We leave for India from our chosen departure airport arriving into Cochin International Airport (COK) the next day.

On arrival at the airport we’ll transfer the 2 hours to our hotel in Fort Kochi. The afternoon is spent discovering Fort Kochi on a walking tour that includes checking out the local fishermen who use ancient Chinese fishing nets to ply their trade. Early evening we’ve scheduled in a visit to a local theatre to watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance, followed by dinner and your first taste of Southern Indian cuisine.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Avoiding the busy traffic around Kochi we take a transfer (around 1 hr) to the village of Ambalamugal from where we’ll start today’s ride. On quiet roads we edge our way along an undulating route which winds its way through lush countryside. Close to Periyar our route follows the canals that were built by the British to aid irrigation in the area. The road is narrow but it’s likely that the only traffic you’ll see will be bicycles, motorbikes and the odd motor rickshaw. It’s a lovely route and along the way you’ll be able to see small rubber plantations and lots of mango, papaya, tamarind and pineapples growing beside the canals. Keep an eye out also for Kingfishers too as well as Egrets.

On leaving our canal-side ride it’s only around 7Kms to our accommodation. Situated on the banks of the River Periyar it occupies a superb position and is the perfect setting to end the first day’s ride. Here you’ll be staying in large static tents all of which have twin beds and bathrooms/showers.

Once everyone is suitably refreshed we will take a leisurely late lunch and in the afternoon do some gentle kayaking or to take a forest wildlife walk with our evening meal taken at the camp.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Our first big day of gaining altitude and with this in mind an early start is the order of the day. This is a route of contrasts and is superb throughout with the views getting better and better the higher we get. After leaving our riverside location we’ll be following the Periyar River as it winds its way through its lush sided valley. The initial riding (10kms) is undulating as we pass through rubber plantations and tiny settlements. At Neryamanagala we hit the main Munnar road (but only for a very short distance) before heading along a quiet side road. Still following the river we start to head higher into the hills as we take on steeper sections that take us all the way to the Lower Periyar Dam. From here the route starts climbing more steeply to the small village of Kallarkutty at the foothills of the Western Ghats where we take a well-deserved break.

We’ll then continue on with our climb, by taking a quieter side road that winds its way through the lush hillsides for around 10Kms to small hamlet of Muthuvaankudi and our beautiful accommodation nestled in the foothills of the High Ranges. This family-run place (see photo below) prides itself for its eco-friendly approach to both its accommodation and cuisine and is the perfect place to relax after what may have been for some a challenging day on the bike.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Today is another day that will perhaps test your legs! There will be some short descents but we will generally be climbing throughout the day and gaining around 600 metres. There are some beautiful sights along the way however, as we pass through a tribal village, cardamom plantations and the Mathikettan National Park. Our accommodation for tonight is a hotel built in the colonial style close to the village of Chinnakanal, Anaerakal Dam and Reserve Forest Idukki. With beautifully manicured grounds and occupying an enviable position on the hillside it’s the perfect place to end today’s cycling.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Today is populated by a fair few climbs but we maintain our height throughout the day as we make our way to Vandanmedu. After initially cycling close to the picturesque Anaerangal Lake the scenery now from tea to spice plantations with the route shaded in parts. The views and thick aroma of the spice gardens and the lush green forests will be the highlights of today’s ride through the Cardamom Hills. Tonight’s accommodation is a luxury resort hidden amidst stunning natural surroundings.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Although we maintain our height for most of today’s ride it can be a challenging day for some. Our cycling initially takes us around the beautiful Anaerangal Lake (‘the lake where elephants come down‘) before it continues to Periyar National Park. Periyar is one of the best wildlife reserves in India and is famous for its elephants, bison, monkeys and majestic tigers. A short transfer takes us to our accommodation which is well situated to explore the park and access the various walks and day trips on offer tomorrow.

• Meals: Breakfast

Periyar is South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary and encompasses 777 Sq km including a huge artificial lake created by the British in 1895. With this in mind we’ve scheduled in a free day here. Amongst the options are a visit to the nearby elephant centre where you’ll be able to take a short ride and even wash and take a shower with these giants, opt for a boat ride on the Periyar Lake or have a full day guided walk in the forest. They’ll also be time to explore the town and shop for spices and handicrafts there. Surrounded by forests, spice plantations and situated beside the water Thekkady is an idyllic spot however you spend your day.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

An absolutely stunning day’s cycling and for many the highlight of the trip. Our cycling route passes through spectacular scenery with the spice plantations interspersed with pristine forests. The day’s ride has its fair share of ups and downs, but also great views and the chance to see the famous Kulamavu Dam. They’ll be plenty of snack stops and photo opportunities along the way and we finish the cycling at the small town of Cheruthoni. From here it’s around a 20kms (1 hour) vehicle transfer to our hotel. Set in the lush green hills its a great place to end your day.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Time to head to the plains and it’s pretty much downhill all of the way! The initial 16 kms has some amazing views along the way and sees us taking a relatively steep section from Kulamavu to Muttom where the road levels out. As we loose altitude the weather warms considerably and after 50Kms we transfer to Ettumanoor for lunch. From here there is the option to transfer, or to cycle the last 23 kms alongside the waterways. Our accommodation for the night is a stunning hotel nestled on the Kumarakom backwaters.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast at our hotel, we enjoy a pleasant cycle along the palm tree lined backwaters to Allepey. Around lunchtime we embark one of Kerala’s famous rice barges for an afternoon cruise, which after some busy days cycling is the perfect way to unwind and observe the way of life and people of this unique area. Lunch is taken aboard and just before sunset we moor our boat and settle in for the night, with dinner served aboard. Accommodation today is in simple cabins all of which have en suite facilities.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Waking up with the sunrise we can fully appreciate morning life on the backwaters. Local fisherman paddle their dugout canoes, casting their nets in search of fish whilst water taxis collect school children and workers for the day ahead. Breakfast will be served on board before we set off directly from the barge and continue along the backwaters. Our lovely morning’s ride takes us through the bustling town of Allerpey and then onto Marari, where our cycling journey ends. Set in beautiful grounds our accommodation has its own private beach, swimming pool and offers Ayurveda massage and is the perfect place to conclude our cycling journey through Kerala.

• Meals: Breakfast, dinner

With palm trees, white sands and the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Marari encompasses everything which comes to mind when think of your perfect dream beach. It also makes for a great place to relax, share a cold drink with friends and reminisce over your time together.

After a late breakfast we hop aboard the support vehicle and head into Apperley. It’s a bustling place and perfect for picking up spices and doing some last minute souvenir shopping. Whilst here we will also visit a Hindu temple with its effigies of Krishna and take lunch before heading back to Marari in time to catch the sunset.

• Meals: Breakfast

This morning we make the 2hr-2.5hr transfer back to Cochin International Airport for onward connections.