CYCLING TOUR KERALA SPICE TRAIL
Overview
Itinerary
Accommodation
Route Map
Gallery
FAQ
Overview
About Tour
This classic trip is designed to showcase Kerala in its ‘entirety’ and will mesmerize you with Kerala’s culture, food and habits. Experience a bicycling journey of backwaters, rivers, and dams, of squirrels, monkeys, and elephants, of leaf plates, clay pots and barbecues, of warmth, drizzles and cold, of yellow, brown, and green, of plains, valleys and mighty hills.
OUTLINE ITINERARY 11 DAYS
Day | Location | Property | Meal Plan |
Day 1 | Fort Kochi | Fort House | Bed & Breakfast |
Day 2 | Fort Kochi | Fort House | Bed & Breakfast |
Day 3 | Thattekkad | Hornbill Camp | All Meals |
Day 4 | Munnar | Kaivalyam Retreat | All Meals |
Day 5 | Munnar | Kaivalyam Retreat | All Meals |
Day 6 | Periyar | Abad Green Forest | All Meals |
Day 7 | Vagamon | Winter Vale | All Meals |
Day 8 | Alleppey | House Boat Cruise | All Meals |
Day 9 | Mararikulam | Turtle Beach Resort | Breakfast Only |
Day 10 | Mararikulam | Turtle Beach Resort | Breakfast Only |
Day 11 | Depart | Breakfast Only |
Highlights
- Tea plantations at Munnar & Vagamon.
- Cycling along the Cardamom Hills Reserve in Kerala.
- Exquisite healthy and local Kerala food all along.
- Professional Cycling guide & local experts.
- Houseboat cruise at Alleppey.
- Exploring backwaters on kayaks.
- Stay at the world’s top five Hammock Beaches by National Geography.
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
Day 1&2: Fort Cochin
A one hour transfer from the airport takes you to fort Cochin. The rest of it slow is to relaxation – beat jet lag and get set for your cycling journey in the following few days.Cochin is the cosmopolitan middle of Kerala. Your inn is of the boutique kind and one the various only a few within the colonial and heritage city of castle Kochi. Some of the excellent spots in fortress Kochi and Mattancherry (the more ancient hub) consist of the Dutch palace, the Jew Synagogue, St Francis’ Church, Dutch Cemetery, chinese Fishing nets, Santa Cruz Cathedral and so on. The vintage global appeal infused with the severa spice markets, vintage stores and art galleries will amaze you.On day 2 you will start your project with yoga in the morning. After the breakfast you may select the cycles and go for small sightseeing at castle Cochin. Night we are able to take you to show our conventional cultural overall performance name Kathakali.
Accommodation: Hotel Fort House
Meals: Breakfast
Activity Distance: Transfer 45KMs
Day 3: Thattekad
Leaving Fort Kochi early we surprise you to a spot north-east, a hamlet called ‘Cherukunnam’. This little village is interspersed with canals in all directions. We bike along one of these canal bund roads amid lush green paddy fields, numerous coconut trees and lonely villages leading you to the Edamalayar forests. The Edamalayar forests and the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary are famed for the many species of birds. The birds, the air and the calm breeze boost and rejuvenate your body & mind. End your day with Kayaking on the longest river in Kerala followed by plantation walks.Spread around an area of 25 sq km, this sanctuary has more than 200 varieties of birds including the large falcon, grey jungle fowl, white breasted water hen, hornbill etc. Another attraction we head to is the Bhoothathankettu; a scenic dam site. Through this extraordinary experience, you will stay at exquisite resorts/camps basking in the natural and effortless splendor of Kerala.
Accommodation: Hornbill Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Cycling 60KMs

Day 4: 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 travelers.Kaivalyam Retreat for your next stay is situated close to town by hidden away in the valleys that surround Munnar.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 70KMs

Day 5: Munnar
On day 2 Kaivalyam gives a amazing balcony for take a seat-out, early yoga classes and plantation walks. This aside from cycling returned to Munnar from pinnacle Station – from in which you may view the world’s maximum operating tea manufacturing unit. Additionally we will be traveling the tea factory to get greater revel in of tea processing.
Accommodation: Kaivalyam Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Cycling 40KMs

Day6: Periyar Tiger Reserve
This morning, we start off early from Munnar to bike on routes that border the Western Ghats and the Cardamom Hills Reserve. The area criss-crosses through verdant green country-side with view-points of the plains of the neighboring state. The ride reminds us of the drastic changes in the topography with the Western Ghats as a separator and natural border. Arrive at Periyar / Thekkady and take in the rest of the day to experience the small town of Kumily.
Accommodation: Abad Green Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Cycling 100KMs

Day 7: Vagamon
From Periyar we will head to Vagamon after breakfast. 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 8: Alleppey
Late breakfast and we’re out for a thrilling 40 kms descent and through the rubber estates is another attraction. After a quick break we transfer you out of town to Alleppey. 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. Coconut palms, temples and villages in the horizon, you have a book out to sketch or write a poem. Amidst a million stars in the night sky, the breeze silently steers you into God’s own waters.
Accommodation: House Boat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Cycling 40KMs

Day 9&10: Marari Beach
Morning at 9am after breakfast you’re out onto beautiful stretches of acreage. Goodbyes to your captain and crew, you’re set to learn some Coir (coconut fiber) making from a local outfit, the traditional way! Biking on narrow routes through numerous villages and 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.
Accommodation: Turtle Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Cycling 20KMs
Day 11: Drop to Airport
After the delicious breakfast from the Hotel you will be transferred to the airport at Cochin to bid adieu to God’s Own Country.
Accommodation: Nil
Meals: Breakfast
Activity Distance: Transfer 80KMs
Accommodation
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.
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
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.