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Cascade-Affiliated International Tours
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India: Forts and Palaces, Spices and Tea |
| Dates: |
11/1/10 update:
Nov. 29 - Dec. 16, 2010 - 10 spaces open
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| Pace & Distance: |
35 - 80 miles. Suitable for all fit riders |
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| Group size: |
6 minimum, 20 maximum |
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| Cost: |
$3,175 - $4,104, depending on sign-up numbers. See pricing details. |
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| Itinerary: |
View detailed itinerary. |
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| Tour company: |
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The tour starts in Delhi, the capital of India. The diverse State of Rajasthan is a stone's throw away from both Delhi and Agra, the latter famed for the shimmering white marble domes of the Taj Mahal. It is home to the Rajput warrior clan whose legacy is an amazing collection of forts and incredibly impressive castles and palaces.
Join Pedaltours as we leave the highways behind and cycle through villages where we will share the road with goats and camels, sacred cows, and elephants; see local women pumping water at the communal wells and be overwhelmed by magnificent Moghul forts rising above deserts and towns.
Kerala, one of India’s smaller states, lies to the south-west of the sub continent, bordered by the Arabian Sea and the hills of the Western Ghats. Known as "God’s own country," it is extremely fertile and people are very friendly. There is a huge range of crops and much birdlife, in addition to the occasional elephant, monkeys, deer and elusive tigers.
The second section of our tour starts in Fort Cochin (Kochi), the site of the first European settlement in India. It is a blend of Portugese, Dutch, British and Chinese influences. We stay in a wonderfully serene part of town. From here we make our way to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, then climb to Munnar in the highlands, known for its tea plantations. We descend to Kumily and Periyer Wildlife Sanctuary, where we stay for three nights to make time for a side trip into neighbouring Tamil Nadu and a trek in the park. We then head back to the coast via the backroads of Vagamon to the backwaters of Kumarakom, with an overnight on a house boat. From here it is a flat final day’s ride back to Cochin and the end of a fabulous trip.
This tour is fully supported – cycle as little or as much as you wish each day. It will be necessary to drive out of the city of Cochin and the latter part on the day to Kumarakom. On other days, a reasonably fit cyclist will be able to cycle the entire distance. Cycling distances given are entirely optional; cycle as little or as much as you wish each day, the support vehicle will always be close by. Suggested cycling distances are given for each day.
Distances are given in kilometres. 1 km = 0.62 miles.
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India:
Forts and Palaces, Spices and Tea
DETAILED ITINERARY
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MEETING DAY / DAY ONE
Arrive Delhi
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 Namaste! You will be welcomed in the traditional Indian way, with hands clapped together, and then transferred to your hotel
Lodging: Ramada Plaza Hotel, 4 star
+91 9891722456
www.ramadaplazadelhi.com
19 Ashoka Road, New Delhi,
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, gym, pool
Features: Centrally located in the heart of the business district
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New Delhi, the capital of India is a reflection of the old and new of India, a blend of Mughal India, Hindu India, British India and modern independent India. To help you settle in we have a sightseeing tour of the city that includes the famous India Gate, the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and the Qutub Minar - a minaret towering 102 meters. After lunch we visit Old Delhi, starting with the famous Red Fort. Built by Shah Jehan, once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire. From here we visit impressoive Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, we end our tour with a bazaar experience at Chandni Chawlk, the street of silver and goldsmiths.
Meals: B, D
Lodging: Mewar Express train. First-class, air-conditioned sleeper train. Departs: 7:00 p.m; Arrives (Chittaurgarh): 4:35 a.m.
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DAY THREE
Bijaipur
CYCLING
A fun local loop-ride
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 At arrival in Chittaurgarh we will be transferred to Bijaipur, a small village to the south. Castle Bijaipur was built in early 16th century AD by Rao Vijay Singh, descendent of great Rajput warrior Shakti Singh. Bijaipur was a strategic location in the former kingdom of Mewar, as it defended the frontiers against the invading Mughal and Maratha armies.
