Cycle Kerala & Tropical India (From The Western Ghats To Kerala Beaches) 14D13N, Fully Guided

Our adventure begins in Mysore. We typically meet at lunchtime after hotel check-in for a short post-lunch walk around the markets from colourful spices to local handicrafts. Our accommodation for the next two nights is the 4-star Hotel Sandesh The Prince, occupying the heart of Mysore on Nazarbad Main Road for 19 years. Every room at the hotel is thoughtfully curated to create a comfortable, home-like atmosphere that just puts you in the mood to relax. It also features outdoor swimming pools and a full-service spa and wellness centre with a hot tub, perfect for unwinding.

Later in the afternoon, we have a bicycle briefing and fitting to make any necessary adjustments and conduct safety checks.

Around 6 pm, we convene as a group for a welcome meeting to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then arranges a group dinner at a nearby restaurant.

If you would like to extend your stay in Mysore, please contact us.

Approx. 38 km (24 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 275m (902 ft)

We begin 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; once over the bridge, we ride around the old ramparts, enter Tipu Sultan’s Mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple before cycling back to Mysore for lunch.

For lunch, get your first taste of thali, the southern Indian meal of rice and multiple small curries on a plate, or the typical south Indian masala dosa, a thin pancake made with fermented rice and lentil batter.

In the afternoon, we have a guided tour around Mysore Palace. Also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, it is the official residence of the Wodeyars, the former royal family of Mysore, who ruled the princely state of Mysore for more than seven centuries. The decor is breathtaking, if a little bit over the top, and the former maharaja is still in residence in his private quarters. For places to have dinner, you can ask your tour leaders for recommendations.

Approx. 86 km (53 miles), 4-5 hours, Elevation gain: 583m (1,913 ft)

We leave the hotel and cycle out of Mysore town up to Chamundi Hill to view the 5 m (16.5 ft) rock carving of Nandi, Shiva’s celestial bull. There are also good vistas over the whole of Mysore. We then pedal back down the hill and continue along the tranquil back roads, with the children riding bikes or taking the bus to school. We also share the road with herds of white oxen and women in colourful saris, carrying water pots on their heads.

Our ride takes us through the back roads to a quaint little village where we stop for a picnic lunch. After a comfortable lunch, some rehydration and rest, we continue to Chamarajangar. We should arrive at our hotel in Chamarajangar by late afternoon to relax by the pool or enjoy a cold drink. This hotel, the Nijaguna Resort, is a deluxe retreat majestically situated on the scenic Mysore-Bandipur highway, offering comfortable stays, excellent amenities, impeccable services and a tranquil setting. You can destress by getting a thoroughly relaxing massage at the spa or dipping in the large outdoor pool.

Approx. 58 km (36 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 496m (1,627 ft)

After breakfast, we ride through the villages outside the forest to observe village life, then continue along the back roads to the outskirts of the Bandipur Sanctuary.

We should arrive at our hotel in Bandipur National Park in time for lunch. Our accommodation is the Bandipur Safari Lodge, right at the foothills of the park, a stay that puts you at the centre of Bandipur’s ecological haven of fascinating wildlife. The property, featuring modern, regional architecture that blends seamlessly into the surrounding wilderness, is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts seeking dedicated safari access. The lodge provides buffet meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dishes that focus heavily on wholesome, local Indian flavours and offer a home-cooked feel.

In the late afternoon, we take a 4x4 safari in the park to see lots of peacocks, spotted deer, and monkeys, with a chance to see wild elephants, Indian bison, and, at certain times of the year, the elusive tiger.

Approx. 17 km (11 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 755m (2,477 ft)

Today is the highlight of the trip for some, ascending 1,251 m (4,104 ft) 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 up. Due to cycling restrictions aimed at mitigating animal-human conflict, we begin our ride just outside the forest, at the 20th hairpin of the 36 bends. It’s a very steep ride up, with stunning vistas at every turn; we have plenty of photo opportunities along the way that also serve as rest stops. Reaching the top is a huge achievement, and we should all take a moment or two to bathe in our success!

Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed morning and take the support vehicle up the hill. After tea and cake at the top, we have an undulating ride in Ooty. Ooty is called the Queen of the Hill Stations, and although it is now a busy little town, there is a lot to see and do. Originally occupied by the tribal Todas, the area came under the East India Company at the end of the 18th century. The British introduced tea, and the hillsides around Ooty are covered in tea gardens.

