Mumbai Goa Cycle trip by HILLS AND TRAILS 2017 HILLS AND TRAILS 3 / 8, Chandrashekhar Society, Swami Nityanand Marg, Andheri (E), Mumbai 4000069, Maharashtra, India. PH: +91 22 26840175 / 9869065211 / 9820233295 / 9969036175 / 9820050294 / 26871042 / 9969717554. hillsandtrails@gmail.com Website: http://hillsandtrails.in Every now and then, new trends emerge in travel. They not only tell you what people want, but also what people are missing, in their daily lives. Some take cycling trips with friends, while others opt for organised cycling tours. So why do cycling trips have such great appeal? The hippies of the 60s and 70s probably traversed the same route before pitching for months in the sandy stretches of India s favourite beach destination, Goa. Only difference would be the way they travelled and the way we would be grinding the hard way, but the feeling would surely be equally cathartic! We believe that the bicycling as a lifestyle choice represents a significant departure from a more established automobile centred lifestyle. The bicycle tours are always fun filled adventure. It is a fun way to exercise and be exposed to culture at the same time. They are both challenging and interesting and also infuse the spirit of adventure in people.
ABOUT MUMBAI TO GOA CYCLE TRIP: Every now and then, new trends emerge in travel. They not only tell you what people want, but also what people are missing, in their daily lives. Some take cycling trips with friends, while others opt for organised cycling tours. So why do cycling trips have such great appeal? The hippies of the 60s and 70s probably traversed the same route before pitching for months in the sandy stretches of India s favourite beach destination, Goa. Only difference would be the way they travelled and the way we would be grinding the hard way, but the feeling would surely be equally cathartic! We believe that the bicycling as a lifestyle choice represents a significant departure from a more established automobile centred lifestyle. The bicycle tours are always fun filled adventure. It is a fun way to exercise and be exposed to culture at the same time. They are both challenging and interesting and also infuse the spirit of adventure in people. In this cycling tour, we would start from Gateway Of India, Mumbai, and would go past sun-washed beaches of coastal Maharashtra, unassuming villages, and thickly green hillsides before finally landing in Goa. The trip is designed to take you through the vibrant coastal side trails, rich in enthralling landscapes, local interaction, cultural experiences, monuments and temples and a distinct array of food. Besides seeing the real Maharashtra or real India at close quarters, we would also encounter a multitude of challenges, making this is a memorable trip for all those who are young at heart. When you are cycling, the slow pace allows you to notice much more, like the change in vegetation from mango trees in Ratnagiri to coconut trees in Goa or the mud houses of Maharashtra versus the colourful churches in Goa. One Cycling Enthusiast. We would be starting our adventure from Gateway Of India by boarding the ferry which would take us across the Arabian Sea to Mandawa Jetty. From here on day one we would cycle up to Murud, a laid back beach destination, via beach town of Kashid. The next day we would cycle past the formidable Fort Janjira, near Murud. We would also halt to have glimpses of the fort. Today our destination would be Harihareshwar. On the way we would visit the famous Ganesh Temple at Diveagar. After Shrivardhan, we would be entering the Ratnagiri district and move along the coast. The next day we would take blessings from the famous Harihareshwar Temple and paddle on to the next destination of Karde Beach, near Dapoli. After Karde and after crossing few creeks our next stop would be Velneshwar Beach. The road from Velneshwar Beach onwards is really breathtaking up to Malvan. Today our night halt would be at Pawas via the famous Ganpatipule Temple and Ratnagiri. Ahead of Pawas we would halt at the temple town of Kunkeshwar on the beach. Then we would move ahead to Vengurla on the borders of Maharashtra and Goa via Malvan, Tarkarli & Devbag. The next day would take us into Goa and we would reach our destination of Aronda Beach in Northern Goa.
