Highlights
- Cycling through lush tea and spice plantations
- Periyar wildlife reserve, home to elephants, bison and tigers
- Climbing through cool air and pristine forests
- Drifting on a rice barge through Kerala’s backwaters
- Relaxing on white sands of Marari Beach
- Enjoying the best of Southern Indian Cuisine
Itinerary
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. We’ll then make our way to our accommodation and enjoy a delicious dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 134 Metres Approx.
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 the only traffic we’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 for Kingfishers and 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 nature walk with our evening meal taken at the camp.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 1462 Metres Approx.
Our first big day of gaining altitude and with this in mind we’ve an early start this morning.
Today’s route is full 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, on our way to our home for the evening.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 1290 Metres Approx.
Another day to test the 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.
Early evening we’ve scheduled in a visit to a local theatre to watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 1191 Metres Approx.
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
- Ascent: 171 Metres Approx.
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 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 where wild elephants are sometimes spotted taking a dip, Thekkady is an idyllic spot however you spend your day.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 908 Metres Approx.
Another long day ahead of us and perhaps the best day of the trip. Today we’ll be taking winding roads down to the edge of the Western Ghats at Vagamon. The route takes us through perfect mountain biking country with a great scenic view, consisting of small spice growing hamlets dotting the landscape and undulating roads taking us through tea estates and forests.
Our destination today is a lovely resort set amidst the tea estates, a quiet retreat after a challenging day of cycling.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 281 Metres Approx.
Time this morning to head down to the plains with a downhill ride of 16-17kms to start with. We’ll have some amazing views along the way, all the way to the rubber plantations of Palai.
As we lose altitude the weather warms considerably and after 50 or so km we’ll stop at Ettumanoor for lunch. From here there is the option to transfer, or to cycle the last 23km alongside the waterways.
Our accommodation for the night is a stunning hotel nestled on the Kumarakom backwaters.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 20 Metres Approx.
After breakfast at our hotel, we enjoy a pleasant cycle along the palm tree lined backwaters to Alleppey. 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
- Ascent: 20 Metres Approx.
Waking up with the sunrise we can fully appreciate morning life on the backwaters. Local fishermen 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 Alleppey 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 Alleppey. 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.
Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
The first few days of the trip see us climbing gradually away from the coast and up into the hills, home to the area’s tea and spice plantations.
The tour is rated as a grade 3 overall, however the first couple of rides may fall more into the 3-4 category – the climbs can be long, but the gradients never severe, so the route should be comfortable for regular cyclists.
The middle portion of the trip can also be undulating as we cycle through the hills, before a long descent back down to sea level to finish the tour.
For the majority of the tour we’ll be riding on well-surfaced tarmac roads. That said, approx. 15% of the route will see you riding in more remote areas where you can expect some of the surfaces to be a little muddier and rougher, with a few potholes. No sections however will require any off-road skills or experience to enjoy.
Cycling Adventures Grade
Distances generally between 20-45 miles / 32-72 kms per day
For the leisure cyclist with a good level of physical fitness
May include some steeper, cheeky climbs
Possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc)
Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!
For more information about our grading system click here.
Is this suitable for you?
Although you may not cycle everyday, you do keep yourself relatively fit and maybe enjoy an afternoon out on your bike at the weekend. Your preference is perhaps for flatter terrain but you don’t mind tackling some hills, and the occasional steep climb if you can take it at your own pace. For those happy to tackle some ups and downs, and possibly some sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc) we’d recommend our grade 3 trips. We’d generally expect those on a Grade 3 holiday to have a decent level of physical fitness and be comfortable with some longer days in the saddle.
For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.
Dates & Prices
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Whats Included
A) 10 nights hotel accommodation
B) 1 night on a backwater Rice Barge
C) 1 night in a comfortable established camp
D) Meals as itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Evening meal)
E) Full tour service including guides, bike mechanic, back up vehicle(s) etc.
