CYCLING MUNNAR CARDAMOM HILLS
Overview
Itinerary
Accommodation
Route Map
Gallery
FAQ
Overview
About Tour
The Cardamom Hills get their name from the spices that are cultivated in these mountains of the Western Ghats in Kerala. These hills produce the world’s best pepper and cardamom besides tea. Our mountain biking tour, also known as The Cardamom Trail, will take you through mountain roads with spectacularly beautiful cardamom forests and tea gardens.
Highlights
- Cycling in the Cardamom Hills Reserve.
- Tea-plantations and spice plantation walks.
- SUV transport & luggage transfers from rendezvous to drop off.
- Local guides & tour leaders.
- Healthy local Indian food
Inclusions
Accommodation on twin share
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
Exclusions
Flights
Travel Insurance
Tips
Laundry
Beverages
Personal Shopping
Itinerary
Day 1: Suryanelly
This mountain biking tour begins from the hill station town, Munnar, which is at over 1500m above sea level. This cycling tour in Kerala will take you through the numerous tea estates and forests that dot the countryside. The meandering roads, the air infused with the faint smell of tea, and the flourishing flora, will be your constant companions. During your Munnar cycling tour, you will also pass through the famed Lockhart Gap, known for its challenging trekking routes. It also overlooks the spectacular Bison Valley. You will continue mountain biking in Munnar to the destination, Suryanelli. You get to spend the night in comfortably furnished cottage tents.
Accommodation: Anaerangal Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Cycling 30KMs
Day2: Vandanmedu
Today your mountain biking expedition begins at dawn! You will circle around the picturesque Anaerangal Lake, through the tea estates, to Vandanmedu. On this route, you will be able to set your sights on the cardamom estates that gave these hills their name. The thick aroma of the spice gardens and the beautiful forests will be the highlight of today’s ride through the Cardamom Hills. You will spend your night in a magnificent resort at Vandanmedu, set amidst cardamom and tea estates.
Accommodation: Carmelia Heaven
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Cycling 75KMs
Day 3: Periyar
Your next destination is the Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is a famed protected area that is home to large herds of Asiatic Elephants, the Indian Bison, and the Tigers that India is renowned for. Periyar cycling involves roads surrounded by spice gardens and tea plantations. The ride is quite comfortably short and you will reach the reserve in time for lunch. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you can take a walk with the local guides into the rain forest. The reserve is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists, with its rich fauna, which apart from the elephants, tigers and bisons, also includes has over 300 species of birds like the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Blue-winged Parakeet, and the Crimson-backed Sunbird.
Accommodation: Abad Green Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Activity Distance: Cycling 25KMs
Day4: Depart
You will depart from the reserve after breakfast, signaling the end of a rich and satisfying Western Ghats cycling holiday.
Accommodation: Nil
Meals: Breakfast
Activity Distance: Nil
Accommodation
Anaerangal Camp
The Anaerangal Camp – a cottage-tented camp overlooking the spectacular Anaerangal Lake – beckons those in search of a quiet retreat amongst the mountains.
Carmelia Heaven
Carmelia Haven is a stylish, eco friendly resort set amidst a tea and cardamom plantation where guests will be in communion with many of nature’s many splendored charms. Situated close to the village of Vandanmedu.
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.
Route Map
Gallery
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.