Backroads of Kerala

Spectacular Cycling & Discovery Tour In Kerala!

Life Along the Backwaters
Pedalling' north along the coast under a canopy of seemingly unending coconut trees, we pass through the numerous villages of the Backwaters, where fishing and farming the fertile soils provide the mainstay of life. In many small restaurants and at our village homestay, this fresh local produce transforms into deliciously distinct and delicately flavoured curries. Leaving our bikes behind for a while we glide through the waterways by small boat and local Anjili wood canoes.

Elephants & Spices
Using our support vehicle, we head inland to the enchanting Vanilla County Estate (1100m) engulfed by tea gardens and plantations of spices and rubber. At Periyar National Park we watch out for herds of elephant, sambar deer and myriad bird species on our early morning trek. By bike we set out to explore the surrounding waterfalls and silent valleys which, clothed in the richest green, rise toward the majestic heights of the Western Ghats.

Colonial Kochi & Crescent Beaches
Returning to the coast we head for Kochi with its unique architectural blend of Indian and European; cycling around the old Portuguese Fort with its Chinese fishing nets, churches, synagogue and old godowns, now occupied by some interesting antique and curio sellers. A sunset boat trip around the harbour and visit to a performance of the local Kathakali dancers are a must. Finally we travel by train to Trivandrum and cycle back to Kovalam's crescent beach.

Grade B - 240km/9 days (average of 26km). On 2 days additional optional rides are available. Cycling will be on level terrain or down hill apart from 4 days where the terrain will be hillier. We avoid main roads where possible. Cycle 90% tarmac, 10% earth/gravel roads. A support bus accompanies the tour in full.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Trip Highlights
Cycling - along the stunning coastline and through tropical forests.
Backwaters - Staying in traditional village houses with local families.
Cochin - Fascinating coastal town.
Kovalam - Relax on the stunning beaches of the Arabian Sea.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Join Tour Kovalam
Check-in to our hotel to join tour. We take this opportunity before starting our cycling adventure to try out our bikes and make any necessary adjustments.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

Day 2: Drive to Veli Lagoon; visit Anjengo fort and Cycle to Varkala
After breakfast this morning we transfer by bus to Veli, from where we cycle the 20 kms to the estuary. The lagoon is a large lake separated from the ocean by the narrowest of sandbar spits, where fisherman can be seen working on their boats and nets, or poling across the lake with sand-filled barges. Transferring by boat we visit the fishing village of Anjuthengu, where we stop to visit Anjengo fort, built by the British East India Company in the 17th century and the first British trading post on the Malabar coast. After our visit we carry on towards Varkala, a temple town renowned throughout the region as a pilgrimage centre for the millions of Hindus who come here to worship at the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple. On arrival in Varkala there should be time to relax and enjoy the beaches of the Arabian coast, wander amongst the palms and perhaps enjoy a stunning sunset before enjoying a well-earned dinner in one of the local restaurants. (Approx 35km cycling).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Cycle to Kollam
This morning’s ride gives us the chance for some interaction with the local people of the area. Travelling through villages we see some traditional coir-making skills (the fibres from the outer husk of the coconut, which is used to make rope and mats), as well as fishing. We then continue on and hope to visit an elephant trader’s camp, where there may be the option to ride on one of the working elephants. Situated on the edge of the Ashtamundi Lake, Kollam is surrounded by coconut palms and cashew tree plantations, indeed the town is the centre of the cashew industry here. Its old wooden houses are typical of the Keralan style and its situation at the southern end of the backwaters makes it an ideal spot from which to explore this fascinating network of canals and lagoons. (Approx. 40km cycling).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Boat trip along Backwaters; cycle through villages to Mancombu
Transferring to Kollam jetty we catch a motor launch to travel through the backwaters to Kayamkulam. This is the ideal way to explore these waterways, which cover an area of some 1900km. The boats – their bows often carved in the shape of a dragon – are the lifeline for the villages, acting as taxis, mail delivery, even the harvest is carried in boats. You may see great pyramids of coconuts or even the odd buffalo being carried along in this time honoured fashion. Stopping at Ayiramthengucoir village for lunch en route, we eventually reach our destination of Kayamkulam. From Kayamkulam we cycle for about 15km until we pick up a boat to take us over to Cochin. From here we take a bus to the manarasala snake temple, close to the settlement of Thottapally. After visiting the temple we transfer to our accommodation, in the district of the ancient trading town of Alleppey. (Approx 15km cycling).

Overnight Homestay (H) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Full days cycling through Backwaters’ villages; afternoon canoe trip
Today we spend a full day exploring our immediate surroundings. Cycling through the villages of these myriad backwaters we get plenty of opportunity to interact with the locals, visiting churches and temples, before returning to take a moonlit cruise by canoe. Crafted out of Anjili wood, we take to the waters whilst locals sing traditional songs as they row. Paddling along at our own pace we can leave the main channel to explore the smaller waterways. The industrious villagers survive on narrow spits of land, keeping cows, pigs, chickens and cultivating vegetable gardens. Even the shells from the fresh water mussels are burnt to make building lime, and coir is used for just about everything it seems. The gardens are generally well tended often with brightly coloured flowers, such as hibiscus, that contrast sharply with the tropical greenery. (Approx. 40km cycling).

