THE GREAT INDIA CYCLING CHALLENGE
Starts on August 30, 2024
For the intrepid traveler who is looking for a lifetime cycling adventure, it’s happening right here in India. The mega cycling expedition will scale the entire Indian sub-continent from North to South. Let go of the challenging terrain, noises, and chaos while we lead your way. Soak in the colors of Indian villages, the vibrant culture, festive people, breathtaking nature, historical monuments, heritage living, and aromatic cuisines.
We start from the Great Himalayan corridor – Leh, riding down the Zanskar and Pir Panchal Ranges towards the Indo-Gangetic plain and further towards the capital state of New Delhi. Then, we ride the golden triangle route to witness the iconic Taj Mahal, the Tiger Capital Ranthambore, and the grand provinces of Rajasthan viz Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. We will traverse across the rustic villages of Gujarat, the metropolis of Mumbai in Maharashtra, and head towards the Konkan coast. Further, we ride from sunny Goa to spiritual Gokarna and Mangalore. Then, we traverse across the Malabar Coast of Kerala – God’s own country. We ride across the land of Zamorin alongside the forts and beaches, with a view of the myriad backwater rivers, mangroves, and coconut lagoons. We ride through the Ayurveda hub of Nattika towards the colonial city of Fort Kochi and embark on the traditional houseboat cruise across the Vembanad lake in Alleppey. We ride across the cliffside beach of Varkala towards the scenic Kovalam beach to end the epic ride. Here, we will have a grand celebration dinner at the beach resort to commemorate the Great India Cycling chapter. We will spend an additional day relaxing at the Kovalam beach before saying goodbye to the incredible friends made on the bicycle and packing our memories for the next adventure.
OUTLINE ITINERARY | ||||||
Day | Date | Location | Hotels | Meal Plan | Itinerary / Activity | Cycling Distance (Kms) |
Day 1 | 30-Aug-24 | Leh | The Grand Dragon | D | Arrive and Briefing | |
Day 2 | 31-Aug-24 | Leh | The Grand Dragon | B L D | Cycle fixing and day out | |
Day 3 | 01-Sep-24 | Lato | Camping | B L D | Cycling | 72 |
Day 4 | 02-Sep-24 | Debring | Camping | B L D | Cycling | 69 |
Day 5 | 03-Sep-24 | Whisky Nallah | Camping | B L D | Cycling | 75 |
Day 6 | 04-Sep-24 | Sarchu | Camping | B L D | Cycling | 100 |
Day 7 | 05-Sep-24 | Jispa | Camping | B L D | Cycling | 79 |
Day 8 | 06-Sep-24 | Manali | Manuallaya | B L D | Cycling | 100 |
Day 9 | 07-Sep-24 | Manali | Manuallaya | B | Free day (optional Sightseeing) | |
Day 10 | 08-Sep-24 | Mandi | Visco Resorts | B L D | Cycling | 110 |
Day 11 | 09-Sep-24 | Arki | Baghal Valley Resort | B L D | Cycling | 108 |
Day 12 | 10-Sep-24 | Shimla | Snow Valley Resorts | B L D | Cycling | 40 |
Day 13 | 11-Sep-24 | Chandigarh | Velvet Clarks Exotica | B L D | Cycling | 115 |
Day 14 | 12-Sep-24 | Karnal | The Vivaan | B L D | Cycling | 113 |
Day 15 | 13-Sep-24 | Delhi | Ashtan Sarovar Portico | B L D | Cycling | 155 |
Day 16 | 14-Sep-24 | Delhi | Ashtan Sarovar Portico | B | Free day (optional Sightseeing) | |
Day 17 | 15-Sep-24 | Mathura | The Radha Ashok | B L D | Cycling | 140 |
Day 18 | 16-Sep-24 | Agra | Clarks Shiraz | B L D | Cycling | 60 |
Day 19 | 17-Sep-24 | Agra | Clarks Shiraz | B | Free day (optional Sightseeing) | |
Day 20 | 18-Sep-24 | Bharatpur | Udai Vilas Palace | B L D | Cycling | 55 |
