Exotic Kerala

Day 1: Kochi
Day 2: Kochi - Thattekkad, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Thattekkad - Muthuvaankudi, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 4: Muthuvaankudi
Day 5: Muthuvaankudi - Munnar, 18 mi. (29 km)
Day 6: Munnar - Periyar, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 7: Periyar
Day 8: Periyar - Vagamon, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 9: Kulamavu
Day 10: Vagamon - Allepey, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 11: Alleppey, 15 mi. (25 km)
Day 12: Alleppey - Marari
Day 13: Marari 
Day 14: Departure from Marari

*All distances are approximate and subject to change due to changing weather conditions, lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances. The captain and crew reserve the right to make changes at any time with safety as the top priority.

Day 1: Kochi
Your exotic cycling adventure begins with your arrival to the historic city of Fort Kochi. After checking in, you have the remainder of the day to see this historic city with its ancient churches, synagogue, and museums at your leisure. One highlight is the Chinese Fishing Nets at the harbor. Said to have been introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these cantilevered nets, set up on teak and bamboo poles, are physical remnants of Fort Kochi's ancient trade with the Far East. Fishermen work the nets all day long, lowering them into the water and then hauling them up using a remarkably efficient pulley system. In the evening, you will enjoy a classical dance performance of Kathakali, a guided city tour, and a harbor cruise. 

Sample accommodation: Killians
Activities: Guided city tour & harbor cruise with dinner

Day 2: Kochi - Thattekkad, 28 mi. (45 km)
Your journey follows the Periyar River as it meanders through narrow country roads, gradually descending towards the plains. The riverbanks are a tapestry of verdant landscapes, with forests, spice plantations, rubber estates, and untouched forests lining the other, creating a peaceful and restorative ride. This lowland forest region is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a diverse array of wildlife, including 12 amphibian species, 275 bird species, and 76 butterfly species, many found nowhere else. Wildlife sightings such as elephants, sambar deer, wild dogs, civet cats, and jungle cats, are possible. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the presence of endemic species like the brilliantly colored Malabar Parakeets and the shy Malabar Trogons.

Your stay tonight is at Tapovan Green County Resorts, a relaxing boutique hotel.
(B, L, D)

Sample accommodation:Tapovan Green County

Day 3: Thattekkad - Muthuvaankudi, 37 mi. (60 km)
Today, after breakfast, you will set off again, along the banks of  Periyar River, through the dense low altitude forests of Neriyamanagalam. These are the forests where the reed is extracted for the manufacture of traditional household items such as baskets and mats. The view is filled with forests of redwood trees and mountain peaks. Towards the end, it’s time to challenge yourself as the roads get much steeper.
Cycle through different settlements to reach your stay at Muthuvaankudi, bringing you some well-deserved rest after the day’s uphill cycling. (B, L, D)

Sample accommodation: The Leaf

Day 4: Muthuvaankudi, 37 mi. (59 km)
You can explore the village more in-depth as it has many stories to tell; culture, tradition, and the cultivation of spices. You can spot many varieties of birds and fruit trees. Use this opportunity to learn tips from the local people while they prepare food in their traditional methods. (B, L, D)

Sample accommodation: The Leaf

Day 5: Muthuvaankudi - Munnar, 18 mi. (29 km)
Today is a day of climbing to the heights at Munnar, famous for its exotic flora and fauna, at over 1600 meters. You will pass through high-altitude forests, manicured tea gardens, cardamom plantations, and winding roads. Munnar is famed for its trekking routes or you can go on a cycling trip through the wonderfully laid tea gardens in absolute serenity through the quiet country roads. There are opportunities to sight wild animals, especially Nilgiri tahr (mountain goat), elephant, bison, and more. A highlight will be a visit to the Tea Museum. (B, L, D)

Sample accommodation: Tea County

Day 6: Munnar - Periyar, 37 mi. (60 km)
Today, you'll embark on a descent through the winding Cardamom Hills, a region renowned for millennia as the source of the world's finest cardamom and black pepper. Enjoy a spectacular ride through landscapes where lush tea gardens mingle with ancient, pristine forests, creating an unforgettable cycling experience. 

