Kerala Hike, Bike & Kayak

Tour Overview

Discover the very best of Kerala on this expertly curated 12-day Walk, Cycle & Kayak holiday, a unique active holiday in India that combines adventure, culture, wildlife, and responsible travel. From the historic streets of Fort Kochi to the misty mountains of the Western Ghats and the tranquil waterways of the Kerala Backwaters, this immersive journey showcases why Kerala is one of India’s most rewarding destinations for travellers seeking authentic and meaningful experiences. This carefully paced multi-activity holiday in Kerala blends guided rainforest walks, scenic cycling routes, wildlife encounters, spice plantation visits, and peaceful backwater kayaking with meaningful interactions with local communities. Explore tea-covered hills, tropical forests, vibrant villages, and coastal landscapes while travelling at a slower pace that allows a deeper connection with Kerala’s remarkable natural heritage and cultural traditions. Meet farmers, artisans, and village residents who share their knowledge, hospitality, and way of life, adding an enriching human dimension to the journey. With expert local guides, small-group experiences, and a strong commitment to responsible tourism in India, this Kerala adventure holiday offers the ideal balance of exploration and relaxation. It is an unforgettable way to experience the culture, cuisine, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes of Kerala while supporting sustainable travel and local communities across South India.

Multi Activity Holiday in Kerala

Day 1: Arrival in Fort Kochi: A Heritage Town: Your Kerala adventure begins on arrival at Cochin International Airport (COK), where you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your carefully selected heritage property in Fort Kochi. Set within this historic and elegant coastal town, your accommodation offers the perfect introduction to Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, combining colonial-era architecture with warm local hospitality. After time to relax, join a guided tour of Fort Kochi, a remarkable heritage town where cultures from across the world have met for centuries. Arab, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, British, Jewish, and Syrian Christian communities all contributed to the unique character of this historic port, creating a vibrant cultural tapestry that still defines Fort Kochi today. Stroll through narrow lanes lined with beautifully preserved colonial buildings, spice warehouses, art galleries, and cafés, and visit landmarks such as the iconic Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, the Paradesi Synagogue, and the Dutch-influenced Mattancherry area. As the sun sets over the Arabian Sea, Fort Kochi provides a captivating beginning to your Kerala holiday, blending history, culture, and authentic local experiences in one unforgettable destination.
Day 2: Cycling to Thattekad: Rural Kerala and Rainforests: After breakfast, transfer to the outskirts of Kochi where your cycling adventure begins. Today’s 55 km ride takes you through the peaceful countryside of Kerala, along quiet village roads lined with coconut groves, rubber plantations, paddy fields, and small farming communities. This gentle introduction to cycling in Kerala offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the slower rhythms of rural life and the warm hospitality of local villages. Your destination is Thattekad, one of India’s most celebrated birdwatching destinations and an important ecological treasure within the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. The lowland rainforest of Thattekad supports an extraordinary variety of life, including hundreds of bird species, butterflies, reptiles, and endemic wildlife. It is particularly renowned for rare and colourful species such as the Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Trogon, and the striking Malabar Giant Squirrel, making it a fascinating destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. You will stay in a charming riverside lodge nestled in the tranquil landscape of Thattekad, surrounded by forested hills and rural plantations. In the evening, enjoy a guided walk through the surrounding forest, village paths, and spice and rubber plantations, learning about the region’s unique ecosystem, medicinal plants, traditional farming practices, and the cultivation of crops such as pepper, ginger, cardamom, and rubber. As dusk settles over the rainforest, Thattekad reveals its true magic—offering an unforgettable blend of cycling, nature, and authentic rural Kerala.
Day 3: Cycling to Munnar: The Great Western Ghats: Today’s ride is one of the most rewarding stages of your Kerala active holiday, as you cycle from the lowland forests of Thattekad into the cool mountain landscapes of Munnar. Following the course of the Periyar River, the route passes through lush countryside dotted with pineapple farms, rubber estates, spice plantations, and small villages before the road begins its dramatic ascent into the Western Ghats. From Neriamangalam, often known as the gateway to the Western Ghats, the challenge truly begins. The road climbs steadily from around 300 feet above sea level to over 3,600 feet, winding through dense forests, cardamom plantations, tea gardens, and spectacular mountain scenery. Each bend reveals sweeping views of deep valleys, waterfalls, rocky gorges, and mist-covered hills, making this climb one of the unforgettable highlights of cycling in Kerala. By afternoon, you arrive at Pothamedu, a beautiful hillside area near Munnar renowned for its panoramic tea estates and breathtaking views across the mountains. Your stay is in a carefully selected plantation-style retreat, where you can relax after the day’s exhilarating climb and watch the sun set over the rolling tea-covered hills of Munnar.
