CYCLE TOUR INDIA THE RUSTIC HOLIDAYS
Destination
South India
Duration
13 Days
Fly in
Banglore, India
Fly Out
Kochi, India
Price
$2,600 per PAX
Overview
Itinerary
Accommodation
Route Map
Gallery
FAQ
Overview
About Tour
The Rustic cycling tour gives you an opportunity to experience the countryside & interact with the people from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu & Kerala. These are three states in the south with varied cultural differences and many commonalities as well. The colonial toy train ride to Ooty is a major attraction of this tour. Experience the hill country, wildlife, and plantations along this route and finally go through the backwaters of Kerala.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day | Location | Property | Meal Pl |
Day 1 | Banglore | Escape hotel | Nil |
Day 2 | Mysoor | Southern Star | All Meals |
Day 3 | Masinagudi | Jungle Hut | All Meals |
Day 4 | Ooty | Taj Savoy | All Meals |
Day 5 | Pollachi | Coco Lagoon | All Meals |
Day 6 | Munnar | Kaivalyam Retreat | All Meals |
Day 7 | Munnar | Kaivalyam Retreat | All Meals |
Day 8 | Periyar | Abad Green Forest | All Meals |
Day 9 | Vagamon | Winter Vale | All Meals |
Day 10 | Alleppey | Houseboat | All Meals |
Day 11 | Mararikulam | Abad Turtle Beach | All Meals |
Day 12 | Fort Cochin | Fort House | Breakfast |
Day 13 | Depart | Breakfast |
Highlights
- Experience the countryside & interact with people from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu & Kerala.
- Take a colonial toy train ride in Ooty & experience the colonial lifestyles and mountain air in the area.
- Visit textile mills in Pollachi.
- Quintessential over-night house-boat cruise.
- Experience the hill country and tea plantations in Ooty, Conoor & Munnar.
- Experience traditional art forms & dance programmes in Kerala.
- Jungle walks, spice plantation visits & yoga.
- Healthy local Indian food.
Inclusions
Accommodation on twin share
Professional tour leader
Mountain bikes (Cannon Dale Trail6)
Meals as indicated (ethnic food)
Refreshment and mineral water during the activity
Back up mini bus for entire tour
Airport pick up & drop
Licenses and govt taxes
Exclusions
Flights.
Travel Insurance.
Tips.
Laundry.
Beverages.
Personal Shopping.
Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Bangalore
Arrive at Bangalore, assist and transfer to hotel in the city. Later in the evening we’re out into cosmopolitan Bangalore to sample a mug of finely made Indian craft beer at one of the many breweries in town.
Bangalore happens to be the craft beer capital of India. IPA, Russian Imperial Stout, Blonde, Raging Elephant, Basmati Ale, Pumpkin Ale, Belgian Tripel, Classic Pilsner, and such are available to sample and experiment right in the heart of the city.
One of the most beautiful cosmopolitan cities of India, Bangalore is the capital city of Karnataka. The third largest city of the country, Bangalore was famous as the Garden city. The city has attracted the Information Technology business and has thus become the Silicon Valley of India. The city is brimming with attractions, you will have a good time visiting Bangalore and experiencing the charm of the place.
Accommodation: Hotel Escape
Activity Distance: Transfer 40KMs
Day 2: Mysore
After breakfast at Bangalore we are transferred to Mysore (4 hours drive). In the late afternoon visit the famous Mysore Palace with its durbar hall and the golden royal elephant throne.
Mysore is an ancient city with more than 600 glorious years of legacy. Known for its glittering royal heritage, bustling markets, magnificent monuments, cosmopolitan culture and a friendly populace, it is also a thriving center for the production of premium silk, sandalwood and incense.
In case cycling through rural India sounds like a good option we’re all set and ready for a fun 30 kms ride past Sorghum and silk farms set amidst the rural countryside.
Accommodation: Southern Star
Meals: Breakfast
Activity Distance: Cycling 30KMs Transfer 100KMs
Day 3: Mudumalai
Early morning and we’re up to bike up the Chamundi Hills and visit the temple deity where we can see an ancient temple and get a panoramic view of the city.
Later on & after a transfer enter into 2 famous wildlife sanctuaries in South India – Bandipur and Mudumalai. These form a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere and are devoted to conserving the endangered Tiger habitat. Endemics like the Malabar Giant Squirrel, Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Lark and Grey-headed Bulbul are commonly seen.
Seasonal streams, along the river Kabini, are watering holes for the abundant wildlife of the region. We make our way to Jungle Hut set along the fringes of the forest for an ubiquitous stay.
Accommodation: Jungle Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Cycling 60KMs

