India from Kochi to Delhi

Day 1: Arrival in Kochi 
Day 2: Kochi – Alleppey, 9 mi (14 km)
Day 3: Thrikunnapuzha – Karumadi, 15–18 mi (25–30 km)Z
Day 4: Karumadi – Pallathurthy, 15 mi (25 km)
Day 5: Alleppey – Mararikulam, 9 mi (15 km)
Day 6: Mararikulam – Yoga, Wellness & Culinary Experiences
Day 7: Mararikulam – Thattekad
Day 8: Thattekad – Delhi (Flight)
Day 9: Delhi – Morning Bike Tour & Transfer to Jaipur
Day 10: Jaipur – Safari & Sightseeing
Day 11: Jaipur – Bharatpur, 19 mi (30 km)
Day 12: Bharatpur – Agra, 19–28 mi (30–45 km)
Day 13: Agra – Delhi – Departure

The itinerary may be subject to change due to weather conditions, wind, or operational requirements.

Day 1: Arrival in Kochi 
Namaste and welcome to Kerala, often called God’s Own Country for its long coastline, fertile backwaters, and centuries-old trading history. On arrival in India, you will be met by our local representative, who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel and support a smooth check-in. Kochi has been a major port since at least the 14th century, attracting Arab, Chinese, and later, European traders. After settling in, enjoy dinner at the hotel and a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 2: Kochi – Alleppey, 9 mi (14 km)
After breakfast, check out and explore Fort Kochi by tuk-tuk, a traditional three-wheeled vehicle well suited to the area’s narrow streets. Fort Kochi reflects layers of colonial history, from Portuguese churches to Dutch buildings and British-era influences. Later, travel by car or bus to Alleppey (approx. 2 hours), a town often referred to as the gateway to Kerala’s backwaters. After a tea or coffee break, begin a 14 km warm-up cycling ride through rice paddies reclaimed from wetlands—some lying below sea level—towards the houseboat jetty. On arrival, check in to a traditional kettuvallam houseboat, once used to transport rice and now adapted for overnight stays. Meet the crew, enjoy a late lunch on board, followed by dinner and an overnight stay on the houseboat.

Day 3: Thrikunnapuzha – Karumadi, 15–18 mi (25–30 km)
Rise early to watch the sunrise over the backwaters, when fishing canoes and birds animate the waterways. After breakfast on board, begin cycling from Thrikunnapuzha along a coastal route. Pass Valiazheekal Beach, known locally for its fishing community and steady sea winds. Continue along Kayamkulam Kayal, a calm lagoon that forms part of Kerala’s extensive inland water system and supports agriculture, fishing, and transport. En route, stop for photos at a historic church reflecting Kerala’s early Christian traditions, followed by a visit to Karimarathinkal Devi Temple, dedicated to a local Hindu deity. Continue cycling to the anchoring point at Kumarakodi. The evening concludes with dinner and overnight accommodation on the houseboat.

Day 4: Karumadi – Pallathurthy, 15 mi (25 km)
After breakfast, disembark and begin cycling with a visit to a local Lord Krishna Temple, reflecting the strong Vaishnavite traditions of the region. The route follows narrow canals through Kuttanad, often called the “Rice Bowl of Kerala,” famous for its below-sea-level farming system supported by bunds and canals. Cycle alongside the Pamba River, one of Kerala’s longest rivers and a lifeline for nearby villages. Observe daily activity at fish markets and along the water’s edge before stopping for tea at a local shop. Continue to St. Mary’s Basilica, an important Christian pilgrimage site with roots dating back several centuries. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by rice fields, then return to the houseboat in the afternoon for tea or coffee. Cruise onward to the boat jetty, followed by dinner and an overnight stay on board.

Day 5: Alleppey – Mararikulam, 9 mi (15 km)
After breakfast, check out of the houseboat and transfer to Alleppey city. Spend time exploring local markets known for spices, coir products, and handicrafts made from coconut fiber. Begin the final cycling stretch toward Mararikulam, riding through coastal roads and villages where fishing and coconut cultivation shape daily life. On arrival, check in at the beachside resort. The afternoon is free to relax. A one-hour Ayurveda treatment is included—please schedule your preferred time. Ayurveda, developed in India over 2,000 years ago, focuses on balancing body and mind using oils, herbs, and massage techniques. Alternatively, walk along Marari Beach, known for its long, undeveloped shoreline. End the day watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea.

