Cycle Orissa
Bike tour in India | 12 days Bhubaneshwar to Gopalpur-on-Sea | US$1750
Cycle from Bhubaneshwar to the seaside town of Gopalpur-on-Sea, via the World Heritage temple of Konark, the holy town of Puri and the tranquil Chilika Lake.
Ever thought about being able to give something back to the communities that you travel through? Well this is your chance! Our Orissa bike trip does exactly that. Included in the cost of this tour is a locally made bike which you will use along the way - at the end of the trip, we'll donate it to a local community! Bikes are a standard mode of transport in these rural areas and our donation really does make a difference!
India's vast East Coast remains one of the least visited parts of India and offers a chance to see India at its best! Experience the flagging grandeur of Kolkata with its bustling markets, temples and streets all set against a back drop of elegant colonial monuments.
Our cycling starts in the ancient city of Bhubaneshwar, before continuing south through palm fringed paddies and sleepy rural hamlets. Our journey weaves its way through carefully researched routes that provide a fascinating insight into traditional Orissan life where farmers, cattle and temples are a common sight. We continue through the majestic UNESCO (World Heritage Site) listed Sun Temple at Konark and the ancient city of Puri, home to the incredible Jagannath Temple.
We also cycle the length of Asia's largest estuarine lake, island hop between traditional fishing communities and beautiful natural forests before ending in the eccentric coastal town of Golpalpur-on-Sea!
Itinerary
Days 1-2 | Kolkata
On Day 1, people will be arriving throughout the day. We'll meet in the evening to discuss the tour and get to know each other before heading out for a delicious local Bengali meal. Day 2 will be spent exploring the many local sights of Kolkata, including the infamous Kalighat Temple.
Day 3 | Bhubaneshwar
A morning train ride takes us south to the bustling ancient capital of Orissa, Bhubaneshwar. With a history of over 2000 years, Orissa's capital once housed as many as 7000 religious shrines and we explore those remaining on foot.
Day 4 | Cycle to Konark
Day 4 sees the start of our incredible cycle through Orissa! Our route to Konark winds its way through quiet country back-roads and provides a fascinating insight into village life and Orissa's rural landscapes. A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Sun Temple at Konark on Day 4 is a highlight and won't fail to impress.
Day 5-7 | Cycle to Puri
After an early morning visit to the Sun Temple, we'll continue our journey along the coast to the holy city of Puri. As one of the oldest cities in eastern India, Puri is a center of religion and home to the legendary Jagannath Temple. On Day 6 we'll cycle off the beaten track to Raghurajpur, a traditional heritage village where a long linage of artisans maintain their century old skill as painters. After a short cycle tour of old Puri, the rest of Day 7 is free to relax, swim or wander the many old streets of this impressive ancient city.
Days 8-9 | Cycle to Lake Chilika
Days 8 and 9 see us cycling in, around and over India's largest estuarine water lagoon. Chilika Lake covers an area of 1100sq km and is studded with small islands, fishing villages and abundant wildlife. Our ride winds its way across islands and were we can't cycle, we'll be punted across the water to the next destination. On Day 8, we'll camp under a starlit sky on an island between the lake and the Bay of Bengal before continuing onto a hilltop bungalow at Ramnbha, offering spectacular views over the vast expanse of Chilika Lake.
Days 10-12 | Cycle to Gopalpur-On-Sea
The last few days of our trip see us heading out of the hills and down to the eccentric colonial town of Golpalpur-On-Sea. Day 11 will be free to explore Gopalpur with opportunities to visit the vibrant fish market, watch the local fishing boats hauling in a fresh catch or just wander the vast expanse of coastline. Why not pick up some seafood for our beach barbeque dinner tonight? The tour ends after breakfast on Day 12.
Facts and Information
Style
fully supported cycling
Inclusions
support vehicle, local guides, tour leader, some meals, entry fees, locally made bike
Group Size
minimum 4, maximum 14
Accommodation
9 nights comfortable hotels with en-suite bathrooms, 2 nights in basic tourist bungalows and 1 night under the stars in tented camp
Meals Included
12 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners
Days Cycling
6 days on the road and 1 day local bike tour
Kilometres Cycled
approx 285km
Difficulty
easy to moderate
Cycling Conditions
We will be on both sealed and unsealed roads throughout the tour, mostly in good condition, but occasionally bumpy and potholed. Most of the cycling is along flat roads.