9 Days Kerala Cycling Tour

Day 1: Thattekkad Arrival

Your arrival at lowland forests of Thattekkad, set on the banks of the Periyar River. After checking into the Hornbill Camp, check out the cycles for the tough challenge ahead. We will take a quick ride to Edmalayar in the nearby forests along the mountain tracks to get acclimatized to the terrain and climate for the days ahead.

Day 2: Thattekkad - Periyar

Early morning we will depart on our ride for the first big challenge - riding from 300' to above 3600'. We ride along the side of the river Periyar, through forests, spice plantations, countryside of pineapple plantations & rubber estates. At Neriamangalam, we will start our ride uphill through narrow mountain roads with deep chasms on its side, wilderness interspersed with lakes, spice growing villages and narrow rivulets and deep canyons, till we reach the foothills of the Western Ghats at Adimali. Our destination is a beautifully crafted Cardamom Estate Bungalow reminiscent of the holidaying of the great planters of yester year that will instantly charm you with its typical Kerala style architecture.

Day 3-4 : Periyar - Munnar

We will make our way to Munnar, the hill country, after breakfast. Once a favourite summer resort town of the British, the hill town of Munnar is set amidst dramatic mountain scenery: craggy peaks, tall red wood trees, and some of the world's highest tea plantations. The terrain is undulating but the scenic beauty of the manicured tea gardens is bound to mesmerize you while you cycle towards the beautiful Tea Estate Bungalow where we will spend the next two days, cycling, walking , visiting the tea estates or meeting the indigenous people - the muduvans.

Day 5-6 : Munnar - Chinnar

We will be up early and we ride through the only sandalwood forest in India and the dry deciduous forests of the Wildlife sanctuary at Chinnar, with chances of sightings of wildlife roaming free. Soon we will cross the boundaries into Tamilnadu and pass through temple towns and large farmlands and bustling towns as we reach the foothills of Indira Gandhi National park - one of the most wildlife rich parks in India 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. Our stay will be at a farm bungalow with plantations of coconuts, groundnuts, vanilla, gooseberry and sugarcane. We can spend a day to ride to nearby villages, meet the local people and take a round the periphery of the park.

Day 7 : Chinnar - Valparai

Today is the day of the greatest challenge of the entire ride - riding the 24 'hair-pin' bends through the narrow mountain trail taking us into the heart of Valparai, famed for its tea and rain forests which are the last bastion for the endangered Lion Tailed Macaques . On arrival by afternoon we will settle into the luxurious tea estate bungalow and take the afternoon off to watch the macaques in their natural rain forest habitat.

Day 8 : Valparai - Athirappally

We will 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 Vazhachal. We will stay at the Plantation Resort within hearing distance of the thundering waterfall.

Day 9 : Athirappally - Kochi

Today we will take a ferry crossing to Kochi and pass through plantation and forest areas till we reach Kochi where we end our trip at Fort Kochi and stay at one of the heritage hotels.

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Departure date : Based on your inquiry

Tour Cost : Contact us

Bikes: Mountain Bikes

Bike Sizes: 13-21

Bike Hire: Includes on Tour Cost. You may bring your own bikes, but in this case let us know in advance. Other equipment provided: Pedals, helmet, water bottles.

Accommodation

Accommodation is offered at all locations. Most of the hotels are Culture Resort, Eco Resorts & family run hotels - all with a common line of quality in service. Our costs are based on 'twin-sharing' foundation. For those who wants single room, we offer single room, but at extra cost.

Terrain

The landscape includes flatlands, mountains, backwaters and village streets.

Climate

The variety of the regional features of this country has led to a corresponding variety in environment. The Great Varies have awesome environment throughout the year, while the flatlands are warm and moist. The common level of yearly rain fall is superb in Kerala, Sikkim and some of the Northern Eastern Declares of Native India, when compared to other Native India. July to Aug is the monsoon season, with heavy downpours. It is always recommended to check weather and temperature at websites.