The castle has been renovated and converted into a heritage hotel and offers views of the Vindhyachal ranges, the valley, lake and village encircling it. After breakfast you will be fitted to your Pedaltours bicycle or unpack your own prior to exploring the nearby countryside. The roads carry vey little vehicle traffic but you will come across goats and camels.
Meals: B, L, D
Loding: Castle Bijaipur, www.castlebijaipur.com
Phone: + 91 1472 276-222
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, pool
Features: A character hotel in a delightful setting
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DAY FOUR
Bijaipur to Udaipur
CYCLING
80 km / 50 mi
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We head west on minor roads passing plowed fields and small villages; on reaching the highway we drive the final distance into Udaipur. After lunch there is the option of a city tour or you may like to explore independently and shop. You may like to visit the folklore museum where we can see a presentation of the string puppet show typical to this area.
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging: Karohi Haveli, Udaipur, www.karolihaveli.com
Phone: + 91 294 320-6638
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DAY FIVE
Udaipur
CYCLING
Optional day ride: 70 km
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| There is an optional day ride that takes us to Gogunda and Parmer. The former is a small town situated in the Aravalli hills – a leg stretching climb is involved. The area abounds with Hindu and Jain temples.
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging: Karohi Haveli, Udaipur, www.karolihaveli.com
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DAY SIX
Udaipur - Kumbhalgarh
CYCLING
70 km / 44 mi
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 We drive out of town to commence cycling on a quiet road – a little climbing through pleasant rural countryside with increasing views. Time to relax in the afternoon and enjoy the rural surroundings.
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging: Club Mahindra Fort Kumbhalgarh, www.clubmahindra.com
Phone: +91 96727-23444
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DAY SEVEN
Kumbhalgarh - Ranakpur
CYCLING + HIKING
50 km / 30 mi
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In the morning we visit impressive Kumbhalgarh Fort. Built by Rana Kumbha in mid-15th century, Kumbhalgarh is the second most important bastion of Mewar, after Chittorgarh and covering an area of 12 sq km.
The fort lies 1,100 metres above sea level and enclosed within its fortified ramparts are palaces, temples, fields, water sources and farms fully self-contained to withstand a long siege. Kumbhalgarh provides an excellent view of the countryside where many fierce battles were fought.
After lunch we cycle to Ranakpur, an easy ride on a quiet road that includes a major downhill. Named after Rana Kumbha. Ranakpur is renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples dating from 1439; it is amongst the five holiest places of the Jain community. There is the opportunity to visit the impressive Ranakpur temples if you wish
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging: Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat, Ranakpur, www.welcomheritagehotels.com
Phone: +91 2934-285-151
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DAY EIGHT
Ranakpur - Jodhpur
CYCLING
88 km / 55 mi
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 The terrain today is virtually flat as we follow the west side of the Aravalli Range. We drive the remainder of the distance into Jodhpur where there will be time for a short city tour and a visit to Mehrangarh fort, built in 1459 A.D.
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging: Hotel Ranbanka Palace, Jodhpur
Circuit House Road, Jodhpur, http://www.ranbankahotels.com
Ph.: 91-291-2512801, 2517088; e-mail: sales@ranbankahotels.com
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, swimming pool
Features: An original palace offering old world charm and overlooking forts and palaces
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DAY NINE
Jodhpur - Delhi - Cochin
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| Today is a non-biking day. A visit to impressive Mehrangarh fort is a must; built in 1459 A.D by Rao Jodha, it rises steeply from a rocky outcrop. Close by is Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. In the evening, after an early dinner, we take the overnight train to Delhi.
Meals: B, D
Lodging: Train # 2462, Mandor Express. First-class, air-conditioned sleeper train. Departure: 7:30 p.m.; Arrival: 6:25 a.m.
