Overview
We’ve talked about it for a few years, and finally here it is – Cycle South India. Continuing the love affair with local bikes we’ve put together an awesome ride that takes in the best of the south – from the spice and tea plantations of the Cardamom Hills to the temples and backwaters of the lowlands, and ending on one of Kerala’s best beaches.
Highlights
Cycle to a spice plantation to see and smell cardamom, cloves, nutmeg and pepper growing.
After an undulating ride through tea plantations and mountain views, overnight in cottages in peaceful surroundings.
Views shift from tea plantations and mountains to rubber plantations and backwaters of Kerala as you pedal.
Spend the night on a rice barge for a unique cultural experience.
Day to Day
Today you’ll arrive in the historic city of Kochi. We’ll meet in the evening for a briefing to the adventure ahead and then head out for our first tasty local dinner.
900m elevation
This morning we’ll head off early for the beautiful drive to Kumily at the heart of the south’s lucrative spice trade. On arrival, we’ll get fitted to our bikes and then take a short test ride to a nearby spice plantation where we’ll have the chance to see cardamom, cloves, nutmeg and pepper growing.
1000m elevation
Today we set off early to work our way down the spine of the Western Ghats from Kumily to Vagamon, an undulating but challenging ride which will take us through spectacular tea plantations and mountain vistas. Ride’s end is the lovely hill settlement of Vagamon where we’ll overnight in simple cottages surrounded by tea fields – and there’s a pool.
Elevation: return to sea level.
A lovely long day’s ride takes us from the Western Ghats down down down to the heart of Kerala’s backwaters. As we descend the scenery changes from tea plantations and mountains through rubber plantations and finally down to the idyllic backwaters where we’ll spend the night in a lovely resort overlooking mesmerizing Lake Vembanad. The resort also has a pool and an ayurvedic center where you can get a revitalizing massage to prepare for tomorrow’s ride.
Today’s ride is a stunner, following narrow canals alive with local life, crossing the vast coastal lagoon of Lake Vembanad to reach our houseboat home for tonight. A real change of pace as we board our boats for lunch and then slowly cruise past through this watery wonderworld until sundown.
Our final day’s ride is a blinder – flat, quiet country roads through the backwaters to beautiful Marari Beach where our ride ends. After handing over our beloved bikes we’ll then have a chance to enjoy the beach and pool and celebrate the end of our ride over dinner and drinks.
Today after breakfast we will transfer back to our start point of Kochi, which marks the conclusion of the tour.
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
This tour has been specially formulated to show you the highlights of southern India with some great cycling, delicious meals and cultural experiences along the way. Rest assured knowing we’ve handled all of the small details so you can mount your bike and make the most of your active adventure in India.
