Cycling in the Western Ghats Tour

Cycling in the Western Ghats Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Cochin and Drive to Thattekkad

Upon arriving in Cochin, you’ll be immediately greeted and taken to Thattekkad where you’ll check-in to your hotel and get settled. Thattekkad is known for the famous Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary which you’ll have a chance to explore on a short afternoon cycle before enjoying your first delicious dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Thattekkad
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Drive and Cycle from Thattekkad to Munnar

Your guided cycling adventure begins with an interesting blend of biking and driving. You’ll depart by car from Thattekkad and head for Munnar, enjoying the amazing scenery of lush farmland, inspiring waterfalls, and expansive foliage. You’ll be out of the vehicle and cycling through Neriyamangalam, Thattekkad, Kuttambuzha, Urulanthanni, and Mamalakkandam before hopping back in the car to continue the drive to Munnar. After checking in to your hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to go on a bike tour of Munnar before dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Munnar
Distance: 30 km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 Biking around Munnar Locales

Today your guide will cycle with you to a variety of interesting local destinations around Munnar. You’ll visit several places including the Mankulam area, the lockhart gap, Bison Valley, and Pothamedu sunset point. Along the way, you’ll stop at a local tea factory for a quick introduction to the fascinating art of tea-making.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Munnar
Distance: 35 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Cycling from Munnar to Marayoor then Driving to Chinnar

Once you check-out of the hotel, you’ll begin the cycling tour by following your guide to Marayoor. From there you’ll hop back in the car for the drive to Chinnar. There will be options for more cycling along the way. Once you reach Chinnar you can check-in and get yourself settled before dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chinnar
Distance: 40 km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 Riding from Chinnar to Tirumoorthy Village

Your bike adventure resumes with a tour around the local area. You’ll visit Tirumoorthy village, the dam, Jain Cave, and the Temple in Thali Village. Once you’ve gotten a chance to experience the local sights and points of interest, you’ll head back to the lodge for the night.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Tirumoorthy
Distance: 30 km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 Cycling from Chinnar to Palani then Drive to Madurai

Today’s itinerary will have you cycling through tiny Tamilian villages en route to Madurai. First you’ll cycle through Amaravathy, Kuluman, Pappanpetty, and Kuranthal on your way to Palani. Once there, you’ll get to visit the Palani Temple and the surrounding area. When you finish, hop in the car and head to Madurai where you’ll check-in to your hotel before enjoying a stroll on the lovely grounds before dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Madurai
Distance: 40 km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 Exploring Madurai

Today you’ll keep it local while pedaling to all the local points of interest including: Meenakshi Temple, Nayak Palace, and the local Flower market.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Madurai
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 Drive and Cycle from Madurai to Periyar

Your guided tour begins today with a drive toward Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. You’ll switch to your bike when you reach Cumbum Valley and pedal on to Harvest Fresh farms to enjoy a freshly prepared lunch made on site at the organic farm. After you’ve eaten, hop back into the car and drive the rest of the way into Periyar. After checking in to your accommodation, you’ll head out on a tour of a spice farm and then settle down for a martial arts show at a local theater.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Periyar
Distance: 20 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Discovering Periyar

You’ll spend your day today on your feet instead of your bike. But don’t worry, Periyar Sanctuary is an amazing place to be on foot! You’ll begin the guided hiking program at 7:30am when you board the bus that will take you to the trailhead. Once you register for the hike, you’ll pick up your gear and food and then head out for 12 kms of hiking and 2 kms of bamboo rafting. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife at all times! Bear in mind that this excursion is only for fit hikers age 13 and up.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Periyar
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Alleppey Houseboat Backwater Cruise

Today you’ll hop in the car for a scenic drive to Alleppey. Once there, you’ll board a deluxe houseboat and take a cruise through the backwaters of Kerala. Explore remote villages and interesting local points of interest in the only way possible: by boat! You’ll overnight aboard the boat and dine on meals made fresh for you on board as well.
Overnight Location: Houseboat in Alleppey
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 Pedal from Alleppey to Marari Beach

After enjoying one last delightful meal aboard the houseboat, you’ll checkout and begin your cycling journey again through tiny villages and up the coast road to Marari. This peaceful beach paradise will be your home for the next couple days while you explore the beach resort and surrounding area. Once you’re checked in, head back out for another cycle along the coastal highway before returning to enjoy some well-deserved rest beachside. Feel free to book a healing ayurvedic massage or take a stroll down the surf and sand.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Marari
Distance: 20 km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 Experiencing Marari

It’s a lazy day at the beach! Watch the waves crash and the wind stir in the trees while you soak up all that sun. If you get tired of lounging in the picture postcard, feel free to head out and explore the traditional fishing village and get a feel for a truly ancient and peaceful way of life. In the evening, you can visit the local temple to complete the authentic Indian experience.
Overnight Location: Resort in Marari
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13 Biking from Marari to Cochin

Today you’ll be pedaling the coastal highway through the tiny local villages. Pause when you reach Manakkodam village and join a tour organized by the local women designed to give you a picture of life in the village. After the tour you’ll enjoy a homemade lunch at a local house. From there you’ll continue on to Cochin where you can check-in to the hotel before heading out to see a live Kathakali show.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cochin
Distance: 40 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 Touring Cochin

Head out with your guide on a cycling tour through Cochin. Once you hit the local high points you’ll have the afternoon free for shopping or additional exploring on your own.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cochin
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 Departure from Cochin

After breakfast, your tour is over. You will be taken back to the Cochin International Airport to catch your flight.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast