Cycle Kerala & Tropical India

14 days
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Small Group Tour
Jump on the saddle to discover laidback southern India on this cycling group adventure. Accompanied by an expert tour leader and a support vehicle, we are on the saddle most days, riding from the cool Western Ghats to the quiet backwaters of Kerala. Expect some challenging rides – there are high fives all round at the top of the Ooty hairpins! – plus off-the-...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Discover idyllic southern India by bike, the most immersive way to experience the friendly people and incredible landscapes
    • Challenge yourself to climb the fabled hairpins of Ooty
    • Cruise the backwaters of Kerala on a traditional rice barge – a classic experience in South India!
    • Search for monkeys and elephants on a 4x4 safari in Bandipur National Park
    • Finish at the beach, relaxing in the old hippie trail town of Varkala

What's this trip about?

    Jump on the saddle to discover laidback southern India on this cycling group adventure. Accompanied by an expert tour leader and a support vehicle, we are on the saddle most days, riding from the cool Western Ghats to the quiet backwaters of Kerala. Expect some challenging rides – there are high fives all round at the top of the Ooty hairpins! – plus off-the-saddle adventures, including a traditional houseboat stay and a 4x4 safari in Bandipur National Park. We finish in Varkala, on the old hippie trail, for downtime at the beach.Join fellow cyclists to explore the idyllic south, from the Western Ghats to the beaches of Kerala

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 14 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityMysore
End CityVarkala

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Cycling & Biking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Kerala
  • Kochi
  • Western Ghats

Activities

  • Culture
  • Cycling

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 14

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, 10 lunches and four dinners
    • All accommodation
    • Monument entrance fees as per itinerary
    • One jeep safari
    • Local bike hire

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Mysore

The adventure begins in Mysore. After checking into our hotel, we have a short introductory briefing and time to relax (we may have to wait until around noon if rooms are not ready). We meet at lunchtime and have a short post-lunch walk around the markets. In the late...

Day 2 Ride to Srirangapatnam ruins; return to Mysore; afternoon to explore the city including the Maharaja Palace

We start with a leisurely morning ride to Srirangapatna, the ruins of Tipu Sultan’s capital, which were destroyed by the British in 1799 during their final battle to secure control of southern India. The fortress stands on an island in the middle of the Cauvery River;...

Day 3 Cycle the backroads of Mysore Plateau to Chamarajanagar

We leave the hotel and cycle out of Mysore town up to Chamundi Hill to view the 16.5ft (5m) rock carving of Nandi, Shiva’s celestial bull. There are also good views over the whole of Mysore. We then cycle back down the hill and continue along the quiet backroads, alon...

Day 4 Cycle on the backroads to Bandipur National Park

After breakfast, we ride along the villages outside the forest areas to witness village life and continue along the backroads to the outskirts of Bandipur Sanctuary. We should arrive at our hotel in Bandipur National Park in time for lunch. In the late afternoon, we ...

Day 5 Optional ascent to Ooty; free afternoon to explore

Today is the highlight of the trip for some, ascending 4,104ft (1,251m) to Ooty (Ootacamund), a resort town in the Nilgiri Hills and the former summer capital of the Raj. After an early breakfast, we take local transportation to Kalhatty, a small village on the way u...

Day 6 Western Ghats descent through tea plantations; transfer to Guruvayoor in tropical Kerala

After breakfast, we have a stunning ride across the rolling Nilgiri Hills, the backdrop for many Bollywood movies, before starting the dramatic descent, dropping 6,560ft (2,000m) through the hills and tea-covered slopes of the Western Ghats. The ride offers fantastic ...

Day 7 Ride past Guruvayoor Temple; continue to Cherai beach

Today, we cycle by the Shree Krishna Temple. A little further is another religious centre, Palayur Church, one of the oldest churches in India and founded by Saint Thomas the Apostle, who landed in India in 52 CE. From here, we head towards the coast, cycling along c...

Day 8 Cycle along coastal roads lined with coconut palms; ferry to Fort Kochi

We set off from our beach location towards the port city of Kochi (formerly Cochin), cycling south and passing through small fishing communities where colourful boats are hauled up along the sands. Turning inland, we see grand houses built with the remittance money fr...

Day 9 Free day in Kochi to explore the bazaars and the old harbour

Today is a free day to explore Kochi with its bazaars and old harbour area. The Portuguese established a base here, followed by the Dutch, who were forced to hand it over to the British in 1841. A potpourri of Indian and international communities, it is now the bustli...

Day 10 Cycle past old Portuguese houses; continue to Muhamma

Riding from Fort Kochi, we pass 500-year-old Portuguese villas, a striking contrast to the tiny fisherman huts dotted along the beach road. Many of these fishing villages are Christian; at the coastal town of Arthunkal, the old stone church dominates the surroundings ...

Day 11 Explore Muhamma town before backwater boat trip; overnight on Keralan houseboat

After a lie-in, enjoy an optional 13.5mi (22km) bike ride to explore the village or relax. Around midday, we board a backwater houseboat for an unforgettable trip to Trikunnapuzha. These converted rice barges have two-berth cabins and come with their own cook. With ou...

