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Road Cycling India Coast to Coast

OverviewFull ItineraryTour Details
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Price from
US$ 2,550
Duration
11 Days / 10 Nights
Distance
758 km
Difficulty
Tour Code
IND-DRB
Next departure
17-Jan-2021
Number of Cycling Days8
Average Distance Per Day: 95
0
150 Km
Average Climbing Per Day: 897
0
2,250 m
Total Cycling Distance758 kilometres
Bike HireStandard Road Bike: US$ 300
Single SupplementUS$ 550

About this Cycle Tour

In just 11 days, cycle tour India from the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea, pass through millennia of history, and watch the scenery change from shimmering sand to forested mountains, to tropical backwaters before your eyes. Not only is this bike tour an impressive achievement, but it's also a fascinating cycling holiday through one of India's most colourful cultural regions. Brimming with history, culture, cuisine, scenery, and challenge- this South India odyssey is a story-book ride for road cyclists.

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Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Chennai, formerly known as "Madras." In the afternoon, meet your tour mates and tour leader at the hotel for a trip briefing followed by a welcome dinner.

Day 2

In the morning, transfer out of busy Chennai to Mahabalipuram, where we'll admire some of India's most revered ancient works before beginning our ride through the countryside to the former French colonial outpost of Puducherry.

Day 3

Our ride across the coast begins as we ride inland from Puducherry to rural Tamil Nadu. A long but gentle ride gives us plenty of time to take in the surroundings of the South Indian countryside, before ending the day's ride at a beautiful, traditionally designed resort.

Day 4

A mostly flat and scenic ride today takes us along the Kaveri River and the back roads of Tamil Nadu on a very off-the-beaten-path route. Enjoy the ride and the authentic view of South Asian life!

Day 5

A moderate ride from rural Tamil Nadu into the ancient city of Madurai. The ride is predominantly flat to undulating, with a few easy climbs to keep things interesting.

Day 6

A day off the bikes to rest and explore the fascinating ancient city of Madurai.

Day 7

Swap the South Indian plains and head for the foothills of the Western Ghats. A long climb on a winding mountain road takes us to our destination perched on a hillside with impressive views.

Day 8

A final day on the forested hills of the Western Ghats tests our legs.

Day 9

We descend from the Western Ghats, into the lush and tropical countryside of Kerala, and into its famous scenic backwaters.

Day 10

We finish our journey, riding through the scenic back waters of Kerala an on to Kochi- on the opposite coast from where we began!

Day 11

Departure for onward travel or stay in Kochi.

Elevation Profiles

Day 2 - Mahabalipuram to Puducherry Ride 85km. +343m / -347m.
Day 2 - Mahabalipuram to Puducherry Ride 85km. +343m / -347m.

Reviews

This is my second long tour with Spiceroads. Their tours are always well prepared and organized. Their guides take a safety first approach throughout the tour, whilst providing excellent guidance and information about the tour and also about culture and sights we see as we ride along. Oh yes, one more thing: the food on the tours is always awesome and plentiful..:)

Andras VarsanyiJanuary 2020

Very impressive landscape, delicious food, and lovely people - I would absolutely recommend the cycling tour in South India!

Tanja SeilerDecember 2019

Wonderful trip to experience southern India while riding on a bike. SpiceRoads took good care of us while we were on the road.

Vitaly TyulyaevDecember 2019

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Tours in: India

Road Cycling India Coast to Coast
Tour CodeIND-DRB
11Days
10Nights
DestinationsIndia
Tour MeetsChennai, India
Tour EndsKochi, India
Fly in toChennai International Airport
Fly out ofCochin International Airport
Group Size2-16 riders
Minimum Age18 (on scheduled departures)

Activity Profile

8Cycling days
758kmTotal cycling distance
95kmAvg distance / day
897mAvg climbing / day

Pricing

PriceUS$ 2,550
Bike Hire (Standard Road Bike)US$ 300
Single SupplementUS$ 550

What's Included

  • SpiceRoads jersey
  • Water bottle
  • Support vehicle
  • Guide(s)
  • Meals (as indicated)
  • Accommodation

What's Excluded

  • International flights
  • Domestic flights
  • Airport pick up
  • Airport drop off
  • Visa fees
  • Alcohol
  • Tips

Departures

17 January - 27 January 2021
07 February - 17 February 2021
07 November - 17 November 2021
05 December - 15 December 2021

Trip Profile

This trip covers 758 kilometres in 8 cycling days, crossing the southern part of the Indian sub-continent. Daily distances are over 100 kilometres on paved roads, and while most are relatively flat, there are 2 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. However, 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.

Day 1 Arrive in Chennai

Arrive in Chennai, formerly known as "Madras," and the 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!

