Cycle India 2010

Cycle India 2010 is being meticulously planned by our Indian organiser Mr Nitin Kumar. The most up to date itinerary of our charity bike ride is as follows:

January 3rd, 2010

Bangalore - Mysore (140km / 3hrs)
Arrive at Bangalore International Airport by British Airways flight at 4:50am. From here we will proceed to the historic city of Mysore (140Km/3Hrs) by seating coach in an air conditioned luxury bus with push back seats. Two hours into our journey, we will take a short break at Café Coffee Day to get some refreshing Coffee & Breakfast (30 min). Later proceed to Mysore via Mandya. Upon arrival at the hotel in Mysore you will be served a welcome drink, followed by lunch at 2pm. Proceed for local sight seeing at 3PM—Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens and shopping. Come back to the Hotel - A small interaction among the participants & allotment of your cycles with a briefing about HEAL CYCLE INDIA 2010 followed by dinner. Overnight at Mysore.

Mysore:
Known for its splendid palaces and royal buildings, extensive gardens and tree lined boulevards, glossy silks and sandalwood, the ‘City Royale’ always figures in the tourist’s itinerary. It conjures up visions and memories of the resplendent glory of the memorable Wodeyar Kings. This former state capital is a flawless blend of oldworld charm and modernity. It retains its tradition in music and dance, art and literature and time-honored crafts. Mysore was the political capital of the Wodeyar dynasty, which ruled the state of Karnataka for some 150 years until the independence of the country from the British. These kings were great patrons of art and culture and Mysore was one of the cultural capitals of southern India under the rule of the Wodeyars. The Wodeyars made the Dussera festival an event to showcase the rich culture and heritage of the town. Even to this date the celebration of the Dussera which is a 10 day celebration during the month of Oct/ Nov is a spectacular event to watch.

Climate : Moderate 20-30°C
What to wear : Cottons are preferred.
Languages Spoken: Kannada, English, Telugu and Hindi.

All the participants will be given the following accessories
|Itinerary with complete tour schedule and contact information | Wet tissues | Odomas (mosquito repellent) | Medical kit | Soap | Paper Napkins | Toilet paper rolls | 2 batteries and a torch | Pen, Paper and Pencils | 2 HEAL T-Shirts & 1Cap|

January 4th, 2010

Mysore - Periyapatnam (70km / 1.5hrs) by Bus - Madikeri (60km / 7hrs) by Cycle

Get geared up for HEAL CYCLE INDIA 2010—it is from here that your journey to Coorg starts. After buffet breakfast at 6:30am leave to Periyapatnam a small town on your way to Coorg by bus. We will arrive by 8:30 am and your expedition begins at 9am. We will travel through highway #SH 88 for some distance and then get into the forest peripherals at around 11:30am. A quick snack break for 10 min. Later venture into the roads which are covered by forests on either side - enjoy the beautiful fauna that Coorg is blessed with. Lunch at 2pm at a idyllic location so beautiful that it charges you up to cover the remaining distance. Arrive at Madikeri by 5pm. Relax at the Hotel .

Madikeri
The fort is situated in the center of the town, on top of a hillock. Built by Lingaraja during the 19th century, now it houses the state government offices, the law courts and the public library. The ancient Ganesha temple, the statue of two elephants, the stone turtle in the courtyard is reminiscent of history.
Raja’s Seat Perched atop a hill, overlooking a wide valley is the place where the kings of yore spent their evenings, watching the spectacular sunset and mesmerizing view of the valley.
Omkareshwara Temple The temple is dedicated to Lord Siva, and the Siva Linga brought from Kashi (Varanasi) has been installed here.

Climate : Moderate 12-25°C
What to wear : Cottons are preferred.

Special information :
On tour we have masseurs with us who will massage our aching muscles and rejuvenate us for our next day’s cycling.

January 5th 2010

Madikeri - Talacauvery (65km / 8hrs) by Cycle
After Breakfast at 8:30am cycle to Abbey falls (7km) from here we have to walk for 1km amidst the coffee estates to reach the cascading waterfalls. At 11am snacks at the Falls. Later proceed to Bhagamandala which is 45 km away from Abbey falls. Bhagamandala is the confluence of three rivers - Cauvery, Sujyothi and Kanika. Enroute we will take our lunch at Cherambani at 2:30pm. After lunch continue the cycling to Bhagamandala – later to Talacauvery. Proceed to hotel by bus and relax in the evening with special local programme followed by Dinner.