Day 4: Ooty
Today one of the best cycling challenge in South India. We have to climb up approx 1200M to Ooty. Situated approx 2000m above sea level Udhagamandalam or Ooty is a colonial little town known for its English styled cottages that have unique teak floors, tiled roofs and chimneys, almost like a movie scene from another era. The excellent botanical garden at Ooty which is over 160 years old is home to not only a great variety of exotic flora but also many endemic birds.
From the local needle factory to small quilt making cottage industry, from the lush tea gardens all round Ooty to the famous chocolate fudge sold at Kingstar Bakery at Charing Cross to the barracks at Wellington, and prestigious boarding schools, this capital of in the Nilgiris has inspired excellence in many fields.
Accommodation: Taj Savoy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Cycling 35

Day 5: Pollachi
This morning we board the historic Toy Train for a remarkable rail journey with spectacular vistas as we descend to the popular hill station of Coonoor. From here we take a scenic bike ride to Mettupalayam – a small Indian town located at the foothills of the Nilgiris. We then journey by road to a fascinating area near the town of Pollachi.
Toy Train: The breathtaking Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a railway in Tamil Nadu, India built during the British Rule in 1908. The railway still relies on its fleet of steam locomotives and is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Accommodation: Coco Lagoon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Cycling 60KMs

Day 6,7: Munnar
Though seemingly gentle, this ride is definitely alive; taking you to Munnar, branded for its pristine tea estates, cool breeze and breath-taking views. It is one of those attractions that contributed to Kerala’s reputation as a certain travel destination among domestic and foreign travellers.
Kaivalyam Retreat for your next stay is situated close to town bit hidden away in the vallleys that surround Munnar. Kaivalyam offers a wonderful balcony for sit-out, early yoga sessions and plantation walks. This apart from cycling back to Munnar from Top Station – from where you can view the world’s highest working tea factory.
Munnar, situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, is perched about 1600 m above sea level and used to be the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in South India. Your stay will be in classic bungalows/estates growing tea, cardamom and other plantation crops. Indulge in a niche experience with the use of local/farm fresh products to supplement your food requirements.
Accommodation: Kaivalyam Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Cycling 60KMs

Day 8: Periyar
This morning, we start off early from Munnar, and bike to Lockheart Gap & Bison valley. We will visit a famous temple; giving you an experience of the India you ought to know. Past Chinnakanal and you’re off the road and off your bike to click away with the colorful, all-smiles tea pickers of Munnar. Our lunch spot is atop a lonely hill from where we get to view the plains in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu; in full glory. A plantation tour later that day in the Cardamom hills and it’s all more than a dream come true on your Spices journey in Kerala. With packets of fresh produce in hand you’re already in wonderland; after which our night-out is at the best wildlife spot in South-India. Welcome to the Periyar National Park!
Accommodation: Abad Green Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Cycling 100KMs

Day 9: Vagamon
Early this morning we venture into the national park. Mannans are among the oldest indigenous group of people to inhabit Periyar. As late as the 1940’s, they lived in the remotest areas of the reserve seeking out a simple life, fishing in the lake and cultivating a few crops, today they are the main conservators of the forest. They will escort us through the forest and help you discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the region.
From Periyar we will head to Vagamon – the sleepy town with its scenic valleys, beautiful green meadows, enchanting pine forests, mists, fogs, tea estates, waterfalls with the overall greenery is really striking. The route is consisting of a perfect mountain biking country with a great scenic view that consists of small spice growing hamlets dotting the landscape and undulating roads through tea estates and forests. Your destination is a resort set amidst the tea estates and a quiet retreat after a hard day of cycling.
Accommodation: Winter Vale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Cycling 50KMs

Day 10: Alleppey
Cycling downhill’s got to be the best way to have fun. After a quick and lovely descent we transfer out of town to Alleppey for the epitome of your bi-cycle holiday. A luxury rice-barge moored on the Vembanad Lake awaits our arrival. Festive lunch on boat, music in the background, you’re next in charge steering the boat through vast stretches of blue waters. The backwaters extend far into the countryside as deep or shallow canals or channels, and are navigated by ketuvallam or boats, ranging in size from a one person ketuvallam to large open goods transporters.
Accommodation: House Boat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Cycling 30KMs

