Saddle & Safari: Royal Mysore to the Coast of Goa

Upon arrival at Bangalore International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to Mysore, which is approximately a 3.5-hour drive by road. Alternatively, if you prefer to take a short domestic flight to Mysore Airport, we will arrange your pickup from there and transfer you to the hotel. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to rest after your journey; however, depending on your arrival time, we may arrange a brief city visit or a bike fitting and test ride to ensure you are comfortable and prepared for the tour ahead.

After breakfast, we begin our first day of cycling with a relaxed morning ride to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. Here, we explore the sanctuary by boat, offering an excellent opportunity to observe wildlife up close. The sanctuary is home to a variety of bird species including pelicans, spoonbills, and storks, as well as mugger crocodiles that inhabit the riverbanks. We then continue cycling towards Srirangapatna, an island town surrounded by the River Cauvery and known for its historical and cultural significance. This was once the capital of Tipu Sultan, the former ruler of Mysore, until it fell to the British in 1799. During our visit, we cycle around the old fort ramparts and explore Bailey’s Dungeon, where British officers were once imprisoned. We also visit the historic Ranganathaswamy Temple, dating back to the 10th century and renowned for its impressive architecture and intricate carvings. After completing these visits, we cycle back to Mysore for lunch. In the afternoon, we explore the magnificent Mysore Palace, followed by a walk through Devaraja Market to experience the vibrant local atmosphere.

After a hearty breakfast, you will be transferred to the starting point of today’s cycling journey towards Coorg. The day’s ride covers approximately 60 km on gently undulating roads, offering a rewarding and scenic experience. As you cycle through rural countryside, you will pass picturesque villages where traditional homes, friendly locals, and a peaceful atmosphere provide an authentic glimpse into village life. The route also takes you through vast coffee and spice plantations, for which Coorg is well known. En route, we visit Namdroling Monastery, popularly known as the Golden Temple, located in Bylakuppe. This impressive Tibetan Buddhist monastery is renowned for its magnificent golden statues, detailed murals, and serene surroundings, offering a meaningful cultural experience along the way.

After breakfast, we begin our ride toward Hassan, covering approximately 65 km of cycling on gently rolling and consistently undulating terrain. The route includes a sustained gradual climb along the way, followed by a mix of descents and rolling sections, making for a balanced and engaging ride. You will cycle along quiet backroads through rural landscapes, passing small settlements, farmland, and open countryside. Along the way, you will experience authentic village life, with farmers working in their fields, using bulls for ploughing, and transporting harvested crops on traditional bullock carts. Traditional homes and expansive agricultural fields add to the charm of the journey. After completing the cycling segment, you will be transferred by vehicle for the remaining 15 km to Hassan. This short transfer provides time to relax and enjoy the changing scenery as we approach the town.

After breakfast, prepare for a rewarding day of cycling as you head towards Balur in Chikmagalur. Today’s route follows scenic backroads through lush countryside, with stretches of coffee plantations, green fields, and rolling hills. The terrain includes a mix of gentle climbs and descents, making the ride both engaging and enjoyable. En route, we visit the historic Hoysala Temple, renowned for their detailed stone carvings and exceptional Hoysala architecture. These temples offer valuable insight into Karnataka’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. After the temple visits, continue cycling along winding rural roads towards Balur. On arrival, you will check in at a charming estate set amidst coffee plantations and natural surroundings. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and warm hospitality, the estate provides a perfect place to relax after a fulfilling day on the bike.

Start the day with a guided walk through a coffee plantation, where you can learn about the cultivation process and enjoy the fresh aroma of the estates. After breakfast, set out on a 60 km cycling ride through scenic countryside and stretches of forest. The route follows undulating backroads with several downhill sections, offering an enjoyable and varied riding experience. Along the way, you will pass quiet villages, green farmlands, and forested areas, each showcasing the region’s natural beauty and rural character. Upon completing the ride, you will be transferred to The River Tern Lodge. In the evening, you will join a boat safari in the Bhadra Tiger Reserve, known for its rich wildlife and scenic reservoir setting. The reserve is home to elephants, gaur, deer, and a wide variety of birdlife, and is also considered one of the better places in the region for a chance sighting of the elusive black panther, along with leopards and, occasionally, tigers. Overnight stay at The River Tern Lodge.

