Cycling in the Western Ghats Tour

Kerala Voyages Biking Western Ghats

Cycling in the Western Ghats Tour

Prices

From $2,845USD

Difficulty

Guided

Hotels, Houseboat, Lodges

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Highlights

Enjoy this scenic guided adventure through lush forests and sun-soaked beaches

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you journey through the Periyar Sanctuary and bask in the stunning natural beauty all around you.

Embark on an epic cycling journey through the gorgeous landscapes of Kerala and the Western Ghats as you pass mountains, forests, waterfalls, farmland, and beaches.

Lounge your troubles away on the sun-drenched beach at Marari as you explore the beautiful grounds of your beach resort.

Journey through the backwaters of Kerala in style aboard an exclusive houseboat as you explore the remote villages and points of interest along the way.

This guided cycling adventure will take you to exotic places as you journey over the Keralan landscape. Pedal your way past mountain vistas, lush forests, and wild waterfalls of India on an amazing journey through the Western Ghats. Explore tiny villages, trek through Periyar wildlife sanctuary, and discover the remote backwaters of Kerala aboard a houseboat as you experience India in a very special way.

When you get tired of all that exploration, come relax on the beach at Marari and see just how much sun, sand, and surf you can take. Don’t miss out on this unique cycling experience!

Cycling in the Western Ghats Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Cochin and Drive to Thattekkad

Upon arriving in Cochin, you’ll be immediately greeted and taken to Thattekkad where you’ll check-in to your hotel and get settled. Thattekkad is known for the famous Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary which you’ll have a chance to explore on a short afternoon cycle before enjoying your first delicious dinner.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Thattekkad
Distance
None
Meals
Dinner

Day 2 Drive and Cycle from Thattekkad to Munnar

Your guided cycling adventure begins with an interesting blend of biking and driving. You’ll depart by car from Thattekkad and head for Munnar, enjoying the amazing scenery of lush farmland, inspiring waterfalls, and expansive foliage. You’ll be out of the vehicle and cycling through Neriyamangalam, Thattekkad, Kuttambuzha, Urulanthanni, and Mamalakkandam before hopping back in the car to continue the drive to Munnar. After checking in to your hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to go on a bike tour of Munnar before dinner.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Munnar
Distance
30 km
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 Biking around Munnar Locales

Today your guide will cycle with you to a variety of interesting local destinations around Munnar. You’ll visit several places including the Mankulam area, the lockhart gap, Bison Valley, and Pothamedu sunset point. Along the way, you’ll stop at a local tea factory for a quick introduction to the fascinating art of tea-making.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Munnar
Distance
35 km
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Cycling from Munnar to Marayoor then Driving to Chinnar

Once you check-out of the hotel, you’ll begin the cycling tour by following your guide to Marayoor. From there you’ll hop back in the car for the drive to Chinnar. There will be options for more cycling along the way. Once you reach Chinnar you can check-in and get yourself settled before dinner.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Chinnar
Distance
40 km
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 Riding from Chinnar to Tirumoorthy Village

Your bike adventure resumes with a tour around the local area. You’ll visit Tirumoorthy village, the dam, Jain Cave, and the Temple in Thali Village. Once you’ve gotten a chance to experience the local sights and points of interest, you’ll head back to the lodge for the night.

Overnight Location
Lodge in Tirumoorthy
Distance
30 km
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 Cycling from Chinnar to Palani then Drive to Madurai

Today’s itinerary will have you cycling through tiny Tamilian villages en route to Madurai. First you’ll cycle through Amaravathy, Kuluman, Pappanpetty, and Kuranthal on your way to Palani. Once there, you’ll get to visit the Palani Temple and the surrounding area. When you finish, hop in the car and head to Madurai where you’ll check-in to your hotel before enjoying a stroll on the lovely grounds before dinner.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Madurai
Distance
40 km
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 Exploring Madurai

Today you’ll keep it local while pedaling to all the local points of interest including: Meenakshi Temple, Nayak Palace, and the local Flower market.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Madurai
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 Drive and Cycle from Madurai to Periyar

