COASTAL COASTING ADVENTURE TOUR - CYCLING IN KERALA

9 Nights / 10 Days

Set off down the Kerala coast on this cycling tour of God's Own Country - a private cargo vehicle will accompany all tour members throughout the entire tour. A great cycling tour following the coast south from Guruvayoor down to Kovalam Beach with a nice overnight break on a private houseboat in the Alleppey backwaters. Cycle through fishing hamlets, beachside villages, coconut groves, and break for lunch on the quiet shores of the Malabar Coast. A great way to experience the coast of Kerala!

Cochin – Guruvayoor – Cochin – Marari – Alleppey Houseboat – Kollam – Kovalam - Trivandrum

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Cochin Arrival - Transfer to Guruvayoor - via Bicycle - ~67 km

A Tour Packages India Representative will greet you upon arrival at Cochin Airport. Your luggage will be transferred to the cargo vehicle which will accompany you throughout the tour. You will travel ~67 km north to Guruvayoor, a sacred pilgrim center of Kerala, famous for the Sri Krishna Temple. Check-in to your room and relax the remainder of the day.

Day 2: Guruvayoor Tour - ~15 km

Climb on your bike and take a tour of the town. Ride out to the Punathoor Kotta Elephant Sanctuary, home to more than 60 elephants, some as old as 80 years, all belonging to the Guruvayoor Temple. In the evening, back at Guruvayoor, attend a Kalaripayattu demonstration of one of the oldest martial arts in existence.

Day 3: Guruvayoor to Cochin - via Bicycle - ~67 km

Cycle south back toward Cochin via the coastal route which passes through fishing villages, paddy fields and small villages. Enjoy your lunch break at the beach. Later, continue to harbor mouth at Kochi and cross on a "junkar" ferry to the main town. Check-in to the hotel and spend the evening as you like.

Day 4: Cochin

Spend the day seeing the sights which may include a visit to the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica or a boat tour of the harbor islands. Travel freely via bicycle or inter-island ferries. Attend a Kathakali dance performance in the evening near the famous Chinese Fishing Nets or enjoy a ferry boat ride over to Ernakulam to the Broadway Bazaar for some fun and interesting shopping.

Day 5: Cochin to Marari - via Bicycle - ~59 km

Continue the southerly journey along the coast to the beach town of Marari. The ride will take you through fishing villages and coconut plantations. Stop for lunch in the quiet beach village of Andhakaranazhy. Another stop along the way will also include the Arthunkal Church – famous locally as a refuge for those venturing into the sea. Upon arrival in Marari, relax poolside or take off to the magnificent beach for a peaceful walk in the gentle surf.

Day 6: Marari to Alleppey Houseboat - via Bicycle - ~17 km

Enjoy a short ride over to the backwaters of Alleppey where you'll board your deluxe houseboat for an overnight cruise. All houseboats, regardless of category, have highly personalized service including an on-board chef who will no doubt create some of the best food you'll find on the entire tour. Meander around the boat, perch yourself on top and observe the peaceful way of backwaters life, pull up next to a fishing boat and buy a fresh catch, stop off for fresh coconut juice, relax in the back open-ended sitting room and drift away to the morning.

Day 7: Kollam

Disembark in the coastal town of Kollam and take the short cycle ride to Fragrant Nature Eco Lodge - set in a typical Kerala village ambience.

Day 8: Kollam to Kovalam - via Bicycle - ~77 km

Get an early morning start to the beaches of southern Kerala. The cycling part of the tour will finish in Kaniyapuram, a town just north of Trivandrum at which point you'll be driven the remainder of the distance to Kovalam Beach for hotel check-in. Spend the evening as you like.

Day 9: Kovalam Beach

A day of leisure, a night of pleasure...stroll the boardwalk, explore the lagoons hidden behind the beachfront shops, hang out on the beach watching the fishermen bring in their fresh catch, relax at a rooftop restaurant and watch the sunset...a nice finishing touch to your cycling tour in the wonderland of Kerala.

Day 10: Trivandrum Departure

Transfer to Trivandrum to your point of departure.

CYCLING NOTES

1. Participants must be experienced cyclists and capable of handling multi-geared bikes (Giant & Trek models).
2. Participants are advised to bring their own headgear, gloves and cycling dress..
3. Details of the bicycles will be provided to help make further accessory decisions such as seats and pedals.

Extend or Customize Your Tour: We would be happy to assist with additional travel and hotel arrangements. Changes to this tour can be added as an inclusive part of the package.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Tour Price Includes

Accommodations with breakfast are provided on twin sharing
AC Transport as per Itinerary
Trek/Giant Bikes, Guides, Mechanic, First Aid
Water & Refreshments on cycling legs
Support vehicle, permits, passes, entrance fees
Emergency medical evacuation during biking legs
Houseboat - 1 night - all meals
Kalaripayattu demonstration in Guruvayoor
Full body Ayurvedic massage in Kovalam
Applicable taxes

Tour Price Excludes

Meals not specified in the Itinerary
Camera fees, tips