Begin the day early with a jeep safari in Bhadra Tiger Reserve, offering a chance to explore the park’s rich wildlife and natural surroundings. After the safari, return for breakfast and prepare for the day’s ride. Set out for another rewarding day of cycling through Karnataka’s countryside. Today’s 60 km ride begins with a few gentle climbs early in the route, followed by a long gradual descent and mostly easier, rolling terrain for the remainder of the day, making it a comfortable and enjoyable ride overall. The route follows quiet rural roads, passing through a series of small villages that reflect the region’s traditional way of life. Along the way, you will see local homes, small roadside shops, village markets, and residents going about their daily routines. As the terrain eases, you can enjoy a more relaxed pace while taking in the open landscapes and peaceful surroundings. At the end of the cycling section, you will be transferred by vehicle to Davanagere. This short drive provides time to rest while observing the gradual shift from rural landscapes to a more developed town setting. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Today’s ride takes you across the gently undulating countryside of Karnataka’s agricultural heartland, covering approximately 60 km. The route begins with a gradual climb early in the ride, followed by rolling terrain with a few short ups and downs, before easing into a more relaxed section towards the end. This variation keeps the ride engaging while remaining comfortable overall. Cycling along quiet rural roads, you will pass through small villages surrounded by extensive farmland. Fields of rice, sugarcane, and cotton stretch across the landscape, with local farmers actively working the land. The changing terrain and open countryside offer a rewarding riding experience, combined with close views of everyday rural life. After completing the cycling section, you will be transferred by vehicle to Hampi. As you approach, the scenery shifts noticeably to rocky hills and scattered ancient ruins. Upon arrival, check in to your heritage resort set amidst Hampi’s distinctive boulder-strewn landscape, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Today is a non-cycling day, allowing you to explore Hampi at a relaxed pace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire (14th– 16th century) and is known for its impressive ruins, temples, and unique boulder-strewn landscape. During the guided visit, you will explore key highlights including Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and known for its towering gopuram, and the Vittala Temple, famous for its iconic stone chariot and musical pillars. You will also visit structures such as the Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stables, which reflect the architectural and cultural richness of the empire. Throughout the day, you will gain insight into the history, trade, religion, and engineering achievements of the Vijayanagara period. Return to your hotel in Hampi by evening and relax.

Today’s ride takes you through a series of rustic villages, covering approximately 60 km on gradually rising terrain with gentle undulations throughout the day. The route includes a steady, easy climb spread across the ride, making it a smooth and consistent effort rather than steep or demanding. You will cycle along quiet rural roads, passing traditional homes, farmlands, and small local markets, offering a close look at everyday village life and the region’s cultural character. After completing the cycling section, you will be transferred by vehicle to Badami. On arrival, visit the remarkable Badami Cave Temples, a group of ancient rock-cut temples carved into sandstone cliffs. Dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries, these caves showcase impressive Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings dedicated to Hindu deities such as Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, reflecting the artistic achievements of the Chalukya dynasty

Today’s ride takes you through a series of rustic villages, covering approximately 60 km on gradually rising terrain with gentle undulations throughout the day. The route features a steady, easy climb spread across the ride, making it smooth and consistent rather than steep or demanding. You will cycle along quiet rural roads, passing traditional homes, farmlands, and small local markets, offering a close look at everyday village life and the region’s cultural character. After completing the cycling section, you will be transferred by vehicle to Badami. On arrival, visit the remarkable Badami Cave Temples, a group of ancient rock-cut temples carved into sandstone cliffs. Dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries, these caves showcase impressive Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings dedicated to Hindu deities such as Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, reflecting the artistic achievements of the Chalukya dynasty. If time permits, you may also visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Pattadakal and Aihole, both renowned for their beautifully carved temples and rich cultural heritage, offering valuable insight into early temple architecture.

Today marks the final day of cycling, with a rewarding ride of approximately 75 km starting from Belagavi (Belgaum). The route features consistently undulating terrain, making it a more demanding day as you tackle a series of rolling climbs and descents. Much of today’s ride takes place through Maharashtra, and for long stretches you will cycle through dense forest sections, offering shade, cooler conditions, and a scenic, immersive riding experience. The latter part of the route includes a long and memorable downhill as you descend towards the coastal plains near Goa, providing a satisfying finish to the journey. Along the way, you may pass small forest-edge villages and occasional farmland, with glimpses of rural life and local activity. The combination of forest roads, rolling terrain, and changing landscapes makes this one of the most varied and engaging rides of the tour. After completing the cycling segment, you will be transferred by vehicle for the remaining distance into Goa. Upon arrival, check in to your boutique hotel and relax, enjoying the shift from forested hills to the laid-back coastal atmosphere while celebrating the completion of your cycling adventure.

Today is a well-deserved rest day in Goa, with no cycling planned. Spend the day unwinding by the beach, enjoying the relaxed coastal atmosphere and warm Arabian Sea breeze. You may choose to take a leisurely walk along the shoreline, explore nearby cafes, or simply relax at your hotel.

As your cycling tour of Karnataka and Goa reaches its conclusion, it’s time to bid adieu. We will take you to the airport in Goa for your onward travel. Relax and enjoy the smooth ride, reminiscing about the experiences and memories accumulated during your adventure. May your journey be filled with happiness and the pursuit of experiences until the next adventure calls. Safe travels.