Day 4: Cycling through the Cardamom Hills & Tea Estates: Get set as you ride through some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Western Ghats, as you cycle from Munnar to Suryanelli along the scenic Lockhart Gap Road. Surrounded by rolling tea plantations and mist-covered hills, this route is regarded as one of the finest cycling roads in Kerala, offering a perfect blend of gentle climbs, sweeping descents, and unforgettable mountain panoramas. Lockhart Gap takes its name from the distinctive heart-shaped opening in the hills, and the road has long been an important route through Munnar’s highland tea country. As you ride, you’ll pass neatly manicured tea gardens, forested slopes, and dramatic viewpoints overlooking the deep valleys of the Western Ghats. The cool mountain air and ever-changing scenery make this a rewarding day for cyclists, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs and simply absorb the beauty of Kerala’s hill country. By afternoon, arrive in Suryanelli, a peaceful highland village nestled amidst tea estates and mountain landscapes. Your accommodation for the night is set in this tranquil setting, providing the perfect place to relax after a memorable day of cycling through one of South India’s most iconic mountain routes.
Day 5: Trekking Through Rain Forests: Today you leave the tea estates behind and step into one of the Western Ghats’ most remarkable protected landscapes — Mathikettan Shola National Park. This guided trek takes you through a pristine high-altitude rainforest that was preserved through dedicated conservation efforts, offering a rare opportunity to experience one of Kerala’s most ecologically significant habitats on foot. Mathikettan Shola is part of the unique shola-grassland ecosystem of the Western Ghats, where dense evergreen forests nestle in the folds of rolling montane grasslands. These ancient shola forests act as natural water reservoirs, feeding countless streams and rivers that sustain life across South India. The dramatic contrast between misty grass-covered hills and dark, sheltered forest valleys creates a landscape unlike anywhere else in India, and is home to an extraordinary range of endemic plants, birds, butterflies, and wildlife. As you trek through forest trails and open grassland ridges, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys while learning about the delicate ecology of this UNESCO-recognised biodiversity hotspot. The day offers a perfect balance of adventure and discovery, immersing you in the wild beauty of the Western Ghats. After the trek, you will be transferred to a comfortable resort near Periyar National Park, where you can relax and prepare for the wildlife adventures ahead.
Day 6: Hiking Through the Periyar Tiger Reserve: The Hiking Program around Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve (PTR) is one of the most rewarding wildlife activities in the forests of Kerala. Accompanied by trained guides from local communities living around the reserve, this full-day guided hike takes you around the protected forests and buffer zones of the Western Ghats, offering an exceptional opportunity to explore one of India’s most celebrated wildlife landscapes on foot. As you walk through the dense rainforest, grasslands, and forest trails, you will encounter a remarkable variety of flora and fauna. Periyar is home to towering evergreen trees, bamboo groves, orchids, medicinal plants, and a rich diversity of birds and butterflies. The reserve’s wildlife includes Asian elephants, gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, wild dogs, sloth bears, leopards, and an impressive array of birdlife such as hornbills, kingfishers, and endemic Western Ghats species. While tigers remain elusive, Periyar is one of India’s most important strongholds for the species and a vital part of Project Tiger. What makes this experience truly special is Periyar’s pioneering Participatory Forest Management initiative. Many of the guides leading the Border Hiking Program are members of communities that once depended heavily on forest resources for their livelihood. Today, they play an active role in protecting the reserve through eco-tourism, wildlife monitoring, and conservation education. Their deep knowledge of the forest, wildlife behaviour, medicinal plants, and traditional practices provides a fascinating insight into how responsible tourism can support both conservation and local livelihoods. This immersive hike is not only a chance to experience the wild beauty around Periyar National Park, but also to witness a successful model of community-led conservation in action — a memorable highlight of your Kerala Hike, Bike & Kayak adventure.
Day 7: A Journey Through Kerala’s Highlands: After breakfast, set out on a spectacular cycling journey from Periyar to Vagamon, one of Kerala’s most enchanting hill destinations. The route winds through the lush highlands of the Western Ghats, passing cardamom plantations, tea gardens, pine forests, and rolling meadows, offering a constantly changing landscape that makes this one of the most scenic rides of your holiday. As you climb and descend along quiet mountain roads, enjoy breathtaking views of mist-covered valleys, waterfalls, and emerald-green hillsides. The cool climate and gentle rhythm of rural life make this ride particularly rewarding, with opportunities to stop at viewpoints and small villages to experience the authentic charm of Kerala’s countryside. By afternoon, arrive in Vagamon, a peaceful hill station renowned for its undulating grasslands, fragrant pine forests, and serene atmosphere. Unlike the busier hill towns of South India, Vagamon retains a tranquil, unspoilt character that invites visitors to slow down and reconnect with nature. Your stay in this picturesque setting offers the perfect opportunity to relax after the day’s ride and soak in the timeless beauty of Kerala’s highlands.