Abbey falls - Bhagamandala - Talacauvery
Abbey falls, is found amidst verdant greens of Coorg where the water cascades over rocks into calm pools. A hanging bridge has now been built across the gorge here offering a good view of the falls.
Bhagamandala is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Kaveri and the Kanika. A third river, the Sujyothi is said to join from underground. The temple here, built in Kerala style, has smaller shrines dedicated to various gods.
Tala Cauvery is the birth place of the sacred river Cauvery. It is situated on the slopes of the Brahmagiri hills and can be reached by road, from Bhagamandala, which is at a distance of about 8km. The temples at the Tala Cauvery are dedicated to Eshwara and Ganapati at the source of the river.

Climate : Moderate 12-25°C
What to wear : Cottons and light woolens are preferred.

Special information :
The last 8km to Tala Cauvery is an uphill route and requires great stamina and strength to cycle this. However if anybody wishes to stop in between we will provide the transportation to Tala Cauvery by car.
Our complete cycling trail will be accompanied by guides who travel with us on a motor bikes to give us directions, help us with local information and routes. We also have cycle mechanics on tour who will repair our cycles in case of any problem.

January 6th, 2010

Madikeri - Harangi –Bylakuppe –Dubbare (70km / 8hrs) by Cycle
After Breakfast at 8:30am cycle towards Somwarpet. The ride takes you through lush coffee estates and spice plantations of Coorg. About 7km short to Somwarpet we take a turn to head towards breathtaking meadows with a beautiful golf course and halt here for snacks. Later we start cycling through forests. After a couple of hours we halt for lunch at 2:30 pm at Harangi Dam. From here we proceed to Kushalnagar to reach Tibetan settlements at Bylakuppe which is famous for Buddhist Monasteries in southern India and cycle for another 1hr to reach Dubare . Night at Dubare followed by a special programme and dinner.

Harangi –Bylekuppe– Dubbare
The journey takes us through the verdant surroundings of Coorg wherein we cross some beautiful villages, then we are surprised by beautiful meadows and a golf course.
Harangi Dam : The dam is constructed across the river Harangi. This dam is an idyllic picnic spot .The dam is very small in size but the water flowing from it creates beautiful stream line with dense trees abutting the river.
Bylekuppe: One of the largest Tibetan settlement in southern India is known for its monasteries, handicrafts and incense factory. The landscape is dotted with several monasteries and the greatest ones are Gompa of Sere Je and Sera Mey.

Climate : Moderate 12-25°C
What to wear : Cottons and light woolens are preferred.

Special Information:
In the evenings we will be enthralled by the mesmerizing performances of the local Kodavas, Puja Kunitha.

January 7th, 2010

Dubbare - Virajpet—Kakkabbe (65km / 7hrs) by Cycle
After Breakfast at 7am we will go into the Dubbare elephant park for some safari and ride on the elephants. Later come back to the resort and start cycling by 10:00am towards Virajpet. Enroute visit the famous church of St Ann’s. Later halt for snacks and start the journey through narrow lanes of the town and have a close look at their lifestyle, people, houses. Halt for lunch. Continue your journey to Coorg traditional house called IYN MANE. Overnight at Coorg house followed by local dance and dine the local cuisine.

Dubbare - Virajpet - Kakkabbe
Dubare is an elephant capturing and training camp of the Forest Department of Coorg. Dubare is located in between Kushalnagar and Siddapur on the banks of river Kaveri.The wild elephants are tamed and trained with the help of other tamed elephants and local tribals. It’s amazing to watch the tamed elephants bath in the river and to be scrubbed clean by their mahouts.
Virajpet is the second town of the district of Coorg. The name is an abbreviation of Virarajendrapete, named after the former ruler of Kodagu, Virarajendra. Asia’s largest manufacturer of honey.
Kakkabbe is near to Nalknad Palace which is located at the bottom of the highest mountain of Coorg Thadiyandamol. Dodda Viraraja built this palace in 1792.

