Tour Overview
This challenge takes you on an unforgettable journey from the plains of Cochin at sea level, through the lush tea gardens of Munnar at 4600 feet, down to the rainforests of Periyar at 2500 feet, along the scenic mountain ridges to Idukki, and finally descending to the tranquil backwaters and Kerala's famous rice boats at Kumarakom before returning to Cochin along the coast.
Our challenges are fully supported with lead vehicles, marshals, refreshment teams, CASEVAC SUVs, and coaches to accommodate all cyclists. We provide multi-geared performance mountain bikes, accompanied by highly skilled mechanics and guides to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride. Participants will stay in standard twin-share accommodations, and our dedicated luggage team ensures your belongings are taken care of, allowing you to rest and recharge after each challenging day of cycling. Join us for an exhilarating and well-supported adventure through the diverse landscapes of South India.
- Day 1,2: Fort Cochin
- Upon arrival at Kochi, we will meet and assist you with the transfer to your hotel, a one-hour drive to the historic Fort Cochin. On the second day, enjoy a half-day guided tour exploring the historic city of Fort Cochin. Visit the Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, and the Dutch Palace. In the afternoon, we will fit your cycles under the supervision of experienced mechanics. In the evening, join us for a tour briefing and dinner.
- Day 3: Kochi to Thattekad
- After breakfast, we will transfer you to the start point. Begin your cycling adventure, taking advantage of the early morning coolness as we head towards the foothills of the Western Ghats and the lowland forests of Thattekad. Starting just outside the city limits to avoid traffic, we ride through scenic countryside featuring temples, spice gardens, paddy fields, and rubber plantations. Enjoy a leisurely lunch en route before arriving at a spectacular eco-lodge on the banks of the Periyar River.
- Day 4: Thattekkad to Munnar
- Following breakfast, we set off cycling along the Periyar riverbank, through dense low-altitude forests of Neriyamanagalam, known for its reed extraction for traditional household items. As the scenery shifts, we pass rubber, pepper, and cardamom estates, eventually reaching tea plantations. After lunch at Adimali, we continue to Munnar in the accompanying vehicle. Munnar, a hill town famous for its vast tea plantations and dramatic mountain scenery, was once a favorite summer resort of the British.
- Day 5: Munnar to Vandanmedu
- Starting from Munnar at over 1500m, we cycle through tea gardens and forest patches, navigating the Lockhart Gap with views of Bison Valley below. We traverse thick forests, cardamom estates, and spice gardens that make the Cardamom Hills world-famous. In the evening, check into a magnificent resort in Vandanmedu, set amidst cardamom and tea estates.
- Day 6: Vandanmedu to Periyar
- Today's destination is Periyar, cycling through forests, tea gardens, and spice plantations. Arrive at Periyar by lunchtime, where you can relax or explore the jungle. Periyar is one of India's best wildlife reserves, home to large herds of Asiatic elephants, Indian Bison, and Tigers, as well as over 330 species of birds, including the majestic Great Hornbill.
- Day 7: Periyar to Vagamon
- Cycle along winding roads to the edge of the Western Ghats at Vagamon. This perfect mountain biking terrain offers scenic views, spice-growing hamlets, and undulating roads through tea estates and forests. Your destination is a resort set amidst tea estates, providing a quiet retreat after a challenging day of cycling.
- Day 8: Vagamon to Alleppey
- Today's ride takes you downhill through mountain passes to the plains, then through the rubber country of Palai to Alleppey, the gateway to Kerala's backwaters. Settle into a beautiful resort on the banks of the Alleppey lagoon.
- Day 9: Marari
- Enjoy a free day to explore the backwaters on an optional houseboat cruise in Alleppey. Houseboats offer luxurious accommodation and transport, allowing you to recline on cushions and drift through quiet canals. Explore paddy fields grazed by ducks, floating markets, local toddy shops, temples, and churches. In the evening, transfer to a beach resort in Alleppey.
- Day 10: Depart
- Your Kerala Trekking Challenge concludes here. Transfer to the airport for your departure.
Inclusions
Support Level:
• Accommodation on Twin Share
• Support Vehicles
Lead SUV
Support Mini Bus from transfers
Separate Luggage Transfer
Support Truck for cycles
• Support Team
Tour Leader
Marshals
Mechanics
Support Guides
• Hot Lunch(Buffet Arrangement with limited chairs and floor mats)
• Multi- Geared Imported Cycles
Cannondale, Trek and Merida performance bikes
• Refreshment & Water
Set refreshment stops every 15 to 25 Kms during cycling, based on terrain.
Note:
• Inclusions based on a minimum group size of 60 pax
Holiday Feedback
I just wanted to say an enormous thank you to everyone for making this cycling challenge the most successful and memorable ride this charity has ever undertaken. The route, the organisation, accommodation, food and team were perfect.Yvonne Konieczna-Genesis Research Trust 2015-10-24
Gallery
Back to Activities
