Arrive in Chennai, formerly known as Madras, capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. A fascinating mix of modern and traditional, this Indian metropolis has plenty of cosmopolitan and historic diversions for visitors. Feel free to explore some of the city's many temples, colonial churches, museums, and more before meeting up at our hotel in the afternoon for a trip briefing. In the evening, our guide will welcome us to India in true Tamil style with a lavish dinner of South Indian cuisine!
Accord Metropolitan
DinnerOur first cycling day of the tour begins with an hour and a half transfer out of the urban sprawl of Chennai to Mahabalipuram, a coastal town famous for its ancient rock-cut monuments and temples that are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll have some time to peruse and admire some of these thousand-year-old relics before hopping on our bikes and enjoying the first ride of the trip! We'll make our way out of Mahabalipuram, inland and into the backroads of rural Tamil Nadu. The terrain is mostly flat as we pass through farmland and farming villages, dotted with colourful Hindu temples famous to the region. There's a short and gentle climb at the end of our ride before we reach the coastal town of Puducherry, a former French colony on the coast. Take a stroll to admire the uniquely French colonial architecture in this easy-going town before meeting the group for dinner.
Hotel AtithiBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 85km
+336m
-349mIt's time to break away from the Bay and Bengal and begin our journey to the other coast! We'll transfer out of Puducherry to begin our ride in the countryside. Though our ride today is long, the terrain is mostly flat like the previous day's ride, but the scenery is noticeably more lush, especially after we cross the Kollidam River. It's a pleasant ride, passing through small, but colourful Tamil villages with their many temples and the occasional church. We'll ride directly to our accommodation for the evening, a stunningly designed hotel showcasing traditional Indian and colonial architecture in a lush and serene setting. After the ride, you'll have time to enjoy the pleasant surroundings of the hotel, take a dip in the pool, or enjoy the Ayurvedic spa.
Indeco SwamimalaiBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 118km+564m-559mAfter breakfast, we head out from our pleasant hotel in Kumbakonam, riding east along the Kaveri River. It's a flat ride along the river for roughly 45 kilometres before we head south towards the town of Pudukkottai. There are some very gentle and gradual climbs before we reach our destination, but overall it's a pleasant ride through an area of Tamil Nadu that seldom sees foreign tourists- especially not cyclists! Enjoy the view of authentic South Indian life. After reaching our destination, you'll have time to freshen up and maybe take a short stroll through the surrounding countryside before rejoining the group for dinner.
Chettinad Heritage and Wellness ResortBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 128km+616m-541mToday we'll rise early to get a head start on the South Asian sun and heat. Our destination for the day: the ancient city of Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. After 4 days of cycling through Tamil Nadu, today's ride is an easy achievement. The ride begins with a fast and flat warm-up, followed by a gradual climb into gently undulating terrain at around 20 kilometres, passing through small towns and farming villages. We'll have a slow, several-kilometre climb as we pass by the Alagar Kovil Forest Reserve, before making a smooth descent into the city of Madurai. Our accommodation is a beautiful boutique hotel and centrally located for our day off the bikes for sightseeing tomorrow. Take a dip in the pool, sip a drink at the bar, or get some laundry done before rejoining the group in the evening for dinner.
JC Residency MaduraiBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 102km+442m-408mSpend today out of the saddle and soaking up the experience of walking among the two-thousand-year-old streets of Madurai. One of the oldest cities in India, the history of this truly ancient metropolis speaks for itself with its towering temple complexes and monuments. After breakfast, we'll head out into the city to see some of the most famous sights, like the Meenakshi temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess of the same name, and adorned with thousands of colourfully painted sculptures. Your afternoon is free to continue exploring, and lunch and dinner are at your leisure. Your guide will be happy to provide suggestions, and you are also welcome to spend your day relaxing at the hotel. Be sure to rest well for a big day tomorrow!
