The narrow strip of land in the South West edge of India, straddling the sandy coastline and being thrashed by waves from the Arabian Sea, is hard to ignore. Bursting with a variety of experiences, it figures in top ‘travel to’ destinations for its plethora of culture, verdant surroundings, unique food and a bite of India like none other. From pristine beaches, lush interiors, coffee and spice plantations, misty hills and the famous backwaters, Kerala is a marvel of exotic landscapes! Added to this, the access to its traditional art forms and culture makes it even more exquisite!
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Ride through the God’s own scenic back roads
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Get to see the very best of Kerala – sandy beaches, meandering backwater canals, the lush green hills and thick wilderness
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Local food is an integral part of this trip and you will get plenty of this
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Get acquainted with the remnants of a historically rich period of Kerala in Fort Kochi, specially the colonial trading history and performing arts like Kathakali
Day 1: Cochin (Kochi)
Arrive in Ernakulam, the commercial capital of Kerala and be transported to the satellite town of Fort Kochi, from where we will start the trip.
Meet your trip leader at your hotel. Rest for a while, so you can head out again to explore the town.
One of the foremost trading hubs on the western coast of India, Fort Kochi drew colonial interest with its aromatic spices. Along with traders from China, Portugal, Arab and Holland, in came a cocktail of religions, cultural practices and diverse food. Kerala owes it cosmopolitan vibe to the traders who braved the seas to come to this land.
Fort Kochi is dotted with remnants of the past, which you can discover on foot/ bike. Step out to see the Vasco Church, Basilica, Dutch Cemetery and the famous Chinese fishing nets, which lie in a 2km radius. In the evening, head to Greenix Village to see the well organized traditional dance show, Kathakali (you can also see the face painting before the show).
Day 2: Cochin (Kochi)
Morning, we move to the Old city called Mattancherry (couple of kilometers away from Fort Kochi), which has an artistic vibe with its low hanging balconies, frayed homes turned into galleries, a sprawling antiques & spices market and some landmark monuments – the Pardesi Synagogue and Dutch Palace. In fact, the Pardesi Synagogue is the only synagogue operational amongst the Commonwealth countries.
Afternoon, we get on to the bikes! Caught between the backwaters and Arabian sea, this is simply the best rural biking trail combined with village life experiences around Kochi. It’s a day-cycle ride that lets you feel the charm of simple Kerala backwater villages. We ride through vast paddy fields, fish farms, coconut tree canopies to reach one of the backwater edges. Later, take a canoe through a backwater village and connect yourself to the traditional ways of villagers. Learn about fish farming, traditional boat making and other local traditions. What you take back from this beautiful ride is a true village experience spiced up with few untold local stories.
Distance cycled: ~ 28km / 17mi*
All flat roads
Day 3: Munnar
This morning we start with a 2 hours shuttle to get out of traffic clogged roads. Today, the initial 25km is an easy ride, on smooth plain next to rubber and pineapple plantations, also with a stretch along an irrigation canal. Post lunch, we will be greeted by a long stretch of gradual climb. For miles ahead, you can only see a ridiculous amount of green! Seeing this, you are sure to forget the weary legs. We stop cycling as the climbs start to challenge us and take transfer to Munnar. As the hills of Munnar start emerging, you will be simply amazed to see the neat hills and mountains carpeted with tea bushes.
We head straight to the British styled farm retreat, Windermere Estate. Stylish cottages with their plantation ambience intact are inviting after a hard day of cycling. Enjoy the copious cups of tea, relax in the library or if you are feeling energetic enough, head out for a plantation walk. Enjoy a goodnight’s rest here so you are ready to explore Munnar the next day.
Distance cycled: ~ 50km / 31mi*
Day 4: Munnar
Munnar is a pleasant contrast to the beach lined destinations or lagoon backwaters of Kerala. A hill station, which has been immortalized by movies, Munnar is great to cycle in. The routes are undulating and sometimes challenging, but you will find equal amount of downhill slopes to bring relief steep climbs.
Enjoy a morning of Yoga if you please and head out to Top Station, a viewpoint of great touristic eminence. The riding stretch to Top station is one of our favourite cycling route in Kerala. As we ride all the way upto Top Station, you will be stunned with brilliant view of the stacked mountains and deep valleys below. After this ride, you would have certainly earned yourself a hot crisp cup of tea.