Day 21 | 19-Sep-24 | Karauli | Bhanwar Vilas Palace | B L D | Cycling | 125 |
Day 22 | 20-Sep-24 | Ranthambore | Tiger Den | B L D | Cycling | 100 |
Day 23 | 21-Sep-24 | Talabgaon | Talabgaon Castle | B L D | Cycling | 82 |
Day 24 | 22-Sep-24 | Jaipur | Suryaa Villa | B L D | Cycling | 90 |
Day 25 | 23-Sep-24 | Jaipur | Suryaa Villa | B | Free day (optional Sightseeing) | |
Day 26 | 24-Sep-24 | Pushkar | Pushkar Fort Jagat Palace | B L D | Cycling | 150 |
Day 27 | 25-Sep-24 | Khejarla | Fort Khejarla | B L D | Cycling | 120 |
Day 28 | 26-Sep-24 | Jodhpur | Ratan Vilas | B L D | Cycling | 90 |
Day 29 | 27-Sep-24 | Dhamli | Fort Dhamli | B L D | Cycling | 110 |
Day 30 | 28-Sep-24 | Kumbal Garh | Kumbal Garh Forest Retreat | B L D | Cycling | 90 |
Day 31 | 29-Sep-24 | Udaipur | Udaikothi | B L D | Cycling | 95 |
Day 32 | 30-Sep-24 | Udaipur | Udaikothi | B | Free day (optional Sightseeing) | |
Day 33 | 01-Oct-24 | Modasa | Midas touch Resort | B L D | Cycling | 160 |
Day 34 | 02-Oct-24 | Nadiad | Hotel Cypress | B L D | Cycling | 110 |
Day 35 | 03-Oct-24 | Bharuch | Regenta Central Harimangla | B L D | Cycling | 145 |
Day 36 | 04-Oct-24 | Valsad | Janki Resort | B L D | Cycling | 145 |
Day 37 | 05-Oct-24 | Mumbai | Gordon House | B L D | Cycling & Transfer | 125 |
Day 38 | 06-Oct-24 | Mumbai | Gordon House | B | Free day (optional Sightseeing) | |
Day 39 | 07-Oct-24 | Murud Janjeera | Gold Swan Beach Resort | B L D | Cycling | 75 |
Day 40 | 08-Oct-24 | Harihareshwar | Tranquil Beach Resort | B L D | Cycling | 60 |
Day 41 | 09-Oct-24 | Kurde Beach Dapoli | Lotus Eco Beach Resort | B L D | Cycling | 105 |
Day 42 | 10-Oct-24 | Ganpatipule | Blue Ocean resort | B L D | Cycling | 100 |
Day 43 | 11-Oct-24 | Ganpatipule | Blue Ocean resort | B | Free Day | |
Day 44 | 12-Oct-24 | Ambolgad Beach | Samindar Beach House | B L D | Cycling | 83 |
Day 45 | 13-Oct-24 | Malvan | The Windmill Resorts | B L D | Cycling | 110 |
Day 46 | 14-Oct-24 | Goa Candolim | Lemon Tree | B L D | Cycling | 102 |
Day 47 | 15-Oct-24 | Goa Candolim | Lemon Tree | B | Free day (optional Sightseeing) | |
Day 48 | 16-Oct-24 | South Goa Agonda | Agonda Paradise | B L D | Cycling | 84 |
Day 49 | 17-Oct-24 | Gokarna | Stone Wood | B L D | Cycling | 100 |
Day 50 | 18-Oct-24 | Kundapura | Blue Waters | B L D | Cycling | 106 |
Day 51 | 19-Oct-24 | Mangalapuram | Golf Finch | B L D | Cycling | 90 |
Day 52 | 20-Oct-24 | Neeeshwar | Kanan Beach Resort | B L D | Cycling | 117 |
Day 53 | 21-Oct-24 | Neleshwar | Kanan Beach Resort | B | Free Day & Sightseeing | |
Day 54 | 22-Oct-24 | Thalasserry | Chera Rocks | B L D | Cycling | 125 |
Day 55 | 23-Oct-24 | Calicut | Taj Gateway | B L D | Cycling | 140 |
Day 56 | 24-Oct-24 | Thrissur | Blue Serene | B L D | Cycling | 125 |
Day 57 | 25-Oct-24 | Fort Cochin | Dutch Bungalow | B L D | Cycling | 130 |
Day 58 | 26-Oct-24 | Alleppey | Lake Canopy | B L D | Cycling and Day Cruise | 60 |
Day 59 | 27-Oct-24 | Varkala | Deshadan Cliff Beach Resort | B L D | Cycling | 110 |
Day 60 | 28-Oct-24 | Kovalam | Uday Samudra Beach Resort | B L D | Cycling | 54 |
Day 61 | 29-Oct-24 | Kovalam | Uday Samudra Beach Resort | B D | Cycle packing and Celebration Dinner | |
Day 62 | 30-Oct-24 | Depart | B |
TOUR OVERVIEW
- Activity – Cycling Challenge
- Destination – India (Leh to Kovalam)
- Duration – 61 Nights, 62 Days
- Total Cycling Days – 50 Days
- Total Cycling Distance – 5000 Kilometers approx.