JC Residency MaduraiBreakfastAfter a day off the bikes, we're well-rested and ready for a big day in the foothills of the Western Ghats. We'll transfer out of the busy Madurai to our start point in the quiet villages just beyond the foothills of the Western Ghat mountains. The ride starts with a flat and steady warm-up for 40 kilometres as we head west - straight for the Ghats! Our journey today is a long climb. The terrain can be quite tough, with short and steep ascents that build for 20 kilometres. Be sure to keep your bidon topped-up and take breaks when necessary, or just stop to admire the view. After we reach the top of the climb, we'll enjoy a nice downhill that takes us straight into Kerala Province. The last 10 kilometres are rolling hills, with a final steep ascent to our accommodation for the evening, situated firmly within the Western Ghats. Tonight we'll enjoy a hearty dinner to fuel up for a final day of riding in these impressive mountains!
Siena VillageBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 95km+1952m-811mWe'll rise early to get a head start on the hills. Another day of climbing takes us deeper into the Western Ghats on winding mountain roads. We'll get a break from the South Indian heat, with cool mountain air and forested slopes offering some shade on our ride, especially as we skirt the edge of Mathikettan Skola National Park. Today's climbs are less gradual, and your legs will be tested on short but steep gradients, all the way up to our destination for the day- the hill station of Vagamon. Our accommodation for the evening is a hotel perched amid these quiet and natural surroundings, the perfect place to get a good night's sleep after a challenging day!
Foggy Knolls VagamonBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 89km+1766m-2240mWe'll bid farewell to the Western Ghats on our ride today. The ride begins with a long and smooth descent out of the mountain resort area. Watch the scenery change from pine-lined ridges to tropical forest as we descend over 1,000 meters almost back to sea level- welcome to Kerala! After the descent, it's an undulating ride through the lush countryside of Kerala province. There are hills to watch out for, but nothing we won't be able to handle after our last two days of climbing! We'll pass through the town of Kottayam before a final stretch through the peaceful backwaters to Kumarakom, famous for its houseboat lifestyle and bird sanctuary. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at our resort, located on the shores of Vembanadu Lake.
Abad Whispering Palms ResortBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 77km+712m-1657mOur final cycling day is a treat: a scenic ride through the serene backwaters of Kerala as we make our way to the Arabian Sea. The first half of our route takes us through lush coconut plantations and backwater fish farms tended by fisherman and stalked by a wide array of birdlife. The road is dotted with Christian Churches and local ladies in vibrantly coloured saris. Around halfway through our ride, we meet our goal- the sandy shores of our second coast! We'll stop for a beachside picnic lunch before completing our journey on a coastal road, all the way to Kochi. After checking into our hotel in Kochi, you'll have time to pack up your bike, freshen up and enjoy the rooftop pool or go for a stroll through this laid back beach town before joining the group once again for a final South Indian feast. We'll trade stories and congratulate ourselves on the tremendous accomplishment of cycling through India from Coast to Coast!
Hotel Abad PlazaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 62km+218m-219mAfter breakfast, you're free to explore Kochi or head to the airport for onward travel. We recommend extending your stay in charming Kochi or exploring more of Kerala and its scenic backwaters, and SpiceRoads will be happy to make the arrangements for you.
BreakfastDisclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.
DestinationsIndia
Tour MeetsChennai, India
Fly in toChennai International Airport
Group Size2-16 riders
SpiceRoads jerseyWater bottleSupport vehicleGuide(s)Meals (as indicated)Accommodation
International flightsDomestic flightsAirport pick upAirport drop offVisa feesAlcoholTips
This trip covers 756 kilometres in 8 cycling days, crossing the southern part of the Indian sub-continent. Daily distances are often over 100 kilometres on paved roads, and while most are relatively flat, there are 2 very challenging days of climbing in the Western Ghat mountains towards the end of the trip. Our route is scenic and full of variety as we ride from one coast to the other, through ancient civilizations, off-the-beaten-path farming communities, majestic mountains, and tropical backwaters.
Suitability: This trip is suitable for the experienced road cyclist, and those comfortable riding over 100 kilometres per day on back to back days. Climbing experience and a good cycling fitness will be helpful on days in the Western Ghat mountains. However, the support vehicle will always be nearby for those that need it.
