- Sport & Abenteuer Reisen
- Aktive Kultur Reisen
- Fahrrad & MTB
overview
overview
An intensive cycle tour between temples, nature and ancient cultures
Odisha is one of the least known regions of India – and that is exactly what makes this trip so special.
Between the temple towns of Bhubaneswar, Konark and Puri, along the coast of the Bay of Bengal and deep into the green hills of the Eastern Ghats, an extraordinary cycle tour through a pristine, barely touristy India awaits you.
We start in the cultural heart of Odisha with its millennia-old temples, cycle along small villages and craft workshops to the famous sun temple of Konark and then follow the coast to Lake Chilika, the largest brackish water lake in Asia.
From there, the route takes us further and further inland – through dense forests, remote mountain regions and into areas where tribal communities still preserve their traditional ways of life. Encounters here come about naturally and are often far removed from what we know from other parts of India.
This journey combines movement and encounters:
Active days in the saddle, intensive nature experiences, cultural depth and real insights into people’s everyday lives.
It is ideal for anyone who wants to discover India off the beaten track – authentic, intense and with that special Chalo travel feeling.
Program
Day 1 – Arrive Bhubaneswar & get in the mood
After your arrival in Bhubaneswar, you will be picked up at the airport and taken to your hotel. After a short break, we take our first walk through the city.
In the afternoon, we adjust the bikes individually – an important moment to get you in the mood for the days ahead.
At the joint welcome dinner with traditional Oriya cuisine, you will get to know your fellow travelers and immerse yourself directly in the regional culture.
🚴 no bike day
Day 2 – Bhubaneswar → Dhauli → Bhubaneswar
Our first stage takes us gently out of the city through rural suburbs and small villages towards Dhauli.
Here, the Buddhist peace stupa towers over the Daya River – a place steeped in history, where Emperor Ashoka once turned to Buddhism after a bloody battle.
On the way back, we immerse ourselves in traditional craftsmanship:
- Visit to a village with brass forges
- Visit to the unique open temple of the 64 Yoginis
Back in Bhubaneswar, we explore important temples and – if possible – the caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri with a sweeping view over the city.
🚴 Route: approx. 40 km
Altitude difference: hardly any
🌿 Difficulty: easy
Day 3 – Bhubaneswar → Pipili → Konark
Today we leave the city and cycle towards the coast.
The first stop is the village of Pipili, famous for its colorful textile applications. Here we observe the women at work – a centuries-old craft tradition.
We continue through flat, rural areas towards the sea until we finally reach the impressive Sun Temple of Konark – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most fascinating buildings in India.
In the evening, you have the opportunity to go into the sea on the Bay of Bengal beach.
🚴 Distance: approx. 70 km
Altitude difference: hardly any
🌿 Difficulty: easy
Day 4 – Konark → Artists’ villages → Puri
After a possible morning swim in the sea, we set off in the direction of Puri, one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites.
On the way we visit two special villages:
- one known for traditional painting (Pattachitra)
- one for artistic palm leaf engravings
Unique works of art are created here – often using centuries-old techniques.
In the afternoon we reach Puri, where spiritual life unfolds around the famous Jagannath Temple.
🚴 Route: approx. 35 km
Altitude difference: flat
🌿 Difficulty: easy
Day 5 – Puri → Chilika Lake → Rambha
An intense but fascinating day begins.
First we cycle approx. 48 km through agricultural regions to Lake Chilika, the largest brackish water lake in Asia.
After a 30-minute boat trip, we continue our journey:
The route leads through a landscape characterized by fishing, shrimp farming and small settlements to Rambha.
A day full of contrasts – water, vastness and rural life.
🚴 Distance: approx. 120 km
Altitude difference: flat
🌿 Difficulty: medium
Day 6 – Rambha → Mangalajodi Bird Sanctuary (transfer)
Today we are deliberately taking a bike-free day.
We take a transfer to the Mangalajodi bird reserve. In the afternoon, we glide through the water landscape in small boats – a tranquil, intense nature experience with numerous migratory birds from the northern regions of the Himalayas.
🚴 no bike day
Day 7 – Mangalajodi → Satkosia Wildlife Reserve (Mahanadi)
Our adventure in the Eastern Ghats begins today.
We leave the plain around Lake Chilika and drive into wooded, hilly landscapes.
On the way, we pass villages with traditional handicrafts and experience an authentic, less touristy India.
Our destination lies on the mighty Mahanadi River, at the entrance to the Satkosia Tiger Reserve – a special place in the middle of nature.
🚴 Distance: approx. 108 km
Altitude difference: approx. 500 hm
🌿 Difficulty: medium
Day 8 – Satkosia → Phulbani
One of the longest and most intensive cycling days.
We drive on quiet roads through dense, shady forests and slowly gain altitude in the Eastern Ghats.
The landscape is characterized by deep tranquillity, green hills and little traffic – a day that is physically demanding but scenically rewarding.
