Cycling holidays in Kerala
| country: | India |
| location: | Kerala |
| trip type: | Moderate cycling holidays |
| departures: | Departures will be on ‘as required’ basis, throughout the year, based on a min of 2 persons travelling. Group departures: 16 & 30 Nov 2008, 11 & 25 Jan 2009 |
| price: | From £850 (14 days) excluding flights. Includes airport transfers, guide, accommodation, accompanying vehicle, other travel costs and cycles (Trek/Giant bikes). Peak season surcharge from 20 Dec - 10 Jan |
read 11 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
This is a cycling holiday for all those looking to explore the green magic of the Keralan countryside. If you are looking for quiet roads, spectacular sceneries and friendly people, then this holiday is for you.
As you cycle through the backcountry roads around the magnificent forests, the magical backwaters and the beautiful beaches, Kerala will mesmerize you. You will be cycling away from the crowded towns and cities and going through the very heart of Kerala - its wonderful villages and people who will greet you with warmth, making this a trip of a lifetime and the best way to take in the real Kerala.
Historical places, dense forested roads, spice gardens, isolated hamlets, manicured tea gardens, the rubber estates of Central Kerala and the magical waterways of the backwaters await you on this journey of discovery.
Accommodation is arranged at well-appointed country homes, heritage villas, eco lodges and luxury tents. Food is ethnic and delicious and your hosts most delightful company. Lunches and refreshments are provided en-route or in Homestays, to give you that special eco-experience.
As you cycle through the backcountry roads around the magnificent forests, the magical backwaters and the beautiful beaches, Kerala will mesmerize you. You will be cycling away from the crowded towns and cities and going through the very heart of Kerala - its wonderful villages and people who will greet you with warmth, making this a trip of a lifetime and the best way to take in the real Kerala.
Historical places, dense forested roads, spice gardens, isolated hamlets, manicured tea gardens, the rubber estates of Central Kerala and the magical waterways of the backwaters await you on this journey of discovery.
Accommodation is arranged at well-appointed country homes, heritage villas, eco lodges and luxury tents. Food is ethnic and delicious and your hosts most delightful company. Lunches and refreshments are provided en-route or in Homestays, to give you that special eco-experience.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | We will start the journey with your arrival at the historical city of Fort Kochi after your flight. The rest of the day is at leisure to see this historic city with its ancient churches, the synagogue, the museums & visit Chinese fishing nets at the Kochi harbour mouth. In the evening we will make it for a classical dance performance of Kathakali. |
| Day 2: | Early in the morning we will make our way to the lowland forests of Thattekkad, set on the banks of the Periyar River. The journey will take you through the spice gardens that have made Kerala famous all over the globe. On arrival you will be staying at the luxury tented Hornbill Camp on the riverside. The jungle camp is the prefect setting for an evening of relaxation as you listen to the sounds of the forest. |
| Day 3: | Early morning we will depart from the Hornbill camp and ride along the side of the river Periyar, through forests, spice plantations, countryside of pineapple plantations & rubber estates till we reach the foothills of the Western Ghats at Adimali. |
| Day 4-5: | Today is a day of climbing to the heights at Munnar at over 1600 meters. We will pass through high altitude forests, manicured tea gardens, cardamom plantations and winding roads as we make it to a colonial Tea Planter’s Estate Bungalow. Munnar is famed for its trekking routes and a refreshing trek is on offer or we can go on a cycling trip through the wonderfully laid tea gardens in absolute serenity through the quiet country roads. |
| Day 6: | We will take the winding estate roads through the tea gardens & sholas (high altitude mountain forests) to the spectacular Lockhart gap overlooking the Bison Valley deep down below. We will have a picnic lunch en-route and reach our destination at Suryanelli by late afternoon. We will spend the night in very comfortably furnished Cottage tents at Suryanelli after a sumptuous barbeque dinner by the camp fire. |
| Day 7-8: | Today is a day of CHALLENGE as we continue our biking around the beautiful Anaerangal lake (literally meaning the 'Lake where the elephants come down') and through 'manicured' tea estates to our destination - the world famed Periyar Tiger Reserve. On arrival, we will take off into the forest or relax at the resort. We will spend the next day on wildlife safaris or visiting the tribal village and spice plantations at Periyar. |
| Day 9: | Vagamon town is set against the grasslands of the Western Ghats and the cycling route passes through spectacular sights of the rolling hills that have made this place so beautiful. We will settle down at a resort overlooking the Western Ghats. |
| Day 10: | We will head down to the plains through the twisting mountain roads to Thodupuzha & arrive at a beautiful farmhouse set against the backdrop pf the hills and located on the banks of the Kannadi River. |
| Day 11: | Our ride today ends at the famed backwater town of Kumarakom. The ride through the plains passes through settlements of rubber plantations, farmlands, fruit yards and market places till we reach our destination. In the afternoon we will be ready for the highlight of our tour – a cruise on the world-renowned rice boats – a luxurious way to see the backwaters & see the life in the backwater countryside villages. |
| Day 12-13: | Once again we will make our way through the narrow country roads to a backwater villa on the backwaters near the ancient city of Alleppey - a perfect place to take in a Kerala Ayurvedic massage as we relax in the evening. |
| Day 14: | Transfer to the Kochi international airport. |
Travellers' tales
Cycling through the tea plantations was amazingly beautiful and peaceful. The scenery through the mountains was stunning, and gave us the opportunity to see villages and meet people that other tours just don't offer. (more)
how this holiday makes a difference
Cycling is the best way to explore the countryside of Kerala, meeting the local people, enjoying their hospitality and trying to understand their culture and lifestyles – an important aspect of any eco-traveler. Those who undertake this journey will be staying at Homestays, guest houses and camps owned by local entrepreneurs, thus contributing directly to the local economy. As the traveling is on cycles most of the way, it enables you to take in the surroundings without damaging the environment.