F) Unless stated at least one leader qualified in First Aid
G) Group airport transfer Cochin International Airport (COK) (Day 2)
H) Group airport transfer to Cochin International Airport (COK) (Day 14)
I) Financial Protection through ABTOT
What's not Included
A) Bike rental (available if required)
B) All flights and any costs associated with travelling with a bike
C) Cost of Indian visa – US$100 / (£80 approx.)
D) Medical check up and inoculations
E) Tips for guides etc.
F) Travel insurance
G) Bar bills, hotel refreshments, laundry, souvenirs, etc.
H) Personal clothing and equipment
I) Meals not specified in the itinerary
J) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival and departure days
K) Cost of Rest Day excursions (Day 8)
Private Departures
Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.
The Essentials
News, Reviews & Stories
Reviews
Peter, London, UKA spectacular country...The holiday was more than excellent. The small group of 6 were very friendly and we formed a good team. I had always wanted to visit Kerala for many years, and it was a great way to see this spectacular country by bike. Cycling through the small villages the locals were pleased and maybe amused to see 6 slightly elderly cyclists riding through their village. Also, I cannot praise our guide Roger and driver Shafi enough. They made the holiday. Roger was more than excellent. He gave us good briefings every day and was a good mechanic and could fix bikes on the road with efficiency. I had one puncture and he was very flexible and would adjust the schedule to improve the day. Our driver Shafi was also excellent. Roger and Shafi made a great team. Shafi was a good driver and knew the route very well, knowing where all the good refreshment stops were and provided great snacks and very welcome drinks. Shafi made sure we had plenty of water on the bike – he could not have been more friendly and helpful.
All hotels were good and the houseboat we had in Alleppey in particular was luxurious. All food was very good too! Days 9 and 10 were my favourite as the scenery was great and there were limited climbs.
These cycling holidays are a great way to see a country. On a bike you see more and also can meet local people. It is a great experience. I think Skedaddle are a great company and have a great idea of providing cycling holidays around the world. I would definitely use them again (This was my first Skedaddle tour). With a lot of modern tourism, you are insulated from the country and the locals being in a coach or especially on a cruise. On a bike you really experience the country and the people.
Betty, Scotland, UKCouldn't have asked for more!The whole holiday experience had obviously been very well thought out and planned. It was really varied – in the places we stayed – in the extra curricular things that we did – eg kayaking at Hornbill Camp – walking round the eco farm and going for a walk in the forest (sadly not elephants or tigers – though some footprints!!). The stay on the houseboat was a highlight! We stopped a couple of times at cafes and also had lunch a couple of times in restaurants – all of which were fun and really nice. Just so varied!
We had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the trip and the company. All three couples got on really well and the two guides were brilliant. Roger and Shaffi worked as an excellent team – one of the best teams that we have had. They complemented each other very well – always good natured and smiley and anxious to make our days really enjoyable. They were a real joy. Couldn’t have asked for more! Roger was an excellent leader and Shaffi an excellent co-partner! All the meals were between excellent and very good.
We have recommended Saddle Skedaddle on many occasions and I think that we convinced our friends – not only that these cycling holidays are great fun but that Skedaddle was the company to use! I think that they will consider Vietnam next year!
Rafael, BelgiumThanks for this great biking adventure!We were a group of 10 bikers, guided by Roger and his fantastic team. In the name of our group, I want to thank this guiding team, for their enthusiasm, their originality and their continuous effort to support us and to make this trip a very fine experience, showing us a beautiful country, with warm people and great nature. They were very flexible and did all they could do to fulfil our dreams! Thanks for this great biking adventure and your positive attitude that gave us a heartwarming feeling and a very enjoyable vacation.
Kerry, Derbyshire, UKBreathtakingly beautiful...An incredible trip enhanced by the outstanding quality of the guides. Who would have thought we could eat curry three times a day and still not tire of it! The majority of the food was excellent. One of our group members has a garlic allergy and once our tour guide (the best guide ever), passed on the message to the hotels they bent over backwards to accommodate this.