Climate : Moderate 12-25°C
What to wear : Cottons and light woolens are preferred.
Languages Spoken: Kannada, English, and Hindi.

Special Information :
Today we will be staying in a traditional Coorg House and get to know about more facets of Coorg life style, cuisine and culture.

January 8th, 2010

Kakkabbe – Gonikoppal (45km / 4hrs) by Cycle - Srirangapatanam (Bus 2hrs) – Bangalore (2Hrs)
Today after breakfast we cycle for 4hrs to bid farewell to Coorg. After lunch at 2pm we proceed to Srirangapatnam by bus. Visit Tippu summer palace. After that proceed to Bangalore. Enroute we will make a halt and reach the Garden City of India. Overnight at Bangalore

Srirangapaanam
Srirangapatnam is the biggest of the three islands in the river Kaveri. The island, five kilometers long and two kilometers wide, derives its name from the deity of the temple located on its western side. For those who are turned on by history, there are many monuments here spanning a thousand years. All the major dynasties in southern India have left their relics and monuments here—the Hoysalas of the 11th century, the Vijayanagar kings of Chandragiri in the 17th century, the Hyder Ali-Tipu Sultan clan that came after them, and finally, the French and the British.

Climate : Moderate 20-25°C
What to wear : Cottons are preferred.

January 9th, 2010

Bengaluru – Hyderabad (565km / 1hrs) by Flight
Welcome to the Garden City of India-Bengaluru. After breakfast we take our bus to visit Lalbagh, Vidhansoudha, Bangalore Palace and ISKCON Temple and in the evening you can stroll through the Brigade Road and M.G.Road for shopping. After check out from hotel we will proceed to Bangalore Airport to take the flight to Hyderabad International Airport. Overnight at Hyderabad.

Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Karnataka’s capital city, is a capsule of contrasts. Its variety of nicknames says it all: ‘India’s Silicon Valley’, ‘Garden City’, ‘Pub City’, ‘Shopper’s Paradise’. India’s sixth largest city, Bengaluru takes its name from an ancient legend. When the King was hungry after his hunting routine, an old woman offered him a plate of ‘benda kaalu’ or boiled beans. The grateful king called the place ‘benda kaalu ooru’ or ‘village of boiled beans’. Later, Kempe Gowda, a feudal lord who served the rulers of the mighty Vijayanagar Empire, built four towers to mark the city’s boundaries. Subsequently, Bengaluru passed through the hands of various rulers till it came under the Wodeyar kings. With its excellent IT industry and scientific research facilities, Bengaluru is considered by many to be India’s science and technology capital. Its many pubs and bars guarantee a great time, pulsing nightlife and high spirits. Also to offer in the city are historic monuments, contemporary shopping malls, a racecourse, two golf courses, traditional art and crafts stores and friendly people.

Climate : Moderate 20-25°C
What to wear : Cottons are preferred.

January 10th, 2010

Hyderabad - London.
After breakfast we will proceed for local sightseeing and we will meet the HEAL Village children in the afternoon wherein the participants can interact with the children to know how HEAL is helping them. And this all could not have happened without your generous support. The joy of being with the children will be not less than Nirvana. Later in the evening we will have press meet followed by a programme and Dinner. Next day board your flight to London.

Hyderabad
The name itself brings up vision of a vibrant city of minarets and modern high-rise buildings. A natural and sophisticated blend of old and new - an old ‘Nawabi’ culture with a new pro-active approach and hospitality. The teeming bazaars of the old city, in the midst of which stands the 400-year-old Charminar, the modern shopping complexes and ultramodern malls in the newer areas of the city add to the charm of Hyderabad. We find many multi-theme parks where we can have a great time. Some good day breaks like Ocean Park, Snow World, etc. The Golconda fort, capital of the kingdom by that name, is today very much part of the
city, as is Cyberabad, a brand new city, created to keep pace with the zooming high technology sector. Pearls, bangles, silks, computer software, handicrafts and above all the delectable cuisine, especially the Biryani, add to the charm of this great city.

Climate : Moderate 25-30°C
What to wear : Cottons and light woolens are preferred.
Languages Spoken: Telugu, English, and Hindi.