It was an effort to cycle up the hill in the heat of the Indian sun but I knew the reward at the top would be worth it. Watching the sun go down always is worth an effort, but watching the sun go down over the view of Goa from Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Monte, incredible. These are just a few of the highlights during my Cycle Tour of Old Goa.
Now it may sound like I am on a very tough tour, but to be honest, this is the only strenuous part of the cycle tour by Adventure Breaks. It is a quiet road and a pleasant walk up if you are unable to cycle it. This trip from Panjim to Old Goa , once India’s second largest city is extremely relaxing. With my guide knowing so much about the history of this area, I visited and learnt so much.
Not only did I see additional things in the Cycle Tour of Old Goa, which my unknowing eyes would have missed like the different paintings on the church walls, some on the cloth from the ships’ sails and others on wooden planks but also I learnt a little more about the Portuguese rule and the impact on the area from this.
In addition to all the history, I also got to see some of the local wildlife as we cycled across the Linhares Bridge and Causeway which was built in 1633. Surrounded by the wetlands, it is home to so many different species of birds, of which my guide could identify all that we saw.
The Cycle Tour of Old Goa wasn’t just a sightseeing tour, it was one with a difference. The combination of cycling and the sightseeing made it a lot more enjoyable to me.
The Cycle Tour of Old Goa was a great way to explore the area, rather than getting transported between the sights. I would really recommend it as a trip especially with Adventure Breaks who provides quality bikes and safety equipment.
Tips When Taking A Cycle Tour of Old Goa:
1/ The Cycle Tour of Old Goa with Adventure Breaks costs ₹1,870.00 and takes approx 3 hours running between 15:30 to 19:00 hrs. Each tour can take from one to six cyclists.
2/ The tour includes the use of 21-speed geared hybrid/mountain bicycle, a helmet, a visibility vest, mineral water and a guide.
3/ They recommend you take a camera, sun lotion and sunglasses. Recommended clothing is a tee shirt and shorts OR long-sleeved shirt and long track pants if you get easily sunburned and trainers/sneaker for shoes.
4/ You need to be of an okay fitness level to carry out this tour however you will not be cycling for more than 3 hours. The longest distance cycled is from the start point to Old Goa and back again. If your fitness levels is partially poor then inform Adventure Breaks and they will arrange the starting point to be within Old Goa itself. You need to have the fitness to at least walk up the hill to Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Monte which is the only strenuous part of the tour.
Do you think the Cycle Tour of Old Goa is a great idea? Have you ever been on a trip like this? Please comment below. Don’t forget to subscribe (It’s free!) to my blog for more posts like this and interesting travel tips.
Disclaimer: I was hosted kindly by Adventure Breaks on this tour but as always my opinions are my own.
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This looks like a really enjoyable and not to mention, affordable way to see Goa. I must say however, I think you’re braver than me cycling around an Indian city, I would have always thought the traffic would make something like that all but impossible for foreigners. Judging from your photos and write-up however, the scene looks surprisingly tranquil and who knows, maybe I might just try it sometime!
Sounds like the perfect combination of activity and culture, I can find it overwhelming to be a passive recipient of information sometimes. Would love to hear more about what you found out.
I love cycle tours as the pace is usually quite manageable and there is so much to see and explore on the route, you easily get distracted from uphill paddling. But if you want views like that, you must go up for sure! I like how they can change the start if things seem too stenuous!
I worked in India years ago in New Dehli and I have always wanted to go back again, especially GOA as I have heard some many great things. I am a big fan of World Heritage site and this would definitely be the type of place that I would venture too. I also like that you cycled there, what a great way to see a place.
That’s awesome! Can you believe that I’ve not been to Goa yet??!!! I know, its too bad. If not for anything else, I have to go there for its a World Heritage Site! Cycling would be the perfect way to explore…
Oh my, you need to go there. More posts are coming on Goa so I hope it makes you want to go there more 🙂
What a great way to explore old Goa indeed! I’ve never gone for cycling tours since I do like to stop quite often for photos, but it does seem like a wonderful way to see a much larger area. But I won’t last going up that hill….good thing I’ve got your photo of that incredible sunset
You can always walk up the hill. Shhhhh but I did a little 🙂 I would really recommend it. It is so much easier to stop for photos on a bike then in a car 🙂
What a great way to see the town and get some fresh air! I can imagine riding a bike along those streets. I do not know much about the Portuguese rule in that area, what a great way to see the architecture and learn more out the history. This sounds like a great bike tour!
It was so interesting learning about the area. I really recommend a tour with them
This looks like a wonderful alternative way to see historic Goa. Adventure Breaks cycling tours sound to be reliable and know how to get the whole group around!! The sunset you saw from the chapel was well worth the effort to get up there.