Arriving late in the morning, we take lunch in our hotel, the Fortune Resort Sullivan Court. Operating as a member of the prestigious ITC Hotels Group, our accommodation is a premium family resort nestled against the picturesque backdrop of the Nilgiri Hills, featuring classic architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens, and contemporary amenities.

You have the afternoon to explore town and sample the local cardamom tea. Both the Botanical Gardens and the Rose Gardens are a short walk from our hotel. In town, there are many shops selling locally grown tea, oil, and homemade chocolate. You can grab dinner while exploring town. Check The Pavilion inside the hotel to get a taste of its highly recommended Dal Makhani and flavourful butter chicken.

Approx. 82 km (51 miles), 3-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 605m (1,985 ft)

We eat breakfast and go on a scenic ride across the winding Nilgiri Hills, the backdrop for many Bollywood movies, before starting the dramatic descent, dropping 2,000 m (6,560 ft) through the hills and tea-covered slopes of the Western Ghats. The ride offers fantastic views over the hills below, with spectacular viewpoints. After 54 km (34 mi), we reach Gadalur, a typical Indian town with one long high street selling everything, with shop fronts covered in colourful adverts and cheap children’s toys. We have a tea break here before heading to Kerala, with the final 20 km (12.5 mi) descent through tropical rainforest and bamboo-covered slopes to our endpoint at a typical Keralan roadside restaurant.

The bikes are loaded as we enjoy lunch, then we transfer (3 hr 30 min) to Guruvayoor to avoid the busy roads. Please note that although the road is not very busy, its surface is likely the worst on today's trip. There are many potholes, and the road surface is uneven. Please take care and concentrate while cycling.

Our destination upon arriving in Guruvayoor is Sopanam Heritage, our 4-star pilgrim-friendly hotel located on East Nada in Guruvayoor and is a few minutes' walk from the famous Lord Krishna Temple. It is also outfitted with state-of-the-art amenities and suites, providing all modern comforts.

We have time to relax before wandering into town to sample delectable Keralan street food and have an evening stroll outside the temple, which comes alive at night. It is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus in Kerala and the fourth-largest temple in India. The town is filled with devotees dressed in traditional Keralan attire, who come here in their thousands to offer rice, flowers and gold to Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

For dinner, you should know that many eateries in Guruvayoor temple town offer strictly vegetarian fare. If you are looking for something else, dine at the hotel’s onsite Rasoi Restaurant, where they serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, or you can ask for recommendations from your tour leader.

Approx. 60 km (37 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 123m (404 ft)

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 approach the coast, riding along country roads dotted with mango and coconut trees. There are plenty of photo opportunities as we observe traditional life. Later, crossing bridges, we cycle onto Vypin Island, arriving at Cherai Beach and the 4-star Sea Lagoon Health Resort early in the afternoon. This resort is a waterfront hotel modelled on traditional Kerala-style heritage architecture, situated between the chaotic waves of the Arabian Sea and the tranquil backwaters. Staying true to its name, it houses a specialised Ayurveda Centre, steam room, sauna, and massage facilities focused on traditional healing and rejuvenation.

The rest of the day is free to enjoy this gorgeous location and swim in the Indian Ocean. Cherai is known for mouth-watering fresh seafood, so for dinner you could try jhinga kachia aam kari, a speciality dish from Kerala made with green mango and prawns simmered in coconut milk and spices.

Approx. 41 km (25 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 144 m (472 ft)

We head out from our beach location towards the port city of Kochi (formerly Cochin), cycling south and passing through tiny fishing communities where colourful boats are hauled up along the sands. Turning inland, we see grand houses built with remittance money from the Gulf States workforce, and older houses constructed during the British colonial period. Please note that traffic is heavy over the last 8 km (5 miles) as we approach the main road to board the ferry to the Fort Kochi neighbourhood. This has a unique place in Indian history, and to soak up the atmosphere, we spend the next two nights here, specifically at The Dutch Bungalow. Our stay is in a restored 375-year-old heritage hotel on Napier Street in Fort Kochi, seamlessly blending old-world history with modern amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool. After hotel check-in, we trek down to one of the restaurants in the old harbour area for lunch. Those wishing to visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum should do so today, as it is closed on Mondays.

