E-Bike Tour in Rural Kerala

Tour Overview

This is a fully supported e-bike tour through the heart of rural Kerala. Starting from Kochi, this cycling holiday in Kerala covers almost every aspect of the culture and natural beauty that draws people to Kerala. This holiday has been specially designed for e-Bikes, making cycling easy with power assisted e-bikes. During your journey you will have a grandstand view of Kerala's lowland forests, the stunning views of the Western Ghat mountains, the magnificent backwaters of Alleppey and the grand beaches at Marari. We welcome you to this quite little corner of India to enjoy your trip along quiet country roads, the spice plantations, village life and fabulous Keralan cuisine. With accommodation being carefully chosen to include glamping, country houses, farmsteads and resorts, this cycling tour encompasses unique experiences. This eight day rural e-bike cycling holiday leaves you relaxed and fresh at the end of the tour. There will be a support vehicle and guide throughout your ride.

Day 1: Kochi

Today is your arrival at Kochi. You will be met at the airport & transferred to the old quarter of the city – the Fort Kochi area. After setting into your accommodation, check out your e-bikes and followed by a small roundabout through the nearby areas. In the evening a tour of the old city is planned. Fort Kochi, Kerala, offers a blend of history, culture, and scenic views, making it perfect for sightseeing. Starting with the first European Church built in 1503 – the St Francis Church – makes it good start from the heart of the old city. Nearby it’s one of the oldest European churches in India. Originally constructed by the Portuguese, it holds the tombstone of Vasco da Gama, who was buried here before his remains were later moved to Portugal. Move to the Dutch Cemetery, dating back to 1724, has some of the oldest graves of Dutch and British settlers. The epitaphs tell tales of the colonial era, making it a fascinating visit for those interested in the region’s history. After a quick visit, move on to the Santa Cruz Basilica, a Roman Catholic church renowned for its grand interiors and Gothic-style architecture. It features vibrant frescoes, wall paintings, and a serene atmosphere. It is time to move on to the Mattancherry area with its old Jew street, the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) showcasing Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art, along with portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi and finally the Pardesi Synagogue - built in 1568. The synagogue’s interiors are adorned with chandeliers, Belgian glass, and hand-painted tiles. In the evening, take a walk down the harbour front & watch the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets (Cheenavala) the hallmark of Kochi's coastline and you might get to see the local fishermen at work. A local classical dance drama ‘kathakali’ is also an attraction in the evening before you retire for the night..

Day 2: Beach & Backwater ride

 An e-bike ride from Fort Kochi along the coast to the site of the legendary Muziris, the mega port two millennia ago is your destination for the day - a fantastic way to explore Kerala’s scenic coastal route, rich historical sites, and lush landscapes. This route is about 35-40 km covering the Muziris areas, the cluster of the islands that make up the river Periyar delta regions and their lifestyles would be highlights of the day. The ride passes close to the coastline through the beaches of Cherai and through numerous fishing villages and finally to the Muziris area showcasing the ancient Chendamangalam Synagogue now restored, the Paliath Palace where the erstwhile Maharaj’s important ministers often stayed and the first mosque in India – showcasing the various nationalities who over the millennia patronised this great harbour for spices and precious stones. As we ride into the Cranganore resort, you have an ideal stop after a busy day of cycling and historical visits. The evenings are relaxing and the sea breeze welcoming !  

Day 3: The Western Ghats

Today it would be an early start as you will be heading towards the imposing Western Ghats and the forests that covers the entire mountain system. The ride starts through the backwaters and making your way towards the Western Ghats – the sentinel mountain system running the length  of the State. Small villages and settlements dot the landscape of coconut plantations and paddies before the slight ascent towards the mountain ranges. The destination today is the deep forests near Athirapilly where the Chalakudy thunders down what is Kerala’s biggest waterfalls. Your resort is located within hearing distance of the waterfall.  The Athirapilly area is one part of the 36 bio-diversity regions of the world. Here you can go on a walk through the forests in the company of local community or tribal community trackers and you may be lucky to spot endangered species like the Malabar Pied Hornbills or  the majestic Lion Tailed Macaques that have made these forests their natural home. The area is also home to large herds of elephants, which often  visit the banks of the river.  

