations. Introduced in 1670, Sufi priests used coffee as a medicinal drink before the local population caught on to its revitalising properties. Arriving at our hotel for lunch, the afternoon is free to relax or explore the town. Those interested in coffee can either ride or drive to the coffee museum situated on the outskirts of town, to learn more about the history of the coffee bean in India. The town's cinema is a great place to experience a Bollywood movie, and later enjoying some street food at the town canteen. Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Descend and leave to Western Ghats and cycle to Hampi. Riding from our hotel well gradually climb for the first 7km before winding our way along forested roads to a small coffee estate for a break. The estate is surrounded by natural beauty, with over 150 bird species recorded in the area. From here we begin a stunning roller-coaster descent out of the Western Ghats with a final drop of 500m to the drier plains below. Ending our ride with some roads side snacks, followed by a 225km transfer to Hampi (5 hrs drive). Hampi is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site and the 2nd largest after Rome and one of the largest cities from the ancient world and capital of the Vijayanagara Kingdom 1500AD. We stay here for two nights to explore this incredible city cut out from rock city. Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 7 Explore Hampi by bike Today we explore Hampi by bike. Starting at the Talhari Gatta Gate, we enter the outer city and ride along the old streets, which are lined with thousands of stone pillars. They'll lead us to the Vitthala temple, one of the most iconic temples in India. The famous stone chariot carved from a large rock is found here. We then head to the Courtesan Street and Hampi Bazaar, passing more stone pavilions and temples en route. We can leave our bikes with one of the tea stall vendors, taking time to walk inside the buildings. We then move on towards the river, passing trinket sellers, food stallholders and small dwellings made of brick and boulder. In the afternoon we explore the Moghul Quarters. The Vijayanagara Kingdom was defeated in 1565 during a power struggle with the Expanding Moghul Empire, who then controlled the region and built a new city. The Mohamaddean Palaces and the military building are still standing today. After a busy day exploring Hampi, we'll eat some delicious street food in the modern part of the town. Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Train ride and cycle to Dandeli. This morning we begin with a train transfer to Hubulli, a busy market town. In India, there is a lot of activity to be experienced at railway stations. People carrying all sorts of goods on their heads, and a constant flow of food and smiles. Re-joining our vehicle, it’s a short drive to the outskirts of town and our local restaurant for lunch. Early afternoon we set off cycling on village roads towards Dandeli (some may want to skip the first climb and more or less decent 42km to Dandeli). Dandeli is a small hill station retreat on the banks of the Kali River, and it's also a recognised wildlife sanctuary. The rest of the afternoon is free to either relax, explore the town, enjoy a nature walk or an optional white water rafting trip along the river. Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 9 Cycle from Dandeli to Mollem. Leaving our forest resort, we enjoy the scenery as we cycle along teak plantation roads towards Castlerock, a village close to Bhagwan Mahaveer National Park. The area is beautiful, with little or no traffic. There are a couple of long but gradual 300m climbs, followed by an undulating section. We are rewarded with a tea and dosa stop at Castlerock, with time to wander around the village. With one more regroup at the highest point It is then a lovely 500m long descent to the state of Goa, crossing the state border to Mollem. We spend the night at an adventure camp on the Goan side of Bhagwan Mahaveer National Park. The resort can arrange a jeep safari inside the park to Dudhasagar Waterfalls, which cascades 310m down a rocky cliff. The jeep ride takes approx 2-3hrs. Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 10 Ride to Varca Beach, Goa Today we cycle all the way to the coast on mostly quiet backroads (there are some unavoidable busy roads), as we pass through lively market towns. Stopping for tea at an old Portuguese villa built in 1789, the owner happy to give you a tour of his house and gardens with drinks on the veranda. The last part of the ride down narrow country lanes, with large white churches and the Portuguese mansions before ending at Varca Beach, where we'll stay for the next two nights. Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 11 Free morning to relax; optional afternoon ride to explore the coast. Today is free to relax and enjoy what Varca Beach has to offer; local shops, a swim in the sea or the hotel's swimming pool. There is an optional 32km bike ride in the afternoon, exploring some of the other coves south of Varca Beach. We'll return in time for sundown drinks before dinner. The Goan vindaloo curry is certainly worth a try! Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 12 Ride to Panjim, the capital of Goa. Afternoon free to explore. In the morning we cycle to Panjim, the capital of Goa. We pass old Portuguese villas before heading inland to avoid busy roads ending the ride at the old ferry point and transfer the last 15 km to town. Our hotel is located in the heart of the old quarter of Panjim, where the Portuguese influence is strong. Narrow streets are lined with yellow houses and restored mansions, with wrought iron balconies and terracotta roofs. The afternoon is free to wander around Panjim and enjoy the sites, such as the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, built in 1619 and was once frequently visited by the sailors from Lisbon. Whilst wandering around Panjim, you'll find that colonial-era buildings and old bookshops stand side by side with modern shopping malls and backstreet bars. Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 13 Tansfer to Goa Airport; fly to London. Those on the group flight will be transferred to Goa Airport for your flight. Land Only clients finish the tour after checking out from the hotel. Meals included: Breakfast
India Visas are required if you are British and for most other nationalities. For UK residents full details of the visa process can be found here. Other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. If your trip visits Ladakh, in the very north of India, or Sikkim in the northeast, do not mention this on your Indian visa application. This can sometimes slow down or even cause the embassy to reject your visa. When you reach immigration, you are required to pick up an immigration form. If you have an e-visa, ensure you stand in the correct queue - please follow the signs to the e-visa booth (in Delhi this is at the back of the immigration hall). You will need to fill out an additional form at the booth - please make sure that you have the details of your start hotel ready (these details can be found on your Final Joining Instructions).
India There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approx. 2000m, there is low to no risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips going to altitudes of over 3000m there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the TRIP NOTES for further information.
Hotels and Lodge 11 nights hotels, 1 night lodge. The majority of the hotels we use are of a comfortable standard (4-star) with en suite facilities, whilst the lodge brings a different flavour to the trip. In Dandeli, we stay in a comfortable forest lodge surrounded by wilderness. In Molem we stay in a rustic nature retreat, which is equipped with an outdoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre.
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Reviewed January 2019 Robin GATENBY Trip: Mysore to Goa Ride Mysore to Goa cycle This was our first trip with Exodus (ie my wife and I) and to India. The description on the website looked very interesting, although my wife was a bit anxious about the amount of cycling. The trip turned out to be every bit as stimulating and exciting as described and it was the holiday of a lifetime for us. It was well organised with excellent guides and drivers. The accommodation was varied and unique and the food generally very good. In all we were well looked after and the group got on well. The follow up vehicle was always there when my wife needed to rest or shorten the distance. The route was great, very stimulating sights of rural life and busy small towns with an insight into genuine rural India. We saw wonderful palaces and temples and of course Hampi was magnificent. We stopped at a primary school where the pupils and teachers danced for us which was quite moving. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The stop at the rural primary school where the pupils and teachers danced for us. What did you think of your group leader? He was very good; clear in his descriptions of the day's activities and experienced and caring. Polite and diplomatic! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? We recommend this trip as it gives you a real view of rural India and it's history. The cycling is easy for experienced cyclists but tough for inexperienced but you can hop into the support vehicle and view the sights and chat to the driver. The traffic although scary at first sight is really not too bad.The guides usher you through the towns. The food was safe and the climate was dry with hot afternoons and cool evenings getting more humid and hotter as we descended to Goa. Is there anything else you would like to add? We will go back to India. We think cycling is a fabulous way to see a different country.
