E-Bike Tour in Rural Kerala

Tour Overview

This is an e-bike tour through the heart of rural Kerala. This leisurely ride is along scenic routes with backwaters, beaches, forests, spice gardens and rubber plantations. Starting from Kochi, this cycling holiday in Kerala covers almost every aspect of the culture and natural beauty that draws people to Kerala. From rendezvous at Fort Kochi, the historical areas of ancient port of Muziris, the lowland forests and bird watching in Thattekkad, to country houses and farms, local village rides, this cycling tour encompasses unique experiences. This eight day rural cycling holiday leaves you relaxed and fresh at the end of the tour.

Day 1: Kochi

Your first day of this exciting cycling holiday in Kerala will be spent at Fort Kochi. Once you arrive at the Kochi International Airport, you will be transferred to Fort Kochi. Set in a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, Kochi is a city of cultural diversity. After you check and fit your bikes, you can spend the rest of the day exploring Fort Kochi, visiting the synagogue and the Dutch palace, buying a few knick-knacks at Jew street and spending the evening gazing out at the Chinese fishing nets at the harbour mouth. Your evening will end with the performances of myriad classical dancers from various parts of Kerala. Cycling distance: 50 kms

Day 2: Beach & Backwater ride

Starting the day early, you will first be transferred the short distance on the island ferry to Vypin. From here you start your cycling, first going past the coastal villages along the beach and then the long stretches with the Kochi backwaters on either side. You will be riding through paddy fields, fish farms, coconut groves and long stretches of beaches till you reach the site of the ancient port of Muziris – once all powerful as the centre of world of spices. After visiting the restored Chendamangalam synagogue, the Cheraman mosque and the renovated palace of Palliath Achan – the erstwhile rulers of Kochi, you will ride into a quiet country home surrounded by the backwaters.     Cycling distance: 45 kms  

Day 3: Ride along the Periyar River Rapids

The day starts early with a ride towards the foothills of the Western Ghats. The ride will pass through the rural Kerala countryside and soon will give way to spice farms and rubber plantations. Your destination is a beautifully laid out resort close to one of Kerala’s famous rivers – the Periyar, so close you can hear its rapids thundering down the mountains. Cycling distance: 40 kms  

Day 4: The Lowland Forests of Thattekkad

Today you will be riding towards one of the best bird watching destinations in India – the lowland forests of Thattekkad with over 275 species of birds, 76 species of butterflies 30 species of reptiles, besides wildlife such as elephants, Sambar deer, wild Dogs, civet cats among others. Your stay will be at the rustic Hornbill camp set along the shores of the river Periyar opposite the sanctuary. After a traditional lunch at the gazebo overlooking the river, do avail the opportunity to go across to the rain forests on the opposite side of the river. The lush rain forest also harbours endemic birds like the brilliantly colourful Malabar Parakeets and the Malabar Trogons. After your return, there is a walk planned through the local village to see how the farming community lives amidst their plantations of rubber, coconuts and spices like pepper and ginger. The villages are friendly places and you will be welcomed in their midst. Cycling distance: 40 kms  

Day 5: Thodupuzha

From Thattekkad, this cycling tour of Kerala continues along the banks of the Periyar River, and up to Thodupuzha, a picturesque little town. The roads meander through spice farms and large rubber plantations. You cycle along this scenic route to a resort located on the banks of the river. You will get to walk through spice belts located here, with a chance to spot spices like nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper vines.   Cycling distance: 40 kms  

Day 6: Pala

After breakfast you make your way through the villages and countryside to an organic spice farm. The route is spectacular and soon you will be passing rubber plantations and paddy fields as you ride into a farm house built over a century ago in the typical architectural style of Kerala. This is the Mundakkal Plantation homestay. The villa is set amidst paddy fields and spice plantations. Joseph and his family reside at the homestay. His son is a naturalist and will take you around on walks through the farm and the village. There are good hills to climb, walks around the village, a chance to meet up with local residents and lots to learn about the intricacies of Syrian Christian cooking – especially meats and pickles. The nearby Ayurvedic centre is ideal for Ayurvedic massages.   Cycling distance: 35 kms  

Day 7: Backwater Village

Waking up to a spectacular sunrise in the village, you can watch as the villagers begin their day – school children on their way to schools, farmers tilling the fields, and toddy tappers at work bringing down the coconut sap to be sold as toddy for the masses. Your cycling will take you through the narrow country roads to a backwater heritage villa located along the shores of the backwaters - a great place to enjoy a Kerala Ayurvedic massage as you relax in the evening and make for a perfect end to your rural cycling adventure in Kerala. Cycling distance: 45 kms  

Day 8: Depart

This marks the end of an exciting rural cycling holiday.   

Inclusions

• E-bike ride
• Accommodation with most Meals
• Transfers by AC car 
• E-bikes or normal bikes
• Accompanying Biking guide
• Mineral 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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