Roll down the hills to then visit the Tea Museum – this is a historic treasure and takes you through the journey of Munnar’s metamorphosis as a tea destination in late 1800s when A.H. Sharp planted the first sapling. You can also pick up handmade jam, tea leaves and recycled paper products as souvenirs.
Distance cycled: ~ 40km / 24mi*
Day 5: Thekkady
We bid adieu to Munnar and head towards the cardamom hills of Kerala, a small town of Kumily. We take in the spectacular views of tea clad western ghat mountains, near Lockhart Gap. As you are riding, the 360 degrees view of the lush tea plantations will be forever etched in your minds. The smell of cardamom draws you quickly from the tea-lined mountains to the unmanicured mish-mash of cardamom plantations, interjected by pepper vines clinging to silver oak trees. The last stretch is covered in the shuttle before we reach the wonderful award winning property of Spice Village.
Eco conscious nuances of Spice Village seamlessly bound with modern comforts is what makes Spice Village special. If you have the energy, head out for a short spice plantation walk. Else, you can relax by the pool or get a drink at the historic library bar of the resort.
Distance cycled: ~ 60km / 37mi*
Day 6: Thekkady
You can explore the small town of Kumily at your own pace today. We recommend that you try and spend as much time at the Periyar National Park in Thekkady. One of the best managed in India, the national park is known for its innovative sightseeing options.We recommend a short Nature Walk through Periyar National Park, which gives you a glimpse of the wildlife in the area. Later, we head to a garden of spices and learn about the spices from a local farmer.
Day 7: Kumarakom / Alleppey
This is going to be a beautiful ride – from the Cardamom Hills to the tea gardens of Vagamon. A hilly ride, with both dips and steep climbs, but the cool weather helps you grapple with this challenging ride better. Vagamon is an enchanting hill station where we will stop by for lunch.
From Vagamon, we take a van transfer to Kumarakom. Kumarakom is one of the finest backwater destinations of India, as it lies at the edge of the massive Vembanad Lake.
Distance cycled: ~ 40km / 24mi*
Day 8: Alleppey
Trade bike with boat today that takes us through hyacinth carpeted canals, which meander close to the villages; a great way to see the backwater countryside and habitat near the water.
Day 9: Marari Beach
This is not a hectic day except for the humidity in the air, which may exhaust you a bit. Arrive at the Marari Beach Resort, one of the poshest addresses on this serene fishing village. Check in and immerse yourself in all the comforts of the world – massage by experts, delicious local food, even a dance performance in the hotel. What you are going to love here most is the proximity to one of the loneliest beaches on this stretch. This day, you can just relax by the pool or walk on the beach, watching the fishing boats coming in and the place bursting with activity as the catch is sorted.
Distance cycled: ~ 30km / 18mi*
Day 10: Cochin (Kochi)
For a leisurely final morning in Marari Beach, consider taking a stroll along the beach and see the sights of the fishing village near by.
If you have time and wish to relax for few more days, we recommend to extend at the beach before departing from Kochi.
| City | Night (s) | Hotels / Lodges / Camp |
| Kochi | 02 | Mariott Cochin |
| Munnar | 02 | The Panoramic Getaway |
| Thekkady | 02 | Holiday Vista |
| Alleppey | 02 | Lake Palace Resort |
| Marari | 01 | Marari Beach Resort |
– Meeting and assistance by our representative.
– Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
– 09 Nights hotel accommodation.
– Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners.
– Supply of refreshments Water, Juice, Cold Drinks, Sweets, Candies, Fresh Fruits, Muffins during the bike ride.
– All other services required during the BIKE RIDE.
– Farewell Gala Dinner.
– Accompanying English-speaking guide, assistant staff, marking staff.
– All transfers, sightseeing, excursions as per the program by private vehicle.
– Entrance fees to monuments.
– Transport, Parking, Gasoline & Toll ways.
– All present government taxes.
– International Airfare.
– Tips, gratuities, Portage, laundry, telephone calls, table drinks, camera/ video camera charges, or any other expenses of a personal nature.
– Visa fees, personal insurance.
– Any item not specified under cost includes.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.