Biking Conditions: This trip is on quiet, tarmac back roads in good condition, but keep in mind that this is India! There may be sections of rough road and chaotic traffic in and around urban areas. Your local cycling guide will keep you aware of what's ahead, and the air-conditioned support vehicle will ride behind the entire way should you need a rest.
Arrive in Chennai, formerly known as Madras, capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. A fascinating mix of modern and traditional, this Indian metropolis has plenty of cosmopolitan and historic diversions for visitors. Feel free to explore some of the city's many temples, colonial churches, museums, and more before meeting up at our hotel in the afternoon for a trip briefing. In the evening, our guide will welcome us to India in true Tamil style with a lavish dinner of South Indian cuisine!
Accord MetropolitanDinnerOur first cycling day of the tour begins with an hour and a half transfer out of the urban sprawl of Chennai to Mahabalipuram, a coastal town famous for its ancient rock-cut monuments and temples that are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll have some time to peruse and admire some of these thousand-year-old relics before hopping on our bikes and enjoying the first ride of the trip! We'll make our way out of Mahabalipuram, inland and into the backroads of rural Tamil Nadu. The terrain is mostly flat as we pass through farmland and farming villages, dotted with colourful Hindu temples famous to the region. There's a short and gentle climb at the end of our ride before we reach the coastal town of Puducherry, a former French colony on the coast. Take a stroll to admire the uniquely French colonial architecture in this easy-going town before meeting the group for dinner.
Hotel AtithiBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 85km+336m-349mIt's time to break away from the Bay and Bengal and begin our journey to the other coast! We'll transfer out of Puducherry to begin our ride in the countryside. Though our ride today is long, the terrain is mostly flat like the previous day's ride, but the scenery is noticeably more lush, especially after we cross the Kollidam River. It's a pleasant ride, passing through small, but colourful Tamil villages with their many temples and the occasional church. We'll ride directly to our accommodation for the evening, a stunningly designed hotel showcasing traditional Indian and colonial architecture in a lush and serene setting. After the ride, you'll have time to enjoy the pleasant surroundings of the hotel, take a dip in the pool, or enjoy the Ayurvedic spa.
Indeco SwamimalaiBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 118km+564m-559mAfter breakfast, we head out from our pleasant hotel in Kumbakonam, riding east along the Kaveri River. It's a flat ride along the river for roughly 45 kilometres before we head south towards the town of Pudukkottai. There are some very gentle and gradual climbs before we reach our destination, but overall it's a pleasant ride through an area of Tamil Nadu that seldom sees foreign tourists- especially not cyclists! Enjoy the view of authentic South Indian life. After reaching our destination, you'll have time to freshen up and maybe take a short stroll through the surrounding countryside before rejoining the group for dinner.
Chettinad Heritage and Wellness ResortBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 128km+616m-541mToday we'll rise early to get a head start on the South Asian sun and heat. Our destination for the day: the ancient city of Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. After 4 days of cycling through Tamil Nadu, today's ride is an easy achievement. The ride begins with a fast and flat warm-up, followed by a gradual climb into gently undulating terrain at around 20 kilometres, passing through small towns and farming villages. We'll have a slow, several-kilometre climb as we pass by the Alagar Kovil Forest Reserve, before making a smooth descent into the city of Madurai. Our accommodation is a beautiful boutique hotel and centrally located for our day off the bikes for sightseeing tomorrow. Take a dip in the pool, sip a drink at the bar, or get some laundry done before rejoining the group in the evening for dinner.
JC Residency MaduraiBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 102km+442m-408mSpend today out of the saddle and soaking up the experience of walking among the two-thousand-year-old streets of Madurai. One of the oldest cities in India, the history of this truly ancient metropolis speaks for itself with its towering temple complexes and monuments. After breakfast, we'll head out into the city to see some of the most famous sights, like the Meenakshi temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess of the same name, and adorned with thousands of colourfully painted sculptures. Your afternoon is free to continue exploring, and lunch and dinner are at your leisure. Your guide will be happy to provide suggestions, and you are also welcome to spend your day relaxing at the hotel. Be sure to rest well for a big day tomorrow!
