Exotic Kerala
India Bike Tours
Bike the coast & inlands of India’s deep south
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length14 days
- Prices from$2220 Rates
Overview
India! How do we begin to describe a bike tour in India? It is a country that is an exotic blend of color, charm, and, yes...chaos.
However, this bike tour in Kerala, a state in Southern India, will showcase the best of the country, far from the frenzy of the urban centers. The people here refer to their home as "God's own country" and for good reason. It is a tropical paradise.
There is 600 km of glorious Arabian Sea Coast that ribbons the west, and on the east are the towering mountains of the Western Ghats, whose slopes support tea, coffee, and spice plantations. In between, is a lush green landscape, emerald Backwaters, and a network of 44 rivers.
National parks like Eravikulam and Periyar, plus Wayanad and other sanctuaries, are home to elephants, langur monkeys, and tigers.
Step out of your comfort zone, and into another, on this exotic adventure in India.
Highlights
- Tea plantations and spice gardens of Kerala
- The beauty of the mountains of Munnar
- Fort Kochi
- Kumarakom and the backwaters
- Wildlife rich rain forests of the Periyar River
- Periyar Tiger Reserve
- Muthuvaankud Village
- Beautiful Anaerangal Lake
- Ancient port and backwaters of Alleppy
- Choice of the level of accommodations
See our other bike tour in India!
Itinerary
Day 1: Kochi
Day 2: Kochi - Thattekkad, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 3: Thattekkad - Muthuvaankudi, 37 mi. (59 km)
Day 4: Muthuvaankudi
Day 5: Muthuvaankudi - Munnar, 18 mi. (29 km)
Day 6: Munnar - Periyar, 44 mi. (70 km)
Day 7: Periyar
Day 8: Periyar - Kulamavu, 50 mi. (80 km)
Day 9: Kulamavu
Day 10: Kulamavu - Kumarakom, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 11: Kumarakom - Alleppey, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 12: Alleppey
Day 13: Allepey - Marari, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 14: Marari*All distances are approximate and subject to change due to changing weather conditions, lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances. The captain and crew reserve the right to make changes at any time with safety as the top priority.
Day 1: Kochi
Your exotic cycling adventure begins with your arrival to the historic city of Fort Kochi. After checking in, you have the remainder of the day to see this historic city with its ancient churches, synagogue, and museums at your leisure. One highlight is the Chinese Fishing Nets at the harbor. Said to have been introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these cantilevered nets, set up on teak and bamboo poles, are physical remnants of Fort Kochi's ancient trade with the Far East. Fishermen work the nets all day long, lowering them into the water and then hauling them up using a remarkably efficient pulley system. Tonight you will overnight either in the Brunton Boatyard or Dutch Bungalow, depending on the level of accommodations you choose. In the evening, you will enjoy a classical dance performance of Kathakali, a guided city tour, and a harbor cruise.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Brunton Boatyard
Standard: Dutch BungalowActivities: Guided city tour & harbor cruise with dinner
Day 2: Kochi - Thattekkad, 37 mi. (60 km)
Early in the morning, you will make your 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, set amidst a coconut grove on the banks of the Periyar river. The camp consists of cottage tents built on raised platforms and overlooks the lowland forests of the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkad. The tents are spacious with rustic luxury as well as modern living standards. This jungle camp is the perfect setting for an evening of relaxation as you listen to the sounds of the forest.
(B, L, D)Accommodation:
Luxury and Standard: Hornbill Camp
Day 3: Thattekkad - Muthuvaankudi, 37 mi. (59 km)
Today, after breakfast, you will set off again, along the banks of Periyar River, through the dense low altitude forests of Neriyamanagalam. These are the forests where the reed is extracted for the manufacture of traditional household items such as baskets and mats. The view is filled with forests of redwood trees and mountain peaks. Towards the end, it’s time to challenge yourself as the roads get much steeper.
