Explore the rural culture and scenery of Kerala by bike
Embark on a leisure road biking tour through rural Kerala on the Scenic Kerala Bike Tour, where beaches, forests, rubber plantations, and spice gardens await your exploration. Fusing leisure with activity, the 9-day Scenic Kerala Cycling Tour magically propels you to feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and relaxed (even though you’ll spend 35-45 km winding along countryside roads each day).
This soothing whirlwind of a tour explodes with glances of India’s storied rural culture, local interactions, and breathtaking views. It’s the ideal adventure vacation for anyone who wants to stay active and learn about a new culture while basking in the chilled-out vibes that often accompany a holiday. Book the Scenic Kerala Cycling Tour today to start exploring India!
Highlights of the Scenic Kerala Cycling Tour
Prices
- No Booking or Credit Card Fees
- Save Money
- Happiness Guaranteed
Scenic Kerala Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Kochi
Arrive in Kochi and meet and greet a tour representative and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy some rest and breakfast before hopping on your bike and exploring Fort Kochi. As you cycle, check out the Dutch palace, synagogue, spice yards, secret art galleries, and trendy cafes! In the evening, watch a Kathakali dance show. Admire the vibrant costumes as they perform. Then, head to the hotel and catch up on some sleep.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kochi
Distance: 45 km
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle to Cherai
Get ready for an early morning! Begin with a short transfer by ferry to Vypin. Hop on your bike and start cycling. Pedal past coastal villages, along the beach, through fish farms, paddy fields, and coconut groves. Eventually, you’ll reach Muziris, an ancient port. Along with stunning scenery, you will also visit remarkable buildings: Chendamangalam synagogue, Cheraman mosque, and Palace of Palliath Achan. After, you’ll ride to your quaint hotel for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cherai
Distance: 45 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 The foothills of the Western Ghats
Hop on your bike early and start riding to the Western Ghats' foothills, where spice farms and rubber plantations are set amid the rolling green hills. Upon arrival at your destination, admire the charming, scenic views, escalated by the soothing sound of the Periyar river roaring down the mountains.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Paniely Poru
Distance: 40 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Bird watching in Thattekad
Bird watching lovers unite! Today you will cycle to the lowlands of Thattekkad, where over 275 bird species, numerous butterflies, reptiles, and wildlife live. Enjoy a tasty traditional lunch in a gazebo overlooking the river before cycling through the lush rainforest located on the other side of the river. Once you’ve returned, put your bike aside and embark on a pleasant walk through the village, where you’ll witness farmers of rubber, coconut, and spices in action.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Thattekad
Distance: 40 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Cycle to Thodupuzha
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before cycling to the charming Thodupuzha, where you’ll ride by spice farms and rubber plantations. Continue cycling until you reach a picturesque resort situated on the river bank. Get off your bike and go on a delightful stroll through spice gardens growing nutmeg, cinnamon, and pepper vines.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Thodupuzha
Distance: 40 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Cycle to Palai
Get ready for another lovely day of cycling through lush green scenery, fields, plantations, and quaint countryside villages! Eventually, you’ll reach a farmhouse styled with the century-old Keralan architecture. This is where you’ll stay for the night! Here, you’ll get to integrate with locals: Joseph and his family. Joseph will take you on walks through the farms and hills blanketing the area. He’ll also introduce you to other locals. Expect to learn about Syrian Christian cooking as well!
Overnight Location: Homestay in Palai
Distance: 35 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Cycle to Kumarakom
Cycle by canals, temples, and fields en route to Kumarakom. Once you settle into your hotel for the night, opt to let your legs relax and go for a pleasant canoe ride. Notice the locals along the shore and performing daily tasks.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kumarakom
Distance: 35 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Cycle back to Kochi
Meander along a scenic route with the sea swirling on one side and coconut plantations and fishing villages on the other. Upon arrival at your hotel, spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at your leisure.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kochi
Distance: 35 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9 Depart Kochi
Head to the international airport for your flight. Safe travels home!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: None
Scenic Kerala Cycling Tour Price and Dates
This guided biking tour to Kerala in India is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the size of your group. Please note that the prices might increase during public holidays.