Transportation/Support Vehicles

All transport is involved in the cost. We provide backup vehicle at all times during cycling trip. The vehicle can be used to boat your baggage & yourself as required.

Food

Food is a very essential part of these trips. We make sure that the meals we offer is method delicious, unless you ask for dull meals. You are also permitted the choice of veggie or non-vegetarian meals. We suggest that you consume only the canned standard water. Please make sure that the container is enclosed.

What to bring

Footwear

• Bike shoes
• Sun cream lotion
• Relaxed shoes for walking
• Shoes for other sightseeing
• Socks

Clothing

• In Indian, the conventional of outfit is more traditional. We counsel you to prevent very short shorts/skirts and limited tops/tanktops when viewing small non-urban places, temples, mosques or other sacred sites as this may limit your access.
• A hotter set of outfits (Fleece, Coat, hat and gloves) are required for visits going through Munnar and other thin air places.
• Water resistant jacket.
• Riding a bike equipment like safety gloves and shorts.

Others

• Torch
• Mosquito repellent
• Eyewear, cap
• Sun lotion of spf at least 35
• Individual Bike riding equipment like bar finishes, pedals, chairs and headgear
• Helmets for riding a bike

Health

Water is higher risk; hence we suggest that you drink only nutrient water in bottles during your trip. A cage of standard nutrient water is always focused for in the start of the vehicle during trips as an urgent evaluate. Despite the high requirements, it is worth providing basic OTC medications for disappointed tummies, complications, pest attacks etc. Indian is a financially creating democratic republic and has worked very hard to control illnesses. Sufficient medical care is available in the major inhabitants' facilities, but is usually limited in the non-urban areas of the country. Many western worlds are utilizing the state-of-the-art healthcare services available in Indian. The cost of treatment is much less expensive here in comparison to the same features available in innovative nations.

The most important cause of sickness of tourists in Indian is food and water-borne illnesses. Malware, bacteria, or harmful bacteria can cause diarrhea. Attacks may cause simple diarrhea and throwing up, high temperature, or, in extraordinary instances, liver organ damage (hepatitis). Malaria is a avoidable disease that can create trouble if neglected. One can prevent disease by taking recommended anti-malarial drugs and defending against insect attacks. The areas you will be passing are Malaria-free. Make sure that your insurance provider includes illnesses and injuries overseas.

Precautions

• Bring all the important medications and OTC medications. Do not ignore to have the brands as well as the general titles of the medications one needs to have.
• Use a sun hat when revealed.
• Consume a lot of liquids. Don't drink tap water. Use only bottled water which is always kept in the back of your automobile.
• Bring your personal medical kit and pest resilient.
• To avoid fungus and parasitic attacks, keep legs clean and dry, and do not go without shoes.
• Do not eat food bought from road providers.
• Do not drink drinks with ice.
• Do not eat milk products unless it is known that they have been pasteurized.
• Prevent managing creatures (especially apes, pets, and cats) to avoid attacks and serious illnesses.

Medical Information Update

Details given above are liable to change every now and then and one should contact the Native India tasks of the specific country or the government vacationer offices for more details.

Shopping

You will get possibilities en-route to do a bit of purchasing. However unless particularly requested for, our guide will not suggest any particular store. Neither we nor our driver/guides take any percentage on purchasing.

Spending Money

Every visitor will have different cash specifications and varying personal costs. Please assess your own spending routines while enabling for beverages, purchasing and falling. Also keep aside cash for extra costs like:

• Foods which are not included
• Emergencies
• Optionally available activities /additional sightseeing
• Shopping/Souvenirs

Foreign Exchange

As Indian currency value tend to go up and down, make reference to the following website for daily return rates: www.xe.com.

Airport Taxes

There is no airport terminal or leaving taxation from any airport terminal of India.

Exclusions

• Insurance Policy - Please take your own Insurance
• Tips
• Beverages
• Laundry
• Telephone bills