Grand Chennai Hotel
Dinner

Day 2 Mahabalipuram to Puducherry

Our 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 Atithi
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 85km
+343m
-347m

Day 3 Puducherry to Kumbakonam

It'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 Swamimalai
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 111km
+489m
-467m

Day 4 Kumbakonam to Pudukkottai

After 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 town before rejoining the group for dinner.

Hotel Saradha Grande
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 109km
+508m
-546m

Day 5 Pudukkottai to Madurai

Today 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 Madurai
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 115km
+575m
-540m

Day 6 Madurai Rest Day

Spend 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 Madurai
Breakfast

Day 7 Madurai to Chinnakanal

After 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 is a long climb through the forested hills of Bodi Hill West Forest in the foothills of one of India's southern mountain ranges. 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!

Joys Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 82km
+2002m
-761m

Day 8 Chinnakanal to Vagamon

We'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 cosy hotel with quiet and natural surroundings, the perfect place to get a good night's sleep after a challenging day!

Summer Sand Hill Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 117km
+2323m
-2731m

Day 9 Kolahalamedu to Kumarakom

We'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 Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 77km
+742m
-1830m

Day 10 Kumarakom to Kochi

Our 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 cosy 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 Plaza
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 60km
+200m
-196m

Day 11 Departure

After 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.

Breakfast

Disclaimer: 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.

Nuts & Bolts

Bikes

Bike Repairs

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.

Safety

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.

Guides

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.

The Nitty Gritty

Passports and Visas

Please make sure that your passport is still valid for at least six months at the end of the tour. An electronic visa (e-visa) is available for passport holders of 150 countries including Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA and citizens of EU countries, with the application and the fee submitted at least 4 days before date of arrival. Fees vary depending on nationality. The visa is valid up to 60 days from the date of arrival. Visit here to apply and for the full list of eligible countries. For citizens of countries not specified a visa must be acquired before arriving in India. Please contact your local Indian embassy to receive a standard tourist visa. Locations on embassies worldwide are available here.

Health

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.

Weather

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.

Food

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.

Drink

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.

Solo Travelers

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.

Extra Expenses

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.

Money

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.

General booking info

Booking

If this is the tour for you here's what you need to do to confirm your place: Read our Booking Conditions

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. 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 you are unsure about the trip status, please email us or call our office. For the next steps you'll need to know the names of the people traveling and have either a Visa or a MasterCard. If you wish you can also provide extra details such as passport numbers, height, 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). However, if you wish to get a children's discount, please do fill out the date of birth of the riders. If you are having any problems, please send us an email, or give us a call (+66 2 381 7490) and one of our travel specialists will assist you with your booking.

Deposit

When booking your tour, you'll be required to pay a deposit to guarantee your place. For tours less than 7 days, the deposit amount is 100% of the tour price, per rider. For tours 7 days or longer, the deposit amount is 30% of the tour price, per rider.

Read more about booking and paying for your trip here.

All SpiceRoads trips require proof of travel insurance when booking your holiday. Besides covering you during your trip, travel insurance will also enable you to claim any fees that you have paid to us, including your deposit, if you have to cancel your trip

Balance

Day tours and tours shorter than 7 days require full payment at the time of booking. For tours 7 days or longer, full payment must be paid 45 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights. Our confirmation will include personal details you provided us (including your flight information), visa application advice, a packing suggestion list and a detailed tour itinerary. It will also include a checklist to ensure you get everything ready for your holiday.

Cancellation Policy

On the rare occasions when we, SpiceRoads, must cancel a trip, all payments received to date will be 100% refunded, which constitutes full settlement. There will be absolutely no deductions. If you, the client, must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined according to when you cancel. For full details, please read our cancellation policy.

Loyalty Riders Club

For those who have been on several long tours with us we reward customer loyalty by offering repeat customers a special discount off the tour price (excludes single supplement and bike rental). If this is your fourth scheduled tour or more you will receive a 5% discount. If this is your eighth scheduled tour or more we will extend a 10% discount. The discount will be reflected in your online booking, but please contact us if any questions. Loyalty discounts can not be used in conjunction with any other offer. Note: Only tours of 7 days or more will be applicable for loyalty discount.

International Flights

International flights, to and from the start and finish points are not included in the tour price. Once your tour is Guaranteed to Depart you can book your flight. Please contact us for advice before arranging flights for the best arrival and departure times. We would only cancel a trip for an extreme circumstance, but in that case, where we cancel your trip, we cannot be liable for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made. Please claim any losses from your travel insurance that you acquired when you booked your holiday.

Newsletter

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from SpiceRoads, be sure to subscribe.

The information in this document is given in good faith, and covers the average range of conditions likely to be found on this trip. Please note that the itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, however, we will always do our best to adhere to this original itinerary

Contact Us

45 (Sub Soi Pannee) Soi Pridi Banomyong 26
Sukhumvit Soi 71 Klongtan Nua, Wattana
Bangkok, Thailand 10110
Tel: +66 (0) 2 381 7490
Email: info@spiceroads.com
Website: www.spiceroads.com