A fantastic team who worked totally together and for whom nothing but nothing was too much trouble. If I could tick a box even better than excellent I would do so. Our tour guide was quite outstanding supported by his incredible team. He was so knowledgeable, enthusiastic and guided us through the most chaotic cities I have ever been through on a bike with a calm approach. I’ve done many trips with Saddle Skedaddle and always had great guides but this team improved what was already a remarkable trip by 100%. Please pass on our sincere thanks to them all.
Our best day by far was the day cycling around the tea plantations. It was breathtakingly beautiful and we could have spent much longer in that area
Jacquie, Cambridgeshire, UKSaving up for our next tour!!!I felt our tour leader had a very strong-minded set of riders and he managed to sort out their complaints professionally and in good humour. I felt he was very knowledgeable about the area both route wise and the customs and beliefs of the people there, always tried to organise cultural trips for us which were very enlightening and feel he went beyond his remit to try and give us the best experience on our holiday. The support guide is such a lovely person, always encouraging and supportive. Tried really hard with me to get me up the hills when I would have given up. Always treated everybody with the greatest respect. Gave us an insight into Kerala customs and ways of life. You felt very safe with him riding beside you.
I’ve I always recommended you…. I think you are excellent – Saving up for our next tour!!
Guy, Lincolnshire, UKHigh standard...This was my 2nd trip with Skedaddle. I felt VERY comfortable with the format used before and this trip was of the same high standard. India obviously quite a different format to my previous experience in Chile. Chile we had a lighter salad type lunch that was OK for cycling afterwards. In India on most days we had lunch at the end of the ride which was usually very good, would have been difficult to cycle too far as I probably ate too much of the delicious lunch!
Our tour leader was an impressive guide. Very knowledgeable and keen to explain about various temples, vegetation, customs etc. Would go out of his way to help individuals. Always thinking of the groups as a whole. Our second guide was an excellent backup to the tour leader. Incredibly smiley, always pleased to see and help group members. The drivers were also most pleasant. Snack stops were efficient and VERY good.
Ron, New ZealandA very pleasant team.The guys were fantastic and always had plenty of nice fresh fruit and water for us. A very pleasant team.
Corinne, Hertfordshire, UKExciting, impossibly difficult, challenging, hot, sweaty, fun, overall amazing.Exciting, impossibly difficult, challenging, hot, sweaty, fun, overall amazing. The standard of accommodation was fantastic. No complaints at all -every place we went to went out of their way to be helpful.
The tour leader was beyond brilliant. He was exceptionally well prepared, good humored and conscientious…. He was kind, thoughtful, spoke excellent English and made sure everyone in the group was included. He really made the holiday and was an excellent ambassador for Saddle Skedaddle. The team all worked well together. They clearly got on well with each other and they all pulled their weight. I was particularly impressed with one guide who was the cyclist at the back ensuring no one dropped off a cliff edge or took a wrong turn. He was calm and gave simple encouragement but if it all got too much he was there to put you in the van and get your bike picked up.
Sally, Yorkshire, UKEven better than I had expected!Even better than I had expected! Fantastic scenery, experience and people. Favorite day was… Thekkady to Vagamon. Fantastic undulating rife. Some serious hills, but spectacular views and interaction with the locals! Sensational! The lead guide was absolutely great! Sensible, pragmatic and un-flappable. Very personable. Excellent English and good at negotiating when required. Very knowledgeable about Kerala, India, local culture and history and very happy to talk about it. The other guide was exceedingly good as “rear guide” particularly in places with busy traffic – ensuring that we were kept safe. Very encouraging. Very enthusiastic. Reticent to use his very good English. A great lead guide for the future! The team also provided lovely fresh fruit, including special requests. Marvelous energy-supplying peanut brittle! Plenty of water and very attentive filling of the bike water bottles.
Jane, UKThe team were excellent in every way.The team were excellent in every way. They all worked well together. They looked after us brilliantly. They were supportive, friendly, funny and very helpful. Top class again. The lead guide was absolutely top class. Friendly, professional, attentive, nothing was too much trouble, organised. I felt very confident in his ability to look after us. I cannot speak too highly of him.