Goa Cycling Challenge

Tour Overview

The Konkan region situated in the western coast of peninsular India is a narrow stretch of land spanning almost a thousand kilometres from Bombay in the state of Maharashtra to Mangalore in Karnataka. Geographically it is cut off from the rest of the nation by the Sahyadri range also known as the Western Ghats in the East. On the west is the Arabian Sea. The close proximity of the hills to the coast makes for a green tropical paradise with unending stretches of pristine beaches. The People of the Konkan are close to their fishing roots and one can find innumerable fishing villages dotting the coast. The other main occupation of the people is Mango Farming. The Peculiar terrain mainly made up of laterite makes this region famous for its ‘Alphonso’ Mangoes. Laterite is the main construction material of the region; one can see numerous Forts dotting the hills and even the sea made of Laterite blocks. The Marathas have undoubtedly the most inaccessible forts in the sub-continent. The forts of Janjira,Vijaydurg and Devgad are prime examples of the Marathas architectural brilliance.

Goa Cycling Challenge

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Day 1: Arrive Mumbai: On arrival, we will be transferred to Lonavala, a hill station in Pune district, Maharashtra. This hill station has quite a few interesting places to explore such as old temples, forts, peaks and valley points, etc. We have a free afternoon at this hill station to explore the local attractions
Day 2: Dapoli: After breakfast, we will be transferred to Dapoli. The transfer distance is approximately 220km which should take about 5hours. We can do the cycle fitting either in the evening. This activity should take roughly around 2 hours.
Day 3: Dapoli to Chiplun: first day of cycling is also the shortest cycling day of the challenge; we travel a distance of 58 km approx through varying terrain of dense evergreen forested patches, farmland and Mango Orchards.
Day 4: Chiplun to Ganapatipule: Undoubtedly, some of the best coastal cycling of the entire challenge. From Guhagar onwards the route takes us mostly along the sea with lonely beaches, neat coves, fishing villages, Island forts, temples and markets to be seen during the ride. We have our first ferry crossing on this day at Jaigad. Although beautiful it is by no means an easy day, the route is undulating throughout.
Day 5: Ganapatipule to Mithgavane: Today as we ride out of Ratnagiri, we cross the Gautami River at Puranagad before we make our way to our camp located on a small hill which is only half a km away from the sea shore with a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea. The route passes through Paddy fields, Coconut and Beetle nut groves all growing on the Laterite soil that this region is so well known for. We will be staying overnight in Cottage tents at an organic farm.
Day 6: Mithgavane to Devbag: Today will be the longest day of the challenge. Our route today passes through the Temple town of Kunkeshwar and coastal towns at Mithbav and Munage. After lunch, we will continue on our cycles to the resort at Devbag for a well deserved rest at on one of the most beautiful beaches in Malvan, boasting of the picturesque views of the ocean right at the doorstep of our resort.
Day 7: Devbag to Goa: This is our last day in Maharashtra. We start early and make our way along the undulating coast passing the beaches of Vengurla and making our way to Terekhol River. Terekhol is the border of the states of Maharashtra and Goa.
Day 8: Free Day at Goa: Free day at Goa for day visits. We will regroup by evening for a special meal and share our experience during the challenge.
Day 9: Depart: After breakfast, transfer to the Airport. Your Goa Cycling Challenge ends here.Depart.