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| The train arrives in Delhi at 6:25 a.m.; from here we take you to breakfast and then to Delhi Airport for the flight to Cochin. After you check into your hotel, the remainder of the day is free. The Old Quarter of Fort Cochin is a fascinating district, a mixture of Portugese, British, Chinese and Indian history.
Flight details: Delhi - Cochin, Flight S2 241. Departs Delhi 9:25 a.m.; arrives Cochin 1:25 p.m.
Meals: B
Lodging: Fort Heritage, www.fortheritage.com
Phone: +91 484 221-5333
Features: A small hotel in the heart of historical Fort Cochin close to Princess Street (good shops and cafes)
Facilities: Air-conditioned rooms
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DAY ELEVEN
Cochin - Thatteked
CYCLING
38 - 55 km
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| We drive out of town for about two hours (with no Freeways, driving even on a highway is slow) then cycle on a very minor road to the bird Sanctuary of Thatteked. We will pass rubber, banana, coconut and pineapple plantations and have time for a visit to the bird sanctuary.
We are seeking permission to cycle through a National Park to increase the distance on minor roads to 55 km.
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging: Birds Lagoon, Tattekkad, Ph 91 485 257-2444, www.birdslagoon.com
Features: Bird sanctuary with over 253 species of birds.
Facilities: Two-star. Restaurant, ayurvedic spa
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DAY TWELVE
Thatteked to Munnar
CYCLING
69 km / 43 mi; 1,395 m / 4,600 ft altitude gain
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| We continue on the minor road until we reach the main highway to Munnar. After just 600 m we turn off the hwy and swoop down through a forest to the Periyer River and the Kallerkutty dam. From here we start the challenging climb to the Munnar and its world famous tea plantations. We will also see jacaranda trees and cardamom plantations. With the gain in altitude the temperature will decrease from c.32/ 90 F at the coast to c.25 / 77 at Munnar, with night time temperatures dropping to 10 C / 50F.
Meals: B, L, D
Loding: Hotel C7, www.c7hotels.com
Phone: +91 4865 230-217
Features: On the edge of town overlooking tea plantations
Facilities: Three-star.
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DAY THIRTEEN
Munnar to Kumily / Periyar / Thekady.
CYCLING
96 km / 60 mi
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 Today we make our way to Kumily, known for its spices and proximity to Periyer Tiger Reserve. The Periyer Wildlife Sanctuary covers 777 sq km of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest. The greatest attraction of Periyar is the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. The day is quite hilly but there is an overall loss in altitude as we descend to 800m / 2,640 ft . The day starts with a spectacular descent through forest and tea plantations, later passing rice fields, coffee and cardamom. There will be excellent views of the Western Ghats.
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging: Muthoot Cardomom County, www.muthoothotels.com
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DAY FOURTEEN
Kumily - Theni
CYCLING
70 km on backroads
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| We take an excursion into neighbouring Tamil Nadu, a poorer state where you will see many bullock carts and perhaps a working elephant or two. We start with a fabulous descent into a wide fertile valley and continue gently descending til the town of Theni. Here we have lunch then return on the highway in the mini bus.
Time to relax in the afternoon by the pool or do a little shopping
Meals: B, L
Lodging: Muthoot Cardomom County, www.muthoothotels.com
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DAY FIFTEEN
Kumily
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Options include an early morning three hour gentle hike in the Park accompanied by a guide, who will indentify plants, birds and other wildlife. There will be a late breakfast on return. Then a visit to a tea plantation and factory and a late afternoon trip on Lake Periyer where you are likely to see wildlife, most likely deer, buffalo and elephants, by the lake side. Take binoculars.
Meals: B
Lodging: Muthoot Cardomom County, www.muthoothotels.com
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DAY SIXTEEN
Kumily - Kumarakom
CYCLING
88 km / 55 mi
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We start the day with a climb as we make our way to the grasslands of Vagamon. We finish with a fabulous 24 km descent. On reaching the highway we board the mini bus to drive (1 ¾ hrs) to Kumarakom. A spectacular day’s biking. Kumarakom is a paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.
