Day 1: Kochi (D)
Meet your trip leader at the hotel around 14:00hrs and head out to see Fort Kochi by bike and foot.
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, Arabs, and Holland came a cocktail of religions, cultural practices, and diverse food. Kerala owes its 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 by bike and foot. Step out to see the Vasco Church, Basilica, Dutch Cemetery, Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue, and the famous Chinese fishing nets, which lie within a 2km radius.
In the evening, we convene over dinner tonight at a seaside restaurant known for seafood and Indian delicacies.
Day 2: Thattekad (B, L, D)
Our guide meets you at your hotel at 07:30hrs. This morning we start with a 2.5 hours shuttle bus to get out of traffic-clogged roads. We start cycling along the canal route to Thattekad. This first tryst with Kerala on the wheels will enthrall you. A scenic route, this smooth road along a canal is perfect to see birdlife and the verdant environs of real Kerala. Our destination is the outdoor camping facility- The Hornbill Camp.
We check into our snug and comfortable Swiss tents and get ready for an activity-packed day. Hornbill Camp offers Kayaking in the Periyar River, bird watching, and plantation walk around the property. The stay gives you a taste of the wilderness of Kerala along with all the comforts. The camp is situated in the environs of a tropical forest where you have nothing but birdsong for company!
Day 3: Munnar (B, L, D)
Today we ride into the countryside and follow the Periyar River. A scenic route, along a river, is perfect to see birdlife and the verdant environs of real Kerala. The gradual rising trail winds its way through rubber and pineapple plantations to the Idukki forest reserve. We continue our gradual climb towards our lunch stop at a local restaurant. After lunch, bike amongst enormous grass plants, and eucalyptus trees, and past alpine tea plantations in the rugged Munnar hills to your hotel.
Day 4: Munnar (B, L, D)
Munnar is a pleasant contrast to the beach-lined destinations or 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 an equal amount of downhill slopes to bring relief to steep climbs.
We head out to Top Station, a viewpoint of great touristic eminence. The riding stretch to Top station is one of our favorite cycling routes in Kerala. As we ride all the way up to Top Station, you will be stunned by a 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 and we end the cycling near Mattupetty dam. A short transfer and we reach Munnar town. If you are interested in visiting markets, the Munnar market is good to explore.
Day 5: Thekkady (B, L, D)
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 mind. 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 Tall trees.
After cycling, the last stretch is covered in the shuttle.
Day 6: Thekkady (B, L)
This morning we take a nature walk in Periyar National Park in search of mongooses, elephants and learn about the flora and fauna in Periyar Tiger Reserve. Later, we head to a garden of spices and learn about the spices from a local farmer.
Day 7: Vagamon (B, L, D)
This is going to be a beautiful ride – from the Cardamom Hills of Thekkady to the tea gardens of Vagamon, and that too, through the rubber plantations. 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 you can either relax or indulge in outdoor activities like paragliding, easy hikes, or exploring nature trails.
Day 8: Kumarakom (B, L, D)
Start the day with an exhilarating downhill for about 15kms and see the landscape changing from tea plantations to rubber and spice plantations. The next stretch remains largely undulating with the last leg being completely flat and along the backwater and paddy fields. A wholesome day of riding with a variety of terrain.
The ride today takes us near to spectacular Vembanad Lake. After reaching here enjoy stunning vistas in all directions.
Day 9: Alleppey (B, L, D)
Today is planned as a semi-rest day. Enjoy stunning vistas in all directions. Small canals, country canoes, fishermen throwing nets into the water, a coconut climber climbing up the coconut tree, and women working in the rice fields, all come into the scene one after the other.
Our stay today is at a stunning Emerald Isle, a 150 years old ancestral Country House set in 9 acres of secluded grounds in the beautiful waterways and backwater of the Kuttanad region of Central Kerala.
Day 10: Kochi (B, L)
A classic ride along the Kochi coast with glimpses of unevenly spread backwaters accompanying you all the way. Cycling through small fishermen villages and lush coconut trees, we reach one serene end of the backwaters. Hop on to a kayak and immerse yourself in the beautiful backwater sceneries, while we row together through expansive stretches of backwaters.
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