Day 8: Houseboat Cruise Through Kerala’s Backwaters: Leaving the cool hills of Vagamon behind and cycle part of the way to Alleppey (Alappuzha), the heart of Kerala’s famous backwaters. As the landscape changes from misty mountains to palm-fringed waterways, you’ll arrive at one of India’s most iconic and tranquil destinations, renowned for its network of canals, lagoons, and lakes. Board your traditional Kerala houseboat and begin a leisurely cruise through the backwaters, gliding past emerald paddy fields, coconut groves, fishing villages, and narrow canals where everyday life unfolds along the water’s edge. This slow-paced journey offers a unique perspective on Kerala’s rural culture, with opportunities to observe local communities, traditional farming practices, and the rich birdlife that inhabits these wetlands. Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala cuisine on board as you relax and take in the ever-changing scenery. As evening falls, your houseboat will anchor in a peaceful stretch of the backwaters, allowing you to experience the serenity of this remarkable landscape. Spend the night on the houseboat, immersed in the timeless beauty of the Kerala Backwaters, a memorable highlight of your Walk, Cycle & Kayak adventure.
Day 9: Kayaking Through the Backwaters to a Homestay: Disembark from your houseboat and begin a new adventure on kayaks, exploring the quieter waterways of the Kerala Backwaters. Paddling through narrow canals shaded by coconut palms, you’ll pass traditional villages, paddy fields, and local homes, experiencing the backwaters at a gentle pace that allows a closer connection with the landscape and its people. This low-impact journey is a wonderful opportunity to observe everyday life along the water’s edge — fishermen casting their nets, children travelling by canoe, and villagers tending to their fields and gardens. The peaceful rhythm of kayaking offers a truly immersive experience of Kerala’s rural culture and natural beauty. By afternoon, arrive at a charming backwater homestay, where you will be welcomed by a local family and enjoy warm Kerala hospitality. Set amidst the tranquil waterways and lush greenery, your homestay provides an authentic insight into village life, delicious home-cooked cuisine, and a memorable overnight stay in the heart of the backwaters.
Day 10: Kayaking to a Heritage Villa: Continue your journey on kayaks through the tranquil waterways of the Kerala Backwaters, paddling past coconut groves, narrow canals, and expansive paddy fields that have shaped the region’s landscape for centuries. This gentle route offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of Kerala’s farming communities, where water and agriculture are intricately connected. Your destination is a beautifully preserved century-old heritage home, where the original wooden granary still stands as a testament to the area’s rich agrarian history. Here, you will learn about the traditional methods of paddy cultivation that have sustained backwater communities for generations. A particularly remarkable practice involves leaving the fields fallow after harvest by opening the canals and allowing water to flood the land. This natural flooding process replenishes nutrients, controls pests, and supports the sustainable regeneration of the soil before the next cycle of cultivation begins. Enjoy the warm hospitality of your hosts and a delicious traditional meal prepared with local ingredients, while gaining a deeper appreciation of how the backwaters’ unique ecosystem has fostered a harmonious relationship between people, water, and agriculture. This immersive day combines kayaking, cultural heritage, and sustainable farming traditions, making it one of the most memorable experiences of your Kerala adventure.
Day 11: Marari Beach: Relaxation by the Arabian Sea: Depart the tranquil backwaters behind and cycle to Marari Beach, one of Kerala’s most beautiful coastal destinations. The journey takes you through picturesque villages, coconut groves, and glimpses of everyday rural life before arriving at this peaceful stretch of golden sand along the Arabian Sea. Check in to your carefully selected beach resort, where the remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the gentle rhythm of coastal Kerala. Stroll along the palm-fringed shoreline, swim in the warm sea, watch local fishermen at work, or simply unwind amidst the serene surroundings of Marari. After days of walking, cycling, kayaking, and exploring the Western Ghats and backwaters, Marari provides the perfect finale to your Kerala Walk, Cycle & Kayak Holiday — a chance to reflect on your adventures while enjoying Kerala’s renowned coastal beauty and hospitality.
Day 12: Farewell Kerala: Departure from Kochi: You will be transferred to Cochin International Airport (CIAL) for your onward journey, bringing your unforgettable Kerala Walk, Cycle & Kayak Holiday to a close. Over the past days, you have explored the historic streets of Fort Kochi, cycled through the tea-covered hills of Munnar and Vagamon, trekked through the Western Ghats, discovered the wildlife of Periyar Tiger Reserve, cruised on a traditional Kerala houseboat, and kayaked through the tranquil Kerala Backwaters and enjoyed the beach at Marari .

