Description
Every now and then, new trends emerge in travel. They not only tell you what people want, but also what people are missing, in their daily lives. Some take cycling trips with friends, while others opt for organised cycling tours. So why do cycling trips have such great appeal?
The hippies of the 60s and 70s probably traversed the same route before pitching for months in the sandy stretches of India’s favourite beach destination, Goa. Only difference would be the way they travelled and the way we would be grinding the hard way, but the feeling would surely be equally cathartic! We believe that the bicycling as a lifestyle choice represents a significant departure from a more established automobile centred lifestyle.
The bicycle tours are always fun filled adventure and to be exposed to culture at the same time. They are both challenging and interesting and also infuse the spirit of adventure in people.
In this cycling tour, we would start from Gateway Of India, Mumbai; and would go past sun-washed beaches of coastal Maharashtra, unassuming villages, and thickly green hillsides before finally landing in Goa. The trip is designed to take you through the vibrant coastal side trails, rich in enthralling landscapes, local interaction, cultural experiences, monuments and temples. Besides seeing the real Maharashtra or real India at close quarters, we would also encounter a multitude of challenges, making this is a memorable trip for all ages.
We would be starting our adventure from Gateway Of India by boarding the ferry which would take us across the Arabian Sea to Mandawa Jetty. From here on day one we would cycle up to Murud, a laid back beach destination. The next day we would cycle past the formidable ,, near Murud. Today our destination would be temple town of Harihareshwar. On the way we would visit the famous Ganesh Temple at Diveagar. The next day we would be entering Ratnagiri district and move along the coast to Karde, near Dapoli. After Karde our next stop would be Velneshwar Beach. After Velneshwar Beach our night halt would be at Pawas via the famous Ganpatipule Temple. On this day we would enter the Sindhudurg district, the most beautiful region on the way. We would halt at Kunkeshwar and Vengurla. Vengurla would be our last halt in Maharashtra, as the next day would take us into Goa and we would reach our destination of Arambol Beach in Northern Goa.
Detailed
Day 01: Gateway of India TO Murud (67 kMS ON CYCLE) (Around 6 HRS)
We all would assemble at the famous Gateway Of India very early morning to catch the ferry for Mandawa Jetty. Here we would give away our baggage to our pick up vehicle. After a very refreshing 1 ½ hours sail on the misty Arabian Sea we would reach Mandawa Jetty, from where we would hit the paddle. After about 28 Kms cycling we would reach the capital town of Raigad district, Alibag. We would have our lunch and move towards Kashid, which is around 24 Kms. via Revdanda. On the way we would visit the famous Korlai Lighthouse, which would make very interesting halt. The first day isn’t too hilly and difficult so we could concentrate on the great views of paddy fields, green countryside mild hillocks at a distance. The beach town of Kashid is one of the most unassuming and relaxing destinations off Mumbai with wonderfully clean and untouched beaches and a few temples in the vicinity. Further to Murud. Overnight in a guesthouse. (B, L, D…)
Day 02: Murud to Harihareshwar (82 kMS ON CYCLE) (Around 9 HOURS)
Today, we would ride along the breezy Konkan coastline to our next destination, Harihareshwar. After breakfast we would cycle up to Murud via Nandgaon. At Murud we would visit the famous and formidable Janjira Fort. The route would be mostly flat, flanked by the sea on one side. The weather along the coast could be a little humid. Then from Murud we would cycle past Rajapuri up to Agardanda and then we would cross the creek by ferry to Dighi. Then we would cycle to temple town of Harihareshwar via Shrivardhan. On the way we would visit Ganesh temple at Diveagar, which has the Ganesh idol made of gold. At Harihareshwar we would stay in a simple guesthouse. The constant sound of the sea would be therapeutic as we would settle with a good view.
Overnight in a guesthouse. (B, L, D)
Day 03: Harihareshwar To Karde near Dapoli (55 Kms) (7 HOURS)
After taking blessings from the temple in Harihareshwar, we would move ahead and immediately at Bagmandala would cross a creek by ferry to reach Vesavi. After Vesavi we would paddle up to Kelshi, where would halt for lunch. After some rest we would reach the fishing port town of Harnai. Harnai is a fishing village and the most spectacular scene here is when hundreds of bright colourful boats come in with the catch in the evening. Night halt is right on Karde Beach Overnight stay in a guesthouse. (B, L, D)
Day 04: Karde to Velneshwar (68 Kms) (7 Hours)
Immediately after Dapoli we would be cycling on to the port of Dabhol. At Dabhol jetty we would board a ferry for Veldur. It would be a short distance from here to Guhagar. After lunch at Guhagar we would paddle to the beach village of Velneshwar near Hedavi. Velneshwar boast of a very serene and beautiful beach along with famous temple on the beach. Overnight stay in a guesthouse. (B, L, D)
Day 05: Velneshwar TO Pawas (80 Kms) (8 Hours)
Today we would start early and cycle up to Tavsal. We would have our breakfast on the jetty and then cross the creek by ferry to Jaigad. Then we would cycle to the famous temple town of Ganpatipule. After visiting the temple and spending some time in the temple complex we would have lunch. Then after lunch we would cycle along the coast on beautiful stretch of road to Ratnagiri. As we would trail the paths of Ratnagiri, we would notice how fertile the town is; Mango orchards, rice fields, coconut and cashew stands make the topography lush and therapeutic. We would cross Ratnagiri and move towards Bhatye beach and then climb to the plateau which would take us to small but very quite village of Pawas. Overnight stay in a guesthouse. (B, L, D)
Day 06: Pawas to Kunkeshwar (91 Kms) (10 Hours)
This would be a long day but mostly the terrain would be flat, though slightly desolate. We would have our breakfast at Adivare and then move ahead. Coconut palms, fishing villages and sections along the coast would keep us company till we reach Ambolgad.We would have lunch on the way and reach the temple town of Kunkeshwar at the end of the day. We would stay very close to the temple on the beach. Overnight stay in a guesthouse. (B, L, D)
Day 07: Kunkeshwar to Vengurla (91 Kms) (10 Hours)
This stretch from Kunkeshwar to Vengurla would also be a long one. We would hit the road early on this day and have breakfast at Achara. We would reach Malvan in short time from here. Malvan is very famous for its coastal cuisine and natural beauty, as it sits on the edge of the Arabian Sea. We would move ahead to Devbag to have lunch. After lunch we would board a ferry to reach Bhogave Beach. Then it would be a small distance to cover to Parule. Then the road would be very pleasant till Vengurla. Overnight in a guesthouse. (B, L, D)
Day 08: Vengurla to Arambol, Goa. (31 Kms) (3 Hours)
This would be a short day as we would try to reach Goa for lunch! Just after Vengurla we would reach Redi via Shiroda for breakfast. After breakfast we would cross into Goa via Arondha. After entering Goa the journey would be very enchanting with paddy fields, picturesque churches and great people! Slowly after crossing the town of Siolim we would reach our beach destination for lunch. Our trip would end at Arambol Beach. (B, L)
COST PER PERSON for Indian Nationals (Ex Gateway Of India): INR 32,000/-
For booking the tour please deposit INR 10,000/- per person.
