South India cycling tour, coast to coast
The tour runs only from November to February.
We have spaces on a group departure on 16th January 2027 for those wishing to travel with others.
Description of South India cycling tour, coast to coast
Experience one of India's most rewarding cycling adventures as you ride coast to coast across the diverse landscapes of South India. Beginning in Kerala and crossing the spectacular Western Ghats to the Bay of Bengal, this luxury cycling holiday takes you through fragrant spice plantations, coffee and tea estates, coconut groves, rubber plantations, vibrant villages, and some of South India's most celebrated cultural landmarks. Discover the magnificent temple cities of Madurai and Thanjavur, the historic Danish settlement of Tharangambadi (Tranquebar), the charming French Quarter of Puducherry, and the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Mahabalipuram on an unforgettable two-week journey.
Cycling quiet country roads and scenic mountain passes, you'll traverse the UNESCO-recognised Western Ghats, one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots. Ride through misty tea gardens, cardamom plantations, high-altitude forests, fertile river valleys, and the sun-drenched Coromandel Coast, experiencing the extraordinary diversity of South India's landscapes, wildlife, and living culture.
Designed for discerning travellers, this itinerary combines rewarding cycling with exceptional comfort. Stay in carefully selected boutique hotels, heritage properties, and plantation bungalows, each chosen for its character, warm hospitality, and sense of place. With authentic cultural experiences, outstanding regional cuisine, and meaningful encounters with local communities, this responsible travel holiday offers an unforgettable way to discover the natural beauty and rich heritage of South India on two wheels.
Price information
The tour runs only from November to February.
We have spaces on a group departure on 16th January 2027 for those wishing to travel with others.
Departure information
Travel guides
Holiday information
Reviews
2 Reviews of South India cycling tour, coast to coast
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026 by David Okeeffe
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Meeting local people!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just go for it. It was brilliant. No need for anything special or to overthink it.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, it did benefit the local people because we spent money on hotels, food, snacks, gifts etc They also felt good because we were visiting their country and we spent a lot of time talking to them. I don't believe it reduced environmental impact or supported conservation but equally i don't think it did any harm. It is very difficult to help environmental education or causes without money or talking to people and our visit probably helped on both of these fronts.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, strongly recommend to anyone thinking of going!
Reviewed on 06 Mar 2017 by Bob Stunt
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The experience of cycling through rural India, meeting and reacting with the local people. Even a local police sergeant bought us all breakfast when we met him one morning.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
A reasonable standard of fitness is required. We were a group of 9 men with ages ranging from 54yrs to 67yrs. Take a good pair of padded cycle shorts.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed at lovely boutique hotels and staff were employed from the local area.
Also used local roadside stalls for lunch and snacks on journey. Cycling does not damage the environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An amazing experience, backed up by very able, proffesional and attentive team.
Responsible Travel
Planet
Eco and culture tours like these give an opportunity to visit people at their villages and interact with them and gives the travelers a chance to appreciate local cultures.This trip also helps in raising awareness about the unique bio-diversity of the Western Ghats which is one of the 34 bio diversity ‘Hot Spots’ of the earth. All parks in this region have Eco Development Committees and Forest Protection Teams employed in tourism related work and arranging all wildlife programmes for tourists. So when one enters the park & takes part in safaris or treks in the park, the proceeds of such activities go to the local communities directly and almost in full.
The areas that the guests pass through are parts of the bio-diversity areas, enabling them to sight wildlife, birds and flora seen nowhere else in the world. All this is done without stressing the areas environmentally. The fact that we do not have more than 6 persons on these tours minimizes any detrimental impact.
People
This trip is arranged by local operator and hence the money generated remains local. Moreover, the guides, drivers, cooks and porters are all from the local communities notably the indigenous tribal populations that have been stressed due to loss of traditional means of livelihood. Tours like this ploughs back money into their hands and is eagerly awaited by them to enhance their resources for livelihood. The local guides are knowledgeable of their terrain, flora & fauna and make great educators in the wilderness way of life.A prime factor in this holiday is the location where even today traditional ways of life & agriculture thrives. The guests would also learn more about indigenous people, their way of life and traditions. Moreover, part of the money is ploughed back into these areas where you travel and stay.
The food items are sourced locally making survival of this programme a priority for villagers who live near the camps. The eco lodges we use are also well versed in reducing resource consumption and utilizing local expertise in the day to day operations.
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