- Terrain – Varied, from Mountain to Hilly & Flat coastal
- Climate – Tropical
- Comfort Level – 4/5
- Activity Level – 4/5
- Fly in – to Delhi International Airport & further to Leh Airport
- Fly out – of Trivandrum International Airport
- Group Size – 02 – 24 riders
- Cost – USD 7950/- per person
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Witness and experience Incredible India all across
- Prime destinations, innate attractions, and offbeat experiences
- Vibrant heritage, culture, people, and cuisines
- Cycling through the Magical Himalayas
- Rickshaw ride through the Chandni Chowk Market Delhi
- Visit the Symbol of Love – Taj Mahal
- Jeep Safari at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
- Witness the forts and palaces of Royal Rajasthan
- Cycling along the enchanting Konkan Sea Coast
- Cycling along the Malabar coast famous for its unique culture and seafood
- Houseboat Cruise at the Backwaters of Alleppey
- Select comfy and serene accommodations in varied properties
- And much more that we can mention in the trip highlights…
NOTES
- Accommodation will be provided in mentioned hotels or of the same category based on availability.
- Any additional expenses due to local strikes, flight cancellations or any unforeseen circumstances will be in addition to the given cost.
- It is highly recommended to arrive a couple of days earlier from the start date of the tour for general acclimatization at the high-altitude Himalayan town of Leh.
- During the tour, considering the safety of our guests, we will be arranging transfers to the respective hotel before you enter busy cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai etc and also for some sections of reserve forest / restricted area where cycling is not allowed.
Inclusion
- Experienced & First aid trained Tour leaders and guides
- Bike Mechanic
- Accommodation in twin room as per itinerary
- Most meals as per itinerary
- Grub: Refreshments & water in plenty
- All transport including support vehicle, taxis and coaches
- All activities as per itinerary (Cycling, Day tours & Houseboat)
- Interstate Permit, Toll & Parking Charges
- Government Taxes
Exclusion
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Gratitude to Guide and Driver
- Any shopping, Personal expenses, Laundry etc
- Entrance fees to visit monuments, museum, forest etc (to be paid directly by the guest)
DAY 1: LEH / Arrive at the Himalayan hamlet of Leh
DAY 2: LEH / Cycle fitting and sightseeing of the cultural town
DAY 3: LATO / Ride along the Buddhist Gompas and scenic valley
DAY 4: DEBRING / Meandering mountain roads to the spectacular lake village
DAY 5: WHISKY NALLAH / Ride to the craggy and arid backyard of Ladakh
DAY 6: SARCHU / Ride along the stunning landscapes to Zing Zing Bar
DAY 7: JISPA / Ride along verdant valleys, forested mountains and the Himalayan river
DAY 8: MANALI / Ride through the scenic yet grueling Rohtang La Pass
DAY 9: MANALI / Hadimba Temple visit and short trek to Jogini waterfall
DAY 10: MANDI / Ride to the cultural town of Himachal
DAY 11: ARKI / The rocky mountains and deep caves of Arki
DAY 12: SHIMLA / Cycling to the Himalayan Foothill haven