Overnight Homestay (H) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Drive and cycle to Vanilla County
Leaving the beautiful backwaters behind we use a combination of engine and pedal power to reach today’s destination; the Hill Station of Vanilla County. Travelling via the town of Chengancherry, we quickly see the landscape and its flora change as we gain elevation to arrive at the town of Kanjirapalli,from where we cycle up to the hill station. Situated at an elevation of 400m, Vanilla County is an enchanting setting, surrounded by the lush greenery of tea gardens and spice plantations, overlooking the valleys and meadows of the surrounding countryside. In the evening we can visit Ayyampara, an area of startling rock covering some 30 acres. On clear days it affords views down to Alleppey’s lighthouse, and is a favourite haunt for those wishing to see spectacular sunsets. (Approx. 32km cycling).



Overnight Guest House (H) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Cycling around Vanilla County
A morning stroll among the seemingly numerous fruits and medicinal plants of a local plantation brings us to the Meenachil river, the enigmatic source of life and death in Arundhati Roy’s Booker prize-winning novel ‘The God of Small Things’. Depending on the season, we may bathe in its rock pools before cycling to Poonjar Palace, a 900 year old residency of the Maharajah and his family. After lunch, we may have a chance to track elephants at work among the surrounding forests of teak and sandalwood. (Approx 12km cycling)

Overnight Guest House (H) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Drive and cycle to Thekkady; visit plantations
Taking the meandering roads through the high ranges today we will drive some of the steeper sections of road, before transferring to two wheels to continue our journey to Thekkady, situated close to the border with Tamil Nadu. Our route to the Periyar wildlife sanctuary takes us past many rubber plantations, and through the varied spice gardens of this part of India which we plan to visit with a local botanist. Further on, we may have the opportunity to meet local tea pickers at a factory and get something of a feel for how people live in this beautiful region before arriving at our hotel. Periyar is one of the 16 Project Tiger Reserves in India, with about 40 tigers living in the 777 sq km park, but as they are solitary creatures, the chances of seeing them are very slim. (Approx 26km cycling).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 9: In and around Thekkady
This morning we go for a walk in the forest in search of other wildlife such as the star tortoise, porcupine and the flying squirrel. The park itself is made up of a variety of habitats, open grasslands, deciduous, semievergreen and tropical forest – all of which have different animal species. The ecosystem of the tropical evergreen jungle is very interesting – the trees grow up to 40m, and the dense canopy above only allows in limited sunlight. Therefore at ground level, there are abundant ferns, orchids and airplants – plants that need little light to survive.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Tea factory visit, bus to Kuuttikkanam, cycle to Malayattoor and drive to Cochin.
We begin our day with a visit to the Connemara Tea Factory. From here we drive by bus to Kuuttikkanam. We continue by bus to the bustling port of Kochi, with its beautiful natural harbour that earned it the title of, Queen of the Arabian Sea. As well as being the oldest European settlement in India, with its mix of English, Dutch and Portuguese influences, Cochin is also home to the famous Kathakali dancers. Its origins came from traditional temple rituals and from an art form known as Koodiyattam. The dancers can take up to three hours painting their faces – the features are heavily emphasised as it is the facial expressions and co-ordinated eye movements which are important in the dance. The dances usually portray events from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, great Indian epics. (Approx. 25km cycling).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Tour of Cochin by cycle; evening boat cruise
As you might expect Cochin was founded on trade, originally with the arrival of the Chinese, Arabs and Phoenicians in the second millennium BC. Its links to Europe strengthened in the 16th century, with the arrival of the Portuguese, closely followed by the Dutch and the English. This has produced an eclectic mix of styles and influences. You can find both the oldest European church and the oldest synagogue in India amongst its winding streets and elsewhere Chinese fishing nets vie for space alongside Portuguese houses and Dutch palaces. After spending the day touring the town we take a sunset cruise around the surrounding islands. (Approx 7km cycling).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Early morning train to Trivandrum; cycle to Kovalam
We catch an early morning train back to Trivandrum, from where we cycle back to Kovalam. Once a quiet hippy haven, Kovalam is today a thriving tourist resort, but its palmfringed beaches and turquoise waters still offer the weary traveller a relaxing place to unwind. What better place to end our trip (Approx 10km cycling).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

Day 13: Morning cycle ride; free afternoon
In the morning there will be the opportunity to take a relaxing ride through some of the villages to the south of Kovalam. In the afternoon you may like to explore this area at leisure; to walk along the sandy beaches, take on the pounding surf of the Arabian Sea. In the evening you can sit in a beachside cafe, enjoying the vista of local fishermen sailing out for their evening catch with a backdrop of the setting sun. Kerala is particularly renowned for its herbal care, and you may choose to try out an Ayurvedic massage, the science of rejuvenation and purification through natural remedies, that uses a range of oils and herbs to treat a number of ailments. (Approx. 30km cycling).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Tour ends Kovalam
Included meals: Breakfast

Other Details

Accommodation Details

9 nights Standard Hotel (H+)
2 nights Guest House (H)
2 nights Homestay (H)

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Mon 24 Oct - Sun 06 Nov 2011 - 2010 GBP Single Room Price: 390 GBP
Mon 21 Nov - Sun 04 Dec 2011 - 2010 GBP Single Room Price: 390 GBP
Mon 19 Dec - Sun 01 Jan 2012 - 2010 GBP Single Room Price: 390 GBP
Mon 02 Jan - Sun 15 Jan 2012 - 2020 GBP Single Room Price: 390 GBP
Mon 16 Jan - Sun 29 Jan 2012 - 2020 GBP Single Room Price: 390 GBP
Mon 13 Feb - Sun 26 Feb 2012 - 2020 GBP Single Room Price: 390 GBP
Mon 27 Feb - Sun 11 Mar 2012 - 2020 GBP Single Room Price: 390 GBP

0844 499 0901