Cycling in Goa

Bikes: Trek Bikes
Bike Sizes: 13-21
Bike Hire: Free. You may bring your own bikes, but in this case let us know in advance.
Other equipment provided: Pedals, Bar ends, water bottles.

ACCOMMODATION :

Accommodation is provided at all places, most of them off the beaten track & in excellent locations. Among our accommodation are Heritage Hotel, Eco Lodges & Tents - all with a common thread of excellence in service. Most are family owned and run with great care and love. Our prices are based on 'twin-sharing' basis. For those interested, we provide single rooms, but at additional cost. While staying at the camp we provide all essentials including sleeping bags. An open-air barbeque around camp fire.

TERRAIN:

The terrain includes plains, hills, backwaters and coastal roads.

CLIMATE:

The diversity of the geographical features of this country has resulted in a corresponding diversity in climate. The High Ranges have cool climate throughout the year, while the plains are warm and humid. The average level of annual rainfall is quite high in Kerala, Sikkim and some of the North East States of India, when compared to other Indian states. June to August is the monsoon season, with heavy downpours.

TRANSPORTATION/SUPPORT VEHICLES:

All transportation is included in the cost. This includes airport transfers.
We provide guides and support vehicles at all times of the cycling journey. The vehicle can be used to ferry your luggage & yourself as required.

FOOD:

Food is a very important part of these journeys. We ensure that the food we provide is medium spicy, unless you ask for bland food. Any special food requirements can be met if sufficient advance notice is given. You are also allowed the option of vegetarian or non-vegetarian food. We recommend that you drink only the bottled mineral water.Please ensure that the bottle is sealed.

WHAT TO BRING:

Footwear:
• Cycling shoes
• Trainers for cycling
• Comfortable shoes for walking
• Sandals for other sightseeing
• Socks

Clothing:
• In India, the standard of dress is more conservative. We advise you to avoid very short shorts/skirts and tight tops/tanktops when visiting small rural communities, temples, mosques or other holy sites as this may restrict your entry.
• A warmer set of clothes (Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves) are required for trips going through Munnar and other high altitude areas.
• Waterproof jacket.
• Cycling gear like gloves and shorts

Others:
• Binoculars for viewing wildlife (optional)
• Torch
• Insect repellent
• Sunglasses, cap
• Sun cream of spf at least 35
• Personal Biking gear like bar ends, pedals, seats, camelbaks & helmets (we provide helmets if required)
• Canteen
• Helmets for cycling.

HEALTH:

Water is higher risk; hence we strongly recommend that you drink only bottled water during your journey. A crate of mineral water is always catered for in the boot of the vehicle during journeys as an emergency measure. Despite the high standards, it is worth bringing basic OTC medicines for upset stomachs, headaches, insect bites etc. India is an economically developing democratic republic and has worked very hard to control diseases. Adequate medical care is available in the major population centers, but is usually limited in the rural areas of the country. Many developed countries are utilizing the state-of-the-art medical services available in India. The cost of treatment is much cheaper here in comparison to the same facilities available in advanced countries.

The most important cause of illness of travelers in India is food and waterborne diseases. Viruses, bacteria, or parasites can cause diarrhea. Infections may cause simple diarrhea and vomiting, fever, or, in extreme cases, liver damage (hepatitis). Malaria is a preventable infection that can create trouble if left untreated. One can prevent infection by taking prescribed anti-malarial drugs and protecting against mosquito bites. The regions you will be passing are Malaria-free. Make sure that your insurance company covers illnesses and accidents abroad.

During this cycling trip you need not worry about your fitness if you take simple precautions:-

• Carry all the important prescriptions and OTC medicines. Do not forget to have the brand names as well as the generic names of the medicines one needs to have.
• Wear a sun hat when exposed.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink tap water. Use only bottled mineral water which is always kept in the back of your vehicle.
• Carry your personal medical kit and insect repellent.
• To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot.
• Do not eat food purchased from street vendors.
• Do not drink beverages with ice.
• Do not eat dairy products unless it is known that they have been pasteurized.
• Avoid handling animals (especially monkeys, dogs, and cats) to avoid bites and serious diseases.

