Kalypso Logo
Kerala Mountain Biking Holiday
Kerala Mountain Biking Holiday (KC-16)
Region : South India
6
Days

Activity

Comfort

Cost per Person

US$ 720

Based on a minimum of 2 people travelling

Tour Overview

Discover the rugged mountains of the Western Ghats, known as the crucible of endemism and one of the 35 bio-diversity hot-spots on earth during this incredible ride along back roads through the Western Ghats in the Kerala Mountain Biking Holiday. The ride passes through high altitude rain forests, tribal villages, farm lands, spice plantations & tea gardens. Your stay will be at exclusive and well-appointed eco-lodges, colonial tea estate bungalows, plantation bungalows with spectacular views of the mountains & heritage villas at scenic locations.



Kerala Mountain Biking Holiday

Day1: Thattekkad
Arrive at Kochi International Airport. You will be transferred to the lowland forests of Thattekkad, set on the banks of the Periyar River. Check out and fit out the cycles for the tough challenge ahead. On the 1st day of your Kerala Mountain Biking Holiday, you can take off for a quick ride to Edamalayar in the nearby forests along the mountain tracks to get acclimatized to the terrain and climate for the days ahead.    
Day2: Munnar
Second day of your Kerala Mountain Biking Holiday presents the first big challenge – riding from 300’ to above 4500’. You will be riding along the side of the river Periyar, through forests, spice plantations, countryside of pineapple plantations & rubber estates. At Neriamangalam, you will start the uphill ride through narrow mountain roads with deep chasms on its side, wilderness interspersed with lakes, spice growing villages and narrow rivulets and deep canyons, till you reach the foothills of the Western Ghats at Adimali. From here a tough 15 kms ride takes you to the day’s destination Munnar - once a British planters’ creation set amidst dramatic mountain scenery: craggy peaks, tall red wood trees, and some of highest tea plantations of the world. The sceneries are awe inspiring and the ride away from the tourist trails is truly spectacular. The terrain is undulating but the scenic beauty of the manicured tea gardens is bound to mesmerize you. Your stay would be at a small family owned resort set amidst a Cardamom Estate.  
Day3: Pollachi
You will be up early and riding through the only sandalwood forest in India and the dry deciduous forests of the wildlife sanctuary at Chinnar, with chances of sighting wildlife. Soon you will cross the state border into Tamil Nadu and pass through temple towns and large farmlands and bustling towns as you reach the foothills of Indira Gandhi National park – one of the most wildlife rich parks in India, a place known for its great swathes of forests and wildlife - birds, butterflies, elephants, sloth bears, leopards, gaurs (Indian Bison), dholes (wild dogs) and the king cobra. Your stay will be at a resort with plantations of coconuts.  
Day4: Valparai
The biggest challenge of your Kerala Mountain Biking Holiday comes up today – riding the 44 ‘hair-pin’ bends through the narrow mountain trail taking you into the heart of Valparai, famed for its tea and rain forest which is the last bastion for the endangered Lion Tailed Macaques. On arrival by afternoon you will settle into the luxurious tea estate bungalow.  
Day5: Kochi
You will ride the whole day today around this wonderful mountain region & ventre off into the rain forests to sight the endemic and endangered Lion Tailed Macaques among all the other wildlife usually sighted here. You will then once again ride to the lower elevations through spectacular forest patches of Sholayar, lakes and cascading rivers to the site of the greatest waterfall in Kerala at Athirapilly. Thereafter you will be transferred to Kochi where your trip ends.  
Day6: Depart
Your Kerala Mountain Biking Holiday ends. It’s time to depart.  

Inclusions

 - Accommodation for 5 nights on twin share room basis: inclusive of all applicable taxes at the time of quoting
- Most Meals
- Cannondale Cycles
- Accompanying Vehicle throughout
- Airport transfers
- Service of an English speaking cycling guide accompanying
- Assistance on arrival and departure at each destination
- All taxes

Holiday Feedback

We wanted to write and thank you (and your team) for an amazing cycling adventure. Francis was a fantastic guide - knowledgeable, enthusiastic and great fun to be with. Mathew was a great driver - careful, encouraging and always smiling. They worked really well as a team and we felt they adapted the trip to our needs (which we really appreciated). We loved eating in local places and felt we got to experience the real Kerala. All of the accommodation was great. Our only comment was that the tea plantation should serve local food, rather than attempt to make western cuisine. Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our holiday with your company, and would highly recommend you to other tourists. Many thanks again !!!  Camilla Josh 2016-12-29

