Day 1: Kochi (D)
Meet your trip leader at 2:00 PM at your hotel in Fort Kochi, then set out to explore the historic quarter on foot.
Once a key spice-trading port on India’s western coast, Fort Kochi attracted merchants from China, Portugal, Arabia, and Holland, each leaving their cultural mark. Kerala’s cosmopolitan spirit owes much to these maritime traders who crossed oceans to reach its shores.
In the evening, experience a traditional Kathakali performance, with the option to watch the elaborate face painting beforehand. Afterwards, we enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant renowned for seafood and regional specialties.
This is a full opening day - be sure to rest well, as we start early tomorrow.
Day 2: Thattekad (B, L, D)
We begin with a 2.5-hour shuttle to bypass the busy city roads and then start cycling along a scenic canal route toward Thattekad. This first encounter with Kerala on wheels offers a tranquil landscape, birdlife, and a view of rural life along the waterways.
Our destination is Hornbill Camp, where snug Swiss tents await. The afternoon is filled with optional activities including kayaking on the Periyar River, birdwatching, and a guided plantation walk. The camp sits amid tropical forest - with birdsong as your soundtrack.
Day 3: Munnar (B, L, D)
Today’s ride leads us deep into the countryside, following the Periyar River. The gradual ascent winds past rubber and pineapple plantations and through the Idukki forest reserve. We continue climbing until lunch at a local restaurant, then pedal through eucalyptus groves and expansive tea estates in the rugged hills of Munnar.
Day 4: Munnar (B, L, D)
Wake to a cup of hot tea and prepare for a memorable ride. We pedal toward Top Station (1,950 m / 6,397 ft), renowned for its magnificent panorama over the tiered mountains and deep valleys bordering Tamil Nadu. The route climbs steadily, gaining around 500 m in elevation.
Later, return to Munnar town to explore the local market.
Day 5: Munnar (B, L, D)
A rest day from the saddle - but not from adventure. Today we hike through tea fields and rainforest, along an easy-to-moderate route with minimal elevation changes. Our overnight camp sits at 1,600 m / 5,249 ft, on the edge of grassland and forest, rich in birds and butterflies.
With sweeping mountain views, sunrise, sunset, and stargazing - time feels suspended.
Day 6: Thekkady (B, L, D)
Wake with the birds and enjoy sunrise over the hills. We continue hiking through high-altitude forest and grassland until we reach the Great Escape Gap.
For those still eager to ride, there’s the option to cycle along quiet winding roads, passing tiny hamlets and spice plantations, all the way to Thekkady.
Day 7: Thekkady (B, L)
This morning we join a guided nature walk in Periyar National Park in search of wildlife such as elephants and mongooses while learning about the reserve’s unique ecology. Later, we visit a spice garden to explore the culinary heritage of Kerala with a local farmer.
Day 8: Vagamon (B, L, D)
Today’s ride leads us from the Cardamom Hills toward the tea gardens of Vagamon, through a landscape dotted with rubber plantations. It’s a hilly day, with climbs and descents, but the cool mountain climate makes it an enjoyable challenge.
Vagamon is a serene hill station where you can unwind - or opt into outdoor activities such as paragliding or gentle hikes.
Day 9: Kumarakom (B, L, D)
We ride onward toward Kerala’s famed Vembanad Lake, with changing terrain and views unfolding along the way. We bike part of the day and transfer the remainder by vehicle.
Day 10: Alleppey (B, L, D)
Today we trade bikes for kayaks and glide through the backwaters and narrow inland canals - where daily life unfolds along the water’s edge. Enjoy a simple lunch at a family-run village eatery and hear stories from our local guide.
Time permitting, we cycle along narrow trails rich in birdlife near Vembanad Lake before transferring to our heritage homestay at Emerald Isle.
Day 11: Pondicherry (B)
Our final riding day follows a breezy coastal route, passing fishing villages and small churches scattered along the shoreline. We continue toward Ezhupunna and finally return to Kochi.
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