Cycle through different settlements to reach your stay at Muthuvaankudi, bringing you some well-deserved rest after the day’s uphill cycling. (B, L, D)Accommodation:
Luxury: Kites Munnar
Standard: Eco TonesDay 4: Muthuvaankudi, 37 mi. (59 km)
You can explore the village more in-depth as it has many stories to tell; culture, tradition, and the cultivation of spices. You can spot many varieties of birds and fruit trees. Use this opportunity to learn tips from the local people while they prepare food in their traditional methods. (B, L, D)Accommodation:
Luxury: Kites Munnar
Standard: Eco TonesDay 5: Muthuvaankudi - Munnar, 18 mi. (29 km)
Today is a day of climbing to the heights at Munnar, famous for its exotic flora and fauna, at over 1600 meters. You will pass through high-altitude forests, manicured tea gardens, cardamom plantations, and winding roads to a family-owned resort within a cardamom forest. Munnar is famed for its trekking routes or you can go on a cycling trip through the wonderfully laid tea gardens in absolute serenity through the quiet country roads. There are opportunities to sight wild animals, especially Nilgiri tahr (mountain goat), elephant, bison, and more. A highlight will be a visit to the Tea Museum. (B, L, D)Accommodation:
Luxury and Standard: Tea County
Activities: Team Museum visitDay 6: Munnar - Periyar, 44 mi. (70 km)
Today is a challenging day as you continue biking around the beautiful Anaerangal Lake (literally meaning the 'lake where the elephants come down') and through 'manicured' tea estates to the day's destination, the world-famed Periyar Tiger Reserve, Periyar is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India. It is a repository of rare, endemic, and endangered flora and fauna. For luxury accommodations, you will overnight in Spice Village, a resort located in the hilly tea and spice growing region of Thekkady and it is a couple of minutes from the entrance gate of the Raft at the Periyar Lake. The resort is constructed like a tribal village and has several varieties of spices and fruits growing on its sprawling grounds. Its location, within minutes away from the entrance gate of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, makes it the perfect gateway to exploring the area. (B, L, D)Accommodation:
Luxury: Spice Village
Standard: Forest CanopyDay 7: Periyar
You will have a couple of options this day, either a wildlife safari or a visit to a tribal village and spice plantations at Periyar. You choose! (B, L, D)Accommodation:
Luxury: Spice Village
Standard: Forest CanopyDay 8: Periyar - Kulamavu, 50 mi. (80 km)
Another long day is ahead of you but perhaps the best day of the trip. It is the most challenging day of the week with many ups and downs but the view is magnificent and you are surrounded by spice plantations. You will pass the famous arch dam of Idukki on the way and just before you reach the destination for the night, Lulamavu, You will cross the beautiful Kulamavu dam. The last bit is a tough climb and a worthwhile challenge to the Greenberg Resort, your accommodations for the next two nights. Kulamavu is located in the Western Ghats, a green paradise with hills, meadows, lush green trees, and beautiful lakes. (B, L, D)Accommodation:
Luxury and Standard: GreenbergDay 9: Kulamavu
You have a free day at the resort to explore Kulamavu. (B, L, D)Accommodation: Green Berg
Day 10: Kulamavu - Kumarakom, 34 mi. (55 km)
What a treat is in store for you today! Your destination leads to the famed backwater town of Kumarakom. The ride through the plains passes through settlements of rubber plantations, farmlands, fruit yards, and market places. In the afternoon you will be ready for the highlight of the tour, a cruise, and overnight on one of the world-renowned rice boats, a luxurious way to see the backwaters and see the life in the backwater countryside villages. (B, L, D)Accommodation: Houseboat
Day 11: Kumarakom - Alleppey, 19 mi. (30 km)
Once again we will make our way through the narrow country roads to a villa on the backwaters near the ancient city of Alleppey - a perfect place to take in a Kerala Ayurvedic massage as you relax for the next two evenings at the Punnamada Resort. (B, L, D)Accommodation:
Luxury: Punnamada Resort
Standard: Lake CanopyDay 12: Alleppey
You will have one more day at the backwater to explore the villages and the local markets. Alleppey possesses a large network of inland canals that provide its lifeline. It was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best-known ports along the Malabar coast. Perhaps you would be interested in a visit to the lovely church-filled town of Kottayam, and the town of Aranmula, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event. (B, D)Accommodation:
Luxury: Punnamada Resort
Standard: Lake CanopyDay 13: Alleppey - Marari, 19 mi. (30 km)
The route passes through country roads and small villages where you will see coconut husk being processed and made into coir ropes and mats. You will hit the beach road that will lead to the final destination for the day at Marari. Wind down by spending the afternoon on the beach. (B)Accommodation:
Luxury: Marari Beach Resort
Standard: Turtle BeachDay 14: Departure
Transfer to Kochi International Airport. (B)Be sure to check out all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
On this unique and exotic tour, you will have your choice of either luxury or standard accommodations. You overnight in heritage villas, hotels, homestays, luxury cottage tents, and an air-conditioned deluxe rice boat, all with private facilities. On the day to day itinerary, you will find the name of the preferred accommodations for each overnight based on availability.
