DISCOVER KODAGU CYCLE EXPEDITION

Bangalore, capital of the Union State of Karnataka, famous as the `Garden City', was once a summer resort of the British Raj. Bangalore is one of the most attractive cities in India with its beautiful parks, avenues and impressive buildings.

Today, it is one of India's prosperous thriving commercial and industrial centres, also referred to as the `Silicon Valley' where most of the big electronic and computer companies have their centres also known as "Garden City" of India.

Met upon arrival in Bangalore & transfer to your hotel (Please note that the check in time is 1200 hrs, early check in can be requested but cannot be guaranteed)

Visit the garden city including the Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens. The gardens are said to be laid out by Haidar Ali and his son Tipu Sultan as a summer garden in the 18th century, has numerous flowers, hundred-year-old trees from many countries and the lotus Pond. Proceed to the Bull Temple in dravidian style with the huge monolith statue of Shiva's vehical, the sacred Nandi Bull, nearly 5 m high and 6 m long., in grey granite polished. Also drive through Vidhan Sabha (legislative assembly) with its impressive facades and portals of sandal wood.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Coorg. Coorg or Kodagu (originally called Kodaimalenadu) means 'dense forest on steep hill'. Dubbed as the Scotland of India, this town has a lot to offer to the tourist. Misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views are what make Madikeri an unforgettable holiday destination.

Enroute visit of Bylekuppe, which is famous for monasteries has having consists of a number of agricultural settlements / small camps close to each other, and has a number of monasteries, nunneries and temples in all the major Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

Later on drive to Coorg. Coorg is on the Western Ghats. Set amidst verdant valleys, imposing mountains and teak wood forests, this is one of the most beautiful hill stations you can visit. It lies on Karnataka's southwestern end, covering an area of 4,102 sq km.

On arrival check in at the hotel.

Meet with your Team Leader, who will lead this Bike Tour. Today you can see your bikes & have the first test ride of these bikes. The Team Leader will brief the group regarding the technical aspect of the bikes. This session will include briefing regarding safety, dos/don’ts, road conditions, rules & regulations, etc. After the introduction and briefing you will have an opportunity to ride your bikes to get used to your bike for the rest of the tour.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at around 8 am proceed to Baghamandala (880 Meters) by bicycle. The ride will be through coffee & pepper plantations and Rice fields.

Bhagamandala is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Kaveri and the Kanika. A third river, the Sujyothi is said to join from underground. Baghamandala is a temple town and a Holy place for South Indians. On October 17th Tula Kaveri Sankramana festival starts at Talacauvery,origin place of river Cauvery and last for a month, Pilgrims go there for holy dip and rituals. At about 4 pm visit temple & at 7 pm witness the Pooja (religious ceremony) at temple.

Stay at the lodge at Baghamandala

After breakfast, take a ride of about 52 kms & pass through coffee plantation, Rice fields at Nelji (920 Meters)

Visit Igguthappa Temple, located at about 0.25 kms from main road.

Overnight stay at Virajpet. (930 Meters)

Post breakfast, ride 42 kms crossing coffee plantations, Rice fields and reserve forests. Reach Kunda Junction – Kunda Betta  (850 Meters) , a beautiful trekking spot.

Overnight at the hotel.

Today will be 50 Kms cycling through the Plantations & forests of Srimangala. Visit Irupu falls, 7 kms from the main road This refreshing Irupu Falls is situated at a distance of 48 kms from Virajpet on the way to Nagarhole. The Shiva temple here is said to have been dedicated by Lord Rama himself on the banks of River Lakshmanatheertha a tributary to the river Cauvery. This place is believed to cleanse one's sins and is visited by thousands of devotees from far places on Shivaratri day. There is temple dedicated to Sri Ram, surrounded by paddy fields, from where it is a climb up to the falls through natural forest. Ride another kilometer & reach Rajeev Gandhi National park. One can get a chance to see Elephant, sambar, Barking, Deer, Peacock, Bison.

Overnight stay at Balale in the Jungle home stay (840 Meters)                   

Wake up to a beautiful morning and after breakfast ride 28 kms through the plantations, villages, reserve forest.

Ride through the small town of Gonicoppa. Visit Umamaheshwari Temple & orange processing unit at Gonicoppa.

Overnight stay at lodge / hotel in Gonikoppal (860 Meters)

After breakfast ride 30 kms through plantations, paddy fields, forests. Reach the interesting town of Siddapur (950 Meters). Continue through the orange Country & end your cycling of the day at Karadikode. One can get a chance to see Elephants, Sambar, Deer etc

Overnight at the hotel.

Ride through the plantations, rice fields to reach Kushalnagar (850 Meters). Enroute pass by Nisargadhama. Nisargadhama is a 25 acre island formed by river Kaveri with bamboos, teak, sandalwood trees streams and wild life covering it. At Nisargadhama one can find deer, elephants, peacocks and some other usual wild animals if lucky.

Nisargadhama is also famous for its hanging bridge which connects the island and helps travellers to cross the cauvery river. A new brigde has been constructed now just beside the old and shaky hanging bridge. Visitors can enjoy boating, Elephant rides and swimming apart from just watching Nisargadhama's natural beauty.

Overnight at the hotel.

After the beautiful morning & leisurely breakfast, ride about 30 kms through interesting vegetation & then plantations. Ride through forests. Visit Harangi dam with a length of 846 meters and a height of 47 meters is constructed across a small stream in the forest of Dubare across the offshoot of river Kaveri.

Ride on to visit the Dubare Elephant Camp. A place to watch elephants in different states of euphoria. Ride on further towards Coorg via visiting interesting town Suntikoppa.

Reach Madikeri & check in at the hotel.

After breakfast, taking the memory of exciting Cycling trip drive towards Mysore. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure in Mysore.

Overnight at the hotel.

Mysore the former capital of the princely state is the second largest city in Karnataka. It is a beautiful city of stately palaces, gardens, parks and museums. Sandalwood and a centre for the manufacture of incense sticks. 

Visit the Maharaja Palace (1857): that was once the residence of the Wodeyars, built in Indo‑Saracenic style in grand proportions, with domes, arches and colonnades of carved pillars and shiny marble floors. Proceed to the Chamundi Hill, the temple of Durga (Chamundeswari) celebrating her victory over the buffalo god. She became the guardian deity o the Wodeyars. On the road to the top is the giant Nandi Monolith carved in 1659 (4,8m x 7,6m huge bull sculpture).

Overnight at the hotel.

In time transfer to the Bangalore airport to board your flight to onward destination with memories of your Festigo India Journeys.