Day 11: Marari Beach
Morning at 9am and after breakfast you’re out onto beautiful stretches of acreage. Goodbyes to your backwater crew and you’re set to learn some Coir (coconut fiber) making from a local outfit, the traditional way! Biking on narrow routes through numerous villages, churches & temples we head to Mararikulam, a fishing village by the beach. In fact it is rated as one of the world’s top five Hammock Beaches by National Geography. This part of Kerala has the largest number of bi-cycle users and you’d be surprised to find others join us to our destination. Rest of the day is free for you to relax on the beach
Accommodation: Abad Turtle beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Cycling 25KMs
Day 12: Fort Kochi
Hurray! You’re biking to Cochin today.
Past backwater & coastal villages, fish farms and coconut plantations the route is scenic and charming. The villages you bike into throw light on the life-styles and living standards of the Keralan people. Women making lunch on open fires, men working on their fishing nets, happy kids waving out to you in unison or just elderly men and women engaged in their traditional way of life. There’s alot happening today be it the numerous colonial buildings, spice godowns, the art galleries stranded all along Fort Kochi or the breath-taking show of Kathakali(you can also see the face painting before the show). In bed and you’re sure to be transported into a dreamy concoction of rural life, colonial art and spices.
Accommodation: Hotel Fort House
Meals: Breakfast
Activity Distance: Cycling 50KMs
Day 13: Depart
After the breakfast transfer to Cochin international airport. Tour ends.
Accommodation: Nil
Meals: Breakfast
Activity Distance: Transfer 45KMs
Accommodation
List of accomodations
Hotel Escape Bangalore
Southern Star
Cushioned in the heart of Mysuru city, Hotel Southern Star Mysuru is one of the best hotels in the city where comfort and style come together. The hotel brings together beautiful interiors amidst unparalleled services enabling guests to experience a grand stay. Southern Star is centrally located & built on an area of 4 acres of land with beautiful gardens. The Luxury hotel has 107 well appointed spacious rooms with modern facilities, two club and two nonsmoking floors, central air-conditioning, multi-cuisine restaurant, a cocktail lounge, north frontier restaurant by the poolside, 24 hours room service and a pastry shop.
Jungle Hut
Jungle Hut is a family destination where Stags and Corporate Groups are a rare sight. If someone whistles at you, it is more likely to be the Malabar Whistling Thrush rather than a schoolboy playing truant. There are no televisions or telephones in the rooms to invade the peace and quiet of the surroundings. This creates an atmosphere of utter serenity, which is as refreshing as it is rare. Here, you hear the true sounds of the jungle coming alive at night.
Taj Savoy
Established in the Year 1829, Heritage property featuring Colonial architecture. A colonial-style restaurant with exclusive Baduga and Anglo Indian Cuisine. Relive the past with Savoy High Tea and Game of Croquet in Savoy front lawns. Cottage style rooms with private sitting areas and old fashioned fireplaces.
Kaivalyam Retreat
Kaivalyam a holistic health retreat in midst of the natural surroundings of tea valleys of Munnar, state of Kerala, India is an ideal place to bring about a harmony of body, mind, and soul. Set amidst a calm, peaceful, and scenic surroundings, Kaivalyam Retreat provides a year-round destination to travelers to indulge in Ayurvedic treatments, Yoga, Meditation along with satvik dining.
Abad Green Forest
Abad Green Forest is an idyllic resort that borders the Periyar wildlife sanctuary and provides the perfect antidote to the busy lives of modern travellers. When you stay at our picturesque resort in Thekkady, take time to visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spice walk, boating and many other tourist destinations that are present in close proximity to our resort.
House Boat
The houseboats are luxuriously furnished and encompass a thatched protected living room and dining area, and relying on the dimensions some of bedrooms that usually encompass a twin or double beds (with mosquito nets) and a rest room with lavatory and washbasin. As you embark the boat at noon, you may be received within the conventional backwater fashion with garlands and a clean drink of coconut water instantly up from the coconut itself – a simply fresh begin to a remarkable cruise.
Abad Turtle Beach Resort
Fort House
Hotel Fort House is a charming medium-priced, family-run hotel. It is located by the waterfront in Fort Cochin, a town of cultural and historical importance, about 20 kilometers from the city of Ernakulam in Kerala. Well-situated within walking distance from heritage monuments such as the Old Synagogue, the Dutch Palace, and the popular antique market of Mattancherry, Hotel Fort House is an attractive destination for travellers looking for a comfortable and refreshing time away from the bustle of city life.
Route Map
Route Map