MUMBAI TO GOA CYCLE TRIP: DAY 01: STARTING FROM GATEWAY OF INDIA TO MURUD (67 KMS ON CYCLE) (AROUND 6 HOURS) We all would assemble at the famous Gateway Of India very early morning to catch the ferry for Mandawa Jetty. Here we would give away our baggage to our pick up vehicle. After a very refreshing 1 ½ hours sail on the misty Arabian Sea we would reach Mandawa Jetty, from where we would hit the paddle. After about 28 Kms cycling we would reach the capital town of Raigad district, Alibag. We would have our lunch on the way and move towards Kashid, which is around 24 Kms. via Revdanda. On the way we would visit the famous Korlai Lighthouse, which would make very interesting halt. The first day isn t too hilly and difficult so we could concentrate on the great views of paddy fields, green countryside mild hillocks at a distance and pristine beaches. The beach town of Murud is one of the most unassuming and relaxing destinations off Mumbai with wonderfully clean and untouched beaches. Overnight in a guesthouse. DAY 02: STARTING FROM MURUD TO HARIHARESHWAR (82 KMS ON CYCLE) (AROUND 9 HUORS) Today, we would ride along the breezy Konkan coastline to our next destination, Harihareshwar. After breakfast we would cycle up to the famous and formidable Janjira Fort. The route would be mostly flat, flanked by the sea on one side. The weather along the coast could be a little humid. Then from Murud we would cycle past Rajapuri up to Agardanda and then we would cross the creek by ferry to Dighi. Then we would cycle to temple town of Harihareshwar via Shrivardhan. On the way we would visit Ganesh temple at Diveagar, which has the Ganesh idol made of gold. At Harihareshwar we would stay in a simple guesthouse. The constant sound of the sea would be therapeutic as we would settle with a good view. Overnight in a guesthouse.
DAY 03: FROM HARIHARESHWAR TO KARDE BEACH NEAR DAPOLI (55 KMS) (5 ½ HOURS) After taking blessings from the temple in Harihareshwar, we would move ahead and immediately at Bagmandala would cross a creek by ferry to reach Vesavi. After Vesavi we would paddle up to Kelshi, where would halt for lunch. After some rest we would reach the fishing port town of Harnai. Harnai is a fishing village and the most spectacular scene here is when hundreds of bright colourful boats come in with the catch in the evening. Then we would cycle up to the small beach town of Karde near Dapoli. Overnight stay in a guesthouse. DAY 05: FROM VELNESHWAR TO PAWAS (80 KMS) (8 HOURS) DAY 04: FROM KARDE TO VELNESHWAR (68 KMS) (7 HOURS) Immediately after Dapoli we would be cycling on to the port of Dabhol. At Dabhol jetty we would board a ferry for Veldur. It would be a short distance from here to Guhagar. After lunch at Guhagar we would paddle to the beach village of Velneshwar near Hedavi. Velneshwar boast of a very serene and beautiful beach along with famous temple on the beach. Overnight stay in a guesthouse. Today we would start early and cycle up to Tavsal. We would have our breakfast on the jetty and then cross the creek by ferry to Jaigad. Then we would cycle to the famous temple town of Ganpatipule. After visiting the temple and spending some time in the temple complex we would have lunch. Then after lunch we would cycle along the coast on beautiful stretch of road to Ratnagiri. As we would trail the paths of Ratnagiri, we would notice how fertile the town is; Mango orchards, rice fields, coconut and cashew stands make the topography lush and therapeutic. We would cross Ratnagiri and move towards Bhatye beach and then climb to the plateau which would take us to small but very quite village of Pawas. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.