Vaccination formalities:

Yellow fever:
Although yellow fever does not occur in India, proof of appropriate vaccination may be required depending on countries visited before coming to India. Any person (except infants up to the age of six months) arriving by air or sea without a certificate is detained in isolation for a period up to six days if he or she:

• Arrives within six days of departure from an infected area, or
• Has been in such an area in transit.
• Has come on a ship which has started from or touched at any port in a yellow fever infected area within 30 days of its arrival in India provided such ship has not been disinfected in accordance with the procedure laid down by WHO, or has come by an aircraft that has been in an infected area and has not been disinfected in accordance with Indian or WHO regulations No other vaccination certificate is mandatory, though you may like to consult your doctor for inoculation against typhoid, hepatitis A, and meningitis. Visit your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before the trip to allow time for shots to take effect.

The following vaccinations can be thought about depending upon your doctor’s advice:-

Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG); Japanese encephalitis, only if planning to visit rural areas for four weeks or more;
Rabies, if someone is exposed to wild or domestic animals during recreation.

Medical Information Update

Information given above is liable to change from time to time and one should contact the Indian missions of the respective country or the government tourist offices for more information.

SHOPPING:

You will get opportunities en-route to do a bit of shopping. However unless specifically asked for, our guides will not recommend any particular shop. Neither we nor our guides take any commission on shopping.

SPENDING MONEY:

Every traveler will have varied money requirements and differing personal expenses. Please judge your own spending habits while allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Also keep aside money for additional expenses like:
• Meals which are not included
• Emergencies
• Optional activities /additional sightseeing
• Entries into national parks, elephant ride, etc.
• Shopping/Souvenirs

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

As currency exchange rates in India tend to fluctuate, refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. You can exchange your money at most major towns. ATMs are limited to major cities. Major credit cards are accepted at the larger outlets.

VISAS:

Visitors to India must obtain a Visa before departure. You can consult your Embassy/ High Commission/ Consular Office for the same.

AIRPORT TAXES:

There are no airport or departure taxes from any airport of India.

EXCLUSIONS:

• Insurance - Please take your own insurance
• Tips
• Beverages
• Laundry
• Telephone bills
• Expenses of a personal nature

Duration: 12 nights / 13 days
Places Covered : Goa - Panjim - Fort Aguada - Anjuna - Mandrem - Tiracol Fort - Mandrem - Cavelossim - Shree Chandreshwar Temple - Chandor - Cavelossim -

Day 01): Arrival at Goa

Upon arrival at Goa airport met our representative and then transfer to hotel and check in. The remainder of the day has been left free allowing you to explore the local area and to relax and unwind from your flight. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 02): Goa Local Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel there will be an informal meeting with some useful information and a few do's and don'ts. This will be followed with the bike fitting. You will keep the same bicycle for the duration of your stay so hopefully know further adjustments will need to be made. We then have a nice easy day of cycling through the beautiful paddy fields and villages of south Goa. This is a gentle ride to allow everybody to become more acclimatised to the heat and the laws of the road. Evening meal will be taken in a local restaurant. Route: Cavelossim - Fartrade - Pedda - Benaulim - Varca - Orlim - Carmona - Cavelossim Distance: 30k (flat)

Day 03): Fun in the Sun

After breakfast we took a longer ride, but it's a enjoyable for all. We start on the road travelling through Fartrade, Varca, Benaulim, Colva, Betul Batim, Majorda, Utorda, Cansaulim and finally Velsao. At Velsao we will stop for refreshments, food and a cooling swim. We then start our beach ride back to Cavelossim. This is designed to be a long fun ride with plenty of refreshment/swimming stops. Overnight stay.

Day 04): Rest Day

Relax on the beach, try some more of the local food, or if you wish we can take you to our local city-Margao. It really is a true working Indian city completely mind boggling. There is a lot to see and experience. Also Margao has excellent opticians selling designer frames at a fraction of the cost of the same in Europe.

