Cycling Kerala's Backroads

Price from
US$ 3,300
Duration
14 Days / 13 Nights
Distance
544 km
Tour Code
IND-DKE
Next departure
17-Dec-2023
Number of Cycling Days10
Average Distance Per Day: 54
0
150 Km
Average Climbing Per Day: 952
0
2,250 m
Total Cycling Distance544 kilometres
AccommodationIncluded
Bike HireMountain Bike: US$ 350
Single SupplementUS$ 1,100
Client Rating (based on 21 reviews)

About this Cycle Tour

Kerala, a narrow Indian state sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the mountainous Western Ghats, is known for its tropical greenery, backwaters, wildlife reserves, and tea and spice plantations. Along the way, you will be staying at beautiful heritage hotels, eco-lodges as well as a rice barge converted to a luxurious accommodation. We'll have our fill of ethnic and delicious food, seasoned by local spices. Then the climbing begins as we head up to areas known for its tea plantations and spice estates.

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Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Kochi, a vibrant seaport town that is the perfect jumping off point for our exploration of Kerala.

Day 2

We ride into the countryside, passing a temple, crossing the Periyar River, where we may see elephants bathing. We head to the Thatekkad Bird Sanctuary and overnight in deluxe and unique house tents.

Day 3

Bird watchers rise early to see as many bird species as they can. Cycling from the hotel, we follow the Periyar River to the Valara forest reserve, as we gradually climb to our hotel.

Day 4

A morning climb takes us to Munnar Hill Station. There are lakes, reservoirs, forests, and several tea plantations carpeting the hillsides. The afternoon is free for exploring the town and bazaar.

Day 5

Ride to Top Station for panoramic views after climbing 500 m gradually through little traffic. Then there's the downhill.

Day 6

Today's stunning ride out of Munnar on an undulating country road goes through small villages with wonderful views to Kattapana town. We overnight at a tranquil resort set in a spice plantation.

Day 7

The ride to Periyar National Park, a rich bio-diversity spot and sanctuary for more than 40 tigers, is on small roads through deciduous forests all the way to our resort at the park’s edge.

Day 8

Have a free day to relax or go on one of the treks or boat safaris at the park.

Day 9

From the hotel, we descend on a scenic road through cardamom and tea estates, stopping to visit the Connemara Tea Factory. We overnight at an old plantation.

Day 10

Stunning views with a major descent makes this probably the best ride of the trip. We ride through rubber and spice plantations to India's second largest lake.

Day 11

The morning is free before we board our houseboat, a converted rice barge, for a splendid backwater cruise.

Day 12

We disembark at Alleppey and ride along an old canal road, passing his-toric buildings. We take the beach road north to Marari Beach for a sea-food lunch and relax by the sea. The afternoon ride ends at Fort Cochin.

Day 13

There is an optional morning cycle ride around old Cochin. The afternoon is free to relax before we meet up for our farewell dinner.

Day 14

Onward travel.

Elevation Profiles

Day 2 - Kochi - Thatekkad Ride 66km. +1,146m / -1,123m.
Day 2 - Kochi - Thatekkad Ride 66km. +1,146m / -1,123m.

Reviews

Challenging riding on back roads with incredible views, great hotels and lots of food. A great way to see Kerala. Nothing was too much trouble for our amazing guide Shibu.

Jay CampbellFebruary 2020

The perfect way to explore India. This is a challenging trip. Perfect for confident and fit cyclists. There are many challenging hills and you frequently are required to ride through busy towns. The scenery is spectacular and the local people are very curious about what we are doing.

Kathy CampbellFebruary 2020

Thanks to our excellent guide Shibu, we had a fabulous experience cycling in Kerala. His pride and passion for his country were evident and he ensured that we live a full, diverse and authentic experience.

Diane LabossiereFebruary 2019

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