JC Residency MaduraiBreakfastAfter a day off the bikes, we're well-rested and ready for a big day in the foothills of the Western Ghats. We'll transfer out of the busy Madurai to our start point in the quiet villages just beyond the foothills of the Western Ghat mountains. The ride starts with a flat and steady warm-up for 40 kilometres as we head west - straight for the Ghats! Our journey today is a long climb. The terrain can be quite tough, with short and steep ascents that build for 20 kilometres. Be sure to keep your bidon topped-up and take breaks when necessary, or just stop to admire the view. After we reach the top of the climb, we'll enjoy a nice downhill that takes us straight into Kerala Province. The last 10 kilometres are rolling hills, with a final steep ascent to our accommodation for the evening, situated firmly within the Western Ghats. Tonight we'll enjoy a hearty dinner to fuel up for a final day of riding in these impressive mountains!
Siena VillageBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 95km+1952m-811mWe'll rise early to get a head start on the hills. Another day of climbing takes us deeper into the Western Ghats on winding mountain roads. We'll get a break from the South Indian heat, with cool mountain air and forested slopes offering some shade on our ride, especially as we skirt the edge of Mathikettan Skola National Park. Today's climbs are less gradual, and your legs will be tested on short but steep gradients, all the way up to our destination for the day- the hill station of Vagamon. Our accommodation for the evening is a hotel perched amid these quiet and natural surroundings, the perfect place to get a good night's sleep after a challenging day!
Foggy Knolls VagamonBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 89km+1766m-2240mWe'll bid farewell to the Western Ghats on our ride today. The ride begins with a long and smooth descent out of the mountain resort area. Watch the scenery change from pine-lined ridges to tropical forest as we descend over 1,000 meters almost back to sea level- welcome to Kerala! After the descent, it's an undulating ride through the lush countryside of Kerala province. There are hills to watch out for, but nothing we won't be able to handle after our last two days of climbing! We'll pass through the town of Kottayam before a final stretch through the peaceful backwaters to Kumarakom, famous for its houseboat lifestyle and bird sanctuary. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at our resort, located on the shores of Vembanadu Lake.
Abad Whispering Palms ResortBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 77km+712m-1657mOur final cycling day is a treat: a scenic ride through the serene backwaters of Kerala as we make our way to the Arabian Sea. The first half of our route takes us through lush coconut plantations and backwater fish farms tended by fisherman and stalked by a wide array of birdlife. The road is dotted with Christian Churches and local ladies in vibrantly coloured saris. Around halfway through our ride, we meet our goal- the sandy shores of our second coast! We'll stop for a beachside picnic lunch before completing our journey on a coastal road, all the way to Kochi. After checking into our hotel in Kochi, you'll have time to pack up your bike, freshen up and enjoy the rooftop pool or go for a stroll through this laid back beach town before joining the group once again for a final South Indian feast. We'll trade stories and congratulate ourselves on the tremendous accomplishment of cycling through India from Coast to Coast!
Hotel Abad PlazaBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 62km+218m-219mAfter breakfast, you're free to explore Kochi or head to the airport for onward travel. We recommend extending your stay in charming Kochi or exploring more of Kerala and its scenic backwaters, and SpiceRoads will be happy to make the arrangements for you.
BreakfastDisclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.
Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you can hire bikes locally for the price listed in the tour pricing section.
If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is in good mechanical order, and bring any spare parts you may need.
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
There are no compulsory vaccinations although it is strongly recommended that you are vaccinated against Typhoid, and Hepatitis A and B. Tetanus and polio vaccinations should also be up to date at the time of travel. Please speak to your doctor/physician for the most recent information.
As India is such a large country, the climate and weather conditions vary across the vast region. However, the country is divided into six main climatic zones ranging from arid desert in the west, alpine tundra and glaciers in the north, and humid tropical in the southwest and the island territories.
We have tours in the following regions
Rajasthan: weather can be divided into four seasons - summer, monsoon, post-monsoon, and winter. Summer from April to June is the hottest season with temperatures ranging from 32C to 45C. Monsoon extends from July to September with a slight drop in temperature but plenty of rain. The post-monsoon period is from October to November where the lowest temperatures can reach as low as 18C. From December to March is the cold season and the best time to visit Rajasthan. Temperatures range from 15C-18C with little or no humidity.
