CYCLING TOUR WILD MUNNAR
Overview
Itinerary
Accommodation
Route Map
Gallery
FAQ
Overview
About Tour
The Hill Country Tour of Kerala offers you views, routes, and paths to revel in an adventure of a lifetime. How good is it to leave a place not knowing its inner secrets and hidden routes? This trip gives you all of Munnar in the best ways you could imagine. The route covers large tracts of tea estates, dams, elephant parks, shola forests, lakes, and farms. You need to bike it to feel it! The flora and fauna, fresh mountain air, mist-clad hills, and panoramic views make it a trip of a lifetime.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day | Location | Property | Meal Plan |
Day 1 | Thattekad | Hornbill Camp | Lunch & Dinner |
Day 2 | Munnar | Kaivalyam Retreat | All Meals |
Day 3 | Suryanelli | Anaerangal Camp | All Meals |
Day 5 | Drop to Kochi | Breakfast |
Highlights
- Biking past long stretches of irrigation canals
- Kayaking along the Periyar River
- Cycling through the tea plantation in Munnar
- Supporting local spice farmers
- Tea and spice plantation walks
- Camping in a Cardamom Plantation – Suryanelli
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: Thattekad
Pickup from 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.
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. A myth connected with the origin of this place says that this natural fortification of forests and hills was built by Bhoothams (spirit/ghosts) overnight, hence the name Bhoothathankettu (fort of the spirits). Through this extraordinary experience, you will stay at exquisite resorts/camps basking in the natural and effortless splendor of Kerala. Kayaking and Plantation walks followed by exquisite food on an Indian platter.
Accommodation: Hornbill Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Cycling 40

Day2: Munnar
Your tour today starts at a spot right outside old Munnar after a refreshing cup of the area’s famous tea. Not too far-away you’re already getting to know why we rave about Munnar. It’s green, green and it’s green. Only if we had names of the thousand different greens you could notice! Small rivulets, light drizzles, strong winds, mist clad hills and the highest peak in South-India are all a part of your experience today. Past Mattupatty dam famous for its “Neelakurinji” blue flowers that blooms once in 12 years (next show in 2018) and the rare mountain goats called Nilgiri Thar.
Accommodation: Kaivalyam Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Cycling 70KMs

Day 3: Suryanelli
After breakfast, we will start cycling towards Lock Heart Gap, to enjoy the scenic viewpoint Bison Valley. From here, you’ll enjoy the downhill all the way before turning in to reach your camp at Suryanelli atop a hill. Past Chinnakanal and you’re off the road and off your bike to click away with the colourful, all-smiles tea pickers of Munnar. Be sure to check out the stars and the amazing food at the camp. The camp can be cold at night – please carry any essentials such as sweaters and gloves.
Accommodation: Anaerangal Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Cycling 30KMs

Day 4: Drop to Cochin
After a hot cup of tea and a late breakfast, you are back on the saddle for the last ride through the country-side. Biking on routes less travelled and on those out of the tourist circuit, the experience is going to be hard to forget. Your trip ends with lunch offering the best fruits Munnar produces, all sourced from the local market. A Cab transfer takes you back to the plains of Kochi and it is the end of a power packed cycling holiday in rural India.
Accommodation: Nil
Meals: Breakfast
Activity Distance: Cycling 20KMs
Accommodation
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.
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.