Kerala Cycling Tour
This is a cycling tour through the heart of rural Kerala. This leisurely ride is along scenic routes with backwaters, beaches, forests, spice gardens and rubber plantations. Starting from Kochi, this cycling holiday in Kerala covers almost every aspect of the culture and natural beauty that draws people to Kerala. From rendezvous at Fort Kochi, the historical areas of ancient port of Muziris, the lowland forests in Thattekkad, kayaking through the Periyar River, a short trek to Thommankuthu Waterfall, to country houses and farms, local village rides, visit to backwater village in Kumarakom and finally back to the historic Wellington Island in Kochi to end the cycling tour which encompasses on the unique experiences in Rural Kerala. This rural cycling holiday leaves you relaxed and fresh at the end of the tour.
- Tour Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
- Places Covered: Cochin(1) > Cherai(1) > Paniely Poru(1) > Thattekad(1) > Thodupuzha(1) > Palai(1) > Kumarakom(1) > Cochin(1)
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Day 1: Arrive Kochi / Ride at Fort Kochi
Arrive Kochi by EK 530 at 0225 hours. Upon arrival meet, greet and transfer to your hotel. (Room booked from previous night for immediate occupancy) After good rest and breakfast, you can spend the rest of the day exploring Fort Kochi, visiting the synagogue and the Dutch palace, buying a few knick-knacks at Jew street and spending the evening gazing out at the Chinese fishing nets at the harbour mouth. During the ride visit spice dying yards, hidden art galleries, atmospheric cafes (try Kashi Art Café and Tea Pot), boutiques (spend some time on your own exploring beautiful café’s and art galleries). This evening enjoy a Kathakali dance show. Kathakali is a traditional dance form, depicting the classic Indian epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. The dancers dress in colourful and elaborate costumes and paint their faces to portray various characters of these epics. This fascinating and unique dance features lots of facial expressions and brisk, yet articulate body movements. Cycling distance: 45 kms Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Overnight at hotel.
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Day 2: Cycling to Cherai
Starting the day early, you will first be transferred the short distance on the island ferry to Vypin. From here you will start your cycling, first going past the coastal villages along the beach and then the long stretches of the Kochi backwaters on either side. You will be riding through paddy fields, fish farms, coconut groves and long stretches of beaches till you reach the site of the ancient port of Muziris – once all-powerful as the center of the world of spices. You will be going around the restored Chendamangalam synagogue, the Cheraman mosque & the renovated palace of Palliath Achan – the erstwhile rulers class of Kochi. Thereafter, you will ride into a quiet country home surrounded by the backwaters. Cycling distance: 45 kms Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Overnight at hotel.
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Day 3: Cycling to Paniely Poru
Start the day early & ride towards the foothills of the Western Ghats. The ride will pass through the rural Kerala countryside and soon will give way to spice farms and rubber plantations. Your destination is a beautifully laid out resort within hearing distance of one of Kerala’s famous rivers – the Periyar with its rapids thundering down the mountains. Cycling distance: 40 kms Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Overnight at the hotel.
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Day 4: Cycling to Thattekad
Today you will be riding towards one of the best bird-watching destinations in India – the lowland forests of Thattekkad with over 275 species of birds, 76 species of butterflies 30 species of reptiles, besides wildlife such as elephants, Sambar deer, wild Dogs, civet Cat among others. Your stay would be at the rustic Hornbill camp set along the shores of the river Periyar opposite the sanctuary. After a traditional lunch at the common gazebo overlooking the river, you will get an opportunity to go through to the rain forests on the opposite side of the river. The lush rain forest also harbors endemic birds like the brilliantly colorful Malabar Parakeets & the Malabar Trogons. After your return, there is a walk planned through the local village to see how the farming community lives amidst their plantations of rubber, coconuts & various spices like pepper and ginger. The villages are friendly places and you will be welcomed in their midst. Cycling distance: 40 kms Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Overnight at the hotel.
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Day 5: Cycling to Thodupuzha
From Thattekkad, this cycling tour of Kerala continues along the banks of the Periyar River, and up to Thodupuzha, a picturesque little town. The roads meander through spice farms and large rubber plantations. Cycle along this scenic route to a resort located on the banks of the river. You will get to walk through spice belts located here, getting a chance to spot spices like nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper vines. Cycling distance: 40 kms Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Overnight at the hotel.