🚴 Route: approx. 75-125 km (flexible)
⛰ Altitude difference: up to approx. 700 hm
🌿 Difficulty: medium – demanding
Day 9 – Phulbani → Baliguda
Today we roll along undulating, well-maintained roads through a quiet, rural region with few villages.
The route offers plenty of room for your own impressions – encounters are often spontaneous.
In the afternoon, there is the option of visiting a nearby tribal village with the support vehicle.
🚴 Distance: approx. 75 km
Altitude difference: approx. 600 hm
🌿 Difficulty: medium
Day 10 – Baliguda → Rayagada (partial transfer)
The route continues through dense forests and remote areas of the Eastern Ghats.
After approx. 80-90 km we stow the bikes and cover the remaining section by transfer – through regions characterized by agriculture and later mining.
🚴 Distance: approx. 55-90 km
Altitude difference: approx. 800 hm
🌿 Difficulty: medium – demanding
Day 11 – Rayagada → Laxmipur → Koraput (bike & transfer)
We start with a particularly beautiful stage to Laxmipur, characterized by green hills and rural idyll.
The route then takes you through the bauxite mining area – an exciting contrast to the natural surroundings.
Optionally, you can cover the last few kilometers by bike again.
🚴 Distance: approx. 55 km (+ optionally more)
Altitude difference: approx. 800 hm
🌿 Difficulty: medium
Day 12 – Koraput → Desia Eco Camp
The route leads through villages and small towns, past fields and through hilly landscapes.
The special Desia Eco Camp awaits us at our destination – a place of encounters, tranquillity and authenticity.
🚴 Distance: approx. 60 km
Altitude difference: approx. 700 hm
🌿 Difficulty: medium
Day 13 – Around Desia Eco Camp (tribal villages & nature)
A final, relaxed day of cycling takes us through spectacular surroundings around the camp.
We visit two tribal villages and can optionally continue to a waterfall.
In the evening we celebrate the end of this special trip – if possible around a campfire in the open air.
🚴 Distance: approx. 20-50 km
Altitude difference: approx. 250 hm
🌿 Difficulty: easy
Day 14 – Desia Eco Camp → Vishakhapatnam → Return journey
After breakfast, there is a 6-hour transfer through the impressive mountain landscapes of the Eastern Ghats to Vishakhapatnam Airport.
Along the way, we enjoy spectacular views and have the opportunity to discover local spices and coffee.
🚴 no bike day
Included services
- 13 nights in carefully selected hotels
- Full board during the bike tour, otherwise breakfast
- English-speaking tour guide, from 6 participants German-speaking
- All transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Luggage transport during the cycling stages
- Entrance fees according to program
- Drinking water during the bike tours
- Rental bike
VisaInternational flightTipsearly check in / late check outArrival Bhubaneshwar/Departure Vishakapatnam, we will be happy to make you an individual offer.
Highlights
Prices and dates
Fixed group date: 20.12.2026 to 02.01.2027
from 6 persons with German-speaking tour guide 2000 €
Trip possible as a private tour from October to March:
Private tour for 2 or more people: € 2200 (English-speaking tour guide)
Private tour from 4 people € 2000 (English-speaking tour guide)
Single supplement: €500
Tour Info
Requirements
This trip is aimed at active travelers with a good basic level of fitness.
The stages are sometimes longer, but can be flexibly arranged at any time thanks to the support vehicle. You set your own pace – it’s not about performance, it’s about experience.
What makes it special
- Hardly traveled region of India
- Intensive encounters with local communities
- Combination of culture, nature & activity
- Escort vehicle for maximum flexibility
- Authentic accommodation & special places
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5
Authentische Fahrradreise mit vielen Highlights
Wir waren mit Chalo Reisen auf einer Radreise durch Odisha und es war eine der authentischsten und beeindruckendsten Reisen, die wir bisher gemacht haben. Besonders schön war es, Indien einmal abseits der klassischen Touristenrouten zu erleben: kleine Dörfer, ruhige Straßen, die Küste und unglaublich viele echte Begegnungen unterwegs. Durch das Reisen mit dem Rad fühlt man sich dem Land und den Menschen viel näher. Ein großes Dankeschön auch an unseren Guide Ajay, der uns Odisha mit viel Herz, Ruhe und echter Verbundenheit zur Region nähergebracht hat. Auch die Organisation durch Sarah war vom ersten Kontakt an herzlich, persönlich und unkompliziert. Man hat jederzeit gespürt, wie viel Leidenschaft und Erfahrung hinter Chalo Reisen steckt. Wer Indien ursprünglich, aktiv und fernab vom Massentourismus erleben möchte und offen ist für ein Abenteuer der besonderen Art, dem können wir Chalo Reisen und insbesondere die Tour durch Odisha absolut empfehlen. Eine Reise, die uns noch lange in Erinnerung bleiben wird.