Your guided tour begins today with a drive toward Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. You’ll switch to your bike when you reach Cumbum Valley and pedal on to Harvest Fresh farms to enjoy a freshly prepared lunch made on site at the organic farm. After you’ve eaten, hop back into the car and drive the rest of the way into Periyar. After checking in to your accommodation, you’ll head out on a tour of a spice farm and then settle down for a martial arts show at a local theater.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Periyar
Distance
20 km
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Discovering Periyar

You’ll spend your day today on your feet instead of your bike. But don’t worry, Periyar Sanctuary is an amazing place to be on foot! You’ll begin the guided hiking program at 7:30am when you board the bus that will take you to the trailhead. Once you register for the hike, you’ll pick up your gear and food and then head out for 12 kms of hiking and 2 kms of bamboo rafting. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife at all times! Bear in mind that this excursion is only for fit hikers age 13 and up.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Periyar
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Alleppey Houseboat Backwater Cruise

Today you’ll hop in the car for a scenic drive to Alleppey. Once there, you’ll board a deluxe houseboat and take a cruise through the backwaters of Kerala. Explore remote villages and interesting local points of interest in the only way possible: by boat! You’ll overnight aboard the boat and dine on meals made fresh for you on board as well.

Overnight Location
Houseboat in Alleppey
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 Pedal from Alleppey to Marari Beach

After enjoying one last delightful meal aboard the houseboat, you’ll checkout and begin your cycling journey again through tiny villages and up the coast road to Marari. This peaceful beach paradise will be your home for the next couple days while you explore the beach resort and surrounding area. Once you’re checked in, head back out for another cycle along the coastal highway before returning to enjoy some well-deserved rest beachside. Feel free to book a healing ayurvedic massage or take a stroll down the surf and sand.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Marari
Distance
20 km
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 Experiencing Marari

It’s a lazy day at the beach! Watch the waves crash and the wind stir in the trees while you soak up all that sun. If you get tired of lounging in the picture postcard, feel free to head out and explore the traditional fishing village and get a feel for a truly ancient and peaceful way of life. In the evening, you can visit the local temple to complete the authentic Indian experience.

Overnight Location
Resort in Marari
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13 Biking from Marari to Cochin

Today you’ll be pedaling the coastal highway through the tiny local villages. Pause when you reach Manakkodam village and join a tour organized by the local women designed to give you a picture of life in the village. After the tour you’ll enjoy a homemade lunch at a local house. From there you’ll continue on to Cochin where you can check-in to the hotel before heading out to see a live Kathakali show.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Cochin
Distance
40 km
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 Touring Cochin

Head out with your guide on a cycling tour through Cochin. Once you hit the local high points you’ll have the afternoon free for shopping or additional exploring on your own.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Cochin
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 Departure from Cochin

After breakfast, your tour is over. You will be taken back to the Cochin International Airport to catch your flight.

Overnight Location
None
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Cycling in the Western Ghats Tour Prices and Dates

This guided biking tour in Kerala is always run as a custom tour for your group only. The price always depends on the size of your group, also, whether you choose to stay in regular hotels, or prefer more luxurious options.
Prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room.

Private Guided Cycling in the Western Ghats Tour in Standard Accommodations

  • Guided Groups of 2-3: $4,345USD per person
  • Guided Groups of 4: $3,025USD per person
  • Guided Groups of 5-7: $2,845USD per person
  • Guided Groups of 8+: on request

Private Guided Cycling in the Western Ghats Tour in Luxury Accommodations

  • Guided Groups of 2-3: $6,350USD per person
  • Guided Groups of 4: $4,595USD per person
  • Guided Groups of 5-7: $4,445USD per person
  • Guided Groups of 8+: on request
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Accommodation on Cycling in the Western Ghats Tour

For this tour, you'll have the option to choose between the standard 2 and 3-star accommodations or a more exclusive, luxurious experience.

For the standard option, you should expect to have modern conveniences, well-appointed rooms, and many individual locations that may have special or signature amenities such as fireplaces, balconies, or saunas.