Day 05): Cavelossim - Old Goa - Panjim

Hopefully the jetlag would have worn off and today we will aim to make an early start. This is a slightly tougher ride with a few hills thrown in for good measure. Old Goa was once the capital of Portuguese Goa, but the City was completely wiped out by tropical diseases and plague. The Portuguese ruled Goa for 450 years and have definitely left a large imprint on India's newest state. Old Goa is famed for its cathedrals and "St Francis Xavier" who's body is still kept on show in "The Basilica of Bom Jesus". Panjim then was chosen as the new capital and still remains so today. Again as with all of our rides you will be completely guided with our guides on hand to answer all of your questions. The back up vehicle will carry all of your luggage and be at hand with a steady supply of refreshments. We will be staying in the "Panaji Residency" hotel. Our evening meal will be taken in what is considered to be the best restaurant in the whole of Goa.

Day 06): Panjim - Fort Aguada - Anjuna - Mandrem

Again we aim to leave early catching the ferry across the Mandovi River where we will first visit the fort at Aguada. You will then have the opportunity to shop until you drop at the legendary Anjuna market. Bargains galore. It is a bit hectic but again if you come to Goa you have to go to Anjuna. From Anjuna we then cross the Chapor river travelling via Mandrem to Junas Beach where we will stay at the Dunes Beach Resort. This is the first of a two- night stop in Mandrem.

Day 07): Mandrem - Tiracol Fort - Mandrem

A nice lazy day with some cycling is definitely in order. Mandrem is in the Pernem region of Goa and is very untouched by mass tourism. The beaches are beautiful and peaceful. Feni (the local poison!) and fishing are the main industries of this beautiful region. We will be cycling to Tiracol fort crossing the Tiracol River for lunch at this fort, which has now been converted to a Hotel. It is a small piece of Goa in the state Maharasthra and is the northern border of Goa state. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the beautiful beaches and scenery.

Day 08): Mandrem - Cavelosim

Early start. A long day in the saddle, but a good challenge and there to set you in good stead for the hillier rides to come. The back up vehicle is always near by for those who need some rest, but everybody always enjoys the challenge.

Day 09): Cavelossim - Shree -Chandreshwar Temple - Chandor - Cavelossim

The Shree Chandreshwar Butnath temple is said to be one of the original places of Hindu worship and thousands of pilgrims travel to the sight every year for its festival. The temple is situated at the top of a 5km long hill climb and is a fantastic challenge for all cyclists. The views from the top are spectacular and the historical aspect of the temple also interesting. We then travel to Chandor to visit the Braganza House. The Braganza's were a wealthy Portuguese family that fought for the freedom of Goa from Portuguese rule. They also mixed Marathi (the language of Maharasthra) with Portuguese words and grammar giving Goa its own language and Konkani identity. The house is now a museum and the last existing member of the family will give you a guided tour.

Day 10): Cavelossim - Cabo De Rama - Palolem

We start the day with a gentle ferry ride across the river Sal and a lovely flat warm up ride through the beautiful fishing villages that sit on the river. We then hit the hills as we cycle to Cabo De Rama. In the Hindu religion the sight of Cabo de Rama is believed to be the place of exile of Lord Rama and his child wife Sita (hence the name) The Portuguese took the Fort and built it into a large fortification and prison). The views are spectacular and on a good day you will see troops of wild monkeys and pods of Dolphins. (However we cannot guarantee this!) A picnic lunch is taken inside the Fort). We then climb over the Ghats to Palolem Beach. A truly beautiful place.

Day 11): Palolem - Cortigao Wildlife Sanctuary - Palolem

Cortigao wildlife sanctuary is beautiful and traffic free. For some reason tourists do not go so it is always quiet. There are still working villages within the sanctuary and hunter-gatherer tribes people still live in the hills. There is an optional hill walk that will take us to a height of around 870m above sea level. However it is very demanding and purely optional. We then take the same route back to Palolem. A beautiful ride but demanding as the hills are rolling and it is never flat for long.

Day 12): Palolem - Cavelossim

We will depart from Palolem at around 9a.m aiming to be back in Palolem before lunch time leaving you the rest of the day to relax and pack ready to leave. A sad time for all, but we will endeavour to make the last night fun.

Day 13): Departure

Departure for your onward destination according to your flights.

. Cycles
. Support Vehicle, parking, toll, driver's allowances
. Cycling guide
. Breakfast at all destination
. All Accommodation on Full board.
. First Aid Kid
. Backup of Support Vehicle