Bicycles
Inclusions
What’s Included
- 13 nights accommodations in either standard or luxury accommodations
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Refreshments and mineral water while cycling
- Airport transfers
- Support vehicle
- Cycling guide
- 21-24 speed, mountain bike Trek/Merida/Cannondale (incl. water bottle holder, helmets)
- Helmets are available, but it is advisable to bring your own
What’s Not Included
- Tips to guide and driver
- Beverages
- Personal expenses
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily departures, October 2023 through February 2024
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2023/2024
Luxury Hotels
# of ppl Double/twin 2 $ 5019 £ 2626 $ 4,487 € 3066 kr 460938 ₪ 12544 ¥ 518441 Mex$ 56273 NZ$ 5522 NOK 36200 zł 13227 S$ 4468 kr 35709 $ 3,215 4 $ 4668 £ 2442 $ 4,173 € 2851 kr 428680 ₪ 11666 ¥ 482158 Mex$ 52335 NZ$ 5135 NOK 33666 zł 12301 S$ 4156 kr 33210 $ 2,990 6 $ 4621 £ 2418 $ 4,131 € 2823 kr 424379 ₪ 11549 ¥ 477320 Mex$ 51810 NZ$ 5084 NOK 33328 zł 12178 S$ 4114 kr 32877 $ 2,960 8 $ 4511 £ 2361 $ 4,033 € 2756 kr 414343 ₪ 11276 ¥ 466032 Mex$ 50585 NZ$ 4963 NOK 32540 zł 11890 S$ 4017 kr 32099 $ 2,890 10 $ 4441 £ 2324 $ 3,970 € 2713 kr 407891 ₪ 11101 ¥ 458776 Mex$ 49797 NZ$ 4886 NOK 32033 zł 11705 S$ 3954 kr 31600 $ 2,845 Single supplement: $ 1022 £ 535 $ 914 € 625 kr 93908 ₪ 2556 ¥ 105623 Mex$ 11465 NZ$ 1125 NOK 7375 zł 2695 S$ 910 kr 7275 $ 655
Standard Hotels
# of ppl Double/twin 2 $ 3817 £ 1997 $ 3,412 € 2332 kr 350543 ₪ 9540 ¥ 394273 Mex$ 42796 NZ$ 4199 NOK 27530 zł 10059 S$ 3398 kr 27157 $ 2,445 4 $ 3442 £ 1801 $ 3,077 € 2103 kr 316133 ₪ 8604 ¥ 355571 Mex$ 38595 NZ$ 3787 NOK 24827 zł 9072 S$ 3065 kr 24491 $ 2,205 6 $ 3466 £ 1813 $ 3,098 € 2117 kr 318284 ₪ 8662 ¥ 357990 Mex$ 38857 NZ$ 3813 NOK 24996 zł 9133 S$ 3085 kr 24658 $ 2,220 8 $ 3333 £ 1744 $ 2,979 € 2036 kr 306098 ₪ 8330 ¥ 344283 Mex$ 37370 NZ$ 3667 NOK 24039 zł 8784 S$ 2967 kr 23714 $ 2,135 10 $ 3466 £ 1813 $ 3,098 € 2117 kr 318284 ₪ 8662 ¥ 357990 Mex$ 38857 NZ$ 3813 NOK 24996 zł 9133 S$ 3085 kr 24658 $ 2,220
Single supplement: $ 718 £ 376 $ 642 € 439 kr 65951 ₪ 1795 ¥ 74178 Mex$ 8052 NZ$ 790 NOK 5179 zł 1893 S$ 639 kr 5109 $ 460
Increased discounts apply as group size increases.There will be a 15% supplement for tours booked during peak season from Dec. 15, 2023, to January 10, 2024
Extra Options
Electric bike (very limited number available): Please ask
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
We are rating this tour moderate to difficult but please do not let this stop you from experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime tour. There is a support vehicle at all times available for those who wish to take a break from cycling.
Airport Info
The closest major airport to Kochi, India is Cochin International Airport (COK / VOCI). This airport is in Nedumbassery, India and is 39 km from the center of Kochi, India.
Local Travel
An airport transfer is included in your tour price
Climate
Kerala is blessed with a pleasing and enjoyable climate throughout the year across all the seasons and months. Peak season in Kerala from September to March is the best season to visit Kerala for holidays. In these months the weather is warm and comfortable, but not hot. Summer season from March to May, is hot but not humid, as it is near the tropics.
Important to know
Passport/Visa information: Please make sure that your passport is still valid for at least six months from the end of the tour. An electronic visa (e-visa) is available for passport holders of 150 countries including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the USA, and citizens of EU countries, with the application and the fee submitted. 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.
Mandatory vaccinations?
There are no compulsory vaccinations although it is strongly recommended that you are vaccinated against Typhoid and Hepatitis A. Tetanus and polio vaccinations should also be up to date at the time of travel. Please visit the CDC site for more information and remember to consult with your doctor/physician for the most recent information.As Covid 19 is an ever-changing situation, please be sure that you are fully informed requiring entry and exit regulations, both entering India and reentering your home country.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Kalypso Adventures.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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