Cycling Kerala’s Beautiful Terrains

Arrival Cochin

Arrival at Cochin airport. You will be welcomed at the airport and immediate transfer to Fort Cochin by vehicle (01)

Cochin
Cochin (Kochi) is spread across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the backwaters. The city was founded in 1341 when a flood created a natural safe port, which became the principal harbour for Malabar Coast’s spice trade. Cochin was on the main trade route between Europe and China. The rulers invited people of various religions to settle here, attracting the Jews and the Christians who built places of worship and their own communities. 

Afternoon visit the St Francis church, Chinese fishing nets , the Jewish  Synagogue and Dutch Palace with your local guide.

Later evening you will meet your cycling escort and he will hand over you the cycles. You will have a detailed discussion on the program, on different terrains you will be riding, on Kerala traffic and the dos and don’ts. You will do a warm up ride on your bikes for forty five minutes down the beach road up to where the backwater starts.  

Overnight at Fort Cochin.

Explore Cochin

At 0630 hrs  You will start pedalling the first stretch of 24 kms to reach the farm house. It takes around 90 minutes to reach this splendid place. On arrival you will be welcomed with a health drink. Breakfast follows. After breakfast you will be canoed to the island where anglers will be provided for fishing. We are sure that today will be your lucky day to get your catch, you will give you the rare opportunity to use the Chinese Fishing nets which will guarantee your catch. Once you get your fish we will have all arrangements for the cleaning process and then the cooking class starts. . Enjoy your meal with the family. 

Later ride back to Fort Cochin. You will be free in the aftrnoon. 

This evening you will visit the house of Mr Oscar and wife and  experience the traditional flavours and preparations of Kerala Cuisine. You will participate in the cooking demonstration and later dinner with the family. 

Overnight at Fort Cochin

Distance cycled: 50 kms

Type: Easy

From Cochin to Munnar

This early morning after breakfast , we travel in vehicle for about 1.5 hours to avoid the traffic clogged roads. The first 10 km are an easy ride on smooth plain next to rubber and pineapple plantations, followed by a long stretch of gradual climb. As the hills of Munnar start emerging, you will be taken in with the contrast of the wild plantations  and the neat hills carpeted with tea bushes. 

The last 24 km are steep, hence you will be transferred in the vehicle.

Munnar
Munnar is a beautiful hill station on the Western Ghats at about 1600 metres to above sea level.There are lakes, reservoirs, forests and several tea estates in Munnar. Famous Tata Tea estate and factory is in Munnar. Munnar was the summer resort of the British Government in the South. 

Overnight at Munnar

Distance cycled: 45 kms

Type: Rolling Terrain – Short Climbs and descent.

Munnar

After breakfast, you will first cycle up to the Tea museum. 

The Tata Tea Museum diligently portrays the growth of Munnar tea estates, veritably conveyed through some of the displays like the rudimentary tea roller to the modern fully automated tea factory. Visitors to the museum can satiate their curiosity on various stages of tea processing, and also learn a thing or two about the production of black tea.

After the visit , you will ride via  Eravikulam National and probably a bit more if not tired through the reserve forest area and western ghat on other side. Ride back to Munnar.

In the late afternoon you will do a 1-2 hrs short trek through the Tea plantations.

Overnight at Munnar.

Distance covered: 25-30 kms . 

Type: Short climbs and descents.

From Munnar to Periyar

After early breakfast, you will travel the first 60 kms in Vehicle through the mountain road amidst thick forests and cardamom plantations. The last stretch of 50 kms, will be on cycles through the winding mountain roads.

Thekkady
Periyar is South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, encompassing an area of 777 sq km. Set on the attractive man-made Periyar Lake; it attracts over 300,000 visitors a year. Though the sanctuary was made a part of Project Tiger in 1973, it is better known for its elephants. 

Later witness Kalaripyattu (Martial Arts) performance at a local theatre at Periyar.

Overnight at Periyar

Distance cycled: 50 kms

Type: Rolling Terrain – Short descents.

Periyar

Morning Boat ride in Lake Periyar, and see the wildlife around the lake as you cruise along its banks. Apart from elephants, bison, sambar, wild boar, langur, otter and flying squirrel are common. There are also 246 species of birds and 112 species of butterfly.

Later in the day , you will ride past the forest check post up to the boat landing place and later ride 16 kms to the Connemmara Tea Factory for a visit.

This 75-year-old working tea factory and plantation offers interesting guided tours of the tea-making process and tea garden and ends with some tea-tastings.

Overnight at Periyar

Distance cycled: 32 km.

Type: Downhill and uphill

From Periyar to Nedumudy backwaters

After early breakfast , you will start with your downhill ride for about 60 kms. Enjoy the winding roads and the hill terrain. As you hit the plains you will drive in vehicle unto your destination, Nedumudy , a tiny village in the backwaters.

This 100 year old wooden mansion situated on the bank of the holy river Pamba, you will feel the serenity, peace and joy, which has been long lost to the frenetic pace of the times that we live in. This is a golden opportunity to experience closeness with Nature. The home is just on the bank of the river with a clear view of the village life across and also once sit and relax watching the fishermen , boats , people cruising along.

Half past six when the sun set beneath the banks , you set off in punted canoe with your lone oarsmen, on a slower pace cruising through the darkness watching the far way lights. Somewhere in the middle of the lake, your oarsmen will serve you a glass of wine. On a clear sky, sip the wine gazing at the stars or watch the people still on the bank , some taking a bath, some fishing , some washing their utensils and some waving at you.  

Overnight at Nedumudy

Nedumudy/Alleppey/Marari

After early breakfast, you will walk up to the nearby public jetty with your host who will assist you getting into the public boat transport to Alleppey. You will also carry your bicycles on the boat. This cruise lasts for 1.5 hours passing through the villages and en-route picking up villagers from the jetty who are on their way to Alleppey for daily work.  

On arrival at Jetty , you will ride through the streets of Alleppey and then visit the   famous mullakkal temple from inside. 

The bazaars of Mullackal Road provide a delightful morning browsing. Here you’ll find everything from fine gold jewellery to umbrella emporiums and coir products. Later you will ride to Marari beach through the coastal road with less traffic .

Once you reach Marari , your cycling through kerala comes to an end and next two days are relax on the beach. You will hand over your cycles and bid farewell to your accompanying cycling expert.

Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more. It is an authentic experience of the world of Kerala's traditional fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. The resort sprawls across 55 acres of lawns, far-flung lotus ponds and whispering coconut groves, all threaded through with stone- flagged pathways. A windbreak of palms runs the length of the property, a protective cover that reduces even the gustiest sea winds to mere caresses. And beyond is a milk-and-azure ocean, fringed by a beach more ochre than yellow, a sand-meets-sea combination you're not likely to find anywhere else. 

Overnight at Marari

Distance cycled: 25 km

Type: Easy ride.

At Marari

Full day relax at the beach resort.

Overnight at Marari

Departure from Cochin

In time transfer to Cochin airport (90 km,2.5 hrs) to connect flight back home