Gallery
FAQ
FAQ
Should I book my vacation in advance ?
It is advisable to book your tour as early as possible. During holiday periods from Oct-March hotels across South India remain full. Please contact us and we would be glad to help with dates and planning.
Do you offer Private Honeymoon Trips ?
Yes. An experience with us has all the ingredients for a perfect honeymoon. Custom made just for you and your dearest spouse. Romantic destinations like Munnar and Marari Beach offer exquisite lodgings and cuisine. And engaging activities—as much or as little, as easy or as challenging, as desired. It’s the ultimate wedding present. Just call us at + 91-9562442992 or email us at [email protected] Buzz us to customize your cycling holiday in India.
Can “India Bicycle Trips\” provide references to make an informed decision ?
Surely. Your tour consultant will be happy to give you contacts of people who have participated in the trip you’re considering.
What kind of fitness level do I need to enjoy a trip ?
A minimum fitness level is required for our Casual and Premium Bicycle trips. In the case of a Shared or Group tour please make sure you have good fitness levels to bike long distance and keep pace with the rest of the group. Day tours require basic biking skills. The concept of traveling on a bi-cycle is to take in the aromas and to see a real world. Join us to experience a real India.
Accommodation / Meals
The properties that we have suggested in the itinerary are standard and premium properties we use and include heritage hotels, Eco-lodges and Plantation Retreats. Indian food is mainly vegetarian and spicy but not hot curry. A typical meal consists of rice, Chappathy, fish, and vegetables. There is an abundance of fresh fruit and fish. Mineral water is widely available and carried on the support vehicle.
Do I have to carry any biking gear ?
All that you need to carry is your camera, tissues, sun-screen and gloves. The leaders transport your luggage between hotels. They’ll also gladly pick up and transport any purchases you make along the way. Necessary accessories will be provided on tour.
Is it safe to ride in India ?
Routes we take you on are routes we’ve biked ourselves over and over again. Activities we’ve planned on these trips are activities we love and those you’d love too. Our routes are safe ! Most often using those through village and back-roads with minimum or zero traffic. India is a safe place and with us you can expect to be a 100% safe and secure. This is our guarantee.
Riding Flexibility ?
We will also be having a back-up vehicle accompanying through-out the tour and therefore, the cycling distance mentioned in the itinerary can be made flexible depending on your interest and fitness level.
Our Bikes / Equipment
Our bikes are fitted with standard flat pedals. If you would like to bring your own pedals, clips and saddle and fit them to our bikes you are welcome to do so. We recommend you wear a helmet on the tour we do not hire helmets so please bring your helmet. We will be taking care of all the bike spares.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining our trips that you must be adequately insured. Polices should cover potential risks involved in a mountain cycling holiday. We ask for details of your policy to be provided prior to travel. We recommend that you arrange your travel insurance at the same time as booking your holiday so that you are covered in the event of cancellation.
Vaccinations
There are no compulsory vaccinations for foreign visitors but we strongly recommended that you should contact your doctor at least 3 months prior to travel to obtain these vaccinations and the latest advice to travelers. Expert advice on medication should be sought.
First Aid
Our guides carry a medical kit. We recommend that you bring your own first aid supplies including: a broad spectrum anti-biotic, antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, a cold medication, diarrhea treatment, pain killers, plasters, insect repellent and re-hydration salts.
Tips for Local Guides and Drivers
Tipping is an accepted part of everyday life, and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service. £25 for the guide and team at the end of the tour is recommended.
Personal Expenses
Spending money depends on your taste for souvenirs, drinks etc. We estimate that £200 will be more than enough to cover the 14-day tour.
Can I have my own room ?
Our prices are based on double occupancy (two people per room). We will endeavor to find a roommate for those guests who wish to share a room. Please write to us at [email protected] for single occupancy rates.
Do you provide bikes for children ?
We provide bikes for children of all ages. With routes that are safe, bikes of apt size and guides as caring and loving, you couldn’t ask for a more personalized tour.
Can you provide me with references from previous tours ?
Yes. Your Trip Consultant will be happy to give you contacts of people who have participated in the trip you’re considering.
Can I bring my own bike ?
Of course you could get your own bike. Please make sure to bring along necessary tools and spares as we do not guarantee availability of spares for personal bikes.
Is India Bicycle Trips a registered firm ?
India Bicycle Trips is a part of a registered company called ” In Sight Bicycle Trips Pvt Limited ” head quartered in Cochin, Kerala. In-Sight Bicycle Trips Pvt Ltd is a company formed in 2010 and has been successful in offering tours both leisure and active holidays to its guests from all over the world. For any information, please feel free to write to us and we would be glad to clarify.