Inclusions

Accommodation, most meals, Kayaks/ Cycles, helmets / life jackets, tents/ sleeping bags, accompanying Guide, accompanying vehicle, motor boat support, refreshments & mineral water during activities, local sight seeing at Kochi. This trip can also be tailor-made to suit your interests, time schedules and budget requirements.

Holiday Feedback

We had an amazing time with our team. Every day was a new adventure and we loved all the new experiences we had. The tour kept us busy and everyone who looked after us was brilliant with their enthusiasm, knowledge and patience. We would liked to thank everyone ( Georgie, Anoop, Roger, Praveen and Thomas) for looking after us so well and putting up with our foibles! We saw a fantastic array of wildlife and pushed ourselves out of our comfort zones. It is an experience we'll never forget. Rachel, Caleb and Darren.Caleb Boyden 2016-09-02

Thank you for the lifelong experience. The itinerary designed by Kalypso Adventures allowed for was well thought out and allowed for a multi-facetted experience. We loved the variety of activities offered on this tour “hiking, kayaking, cycling “ and the introduction it gave us to different aspects of the Keralan landscape and culture. Highlights included seeing wild elephants and gaurs in Periyar NP, hiking up the second highest peak in the Western Ghats, visiting the world’s highest tea estate and gaining some insight into village life. Our very knowledgeable guide, Vipin, and our skillful and friendly driver, Manuj, ensured that we had a most enjoyable and memorable time in beautiful Kerala. Jay & Deb 2015-05-10