With the luxury option, you should expect everything you'd get from the standard experience, plus you'll find the accommodations are more unique as well as luxurious. Choose this option if you're in the mood to be both more adventurous and more pampered.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel.

Hornbill Camp in Thattekad

Hornbill Camp offers guests a rustic, comfortable stay amid the jungle. Expect to watch a lot of birds fluttering throughout the camp!

Camelot Resort in Munnar

Nestled in a natural setting amidst tea and coffee plantations, you’ll find it easy to connect with nature here. Enjoy the plentiful hiking trails and organic fruits and vegetables.

Deshadan Eco Valley Resort in Chinnar

Set in the middle of Kanthalloor valley amidst the Shola forest, you’ll feel like you’re in a fantasy world as you walk the misty, forested grounds or rest in the immaculate rooms.

Hotel Germanus in Madurai

Located close to great restaurants and points of interest, the Hotel Germanus has something for everyone. Many amenities including a rooftop pool!

Hotel Peppervine in Periyar

Peppervine is located just outside the Periyar Sanctuary. This three-star hotel offers many amenities for your convenience and a friendly staff waiting to serve you.

Night 10

Houseboat in Alleppey 

Come aboard for a unique houseboat experience!

Hotel Arakal Heritage in Marari

This accommodation is a beautiful private house, serving amazing authentic Indian cuisine with friendly staff. If you want a truly relaxing Marari beach experience, come and find it!

Dutch Bungalow in Cochin

This lovely hotel is a heritage property built in 1668 by the Dutch East India Company. Get a taste of the local history while you enjoy your stay!

Hotels on Standard Tour

What’s included in Cycling in the Western Ghats Tour?

Meals

14 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 14 dinners are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 14 nights along the tour are included.

Transportation during the Tour

Transportation is included for you and your luggage.

Also Included

  • Accompanying Cycling guide throughout the Tour
  • Professional English-speaking driver
  • Professional mountain bike rental
  • All trekking permits, entrance fees and camera fees
  • Assistance and emergency helpline throughout the travel
  • Additional activities mentioned in program:
    • Guided Spice Farm visit in Periyar
    • Manakkodam Village visit with lunch
    • Guided Heritage sightseeing in Cochin
    • Full day guided trekking with bamboo rafting at Periyar with packed lunch
    • Harvest Farm visit with lunch
  • All taxes

Not included

  • Getting to and from starting and ending points of the tour
  • Visa
  • Insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips
  • Anything not stated as ‘included’

Optional Extras

  • Additional night in Cochin before and after the tour
  • Airport transfers

Frequenty Asked Questions about Cycling in the Western Ghats Tour

How hard is Cycling in the Western Ghats Tour?

We rate this tour 3/5. It’s beginner friendly, but being reasonably fit is expected.

Do I need a Visa to travel to India?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

What should I bring to the trip?

Here’s the list of what you should bring with you:

  • Passport
  • Change of clothes
  • Sunglasses & hat
  • Toiletries
  • Sunblock
  • Insect repellent
  • Flashlights
  • Camera
  • Proper sport boots/shoes
  • Personal first aid kit & medicine
  • Small VND notes for buying drinks
  • If you feel the need, you can bring along a luggage lock for your belongings.

Are meals included on Cycling in the Western Ghats Tour?

14 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 14 dinners are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Thattekkad to start this tour?

You can get to Thattekkad by taxi, bus or train from most of major Indian cities. The closest airport is in Cochin International Airport, located around 45 km.

Cycling in the Western Ghats Tour in English?

Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.

Where does Cycling in the Western Ghats Tour end?

The tour ends in Cochin.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to India?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for India?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to India for this tour?

The best time to travel to India for this biking tour is from November to May.

Reviews

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Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.

Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

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Prices

From $2,845USD

Difficulty

Guided

Hotels, Houseboat, Lodges

Start Your Booking

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Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour 3/5. It’s beginner friendly, but being reasonably fit is expected.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

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