LA VUELTA DEL MUNDO · TRAVEL & KNOWLEDGE

India by bicycle

India’s subcontinent is a cradle of a culture as rich as it is diverse.

Travelling by bicycle

The southern part of the country is particularly easy and pleasant for tourists to visit, as there are usually few or no security problems. In our experience, the population is more open and friendly than anywhere else in the world. People always have a smile and seem to accept the world as it is. Christophe lived in Mumbai for a year and often stayed in Goa. Benefiting from an expatriate’s experience in a country like this is a great advantage and can help prevent possible problems before the trip.

Tours between Mumbai and Goa

India is the only country where La Vuelta del Mundo regularly offers bicycle tours with a support vehicle, from Mumbai to Goa or in the opposite direction. We also offer workshops to prepare and plan a cycling trip in India.

The route and physical demands

The Mumbai–Goa route allows you to discover the rural part of the country, adding even more spice to the journey, or rather the adventure, after the impressions left by a megapole such as Mumbai. With 8,300 metres of climbing, mostly on very steep slopes, over 600 kilometres, the tour is also a physical challenge. The heat and the coastal road’s terrible, at times almost ridiculously poor condition demand a great deal from participants. It is certainly not for beginners: a good basic level of fitness is essential, and evidence of that fitness, such as participation in endurance challenges, can be useful when joining a tour.

A journey through time

Why would people have fun participating in it then? It’s because it is a journey through time where you can have experiences like nowhere else.

Country and travel information

It does not matter whether you start in Mumbai, a city with a unique charm and history, or in Goa. In India, you will encounter incredible, powerful and unforgettable impressions unlike anywhere else in the world.

India is unique

“Incredible India” is the slogan of India’s national tourist office. And the only thing the author can say is: “If you haven’t seen or experienced it, you would never believe it!” Even from the perspective of an experienced traveller and globetrotter, India is certainly different and unique. For me (the author), it is the most incredible place I have ever visited. A country of superlatives in every respect.

What is it about?

Society

It’s 180° opposite of western society

It has an amazing cultural heritage and diversity

Culture and history

Everything is extreme: Number of people, size of cities, the contrast of traditions & modern, poor & rich, clean (inside) & dirty (outside)

Other characteristics

There are enormous numbers of people, and in the cities within a small area.

What surprises you:

Other characteristics that may surprise you

I’d say, litterally everything

Things you will see and encounter

The colors, shapes, number of things you never saw before

Food and drink

The mostly vegetarian food

The pros for a cycle tourist:

Traffic does not have to be a problem, and you can find and use roads with little traffic.

Even in towns like Mumbai, traffic is so dense that as a cyclist you’re usually faster than motor vehicles

Adventure guaranteed

Bicycles & equipment

The challenges:

Climate, heat and population density

The climate and heat

For many people, the challenges are the crowds and being approached or touched by strangers. For those who dislike this, India will be a difficult destination.

Roads

Bad, sometimes very or even extremely bad roads

In some areas, inconsiderate motorists, who can nevertheless easily be avoided.

Infrastructure

Low medical standards in rural areas

Poor hygiene in most areas.

Who will like India:

Those who look for real adventure & authenticity

Those who like it a little bit crazy

Those who do not mind being approached by strangers.

People who like challenges

Those who want to experience a 3rd world experience 1st hand

Explore workshops

India in our photographs

The large slideshow combines our own photographs of cycling journeys, the coast, Mumbai, temples and encounters. Use the arrows to browse them yourself.

Prepare your India journey with personal advice

Discuss your route, bicycle, equipment and practical preparation with La Vuelta del Mundo.

Discuss your India journey