With a view to introducing the concept of bicycle tourism and leisure cycling in India, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board (CTB) will be organizing the very first ‘Tour De Chhattisgarh’ - a four-day cycling event in the last week of January next year, officials informed.
The cycling enthusiasts will pedal their way through the lush green forests, lakeside and villages of south Chhattisgarh from January 26 to 29. The 400-kilometer cycle tour will be flagged off at Telibandha pond-Marine Drive, Raipur on January 26.
During the first ever mega bicycle touring event in Central India, around 100 cyclists from all across the country will travel through Sirpur, Barnavapara, Gangrel, Chitrakote, Tirathgarh and Kutumsar Caves, informed officials.
It is noteworthy that Chhattisgarh Tourism Board has organized two bicycle tours in the state to promote tourist destinations of Chhattisgarh as well as the route. According to the officials, the first tour of south Chhattisgarh will commence on January 26 and the bicycle tour of East Chhattisgarh covering Saroda Dadar, Kabir Chabutara and Mainpat will kick off on August 15, 2018.
The cyclists and the crew accompanying will put up at CTB’s resorts located in Sirpur, Barnawapara and Chitrakoot. The cycling enthusiasts will ride through Mahasamund region and cover 84 kilometers to reach Sirpur. They will stop at famous archaeological sites in Sirpur and take a jungle safari at Barnavwapara Wildlife Sanctuary. At the break of dawn next day, they will start their 120-kilometer bicycle tour through Rajim and Kurud to reach Gangrel Dam.
After enjoying boating at Gangrel Dam, riders will relax at newly built resort in Gangrel. On the third day of the tour, cyclists will visit Kondagaon and 110-kilometer cycling to Chitrakote will start at 10 am. Riders will take a route through Jagadalpur to reach Chitrakote. Thereafter, on the concluding day of the tour, the participants will embark on 70-kilometer tour.
They will visit Tirathgarh waterfall and famous Kotumsar caves in Kanger Ghati National Park. Prizes, medals and certificates will be given away to the participants in Chitrakote.
An interactive session or cultural event showcasing culture of Chhattisgarh will be organized everyday in the evening.
