Classic Kerala Cycling Holiday

Arrive in Cochin

Once you arrive at Cochin International Airport you’ll be met by your Authentic India Tours guide and accompanied to your hotel, approximately 90 minutes away by air-conditioned car. You’ll have the chance to unpack and unwind before you’re taken on an afternoon sightseeing tour around the charming Fort Cochin and Mattancherry.

Fort Cochin highlights include visiting the old harbour where you can see fishermen using Chinese fishing nets, a trip to the oldest European church in India, St Francis, and to the area’s bustling fish market. Mattancherry has some interesting old buildings to explore, such as the colonial-influenced Dutch Palace and the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth, the 16th Century Paradesi Synagogue. You’ll stay overnight at Cochin’s Fort House Hotel, right by the waterfront.

Accommodation: Hotel Fort House

Cochin to Munnar

Travelling 90 minutes by car takes you to traffic free streets from which to start your cycling tour of South India. Cycling 60 kilometres in total, the first 10 kilometres take you on an easy, flat route beside rubber and pineapple plantations. Then a gradual climb up the Hills of Munnar affords you views of a landscape of tea-bush-clad hills.

The final 24 kilometres of the route are steep, but you have the option of being transferred back to the hotel by car before we start this section. You’ll stay in a cottage at the Ambady Estate for two nights – this private retreat is nestled amid 70 acres of cardamom plantations.

Cycling distance: 60 kms

Accommodation: Ambady Estate

Meals included: Breakfast

Munnar

After breakfast you’ll set off on your bikes through some of the most spectacular tea plantations in India, for a distance of 40 kilometres. Munnar’s landscape has been heavily influenced by the tea production that started here in the 1880’s, leaving a rich scenery of green undulating hills. As you cycle the ups and downs of the Kannan Devan Hills you’ll get the chance to stop at various vantage points to catch your breath, complete with remarkable views.

One of the finest viewing points is the Great Mattupetty Dam, which confines a large water reservoir that elephants use to drink and bathe. You’ll also stop at Echo Point where you can test its namesake echo, and Top Station, the highest point in Munnar, for a lookout over the mist covered hills, the lowlands of Nadu and across to the famed Indian mountains, the Western Ghats.

Cycling distance: 40 kms

Accommodation: Ambady Estate

Meals included: Breakfast

Munnar to Periyar

Today your 60 kilometre cycle ride will engage all of the senses, as you’re treated to 360 degree views over the tea fields of Lockhart Gap and then the scent of cardamon in the air. The rugged Cardamom Mountains are where 70% of India’s cardamon is produced, and alongside the fragrant cardamon, coffee plants are grown and you’ll cycle past old oak trees wrapped in pepper vines.

It’s then on towards the town of Nedumkandam, winding through traditional villages as you ride your way towards the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. That evening you can learn more about the spices you’ve smelled that day on an informative trip to a spice plantation. Your base for the next two nights will be a cottage at the superior Cardamom County hilltop resort.

Cycling distance: 60 kms

Accommodation: Cardamom County

Meals included: Breakfast

Periyar

A cycle free day, you’ll start early this morning to take a nature trek through the Periyar Tiger Reserve, part of Periyar National Park. Tribal trackers will take you through Bengal Tiger habitats to spot the graceful creatures and across different forest and grassland nature trails for approximately four to five kilometres.

In the afternoon, take a boat trip across Lake Periyar where you can see wild elephants, bisons, Sambar Deers, Nilgiri Langurs and Malabar Giant Squirrels on the shores. The park is also home to over 320 species of birds, and you could catch a glimpse of the impressive black eagle or rare species like the Wynaad Laughingthrush.

Accommodation: Cardamom County

Meals included: Breakfast

Periyar to Kumarakom

Winding 65 kilometres through spice plantations, your journey today will take you to Elappara and up to Vagamon hill station. Here you can relish in the cool mountain air as you look down on the untouched landscape of pine forests and waterfalls, giving you a real taste of the essence of India. Then it’s downhill towards another plantation area of Teekoy, where you’ll drive to the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom. Here you’ll stay overnight in a bungalow at the Coconut Lagoon, a heritage resort, overlooking the beautiful Vembanad Lake. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax in these beautiful surroundings.

Cycling distance: 65 kms

Accommodation: Coconut Lagoon

Meals included: Breakfast

Kumarakom to Mararikulam

Working your way along the coast and through fishing villages for 40 kilometres, the scenery today involves coconut plantations to one side and the sea to the other. You'll will arrive in time for lunch, so you have the remainder of the day to spend on the beach or enjoy the lovely spa facilities.

Tonight you’ll be staying at the beautifully located Kerala beach hotel, Abad Turtle Beach Resort.

Cycling distance: 40 kms

Accommodation: ABAD Turtle Beach Resort

Meals included: Breakfast

Mararikulam to Cochin Departure

Your transfer will take you back to Cochin International Airport three hours ahead of your return flight.

Approximate travel time and distance: 2 hrs and 30 mins, 100kms

Accommodation: ABAD Turtle Beach Resort

Meals included : Breakfast