Room upgrade available, please contact us.

Today is a free day to explore Kochi with its bazaars and old harbour area. The Portuguese established a base here, which was later taken 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 lively commercial capital of Kerala and encompasses several islands connected by ferries. Most of the major attractions are close by in the neighbouring areas of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Warehouses that smell of tea and spices are lime-washed bright green, yellow and blue; rickety old bikes and hand-painted trucks piled high with goods fill the narrow streets, and food stalls stand on every corner.

St Francis Church is close to the hotel. Built by the Portuguese in 1503, it is the initial burial place of explorer Vasco da Gama, and his tomb is inside the church. Further along, you come to Mattancherry and the Dutch Palace. Constructed by the Portuguese in 1568, it was gifted to the Maharaja of Kochi before the Dutch took it over. Near the palace are Jewtown and the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 for the Jewish members of the Kochi trading communities, it is decorated with hand-painted tiles from China and elegant Belgian chandeliers, all donations from wealthy merchants. The area around the synagogue, Jew Street, is a heritage zone with many antique and handicraft shops, making it excellent for shopping.

For a culinary experience, try the fish market near the Chinese fishing nets, where you can buy the day’s catch and have it cooked to your taste. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities here.

Room upgrade available, please contact us.

Approx. 52 km (32 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 78 m (256 ft)

Cycling from Fort Kochi, we pass 500-year-old Portuguese villas, a striking contrast to the small fishermen's huts lined along the beach road. Many of these fishing villages are Christian; in the coastal town of Arthunkal, the stone church dominates the surroundings and is best viewed in the shade of a coconut tree during our tea break.

Continuing along the coast road, we head to Muhamma, the starting point for backwater trips and spend the night in the Deshadan Backwater Resort. The resort, occupying 1.70 acres of land and situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, is the perfect getaway for people seeking to escape city life and experience Kerala’s iconic backwaters. The serene gardens are as relaxing as the Ayurvedic massage and treatments on offer. In the afternoon and early evening, relax on the veranda or take a refreshing dip in the pool as backwater life unfolds before you.

Approx. 20 km (12 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 48m (157 ft)

After a lie-in, enjoy an optional 22 km (14 miles) 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 our bikes stacked on the side of the boat, you won’t see the saddle for another 19 hours, so just relax and watch the world pass.

Vessels of all sizes use the lakes and canals that make up this intriguing network of waterways. On one side of the canal, expansive paddy fields of iridescent green stretch as far as the eye can see; on the other are fishing nets and coconut trees. As the sun begins to set, the boats are moored together, and we gather on deck for sundowners.

Approx. 90 km (56 miles), 4-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 275 m (902 ft)

We enjoy 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 tranquil coastal road, passing by Amrithanadamayi Ashram, better known as the Hugging Mama Ashram, a spiritual retreat towering over the backwaters.

We then join the main road to Quillon and have lunch at a seaside guesthouse: the fish is bought fresh from the market, cooked with mild spices, and served with poratta, a favourite Keralan bread. After lunch, we are back on quiet roads for the last 30 km (18.5 mi) to Varkala, a small laid-back community with coffee bars and yoga schools perched along the clifftop. We spend the next two nights in Sajjoys Hotel, offering panoramic vistas stretching across the ocean, and it is just a few minutes’ walk from the shores of the Arabian Sea. It is famous for its excellent hospitality, clean rooms and beautiful sea views. You can savour dinner at the hotel’s highly rated multi-cuisine restaurant or ask for recommendations.

Today is free for you to relax and enjoy the beachside location. There are several beach shack restaurants for lunch that serve excellent seafood. Try the tandoori dishes; the clay ovens give breads and curries a more authentic taste. The last night’s meal was generally at the hotel, featuring a fusion of all your favourite Keralan dishes.

Savour one last breakfast or a morning beach stroll, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible Southern India adventure. Those catching the group transfer to the airport will usually have a very early departure this morning. For everyone else, the trip ends after breakfast making your own arrangements for you onward journey home.

Should you wish to prolong your exploration in Varkala, please contact us.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.