Prices below are per person:
- Guided Groups of 2: $1,385 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 3: $1,350 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 4-6: $1,292 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 7+: on request
Accommodation on Scenic Kerala Cycling Tour
This tour will have you staying in 2-4 star hotels that boast of modern necessities to keep you comfortable. Do note that rooms are double occupancy, but you can always upgrade to single occupancy for an additional fee. Single travellers are also required to pay a supplement.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may be swapped for other similar accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $531 USD to have a private room in a hotel. It’s also possible to match single travellers up.
Hotels on Standard Tour
No. 18 Hotel in Kochi ★★★★
Bask in total luxury at the No. 18 Hotel, where business meets boutique. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, amplified by the soothing backwaters.
Sea Lagoon Health Resort in Cherai ★★★★
Enjoy a relaxing night in this luxurious hotel, tucked between the Arabian Sea and backwaters. Take a dip in the pool and admire the scenery.
Whispering Waters in Paniely Poru
Set in a vibrant, lush setting and on the water banks, Whispering Waters grants a relaxing, soothing stay. Opt to cool off in the swimming pool here!
Hornbill Camp in Thattekad
Hornbill Camp offers guests a rustic, comfortable stay amid the jungle. Expect to watch a lot of birds fluttering throughout the camp!
River Banks in Thodupuzha
Revel in total peace and tranquility at this picturesque resort! Escape the sounds of the city and immerse in nature here.
Mundackal Plantation Homestay in Palai
Get the total local experience in this cozy, friendly homestay! Your hosts will introduce you to the local way of life during your stay.
Kurialacherry House in Kumarakom
Nestled amid verdant scenery, the Kurialacherry House grants guests’ comfort and the necessary amenities to elevate relaxation.
No. 18 Hotel in Kochi ★★★★
Bask in total luxury at the No. 18 Hotel, where business meets boutique. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, amplified by the soothing backwaters.
What’s included in the Scenic Kerala Cycling Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners are included. Light snacks, refreshments, and water will be provided as you cycle.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 8 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation is included for transfers to pick-up and drop-off spots throughout the tour. A support car will follow behind you as you cycle.
Also Included
- Cycling guide
- Local guides for villages
- Support vehicle following the riders (it will also carry extra bikes in case something happens to yours)
- High-quality mountain bikes and e-bikes (Giant brand)
- Helmets
Not included
- Flights to and from Kochi
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Tour guide gratuity
- Personal necessities such as drinks during mealtimes and laundry
Optional Extras
- Optional tips for crew
Frequently Asked Questions about Scenic Kerala Cycling Tour
Trans India Holidays was founded nearly 30 years ago in New Dehli, India. They grew their team from four dedicated travellers to 100 energetic guides and trip planners.
Trans India strives to provide the best possible value for client’s money, continually searching for ways they can upgrade their service and experiences.
Offering a range of tour styles, Trans India operates cultural, religious, adventure, wildlife, culinary, family-friendly, and sporting tours.
Looking after each little detail from the perfect hotel room to booking your tee time for you, Trans India knows how to make a holiday in India as unforgettable as possible.
Learn More
Is this tour for me?
Local Guide
Ask a Question
Rajiv has been working as a guide since 1996, and fell in love with sharing the ancient cultural and social roots of India with travellers. Rajiv believes that the diversity of India’s different regions in terms of food, language, and culture makes travelling the country an experience like no other. Rajiv runs all kinds of tours, but especially enjoys trekking tours. He’s climbed mountains up to 8,000 feet in -10 degrees with groups and considers those to be his greatest achievements as a guide.
- Q: What is your favourite trip to lead?
- A: I enjoy giving people walking tours of the city, because that’s the best way to give a vivid introduction to the country and also because there is an element of surprise on the streets. It cannot be controlled or planned, and I immensely enjoy presenting that world to them.
- Q: What is one experience anybody visiting your country should have?
- A: Learning to cook traditional Indian food.
- Q: What is one local dish or drink that visitors absolutely have to try?
- A: Masala Dosa, it’s very tasty.
- Q: What is the best part about guiding?
- A: Providing them with more than they expected and noticing and taking care of any discomforts the guests might experience. Sometimes the guests don’t say it, so as a guide you have to be very attentive to that.