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Day 6: Cycling to Palai
After breakfast we'll make our way through the villages and countryside to an organic spice farm. The route is spectacular and soon you will be passing rubber plantations and paddy fields as you ride into a farm house built in the typical Keralan architectural style over a century ago. This is the Mundakkal Plantation homestay. The villa set amidst paddy fields & spice plantations. The homestay is where Joseph and his family reside. Their son is a naturalist and will take you around on walks through the farm and the village. There are good hills to climb, walks around the village, meet up with local residents and lots to learn about the intricacies of Syrian Christian cooking – especially meats and pickles. The nearby Ayurvedic centre is ideal for Ayurvedic massages. Cycling distance: 35 kms Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Overnight at the hotel.
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Day 7: Cycling to Kumarakom
Will see you cycling along the country roads in Kumarakom village, gateway to the backwaters. You will see numerous temples, paddy fields and canals along this village route. After reaching Kumarakom, and settling into a beautiful resort on the banks of the Kumarakom lagoon you could spend the afternoon canoeing in the waters of the Vembanad Lake. This will give you a hint of the lives of the people who dwell on the banks of the meandering lagoons and lakes that make up the legendary backwaters of Kerala. Cycling distance: 35 kms Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Overnight at the hotel.
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Day 8: Cycling to Kochi
After an early breakfast, you will commence cycling. Leaving behind the backwater village of Kumarakom, you will hit the beach road that will take you to your destination for the day, Fort Kochi. Today's ride will take you along roads that have the fishing villages and coconut plantations on one side and the sea on the other. We will have an enroute lunch. You could wind down by spending the afternoon peacefully in a conventional hotel in the historic Willingdon island to relax swimming in the pool here. Cycling distance: 35 kms Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Overnight at hotel.
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Day 9: Depart Cochin
In time transfer to airport board flight EK 533 at 0440 hours.
Date & Price
Price
| Period | Standard |
|---|---|
| Valid from 01 Jul 2024 to 31 Mar 2025 | $ 1273 Per Person |
Accommodation
| Cities | Standard |
|---|---|
| Cochin | No. 18 Hotel |
| Cherai | Sea Lagoon |
| Paniely Poru | Whispering Waters |
| Thattekad | Hornbill Camp |
| Thodupuzha | River Banks |
| Palai | Kuruvilakunnel Homestay |
| Kumarakom | Kurialaserry House |
Important Information
- Bike Specifications Bike type: Cannondale / Trek Number of gears: 21-24 Brakes: V-Brakes/ Disc Brakes Suspension: Front Pedals: Standard Frame range: 13.5”- 21” Bike bag provided: Yes Water bottle holder provided: Yes Water bottle provided: Yes Adjustable handlebars: No Female saddles provided: No Gel saddles provided: Yes Option to fit own saddle: Yes Option to fit own pedal: Yes
- For 2 Persons, price is USD 1, 385 Per Person
- For 3 Persons, price is USD 1, 350 Per Person
- For 4 - 6 Persons, price is USD 1, 292 Per Person
- For 7 - 9 Persons, price is USD 1, 202 Per Person
- For 10 -14 Persons, price is USD 1, 190 Per Person
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Accommodation in selected hotels.
- All meals except dinner on last night and no meals on arrival day.
- Light Refreshment, fruits, cookies, juices en-route during cycling.
- Bottle of Mineral water in Vehicle.
- Tour escort – An accompanying well experienced cycling Adventurist, who have sound knowledge of all major routes, regularly doing adventure tours, cycling tours, well to do in First aid and on spot cycle maintenance.
- Local Guides at all destinations.
- A support vehicle following the riders with a stand-by Bicycle.
- New High Quality Mountain bikes (Giant) / Ebikes
- High-Quality Helmets.
Exclusions
- Any airfares, airport taxes, and supplements quoted separately if applicable.
- Expenses of personal nature like table drinks, telephone calls, laundry, tips to drivers, guides and hotel staff.
- Any Camera fee still or video.