Day 12 Ride to laidback Varkala

We have breakfast on the houseboats as they move from their overnight mooring point to our disembarkation point. Here we meet the support vehicle and set off along a quiet coastal road, passing by Amrithanadamayi Ashram, better known as the Hugging Mama Ashram, a spir...

Day 13 Free to relax on the beach and try delicious seafood

Today is free to relax and enjoy the beachside location. There are several beach shack restaurants for lunch, serving excellent seafood. Try the tandoori dishes, the clay ovens give a more authentic taste to breads and curries. The last night’s meal is generally at the hotel with a fusion of all your favourite Keralan dishes. Accommodation: Sajjoys Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 End Varkala

The adventure comes to an end today. Those catching the group transfer to the airport will have a very early departure this morning. For everyone else, the trip ends after breakfast. If you’d like a little longer to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,600
Price per day$257
Last Updated: 5/22/2024

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A fantastic trip!

A wonderful cycling holiday, superb organisation and led and supported by a great team who were friendly and efficient. The itinerary was very varied from towns an...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Cycling with a bump

A great first experience of India Handing out pens to local school Manu was very good and was always around to help us out when we needed it Make sure you have g...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Tropical India

My first time in India and Tropical India was an ideal place to start. Some of my fellow travellers who started in the north confirmed this. I was told Kerala and ...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Breathtaking (Pun intended!)

This trip cycling on the Manali-Leh highway was the greatest thing I have ever done. The trip had it all: challenging climbs with plenty of hair pin bends, excitin...

A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Some lovely rides and not too strenuous

There are many great points about this trip; - This trip combines riding in busy city traffic (which is mental, but exciting and often safer than in UK), with lovel...

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Other Exodus Travels Reviews

A

Annie O'Reilly Hughes

Nov 2024

Written on

Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

T

Trevor Butler

Nov 2024

Written on

Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

S

Sarah R

Nov 2024

Written on

India, the Tropical South

An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Visas and vaccinations
    • Single supplement
    • E-bike hire

Accommodation

9 nights hotels and 3 nights lodge, 1 night houseboat, all en suite 10 days (including 1 short ride) cycling with 100% vehicle support Mostly surfaced roads, a few rough sections Quiet backroads with higher traffic levels near the cities.
The accommodation on this trip includes 11 nights in hotels, one night in a safari lodge and one night on a houseboat. The accommodations typically used are found on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the places we stay on this trip. Bandipur: Bandipur Safari Lodge (night 4) With an enviable position close to the national park entrance, Bandipur Safari Lodge is ideally placed for our adventures. We can be one of the first groups to take a game drive in the park, beating some of the crowds. The accommodation itself includes 22 rooms, a multi-cuisine restaurant and campfire setting. Ooty: Fortune Resort Sullivan Court (night 5) Named for John Sullivan, who founded Ooty in 1821, this 67-room resort has a scenic spot in the Nilgiri Hills. Food and drink options include the multi-cuisine Pavilion Restaurant and Selbourne’s Bar, where you can gather with the group over a wine, beer or mocktail. It’s also well located, close to the Botanical Gardens and Rose Gardens. Trikunnapuzha: Traditional houseboat (night 11) No trip to Kerala is complete without a houseboat stay. Typically, the boats are converted barges (known locally as kettuvallam), once used to transport rice from farm to market. They are comfortable and unique. All cabins have private bathrooms and the staff will keep you well fed. The houseboats have a deck and dining area, although the style/layout varies between boats. There is a cook, driver and assistants for each boat and the food is traditional Keralan fare using local produce. Houseboats have two to five twin-bedded rooms. Larger groups may be split over several boats; however, the group reunites at riverside stops and the overnight anchor point where your leader will be available. Worth knowing Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are only a couple of months when the weather can get cooler. You can request more blankets or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please ask your tour leader if you need help in this matter. Hotel Sandesh The Prince will be used as the start hotel for the following 2024 departures, 06 October, 27 October & 20 December 2024 and all departures from 01 January 2025.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, 10 lunches and four dinners are included. Lunches on riding days are usually taken in roadside cafes, allowing us to sample typical south Indian dishes such as poori (deep-fried bread served with curry) and dosa (thin pancake made with fermented rice and lentil batter). South Indian food is heavily influenced by the tropical landscape; creamy coconut dishes enlivened with delicate spices, served on a banana leaf. It’s also an ideal destination if you are vegetarian. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap but a (large) bottle of beer is approximately 410 rupees (US$5). Please note, due to Kerala state laws, alcohol licenses are limited to one or two bars in each area and not all hotels are permitted to serve alcohol. The first day of every month and certain holidays in India are dry days, when no alcohol is permitted for sale. Generally, you can eat out very cheaply in India. Where food is not included, you should allow at least 1,650 rupees (approximately US$20) per day for lunch and dinner. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Drinking water is provided in the support vehicle, where you can fill your bottle from the containers.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 4 Superior nights (hotel), 8 Classic nights (7 hotel, 1 houseboat), 1 Simple night (jungle lodge)
  • 10 days of cycling (including one optional ride) with full vehicle support
  • Group normally 4 to 14, plus local cycling leader and driver. Minimum age: 16
  • E-bikes available for an additional cost
Trip ID
exodus-MIK

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