Reviewed December 2018 Tricia Simon Trip: Mysore to Goa Ride exploring the sights and the countryside A wonderful cycle exploration of a fascinating part of India with a great team and group. Mostly quiet roads through countryside and villages, lots waves and smiles from the local people. The sights visited were amazing, surpassed my expectations. great accommodation. cycling was definitely moderate level, a steady pace with few manageable hills along the way. A relaxed pace to enjoy all the sights en route and plenty of stops for tea/coffee in interesting little places. The train ride was very entertaining, full of local life. Lovely to end on the beach, with 'cool down' gentle rides then a taste of the Goan capital. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Visiting the local school and enjoying the enthusiastic greeting. Waving and chatting locals, with occasional requests for selfies. Exploring Hampi world heritage site, Jain temple with statue on the hill and temple carvings at Belur. Is there anything else you would like to add? Have a look at our daily digest video of our trip here www.stevenflett.co.uk
Reviewed March 2018 Robby Tucker Trip: Mysore to Goa Ride Cycling country lanes and seeing Temples. This was an easy cycle ride with lots of smooth tarmac . There were a few hills to contend with and one long descent which most in our group thoroughly enjoyed. Not for the faint hearted. The temples were amazing and Hampi is a huge site which we only say some off. Hotels were mostly excellent and the food fabulous if you like spicy and veggie which I am. I was unable to actually cycle due to a previous injury so travelled in the back up bus. So the cycle experience is my husbands . What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? For me seeing Hampi . So massive and virtually unheard of here. Also the Portuguese house with the super meal we had there. I also loved seeing the rural life as we drove by and stopping to photograph it. Seeing the birds again being to stop and look. What did you think of your group leader? Joseph was a very good leader. He is quite new to leading and learnt a bit more from our trip. Always mixing with the group and sorting our various issues as they arouse. Need to share more information about the local cultures and farming , crops etc. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Bring light weight clothes which can be washed out over night and dry. Few laundry facilities. As you live out of your case we find using packing cubes keeps the clothes separate and clean. Binoculars if you like bird watching. A good book to read as plenty of down time. Is there anything else you would like to add? This trip didn't have the usual Exodus zest and is being updated at present. A couple of days spent travelling in bus or train.
Reviewed February 2018 Laurene Tubb Trip: Mysore to Goa Ride Cycle Mysore to Goa - what an exciting adventure This was my first group cycling trip with Exodus and my first visit to India.........and what an exciting adventure it turned out to be. I had been worried about which level of cycling to choose but level 3 (moderate) turned out to be perfect for me. There were some challenges but they were all achievable. There was never any pressure and the group team spirit speeds you along. I was constantly surprised to discover the distances covered and how well I had done. India is a law unto itself and I was fascinated to see it all. You soon get used to the traffic system and I never felt at risk at any time. All the hotels were good and I enjoyed them all and their diversity. I loved cycling through villages where everyone smiles and waves. Genuinely pleased to welcome us. So much to see (and sense) all the time. I thought I might have trouble with the food but not at all. With eggs (if wanted) for breakfast we were set up to try whatever lunch and dinner brought. I thought Joseph (our leader) did well to find us so many different places and choices. The group ate together all the time. I particularly liked this. We were looked after very well by Joseph, Rintu and Maneesh (plus two more staff on the bus). Nothing was too much trouble and they truly wanted us to have a wonderful holiday. I was very impressed with it all. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? So many things. Really loved visiting a village school and being with the children. Really enjoyed our visit to a Portuguese Villa (with lunch). Got a real buzz from cycling with the traffic, cowes, pigs, people and sometimes monkeys !! Wow to the big long descents. These were great and certainly a good reward for the long slog up first !! Loved it all. What did you think of your group leader? Joseph was kind, gentle and caring. Very capable of dealing with things. Just a really really nice guy. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I read blogs before I went and took notice. I bought a gel saddle and chamois butter and I stopped wearing underwear. I never had any discomfort at all the whole of the time. I therefore recommend all these. Other than that......there is not a lot of time for rinsing things through and getting them dry. Cycling tops definitely dry the quickest. Pack things that don't crease if you can. Lightweight because it is hot. Sometimes our days reached nearly 40C. Small soaps and shampoos were at most hotels. I got bitten despite the Deet. Take antihistamine. Nobody on my trip got ill at all (as far as I know) which is a great tribute to the places we were taken to eat and drink. Is there anything else you would like to add? Two hours is not a long enough transit through Mumbai. If you have any choice do try to get minimum four hours. It is huge and manic and Visa Control takes forever.
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