DAY 06: FROM PAWAS TO KUNKESHWAR (91 KMS) (10 HOURS) This would be a long day but mostly the terrain would be flat, though slightly desolate. We would have our breakfast at Adivare and then move ahead. Coconut palms, fishing villages and sections along the coast would keep us company till we reach Ambolgad. We would have lunch on the way and reach the temple town of Kunkeshwar at the end of the day. We would stay very close to the temple on the beach. Overnight stay in a guesthouse. DAY 07: FROM KUNKESHWAR TO VENGURLA (91 KMS) (10 HOURS) This stretch from Kunkeshwar to Vengurla would also be a long one. We would hit the road early on this day and have breakfast at Achara. We would reach Malvan in short time from here. Time permitting we would be able to visit the Sindhudurg fort. Adventure enthusiasts could opt for snorkelling with experts here. The water is pretty clear here and one could see corals and colourful marine life near the edge of the Sindhudurg fort. Malvan is very famous for its coastal cuisine and natural beauty, as it sits on the edge of the Arabian Sea. We would move ahead to Devbag to have lunch. After lunch we would board a ferry to reach Bhogave Beach. Then it would be a small distance to cover to Parule. Then the road would be very pleasant till Vengurla. Overnight in a guesthouse. DAY 08: FROM VENGURLA TO ARONDA BEACH, GOA. (31 KMS) (3 HOURS) end of the trip. (B, L ) This would be a short day as we would try to reach Goa for lunch! Just after breakfast we would start from Vengurla and reach Redi via Shiroda. After Shiroda we would cross into Goa via Arondha and reach Aronda beach for lunch, which would the
TOUR STARTING DATE: (Ex Mumbai) 16 th December 2017 & 13 th January 2018. COST PER PERSON (Ex Gateway Of India): ` 25,000/- (On sharing basis) (With Escort) (Minimum of 8 paxs) For booking the tour please deposit `. 8,000/- per person. COST INCLUDES: 1. Accommodation: 1. Murud, Harihareshwar, Karde, Velneshwar, Pawas, Kunkeshwar, Vengurla: One night at each place in a clean, cozy, simple guesthouse on multiple sharing & full board basis 2. Travel: Gateway Of India, Mumbai to Mandawa Jetty by motorboat or catamaran. Mandawa Jetty to Aronda Beach, Goa by one s own effort by cycling!! Crossing of creeks and small rivers by help of small boats. 3. Food: As per itinerary. (B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner) 4. A trained guide on cycle along the route along with necessary repair kit etc. 5. A support vehicle all along the route, which would take care of your luggage. 6. A mechanic along with the group to take care of running repairs. COST EXCLUDES: 1. Travel costs to Gateway of India and travel costs from Aronda Beach, Goa back home. 2. Insurance Charges. 3. Govt. service tax applicable at prevailing rates. (At present 9%). 4. Staying charges in Goa. 5. Any expenses of personal nature such as hiring charges for cycle, mineral water, laundry, liquor, tips to driver or any other service personnel etc. 6. Any kind cost needed for spares to repair a cycle in case of break down. 7. Any kind of insurance, such as accident, theft, medical, evacuation etc. 8. Any additional expense caused due to any reason beyond control of HILLS AND TRAILS and its associates; like change in itinerary due to flight delays, road blockage, landslides, bad weather
conditions, bridge breakage and any other natural calamity or incidence like strike, curfew etc. on which HILLS AND TRAILS and its associates do not have any control. 9. Items not specified in the above in Cost Includes. SPECIAL NOTES: 1. We can provide you the cycles at Mandawa Jetty (At extra cost), which you can use to cycle from there till Goa. Once the trip is over we would take the cycle back. 2. Your luggage would be carried in the support vehicle. 3. A professional cycle mechanic would be with us throughout the journey from Rewas to Goa. If any minor repair work needs to be done (like punctured tyre etc.), we would do it free of cost; but any major repair work would be charged at actual. 4. On this arduous cycle trip delays and detours would be expected on account of landslides, road blocks and weather conditions. Our effort would be to continue with the trip as per the schedule & make sure that you would be comfortable. But in such rare situations we could have to compromise on the campsite / hotels & adjust to these situations then & there. No compensation of any sort would be provided in such an event. 5. The itinerary described above is the planned one; but very rarely due to reasons beyond our control some spot changes would have to be done. The decision of the tour guide would be final in such a case. No compensation of any sort would be provided in such a case. 6. The distances mentioned in the above itinerary are to the best of our knowledge & information. Some minor variations would be expected. CANCELLATION: All the bookings such as hotel accommodations / ground transportation are pre booked well in advance. We are liable to pay penalties to all our suppliers / vendors if these services are released after booking, within the mentioned time frame. If the passengers want to cancel the tour due to any reason, they have to make an application in writing to that effect, along with the original receipt issued by HILLS AND TRAILS. Such cancellation will attract the cancellation charges given below. TOUR CANCELLATION CHARGES ARE APPLICABLE ON ACTUAL FULL TOUR PRICE ( WITHOUT DISCOUNT) Before 60 days 30% of the tour cost. Between 59 30 days 50% of the tour cost. Between 29 15 days 60% of the tour cost. Between 14 09 days 75% of the tour cost.
