MUMBAI-GOA
This spectacular ride takes in the tropical South Indian states of Maharashtra and Goa riding down the famed Konkani coast with a few twists inland to take in the remote and dramatic hinterland of Maharashtra and on to the legendary beaches of Goa. We pedal on idyllic back country roads overnighting at places of special historical and scenic interest with plenty of time to take in the temples, beaches, historical cities and everything else that make Mountain Bike Kerala’s Mumbai-Goa ride so special.
Highlights
700Km+ of stunning scenery on backroads made for cycle touring
Take in the best of south India’s most scenic beaches, unmissable Mumbai and Goan charm.
Sublime Konkani food, get ready for a taste sensation
Key Info
Group Size 4-12
13 Day/12 Night Fully Supported
Flights In/Out Mumbai
715KM/10 Days Riding
Tour Bolt-Ons Available
The Konkani Coast: Mumbai-Goa
Of all the places in India that we have ridden few stir the imagination as much as Mumbai and Goa. From the grandeur of Mumbai’s Gateway Of India it’s just a short ferry ride across the harbour to the Konkani Coast and the spectacular cliffs, rugged mountains, inland plateaus, rivers and the endless paradise beaches that hug the coastline. Throw in charming temple towns, colourful harbours a timeless slow pace of life and the famed tropical wonderland of Goa and we have the perfect backdrop for a challenging cycle tour that takes in the best of the sights and the scenery and allows plenty of time to relax and soak up India’s delights.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Mumbai. Transfer to hotel near the famed Gateway of India. rest up, bike set up then it’s time to explore this energetic cosmopolitan metropolis with hidden gems and secrets a a plenty. Dine out at a famous Parsi restaurant
Day 2: Mumbai-Kolad 76km: A gem of a 1st day ride starts with a early morning cruise south across the Arabian Sea to start our ride at Mandawa as we pedal our way on idyllic backroads to our riverside retreat near Kolad on the banks of the Kundalika river.
Day 3: Kolad-Taloshi 80km: We ride deeper into backcountry Maharashtra through paddy fields and beautiful rustic countryside heading into the foothills of the Western Ghats and climbing up to the majestic 11th Century hill fort of Raigad for a short guided tour before descending to our rural retreat tucked away in a deep secluded valley at Taloshi.
Day 4: Taloshi-Hariharieshwar :85km::Another stunning day in the saddle as we head towards the coast following the beautiful Savitri river which winds its way to our luxury beach side resort near thedelightfully named charming temple town of Hariharieshwar. Time to get out the swimwear for a 1st dip in the Arabian Sea.
Day 5: Hariharieshwar-Dapoli 60km: Secluded coves and deserted beaches are our constant companions as we head south on a delight of a ride through a near deserted countryside crossing lazy rivers on ferries and over some of the quirkiest bridges in the world to the compact but lively town of Dapoli famed for its great Konkani cuisine and a surrounding landscape awash with coconut palms which have a habit of making there way into the delicious food in these parts.
Day 6: Dapoli-Guhagar 54km: More rural back country riding as the route hugs the coastline with sublime views of the Konkani coast and its scenic hinterland, it’s a roller coaster of a ride with short sharp climbs followed by equally steep descents as we reach the stunning beach at super laid back Guhagar. Watch out for the Great Hornbill birds that flock to the nearby coconut groves.
Day 7: Guhagar-Ratnagiri 85km: We continue our peddling adventure south on more undulating and empty roads with a short detour to another atmospheric fort whose past is steeped in the history of the East India Company and the erstwhile rulers of the Maratha Empire with impressive views over the Arabian
Sea. We roll on to our destination Ratnagiri a steep sided town with bustling, colourful markets and an intriguing Burmese connection. We sample Ratnagiri’s unique take on nightlife and outrageously good food.
Day 8: Ratnagiri-Devgad 95km: We roll out the kilometres on this cracker of a ride through rolling countryside along lazy rivers meandering through to Devgad a sleepy coastal village, half colourful fishing port and half coastal resort with a beautiful beach and some killer Pau Bhaji.
Day 9: Devgad-Malvan 52km: We ride on to Malvan a small charming, laid back town with long lovely shores of silky white sand, clear water and golden sunsets which we explore from our superb beach side resort. Options for short fishing boat cruises or an afternoon dip in the sea.
Day 10: Malvan-Arambol 80km: Another beautiful day in the saddle as we head further south on near deserted roads to the bridge that crosses the Terekhol River into Goa where it which feels like we have entered a different world. Quaint bars and restaurantstucked away in every corner are testimony to the Goan’s famed relaxed attitude to life. We pedal on to our knock-out resort tucked away next to a pristine river on the quiet side of Arambol. Time for a night out and a celebration.
Day 11: Arambol Rest Day: Full day to enjoy the charms of Armabol, some super walks both ways along the beach with plenty of beach side bars and restaurants to dive into if it all feels to much.
Day 12: Arambol-Panjim 45km: A short but lively ride to Goa’s delightful capital Panjim. A gem of a city that feels like Lisbon has been dropped into the tropics.. We head out for a fantastic walking tour in a city replete with timeless bars and restaurants and classical colonial Portuguese architecture
Day 13: Return travel to Mumbai/ departures or onward travel
2023: October 22nd £1295/£1495 Double/Single Occupancy
*If the dates don’t fit let us know and we will look at a custom dates for you.