Redesigned

Cycling Kerala's Backroads

Price from
US$ 3,300
Duration
14 Days / 13 Nights
Distance
535 km
Tour Code
IND-DKE
Next departure
17-Nov-2024
Number of Cycling Days10
Average Distance Per Day: 54
0
150 Km
Average Climbing Per Day: 650
0
2,250 m
Accommodation
Basic
5 Star
Total Cycling Distance535 kilometres
AccommodationIncluded
Bike HireMountain Bike: US$ 350
Single SupplementUS$ 1,100 to US$ 1,300
Client Rating (based on 24 reviews)

About this Cycle Tour

Kerala — a narrow South Indian state wedged between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats Mountain Range — is a world of its own. A network of backroads weaves through its tropical backwaters, filled with rivers and lagoons, and meanders up and down highlands draped in evergreen forests, tea estates, and spice fields. Over 14 days, we’ll explore the best of what Kerala has to offer by bike, enriched by the fiery spirit of South Indian culture, cuisine, and hospitality!

The adventure begins on the outskirts of Kochi, where we ride east into the foothills of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the planet’s most significant biodiversity hotspots. We’ll experience this richness early on as we glamp by the riverside within Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary. Next, we ascend to the Munnar Hills for two days of cycling along meandering mountain roads above tea fields, followed by a jeep ride to Kolukkumalai, the world’s highest tea estate! After a scenic ride through the spice-filled Cardamom Hills, we reach Periyar National Park, where a free day lets you explore its wildlife habits and, if you’re lucky, spot elephants and tigers. On Day 9, we descend back to the lowlands, passing the white-washed facades of Syrian Christian churches before arriving at Lake Vembanad. Here, an unmissable Keralite experience awaits: a day and night cruise aboard a converted rice barge through blue lagoons and rice-paddy and coconut grove-lined canals. The tour’s final stage takes us along the Kochi coast, where we relax on the palm-fringed beaches of Mararikulam and explore Fort Kochi’s centuries-old cosmopolitan charm. The tour ends in Kochi.

Join us in cycling Kerala’s backroads and discover South India in style!

Book Your Cycling Holiday

Itinerary

Day 1

Meet at our tour hotel near Kochi Airport for a trip briefing and welcome dinner. Staying at an airport hotel avoids lengthy transfers to and from the city, enabling us to start cycling right away the next day.

Day 2

We journey into rural Kerala along backcountry roads that wind through farmlands and towns nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats. In the afternoon, we relax at a riverside tented camp in the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary with the option of enjoying a leisurely paddle on the Periyar River.

Day 3

We continue east through plantations and dense forests along the Periyar River. A challenging climb up to the Kallarkutty Dam awaits, followed by a transfer to the hill station of Munnar.

Day 4

Today we ascend to Munnar’s “Top Station” along a winding road through vast tea fields and forests. The climb is challenging but offers spectacular views. We return the same way (now a refreshing downhill!) to arrive back in Munnar for a second night.

Day 5

This morning we have a short and sweet ride along a meandering highland road to the village of Chinnakanal. In the afternoon we visit the world’s highest tea plantation, Kolukkumalai, by jeep!

Day 6

A challenging yet scenic ride takes us through the Cardamom Hills of eastern Kerala. Passing by forests, spice farms, and lively towns we reach the edge of Periyar National Park, one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the Western Ghats, where we spend two nights.

Day 7

A free day in Thekkady to explore Periyar National Park at your own pace. Options for boat trips and safaris into the tiger reserve are available to book in advance with your guide.

Day 8

Our final highland ride is one of the tour’s most memorable! We’ll wind our way up to a mountain ridge, following a scenic road flanked by tea and spice plantations to the Vagamon hill station. Then, we’ll enjoy a spectacular downhill back into the foothills of the Western Ghats.

Day 9

We descend from the Western Ghats into the lowlands of Kerala’s lush backwater region. Weaving through backcountry roads we pass many Syrian Christian churches and end the ride on the shores of Lake Vembanad.

Day 10

A day off the saddle to embark on a day and night cruise on Lake Vembanad and its expansive network of canals aboard a converted rice barge. From the comfort of our “houseboat,” we’ll watch the world drift by in the serene blue lagoons of Kerala’s backwaters.

Day 11

Upon disembarking from the houseboat, we ride towards the palm-fringed Mararikulam Beach. Dip your toes in the Arabian Sea and enjoy the afternoon in laid-back, coastal Kerala at its best.

Day 12

Our tour comes full circle as we ride to Kochi, traveling through a narrow stretch of coastal Kerala nestled between the Arabian Sea to the west and the backwater lagoons to the east. We saddle-off in Fort Kochi, the city’s historic heart.

Day 13

Cycling through Fort Kochi’s backstreets, we’ll discover many of the city’s historic sites, showcasing its rich cosmopolitan character developed over the centuries. The afternoon is free, and we’ll reconvene in the evening for a farewell dinner.

Day 14

Our biking tour has ended. Extend your stay in Kochi or travel onwards to discover more of incredible India.

Elevation Profiles

Day 2 - Kochi - Thattekkad Ride 56km. +479m / -443m.
Day 2 - Kochi - Thattekkad Ride 56km. +479m / -443m.

Reviews

Cycling Kerala's Backroads tour was already the second tour with SpiceRoads and both were handled very professonally in terms of organisation and assistance along the trip. We have been cycling already many countries around the word and we would rate Kerala cycling trip as one of our top five trips! It was so beautiful, quiet roads, stunning landscape, friendliest people along the trip and great food. Not to forget, we had really nice boutique accommodations, with personalised service. I would like to point out Vanilla County Heritage Plantation, Tall Trees and House Tents in Thatekkad and Greenwoods Resort. Also the over-night boat ride was fantastic with beautiful rooms. All in all, an unforgettable trip and without a doubt highly recommended to other cyclists looking for new destinations.

Martina CulibergNovember 2023

"Spiceroads team was very helpful, before, during and after our trip. They did everything so we could enjoy our trip to the max."

Jure CulibergNovember 2023

A great way to see the country.

Nicki EVANSNovember 2023

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