Between 08 02 days 90% of the tour cost. Day of tour departure of the tour 100% PAYMENT: First Installment Second Installment Third Installment departure date : ` 8,000/- at the time of booking : 50% of the balance amount in Indian ` : Total balance amount Indian ` to be paid at least 20 days before GENERAL INFORMATION: Our effort is to give a clear idea about various aspects of the trip to avoid any misunderstanding during the tour. We request you to please read all the information given herewith carefully. The information provided is mostly common for all the trips i.e. treks, overland tours, Motorcycle Safaris and Cycle safaris unless specified. DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THE TRIP: Severe This trip involves long cycling efforts on continuously ascending and descending roads. This also would need very good endurance, mentally & physically both, from the participants. It can become very demanding and challenging at various places. This trip is good for adventurous persons who want to test their endurance limits. This is also good for enthusiasts who want to explore the untraded paths! ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation would be in small guesthouses on sharing basis with neat and clean rooms and sometimes common toilet facilities. Electricity would be available, but for a limited period of time. FOOD: Food at all places would have a fixed buffet menu. Sometimes during the cycling tour we might have to serve either packed breakfast / lunch. TRAVEL (Air, Rail, Land) All other travel charges than mentioned in the itinerary are excluded from the cost. BEST SEASON AND AVERAGE TEMPERATURE Mid December Mid February. TOUR LEADER / LOCAL GUIDES Tour Leader:
Normally HILLS AND TRAILS would provide a tour escort on Cycle tour to Goa from Mumbai. The tour leader who would accompany the group would have lot of experience in leading groups. He or she would mainly act as coordinator for the entire tour. He or she would work in tandem with local guides. The tour leader, though not qualified medically, would be competent to give first aid if and when required. It would be advisable to speak to your group leader in case of any health. Local Guides: Local guides if employed would carry a good experience in leading such cycle trips but would mainly act as route guides. Most of these guides are good at communicating in very Basic English or Hindi. They would be rarely trained in first aid or in any technical skills. In case of critical situations or problems, that the group might face, it would be expected that the group members make the decisions for themselves. The local guide would just give his or her opinion, but the final decision would have to be made by the group members. MEDICAL & FIRST AID: This cycle trip is in one of the most remote region, where advanced, professional medical help may not be available. It would be participant s responsibility to ensure that he or she is in good health, physically and mentally both. It would be advisable to speak to your physician if you are unsure of your fitness levels. In case you have an existing medical condition or disability you must inform us before booking with us. If in our opinion, this cycle trip to Goa from Mumbai is not suitable for your medical condition, we reserve the right to refuse booking. In case of any health problem that you might face on the trip, it would be advisable to speak to your tour leader. The tour leader would be equipped to give only first aid to participants. Any expense incurred by us for any medical emergency / for evacuation for any reason, the expenses for the same would be borne by the concerned participant. INSURANCE: No insurance of any kind on luggage, accident, medical, evacuation, life or other allied matters is provided for by HILLS AND TRAILS. Members would have to make their own arrangements for the same. For more details contact us at: HILLS AND TRAILS 3 / 8, Chandrashekhar Society, Swami Nityanand Marg, Andheri (E), Mumbai 4000069, Maharashtra, India. PH: +91 22 26840175 / 9869065211 / 9820233295 / 9969036175 / 9820050294 / 26871042 / 9969717554. hillsandtrails@gmail.com Website: http://hillsandtrails.in