Day 4: The Rapids at Panieli

 After an early morning walk around the forests here, you will be cycling towards the Periyar river – the longest in Kerala. Before it enters its final stretch near Kochi, it crashes down through the mountains forming the grand rapids at Panieli. The route takes you through winding roads surrounded by thick forests, spice farms, oil palms, small villages and rubber plantations. The terrain is a mix of flat sections, rolling hills, and some climbs and makes for a very enjoyable ride. With luck, you will be able to sight elephants which roam the area. Your resort is near the Panieli Rapids, an ideal place to relax. Walk around the area where the river Periyar gushes through the forested areas and an ideal for rafting. The elephant kraal nearby at Kodanad is a place for an optional visit – a place during the erstwhile age of maharajas where elephants were captured and tamed for logging work and as grand mascots for temple festivals. Now the place is utilised as an elephant rescue centre for orphaned wild elephant calves.

Day 5: The lowlands Forests at Thattekkad

 Your ride is through the narrow country roads along the Periyar river, snaking its way down to the plains, emptying out at Kochi through many of its tributaries. Forests, spice, rubber and fire wood plantations abound on one side of the river and forests on the other side which makes this ride a calming experience. This is the portion of the river once teeming with ‘bamboo runners’ who used to ride on large bamboo bundles to be sold downstream. Stop to cool your feet in the water while you refresh yourselves and enjoy the scenery – and with possibilities of elephant sightings on the opposite banks of the river. Arrive at one of the best birding locations in South India – Thattekkad. This is a region of lowland forests with 12 species of amphibians, 275 species of birds and 76 species of butterflies, many endemics among them. Elephants, Sambar, Wild Dogs, Civet Cat, Jungle Cat are sometimes seen. Here you will get an opportunity to go on the kayaks for a journey through to the rain forests on the opposite side of the river. The lush rain forest also harbours endemic birds like the brilliantly colorful Malabar Parakeets & the Malabar Trogons. There also a walk planned through the local village to see how the farming community lives amidst their plantations of rubber, coconuts & various spices like pepper and ginger. The villages are friendly places and you will be welcomed in their midst.

Day 6: In The Tribal Heartland

 Making the best of early morning weather, you will be setting off once again through village roads along the banks of Periyar river to the lowland forests at Urulanthanni. Stop over at the Palaruvi waterfalls for refreshments and ride the rest of the climb to Mamalakandam. Through the ages, every home in Kerala was a self-sustaining unit, where your ‘parambu’ or yard, provided many essentials. A bamboo grove has always been a staple in the yard and has a myriad of uses in a homestead. Bamboo was used for baskets fashioned for fishing, or for use in the kitchen, as a trellis for growing vegetables to name a few examples. The Western Ghats, ecologically rich in flora and fauna, has for centuries abundantly provided forest dwelling communities with bamboo, and they used their skills to fashion bamboo into baskets, paaya’s or mats, utensils, rattan for furniture among other things. Living within these forests, bamboo has been an integral part of their life and livelihood. You will get to have an unforgettable experience as you get to spend time with one such village community of muthuvans at Mamalakandam, a community keeping this ecologically sustainable practices alive. Your experience will include a wholesome and delicious traditional lunch cooked in bamboo shoots using local ingredients and spices and you will see that bamboo has found its way into the method of cooking as well. After you lunch, ride the rest of the way to a resort hidden within the forests, truly the ‘green mansions’!

Day 7: Backwaters at Kumarakom

  Continuing your ride through forest tracks, you will be heading towards a ‘world of water’ – the famed backwaters of Kerala. The ‘backwaters’ is the large network of canals, lagoons, rivers and lakes that is the highlight of the Kerala landscape. It is famous for its boat races, houseboats and coir industry. When Raja Kesavadasan, the Dewan of Travancore, founded the town in 1762, there was just one canal through the strip of sand between the backwaters and the sea. This soon grew into a bustling waterway, with shops, factories and commercial establishments springing up on either bank of the canal. Located nearby is the region called Kuttanad, the Granary of Kerala, where farming is done below sea level. What better way to see this beautiful world of water than staying on the banks of the vast Kumarakom lagoon with its swaying palms and the sound of nature and birds into a beautiful symphony that will be a fitting end to your week long adventure through rural Kerala, its fascinating people and natural bounty.  

Day 8: Depart

This marks the end of an exciting rural cycling holiday.   

Inclusions

• E-bikes
• Accommodation at deluxe resorts with most Meals
• Transfers by aircon  cars 
• Accompanying guide who will cycle with you
• Bottled water & Refreshments during cycling
• All applicable taxes. 

Holiday Feedback

Route Maps

FAQs

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

Q. Are E-bikes provided for this tour?
E-bikes are provided for the tour

Q. Is E-bike hire included in the cost?
Yes.

Q. Will I get choice of my size?
Mid size Ebikes will be provided

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 level roads and the quite countryside most of the way.

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 and you can take a lift.

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.

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