Lodging: Golden Waters, www.goldenwaters.com
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DAY SEVENTEEN
Houseboat
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 After a late start we drive just 25 km to board our houseboat, modeled on a traditional rice boat, for lunch and a delightful lazy day cruising on the lake and canals.
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging: Twin-share cabins – three per boat.
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DAY EIGHTEEN
Cochin
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| Meals: B, L, D
After breakfast on the house boat we bike a flat road, parallel with the coast, back to Cochin; here we say farewell and hope to see you again.
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THE FINE PRINT
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Pricing:
The following are estimated tour costs per rider, in US dollars (all prices on a twin-share basis):
- 16-18 cyclists: $3,175
- 12-15 cyclists: $3,590
- 10-11 cyclists: $3,800
- 8-9 cyclists: $4,104
Single room supplement: $1,095
Bike hire: $375 (or bring your own)
A deposit of US$500 is required to confirm your booking. We request full payment six weeks before trip departure.
Trip Inclusions
- Accommodation on Twin sharing basis in the mentioned hotels with daily buffet Breakfast
- Lunches x 13: On Day 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17 and 18
- Dinners x 14: On Day 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, and 18
- Bottled water throughout the tour
- Transport in air-conditioned vehicles for all sightseeing tours, arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary.
- Services of English speaking guide / Tour Escort as per the itinerary throughout the tour.
- All currently applicable taxes, including service tax @ 2.58 %
- Entrances to forts and castles
- Domestic train and airfare
Trip Exclusions
- Bicycle rental.
- International, visa fees, airport tax or any kind of insurance cover
- Items of personal nature like table drinks during meals, laundry, telephone calls, tips, etc.
- Any other meals than those mentioned in the itinerary.
- Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like change in schedule / cancellation of flights / trains / political disturbances, natural phenomenon etc.
- Personal Travel insurance including lost baggage, medical insurance in case of any emergency evacuation and hospitalization.
- Any other item not specifically mentioned above as 'INCLUDED'
Cancellation Policy
If for any reason it is necessary to cancel a reservation, the following will apply: Cancellations more than twelve weeks before trip departure, loss of 50% of deposit. Cancellations between twelve and six weeks before trip departure, loss of full deposit. Cancellations within six weeks of departure will result in forfeiture of full payment, however if you are able to find a replacement for yourself, there will only be a $25 cancellation fee.
There will be no refunds once a tour has commenced.
Flight Plan
Cascade Bicycle Club recommends Seattle travel consultants Elizabeth Holmes Travel for booking airfare. Elizabeth Holmes supplies services to tour operators and travel media entities including Rick Steve’s Europe Through the Back Door, Rudy Maxa, the Savvy Traveller, Earthbound Expeditions and Tofino Expeditions. Most recently they were recommended in the National Geographic’s Adventure Magazine.
Please Contact Sarah Ferris Scott at 206-547-8361 or visit www.elizabthholmes.com.
This website will introduce folks to current information and airfares. They can’t begin to cover every city in the world, but hope the selection of destinations and fares will demonstrate why you should give them a call. Speaking of calling, you will notice that they are not ‘into’ e-commerce. You have to call to get real quotes.
Sample Airfare (Nov. 2009): Seattle - Delhi, return Cochin: $1420.00
Other Important Information
Emergency evacuation insurance is compulsory in India. We advise against discounted airfares that carry restrictions.
Note: Cascade Bicycle Club strongly recommends independent trip insurance for riders. Read the fine print of each policy to make sure you get the coverage you need. Most policies include medical coverage- although at a minimum, you may just buy the medical coverage ala carte.
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Worried you might not be in good enough shape to tackle this tour? Join Cascade Ride Leaders in the Cascade Training series. We'll be leading rides every weekend geared to getting YOU ready for this summer's big CBC rides. Visit the Activities Calendar for more information and ride listings.
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