Today's destination is the world-famed Periyar Tiger Reserve, Periyar is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India. It is a repository of rare, endemic, and endangered flora and fauna. (B, L, D)

Sample accommodation: Forest Canopy

Day 7: Periyar
You will have a couple of options this day, either a wildlife safari or a visit to a tribal village and spice plantations at Periyar. You choose!  (B, L, D)

Sample accommodation: Forest Canopy

Day 8: Periyar - Vagamon, 31 mi. (50 km)
Nestled amidst the verdant hills of Kerala, Vagamon is a tranquil haven renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. Rolling meadows, mist-clad hills, and verdant tea plantations create a picturesque landscape that captivates visitors.  The area's cool climate and serene atmosphere make it an ideal escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.  Its untouched beauty, coupled with a sense of peaceful solitude, makes Vagamon a truly enchanting destination and the perfect end for an exciting cycling adventure.

Sample accommodation: Wintervale Green Stay

Day 9: Kulamavu
You have a free day at the resort to explore Kulamavu.  (B, L, D)

Sample accommodation: Wintervale Green Stay

Day 10: Vagamon - Allepey, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today you will be riding all the way down to the plains and riding on the flat roads towards Kerala famed backwaters. Here a cruise has been arranged for you on the rice boat. It is a luxurious way to see the backwaters and the life by the backwater countryside. You will explore the villages along this region, cruise past ancient temples, paddy fields, lagoons and lakes. Your overnight stay will be on the rice boat itself, which is quite luxurious as it is air-conditioned and has an en-suite bath and toilet.

Sample accommodation: Marvel Houseboat

Day 11: Alleppey, 15 mi. (25 km)
The backwaters of Kerala, India, are a captivating labyrinth of interconnected lagoons, lakes, rivers, and canals, threading a serene path through the state's lush coastal region. These tranquil waterways, bordered by swaying palms and vibrant vegetation, offer a unique and enchanting experience. The calm waters reflect the verdant surroundings. Picturesque villages dot the banks, showcasing the rustic charm of Kerala's countryside, where daily life unfolds at a gentle pace, often reliant on the waterways themselves. Known also as the "rice bowl" of Kerala, this charming rural setting has a vast canvas of emerald green - paddy fields stretched across the landscape. Stay at a resort on the banks of the Punnamada 'kayal', or lake.

Sample accommodation: Lake Canopy

Day 12: Alleppey - Marari
You will make your way to the coast, and meet with the Arabian Sea at the quaint, fishing village of Marari, with long stretches of pristine soft white sand beaches. You can relax and enjoy the sun and sand, the pool, and relax at the resort by the beach. 

Sample accommodation: Abad Turtle Beach

Day 13: Marari
Free day to explore Marari

Sample accommodation: Abad Turtle Beach

Day 14: Departure
Transfer to Kochi International Airport. (B)

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Accommodations

On this unique and exotic tour, you will overnight in heritage villas, hotels, homestays, luxury cottage tents, and an air-conditioned deluxe rice boat, all with private facilities. On the day to day itinerary, you will find the name of the preferred accommodations for each overnight based on availability.

Bicycles

Standard Bike

Cannondale Trail 6

• Double-butted alloy frame
• Front suspension
• Shimano Altus 24 speed gearing
• FPD Platform pedals (flat)
• Cannondale Stage 2 saddle
• Tektro Novel Mechanical Disc brakes

Accessories

• Helmet
• Bike bag
• Water bottle holder

Electric Bike

Spero E Bike/ Electro

• Aluminum frame
• Front suspension
• 5 gears for the electric mode
• Intelligent Display
• Powerful Motor
• Digital gear
• Pedal Assist
• Mobile charger and holder
• Helmet holder

Accessories

• Helmet
• Water bottle (no holder on bike)