DAY 13: CHANDIGARH / Ride to the planned city of Chandigarh
DAY 14: KARNAL / Ride to the agrarian town of Karnal
DAY 15: DELHI / Ride to the capital state of India
DAY 16: DELHI / Monuments and the old-world charm of Delhi
DAY 17: MATHURA / Ride to the holy city and birthplace of Lord Krishna
DAY 18: AGRA / Ride to the marvelous marble wonder on earth
DAY 19: AGRA / Visit to the Iconic Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
DAY 20: BHARATPUR / The Birding hotspot of Bharatpur
DAY 21 KARAULI / The village of Karauli
DAY 22: RANTHAMBOARE / The grandeur of the tiger capital in India
DAY 23: TALABGAON /
DAY 24: JAIPUR / Ride to the pink city
DAY 25: JAIPUR / Palaces and fort of Jaipur
DAY 26: PUSHKAR / The vibrant city of Pushkar
DAY 27: KHEJARLA / The non-touristy trails to the royal Fort Khejarla
DAY 28: JODHPUR / Cycling to the blue city of Jodhpur
DAY 29: DHAMLI / Cycling to the old-world charm of Dhamli Village
DAY 30: KUMBALGHARH / Cycling to the foot land town of Aravalli Mountain Range
DAY 31: UDAIPUR / Ride to the white lake city
DAY 32: UDAIPUR / Sightseeing of the white city
DAY 333: MODASA / Ride to the sunny state of Gujarat
DAY 34: NADIAD / The emerging city of Nadiad
DAY 35: BHARUCH / Cycling to the ancient seaport town of Bharuch
DAY 36: VALSAD / Cycling to the suburb of Valsad
DAY 37: MUMBAI / Ride to the financial capital of India
DAY 38: MUMBAI / The city that never sleeps
DAY 39: MURUD / The tale of an Island Fortress
DAY 40: HARIHARESHWAR / Cycling to the temple town of Harihareshwar
DAY 41: KARDE BEACH, DAPOLI / The erstwhile British Camp of Dapoli
DAY 42: GANPATIPULE / The land blessed by Lord Ganesha
DAY 43: GANPATIPULE / The land blessed by Lord Ganesha
DAY 44: AMBOLGAD / The Mangroves and Heartland of Ratnagiri
DAY 45: MALVAN / Crossing the many rivers of Sindhudurg
DAY 46: ANJUNA, GOA / The hippie trail of Sunny Goa
DAY 47: ANJUNA, GOA / A well-deserved free day by the golden beach
DAY 48: AGONDA, SOUTH GOA / Riding to the serene side of Goa
DAY 49: GOKARNA / Story of the Sacred Land and The Ancient Temple
DAY 50: KUNDAPURA / Witness one of the Biggest Shiva Statue and ride to the riverside retreat
DAY 51: MANGALAPURAM / Cycling to the port city of Mangalapuram
DAY 52: NILESHWAR / Cycling to the rustic border village of Kerala
DAY 53: NILESHWAR / Cycling to the rustic border village of Kerala
DAY 54: THALASSERREY / Cycling to the seafood capital of Kerala
DAY 55: CALICUT / Cycling to the ancient trading center of the Malabar Coast
DAY 56: NATTIKA / Cycling to the cultural town of Thrissur
DAY 57: FORT COCHIN / Cycling to the colonial town of Fort Kochi
DAY 58: ALLEPPEY / The meandering Waterways and the Backwater Village
DAY 59: VARKALA / The picturesque Cliffside beaches
DAY 60: KOVALAM / Ride to the Southern tip of India and windup the epic Indian Cycling Adventure
DAY 61: KOVALAM / Relax at the sun-kissed crescent beach of Kovalam
DAY 62: Tour Ends / Departure Day

Should I book my vacation in advance ?
It is advisable to book your tour as early as possible. During holiday periods from Sep-March hotels across India remain full. Please contact us and we would be glad to help with dates and planning.
Do you offer Private Honeymoon Trips ?
