Kerala Cycling Tour
13 Days | Biking 10 Days
This tour is a rewarding two-week discovery of all the best that this beautiful and green south-western corner of India has to offer. Get close to real Kerala with an off-the-beaten-track two-wheeled exploration of its back-roads and byways, and of course, some well-deserved relaxation on a tropical beach.
Tour Profile
This narrow Indian state sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the mountainous Western Ghats is known for its tropical greenery, quiet backwaters, spectacular wildlife reserves and endless tea and spice plantations. This carefully designed two-week itinerary gives one the freedom to stop wherever one likes; to interact with the local villagers; to get close to the soul of the place.
The tour begins with a relaxing stay in Kovalam, with its sandy beaches and lively, before we set off up the coast to the picturesque cliff tops, and bike through villages inhabited by the traditional fishing community of Varkala. It’s a gentle ride on to Kollam, the southern gateway to the Kerala backwaters – mile after mile of stunningly beautiful palm-lined inland waterways. We navigate this quiet and green world aboard wooden canoes from our base in the village of Mancombu. Our route then heads inland, into a landscape of spice, tea and rubber plantations, to reach the charming hill station of Wagamon at an altitude of 1,200 metres, and surrounded by picturesque waterfalls. We enjoy some challenging hill-cycling, and stop by at Periyar National Park where there’s a chance to see wild elephants, leopards and other rare wildlife, before returning to the coast via the hill station of Kuttikkanam. The last two days are spent in the delightful old city of Cochin, with its colonial mansions and laid-back ambience.
Tour Highlights
- Cycle the Kerala coastline beside magnificent tropical beaches.
- Relax on the beaches of Kovalam.
- Explore Varkala, an unspoiled village with a lovely beach.
- Explore the magical waterways around Kollam and Mancombu.
- Stay in the charming hill station of Wagamon.
- Spot wildlife at Periyar National Park.
Tour Itinerary
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Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places visited, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
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DAY 01 - Kovalam
Arrive Trivandrum & transfer to Kovalam (16 kms; 30 minute-drive) Arrive at the international airport of Thiruvananthapuram and transfer to the hotel in Kovalam. Evening free to adjust bikes and to do some local exploration. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 02 - Kovalam
Kovalam (Cycling 8 kms;1hr) Cycle around to get used to bikes and the Indian roads. Afternoon free or an optional cookery class. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 03 - Varkala
Kovalam – Veli – Perumathura – Varkala (Cycling: 35 kms) Morning transfer to Veli by Bus (30 kms/50 mins). Cycle to Varkala via Anjengo fisherman’s village (35 kms). En-route visit ‘Anjengo fort’ and continue to Varkala. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 04 - Kollam
Varkala – Paravur – Kollam (Cycling 36 kms ; 4-5 hrs) Cycle through villages to Paravur (13 kms/60 mins). Enjoy a picnic lunch en-route. Transfer by bus to Kollam. Check in and visit the lighthouse (entrance not included) and Thangassery village in the evening. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 05 - Alleppy
Kollam – Alleppey (Cycling: 15 kms; 1-2 hrs) Morning transfer to Kollam boat jetty by bus (01 km) Board private motor boat to Kayamkulam (60 kms/05 hrs); lunch en-route. Start cycling to Jetty (15 kms). Drive once again (bus 30 mins) to Mannarasala Snake Temple (20 mins). Transfer by bus (37 kms/70 mins) to the homestay at Mancombu. Overnight Home stay
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DAY 06 - Mancombu
Full Day in village visit in and around Mancombu A free day in the backwaters for local exploration. Evening a sunset cruise on backwaters by large traditional wooden canoe. Overnight Home-stay
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DAY 07 - Vagamon
Mancombu – Chengancherry – Erattupetta – Vagamon (Cycling 15kms;1hr) Drive to Kanjirapally (65 kms/02 hrs). Upon arrival cycle to Erattupetta (15 kms) and continue to Vanilla County near Vagamon (1000m; 15 kms). Evening an optional drive to Ayyampara viewpoint to watch the sunset. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 08 - Vagamon
In and Around Vanilla County Estate Today various optional excursions available; a cycle ride to the Poonjar Palace (10 kms/1hr); a walk around plantation with the owner; an excursion to Meenachil river for a relaxing swim. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 09 - Thekkady
Vanilla County – Thekkady (90 kms by Cycle & 35 kms by Bus) Morning drive to Vagamon town and on to Vagamon Hideout Hotel (17 kms/45mins). Cycle to Elappara (18 kms/01 hr) and on to Kuttikkanam (13 kms/30 mins). Continue to Peermade (4 kms/20 mins,). Board bus for transfer to Thekkady (39 kms/01 hr). Upon arrival in Thekkady, check-in to the hotel. Later, visit Tea Factory and a spice garden in Thekkady. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 10 - Thekkady
In and Around Periyar Early morning walk to Periyar National Park. Rest of the day is free for optional activities like, boat-ride on Periyar Lake, Martial Arts Class, and Ayurvedic Message, etc. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 11 - Cochin
Thekkady – Cochin (Cycling 25 kms;2hrs) Transfer by bus to Kuttikkanam (45 mins). Cycle to Malayattoor (25 km/02 hrs). Continue by bus to Kochi. Watch Kathakali dance show (optional). Overnight Hotel
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DAY 12 - Cochin
In and Around Cochin by Cycle (10 kms) Cycle to Mattancherry (08 mins), visit Mattancherry Palace and Jewish Synagogue. Cycle further to visit St. Francis Church. Evening free to explore the Fort Kochi is its Bazaars. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 13 - Cochin
Tour Concludes Transfer to international airport of Kochi. Overnight Hotel
Send an enquiry
Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.