Kerala: mostly has a tropical wet climate, which can be divided into three seasons. Summer is from February to May and is generally hot and humid. Monsoon season begins in June till around October or November. December to January holds the best weather for travel as it is cooler and the rains have subsided.
Leh/Ladakh has a cold desert like climate with somewhat extreme conditions. summers bring in harsh direct sunlight at such high altitudes while winters can get as cold as below freezing point. Lowest ever recorded was -23C. May to August is the best time for tourists to enjoy the weather and everything it has to offer.
Sikkim: has a very temperate climate with enjoyable 5 seasons. Depending on the location and altitude, the weather can vary. In Summer, the lowest temperatures reach 13C up to 28°C while in winter Temperature between 0C to 13C. The monsoon season hits around June to September.
Meals are included in the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, and D = dinner. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Cold water and energy-restoring drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer and alcohol are available, but NOT included in the price.
SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
We recommend that you tuck away a few extra dollars a day for incidentals. Included entrance fees are those for the listed sites and national parks that are part of the itinerary. Any other site fees are not included.
The currency is the Indian rupee (Rs) and there are ATMs in major cities and most towns that take international cards. However, we suggest that you withdraw money at the airport at the start of your tour. During the tour, our guide will inform you of the ATM locations in different cities.
If this is the tour for you here's what you need to do to confirm your place:
Just complete our online booking form or send your booking details offline (email or post), and we will confirm your participation. No deposit is needed to confirm your place on a SpiceRoads tour.
You are advised to read our Booking Conditions in full before you make your payment and should you require further clarifications of any of the conditions below, please email us or call our office.
There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please email us or call our office.
From the tour page, click the 'Book Now' link. All departures for this tour will appear, just select the date you'd like to travel. For the next steps, you'll need to know the names of the people travelling. If you wish you can also provide extra details such as passport numbers, height (for bike hire), or you can add that later by logging into Manage My Trip (we'll set up an account for you automatically if you don't already have one). Our system will contact you from time to time to fill in the missing information, as it will be required before departure. However, if the trip that you are booking offers a child discount, you will have to fill out the date of birth of each rider (so we can calculate the appropriate discount).
If you are having any problems please send us an email, or give us a call (+66 026 3295) and one of our travel specialists will assist you with your booking.
Just call us or send an email indicating which trip you want to join and we will happily send you a list of questions and process your booking for you.
We do not require a deposit or full payment to book a place for you on a tour.
The balance of the tour’s cost (final invoice) will need to be paid 60 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights.
In the case where a booking is made when there are less than 60 days until the tour departure date, the tour’s cost should be paid in full within 72 hours of receiving an invoice from SpiceRoads. Payment can be made by credit card using our online payment gateway or by bank transfer. When making payment online you will need to confirm that you have read these booking conditions during the "checkout" process, which equates to agreeing to the terms of services and stipulations as indicated in this document.
In all cases, tour fees need to be paid “in full” before participation in a tour. No person(s) will be allowed to join a tour without fully settling their invoice and receiving a confirmation number from SpiceRoads.
The exception can be made for last-minute miscellaneous fees that can be paid locally (visas, additional local hotel bookings, etc.) can be settled on the day of arrival.
If the tour is cancelled or postponed by SpiceRoads because we didn't make the trip numbers and the tour can’t run, we will make a full cash refund (by bank transfer or on your credit card).
If the tour is cancelled for any other reason, including due to Covid related travel restrictions, we will give you a full credit (with no deductions for admin or any other small-print item) to use on any SpiceRoads tour with no time limit. (Exceptions being flights, special permits and other non-refundable items and these will be advised when booking the trip).
Before paying for your tour, you can cancel your booking with no charge and up until 40 days before departure, you can change your booking to another travel date or move your booking onto another SpiceRoads tour with no charges.
If you need to cancel after you have made full payment, please see our cancellation policy.
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