Yes. An experience with us has all the ingredients for a perfect honeymoon. Custom made just for you and your dearest spouse. Romantic destinations like Munnar and Marari Beach offer exquisite lodgings and cuisine. And engaging activities—as much or as little, as easy or as challenging, as desired. It’s the ultimate wedding present. Just call us at + 91-9562442992 or email us at [email protected] Buzz us to customize your cycling holiday in India.
What kind of fitness level do I need to enjoy a trip ?
A minimum fitness level is required for our Casual and Premium Bicycle trips. In the case of a Shared or Group tour please make sure you have good fitness levels to bike long distance and keep pace with the rest of the group. Day tours require basic biking skills. The concept of traveling on a bi-cycle is to take in the aromas and to see a real world. Join us to experience a real India.
Accommodation / Meals
The properties that we have suggested in the itinerary are standard and premium properties we use and include heritage hotels, Eco-lodges and Plantation Retreats.
Indian food is mainly vegetarian and spicy but not hot curry. A typical meal consists of rice, Chappathy, fish, and vegetables. There is an abundance of fresh fruit and fish. Mineral water is widely available and carried on the support vehicle.
Do I have to carry any biking gear ?
All that you need to carry is your camera, tissues, sun-screen and gloves. The leaders transport your luggage between hotels. They’ll also gladly pick up and transport any purchases you make along the way. Necessary accessories will be provided on tour.
Is it safe to ride in India ?
Routes we take you on are routes we’ve biked ourselves over and over again. Activities we’ve planned on these trips are activities we love and those you’d love too. Our routes are safe ! Most often using those through village and back-roads with minimum or zero traffic. India is a safe place and with us you can expect to be a 100% safe and secure. This is our guarantee.
Riding Flexibility ?
We will also be having a back-up vehicle accompanying through-out the tour and therefore, the cycling distance mentioned in the itinerary can be made flexible depending on your interest and fitness level.
Our Bikes / Equipment
Our bikes are fitted with standard flat pedals. If you would like to bring your own pedals, clips and saddle and fit them to our bikes you are welcome to do so. We recommend you wear a helmet on the tour we do not hire helmets so please bring your helmet. We will be taking care of all the bike spares.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining our trips that you must be adequately insured. Polices should cover potential risks involved in a mountain cycling holiday. We ask for details of your policy to be provided prior to travel. We recommend that you arrange your travel insurance at the same time as booking your holiday so that you are covered in the event of cancellation.
Vaccinations
There are no compulsory vaccinations for foreign visitors but we strongly recommended that you should contact your doctor at least 3 months prior to travel to obtain these vaccinations and the latest advice to travellers. Expert advice on medication should be sought.
First Aid
Our guides carry a medical kit. We recommend that you bring your own first aid supplies including: a broad spectrum anti-biotic, antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, a cold medication, diarrhoea treatment, pain killers, plasters, insect repellent and re-hydration salts.
Tips for Local Guides and Drivers
Tipping is an accepted part of everyday life, and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service. £25 for the guide and team at the end of the tour is recommended.
Personal Expenses
Spending money depends on your taste for souvenirs, drinks etc. We estimate that USD500 will be more than enough to cover the 57-day tour.
Can I have my own room ?
Our prices are based on double occupancy (two people per room). We will endeavor to find a roommate for those guests who wish to share a room. Please write to us at [email protected] for single occupancy rates.
Can you provide me with references from previous tours ?
Yes. Your Trip Consultant will be happy to give you contacts of people who have participated in the trip you’re considering.
Can I bring my own bike ?
Of course you could get your own bike. Please make sure to bring along necessary tools and spares as we do not guarantee availability of spares for personal bikes.
Is India Bicycle Trips a registered firm ?
India Bicycle Trips is a part of a registered company called ” In Sight Bicycle Trips Pvt Limited ” head quartered in Cochin, Kerala. In-Sight Bicycle Trips Pvt Ltd is a company formed in 2010 and has been successful in offering tours both leisure and active holidays to its guests from all over the world. For any information, please feel free to write to us and we would be glad to clarify.