COST PER PERSON for Foreign Nationals (Ex Gateway Of India): USD 669/-
COST INCLUDES:
1}. Accommodation: Nights in Small but neat and clean guesthouses on FB & multiple sharing plan. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
2}. Travel: Gateway Of India, Mumbai to Mandawa Jetty by motorboat or catamaran.
3}. Boat fees for crossing of creeks and small rivers.
4}. Food: As per itinerary. (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner) Breakfast on Day-1 to Lunch on Day 8
5}. A trained guide on cycle along the route along with necessary repair kit etc.
6}. A support vehicle all along the route, which would take care of your luggage.
7}. A mechanic along with the group to take care of running repairs.
8}. Reflector vests for all cyclists
COST EXCLUDES:
1}. Participants are expected to get their own cycles for the tour. However we can provide you the cycles on HIRE at Mandawa Jetty, which you can use to cycle from there till Goa. Once the trip is over we would take the cycle back.
2}. Cost for hiring the cycle would be approx INR 7000/- (USD 110 for foreign nationals)
3}. Travel & Transport costs to Gateway of India and from Goa back home (for individuals and personal cycles). If you want us to bring back your cycles to Mumbai it can be arranged at a cost of INR 1000/- per cycle
4}. Insurance Charges.
5}.Cycle hiring charges, if one needs a cycle.
6}.Costs for the cycle to be brought back from Goa.
7}.GST applicable at prevailing rates. (At present 5%).
8}.Staying charges in Goa.
9}. Any expenses of personal nature such as hiring charges for cycle, mineral water, laundry, liquor, tips to driver or any other service personnel etc.
10}.Any kind of cost needed for major repairs and spares to repair a cycle in case of break down.
11}. Any kind of insurance, such as accident, theft, medical, evacuation etc.
12}.Any additional expense caused due to any reason beyond control of ADVENTUREAIM and its associates; like change in itinerary due to flight delays, road blockage, landslides, bad weather conditions, bridge breakage and any other natural calamity or incidence like strike, curfew etc. on which ADVENTUREAIM and its associates do not have any control.
13}.Items not specified in the above in ‘Cost Includes’.
SPECIAL NOTES:
Your luggage would be carried in the support vehicle.
A professional cycle mechanic would be with us throughout the journey from Mandwa to Goa. If any minor repair work needs to be done (like punctured tyre etc.), we would do it free of cost; but any major repair work and/or involving spare parts, would be charged at actual.
It is mandatory for all participants to wear helmets on the ride. It is also essential that your cycles be fitted with front and rear lights
On this arduous cycle trip delays and detours would be expected on account of landslides, road blocks and weather conditions. Our effort would be to continue with the trip as per the schedule & make sure that you would be comfortable. But in such rare situations we could have to compromise on the campsite / hotels & adjust to these situations then & there. No compensation of any sort would be provided in such an event.
The itinerary described above is the planned one; but very rarely due to reasons beyond our control some spot changes would have to be done. The decision of the tour guide would be final in such a case. No compensation of any sort would be provided in such a case.
The distances mentioned in the above itinerary are to the best of our knowledge & information. Some minor variations would be expected.
The above costing is for a minimum of 8 pax. The cost mentioned above is for India citizen.
For foreign nationals the cost would be USD 669/-
For foreign nationals the cost of renting the cycle for 8 days would be approx USD 110/-
Cancellation:
All the bookings such as hotel accommodations / ground transportation are pre booked well in advance. We are liable to pay penalties to all our suppliers / vendors if these services are released after booking, within the mentioned time frame. If the passengers want to cancel the tour due to any reason, they have to make an application in writing to that effect, along with the original receipt issued by “ADVENTUREAIM”. Such cancellation will attract the cancellation charges given below.
Tour Cancellation charges are applicable on Actual Full Tour Price
Before 60 days 30% of the tour cost.
Between 59 – 30 days 50% of the tour cost.
Between 29 – 15 days 60% of the tour cost.
Between 14 – 09 days 75% of the tour cost.
Between 08 – 01 days 100% – No refund.
Day of tour departure of the tour 100%
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