We had the most wonderful trip to Kerala.The hotels, homestays, bed and breakfasts and houseboat we stayed in were all excellent, and we especially loved Dewalokam Spice Plantation as the perfect place to relax, eat delicious food and find out more about Keralan cooking, spices, rubber plantations etc etc. The tea plantations and landscape in Munnar were stunning, the inland waterways so peaceful and the beach at the end of the trip was a great way to finish up. Everywhere we went the hospitality was so welcoming, warm and friendly. The comfortable minibus which took us from place to place felt really safe and we had an excellent driver. Our guide made sure we got the most out of all the destinations we visited, and was especially knowledgeable on the birdlife. We saw wild elephants in Periyar on Christmas Day, quite a gift! All four of us felt like we’d had an incredibly relaxing yet culturally rich and colourful holiday, the perfect combination for us. Thank you. Anne Wallace 2017-02-03

We would just like to thank Sujith and Anna for helping us plan our 10 multi activity tour in Kerala. Also, a very big thank you to Abid our guide, who was incredibly helpful, very knowledgeable, and genuinely great company. Deepu our driver, was never very far away, always on time and looked after us right up to the end making sure we were in the right hotel before leaving us. Vineeth was also great, very knowledgeable, safety conscious and fun to be with. Last but by no mean least thank you to our boat driver Moni it was a lovely touch having a cup of tea with his family at the end. We would definitely use Kalypso Adventures again (that’s if you’d have us!) and will not hesitate in recommending you. You are the best!!!!! Jeanette Janssen 2019-04-02

On behalf of the Fear team; Terry, Robbie and myself, we just want to sincerely thank you for the wonderful time we have had here in Kerala thanks to yours and Liz’s work in preparing such a fantastic tour that had everything we could possibly want in our trip. Your team of Peter, Neerish and Samuel were superb and we really enjoyed their knowledge of India, their humour and efficiency. Please pass on our deep appreciation for all their efforts on our behalf. We also appreciated the time Francis gave us on our arrival in Fort Kochi. We do not know what is in store for our much loved Liz but she has such a deep love for India and it’s people and it was a special time for us to see India with Liz, and we all take so many special memories of our time together here in your beautiful and diverse country. If you ever come to Australia, please let us know so we can attempt to repay some of the wonderful hospitality shown to us over here. Tracey Fear 2019-11-24

"We feel totally pampered having had nearly two weeks with Kalypso Adventures - cycling, birding, trekking, kayaking and generally having fun in Kerala. Thomas was great, very flexible, and helpful in organising our trip. Vipin was the BEST Guide imaginable and Shameer, safest driver and ace photographer. We were two couples and we had a superb introduction to India, thank you Kalypso!"Theresa Robertshaw 2024-01-10

There are some big differences in 20 years such as a wider choice of accommodation and busier roads. But two things remain the same - the people and the beauty of the land. The people of Kerala recognise what they have and are looking after it well - even with the challenges of growth and climate change. Kalypso have always been at the forefront of this with your vision of Eco-tourism. We cannot speak highly enough about Santhosh. He is the very best of Kalypso. On the bikes he is a great guide looking ahead and behind for issues while spotting a bird or other interesting thing at the side - he is very knowledgeable! I’m sure those are qualities you expect. And maybe you expect great organisation from morning to night whether it’s hotel check in, bike setup/ maintenance, finding an ATM, etc. Again he delivers here too - at 110%. It’s when things don’t go to plan that great people standout. We had to alter our tour due to elephants. But he managed two great alternatives including a wonderful walk - described by our daughter as her “best ever walk”. More importantly he dealt super-efficiently with our daughter’s tonsillitis that came on. He is a wonderful human being in every respect - great integrity, diligence, empathy and humour among his traits. Ian Hobson (Repeat Client) 2025-12-21

A trustworthy and experienced travel agency.They organized a long weekend for our group of foreigners, covering everything from activities, transportation, and food to accommodations and local guides. We thoroughly enjoyed our Kerala trip, which included four treks, a kayaking session, and a 50 km e-bike tour. Along the way, we had the incredible opportunity to observe wild elephants and visit a bird sanctuary, where we were lucky enough to spot the magnificent great pied hornbill. Thank you for the memorable experience across Kerala – from Munnar and Suryanelli to Thattekad! Alexandre 2025-05-22