Day 6: Mararikulam – Yoga, Wellness & Culinary Experiences
Begin the day with a morning yoga session, drawing on practices that originated in India as early as the Indus Valley period. After breakfast, enjoy leisure time at the beach or resort. In the evening, participate in a hands-on cooking workshop, learning to prepare traditional Kerala dishes that emphasize coconut, spices, and fresh seafood or vegetables. Dinner features the dishes you helped create, offering insight into the region’s culinary traditions.

Day 7: Mararikulam – Thattekad
After breakfast at the resort, check out and drive to Thattekad, an area known for dense forests and rich biodiversity. Settle into your camp-style hotel along the riverbank. Thattekad is close to Kerala’s first bird sanctuary, identified by renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, and is home to hundreds of bird species. Take a walk through a small plantation to learn about traditional farming methods and crops common to the region. An optional cycling excursion passes through villages and countryside en route to a nearby resort, offering insight into rural life and local customs. Return to the camp for a quiet overnight stay surrounded by nature.

Day 8: Thattekad – Delhi (Flight)
Early morning transfer (around 5:00 am) to the airport, with a packed breakfast provided. Fly to Delhi, India’s capital and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour of New Delhi, designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens in the early 20th century. Later, check in at your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional Indian cuisine.

Day 9: Delhi – Jaipur
Start the day with a guided morning bike tour through Old Delhi, passing narrow lanes, historic markets, and landmarks from the Mughal era. Stop for a traditional Indian breakfast before driving to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, known as the 'Pink City' due to the color of its historic buildings. In the evening, experience Jaipur by rickshaw, moving through busy bazaars and past ornate facades influenced by Rajput and Mughal architecture. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 10: Jaipur – Safari & Sightseeing
Optional early morning Leopard Safari at Jhalana Leopard Reserve, one of the few places in India where leopards live close to an urban area. Return for breakfast, then explore Jaipur’s highlights, including Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, featuring large stone instruments still accurate today. In the afternoon, join an optional guided walk through Jaipur’s bazaars, known for textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts. Dinner is served at a local restaurant with a cultural dance performance. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 11: Jaipur – Bharatpur, 19 mi (30 km)
After breakfast, travel to Bharatpur and begin a 30 km cycling route through rural North India. The region is characterized by small villages, agricultural fields, and traditional lifestyles. Visit Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Asia’s most important bird sanctuaries, supporting hundreds of resident and migratory species. Explore the park on foot or by bicycle along flat, well-marked trails. Overnight stay in Bharatpur.

Day 12: Bharatpur – Agra, 19–28 mi (30–45 km)
After breakfast, cycle from Bharatpur toward Fatehpur Sikri, covering approximately 30 km, with an optional extension to 43 km. Fatehpur Sikri was once the Mughal capital under Emperor Akbar and is noted for its well-preserved red sandstone architecture. Continue toward Agra. In the evening, enjoy high tea at a location overlooking the Taj Mahal at sunset, when the marble reflects changing light. Overnight stay in Agra.

Day 13: Agra – Delhi – Departure*
Begin early with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, transfer to the railway station for the train journey back to Delhi. On arrival, transfer to a hotel where luggage storage and shared washing and changing facilities are available. Enjoy free time before gathering in the evening for a farewell dinner at a well-known Delhi restaurant. Later, transfer to the airport for your overnight international departure flight.

*If returning home on the same day feels too demanding, the trip can be extended by an additional night in Delhi at an extra cost, with departure the following day. Assistance with hotel arrangements is available upon request.

Throughout the journey, accommodation is arranged in carefully selected 3–5 star hotels in Kochi, Mararikulam, Delhi, Jaipur, Bharatpur, and Agra. All hotels feature en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning, with many offering pools or wellness areas for added comfort. A generous breakfast buffet with local specialties is included each morning.

In Kerala, the tour also includes a stay at the Amritara Riverside Camp in Thattekad, a stylish glamping retreat set along the Periyar River. Spacious, air-conditioned tents feature comfortable beds, private bathrooms, a seating area, free Wi-Fi, and a private veranda with views of the surrounding nature, offering a peaceful and immersive experience.

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Bicycles

Cannondale Trail 6

• Frame: SmartForm C3 alloy frame
• Fork: SR Suntour XCT suspension fork, 100 mm
• Derailleur: Shimano Acera / Altus, 8-speed
• Brakes: Tektro M275 hydraulic disc
• Tires: WTB Ranger Comp, 29 × 2.25"
• Handlebar: Cannondale alloy riser bar
• Saddle: Cannondale Stage 3

*As these bikes are not equipped with racks, bringing a hydration backpack is recommended to ensure adequate water intake during rides. The tour guide will also carry additional water for refills.