Our trip was a really good experience for us all. The cycling took us through some beautiful areas and Vipin was careful with the safety aspects shepherding us through the busy towns and junctions. Vipin was knowledgeable about the plants and scenery and knew the route thoroughly (having clearly done it many times). Rajeev was also always attentive with the van and supplies and extremely helpful. Vipin and Rajeev were particularly good for us given that I was doing this with our two sons aged 12 and 13 who have not undertaken a trip such as this before. They were patient and had the right attitude throughout. I would have no hesitation in recommending Kalypso and Vipin for friends to do similar tours in the future. Indeed, I gave the credit to Kalypso upon us finishing the tour.  Adrian Woodcock 2019-05-01

Route Maps

Gallery

FAQs

Q. Are cycles provided for this tour?
Cycles are provided for the tour

Q. What type of cycles are provided?
We provide CANONDALE / TREK / GIANT cycles.

Q. Will I get choice of my size?
We can provide frame sizes from 13” to 21”.

Q. Can I get my own cycle?
Yes, you can, but do let us know in advance.

Q. What other equipment are provided?
Standard items provided with the cycles are Pedals, Bar ends, water bottles and Helmets. We however recommend you bring your own helmets and camelbaks.

Q. What about transfers?
All transportation is included in the cost including airport pick up & drop at the nearest airport. The vehicle is also used to ferry your luggage , cycle & yourself as required.

Q. What kind of terrain can I expect?
The terrain consists of both level roads and mountainous terrain.

Q. What are the distances cycled each day?
We will send you this with the detailed itinerary.

Q. Are meals included in the package?
Most meals are included. The itinerary will have the details.

Q. What do I do if I’m too tired to cycle?
There is a vehicle that accompanies you throughout the trip. You can load the cycle on to carriers and take a ride it till you are ready to cycle again.

Q. Are panniers provided?
No but can do on specific request.

Q. Do we have a guide who cycles with us?
Yes, our guide will cycle with you throughout the trip.

Q. Do we get to shop along the way.
Yes, you will get opportunities en-route to do a bit of shopping. However, unless specifically asked for, our guides will not recommend any particular shop. We or our guides do not take commissions on shopping.

Q. Do we get to interact with local people?
You will get lot of opportunities to interact with local people and the itinerary specifically designed for such interactions.
Q. Does our visit help the local community in any way?
Yes, Most of the places you would be staying at are in small homestays, family owned resorts or camps and eco lodges managed by local community members . Your guides are selected from amongst the locals.

Q. Are entries into national parks, treks, elephant rides etc. included in the package?
No, all entries and activities will be charged extra but at actuals.

Q. Is the water available en-route safe to drink?
We recommend that you drink only the bottled water provided by us or if you are buying water, ensure that the bottle is sealed and has an ISI mark (India Standards Institute).

Q. How spicy is the food?
Typically Kerala food is spicy. We ensure that the food we provide is medium spicy unless you ask for bland food. Any special food requirements can be met if sufficient advance notice is given.

Q. Do we get an option of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food?
Yes

Q. What is the type of accommodation?
Accommodation provided is a combination of heritage villas, Eco Lodges & luxury Tents - all with a common thread of excellence in service. Most are family owned and run with great care and love. Food is a very important part of these journeys and we have ensured that Keralan cuisine is a part of this adventure. Our prices are based on 'twin-sharing' basis. For those interested, we provide single rooms, but at additional cost. While staying at the camp we provide all essentials including sleeping bags. A open-air barbeque around camp fire is another highlight of this adventure.

Q. What are the Exclusions ?
• Insurance - Please take your own insurance
• Tips to the guide and driver
• Personal expenses like beverages, laundry, telephone bills etc..
• Airport departure taxes (if any)

Q. Do we need a VISA ?
Yes, visitors to India must obtain a Visa before departure.
 

You may also like...

Kerala Cycling Challenge
This challenge takes you from the plains of Cochin at sea level through the tea gardens of Munnar at 4600 feet,down again to the rainforests of Periya
More Details
Cardamom Hills Cycling
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
More Details
Multi Activity Holiday in Kerala
Cycle, trek and kayak through picturesque landscapes, wildlife reserves and the meandering backwaters of Kerala on this exciting multi activity holida
More Details
Back to Activities

We Accept

If you are looking for a trekking, walking cycling holiday, kayaking expedition in the backwaters, wildlife & birding or family activity holidays in Kerala & other regions of India, we have a wide range of tours to choose from !

Kalypso Adventures

G 340, Panampilly Nagar, Kochi - 682036, Kerala - India
Tel : +91 - 484 4012700, 2092280
E-Mail :-
© KalypsoAdventures.com 2024

© KalypsoAdventures.com 2024. All rights reserved.
Designed Inhouse