Enchanting South India Bike Tour (13 Days)

Meet your trip leader at the hotel and head out to see Fort Kochi by foot.

One of the foremost trading hubs on the western coast of India, Fort Kochi drew colonial interest with its aromatic spices. Along with traders from China, Portugal, Arab and Holland, in came a cocktail of religions, cultural practices and diverse food. Kerala owes it cosmopolitan vibe to the traders who braved the seas to come to this land.

Later, in the evening, go to see the traditional dance form, Kathakali (you can also see the face painting before the show). After the show, we will have dinner at a seaside restaurant known for seafood and indian delicacies.

There is a lot to pack in this day, but be well rested for the night as we start early on next day.

Meals: Dinner

A classic coastal ride along a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach on one side and unevenly spread serene backwaters on the other. Ride through small fishermen villages, lush coconut trees and plentiful fish farms and enjoy a picnic lunch at the beach. The ride finishes at your hotel in Alleppey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Distance cycled: ~50km / 30mi

Ride through the narrow lanes and experience a fabulous bird life before arriving at Kumarakom, situated right at the edge of mesmerising Vembanad Lake.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Distance cycled: ~ 30km/18mi*

This is going to be a beautiful ride – from the tea gardens of Vagamon to Cardamom Hills of Thekkady, and that too, through the rubber plantations.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Distance cycled: ~ 50km/30mi

We take in the spectacular views of western ghat mountains before descending to Madurai. As you are riding, the 360 degrees view of the lush green forest will be forever etched in your minds.

Madurai one of South India’s oldest cities and has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. This is where Mahatma Gandhi took the decision, in 1921, to wear nothing but khadi (homespun cloth). Khadi textiles and tailors’ shops are everywhere in town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cycling Distance: 60km / 42mi

It’s best to visit the main temple early in the morning when its relatively less busy. Meenakshi Amman (Sri Meenakshi) temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500-year-old city of Madurai. The temple complex houses 14 magnificent Gopurams or towers including two golden Gopurams for the main deities.

We ride to Chettinad, famous for its cuisine, architecture and temples. The evening is at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cycling Distance: 50km / 30mi*

Today the day is at leisure and you can plan your own day. Take a walk in nearby village or spend time reading a book.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we ride into the adjoining temple village, Thanjavur. The World Heritage–listed Brihadishwara Temple is the main highlight here with its large Maratha Palace complex. Thanjavur is dotted with beautiful living temples in the entire region and we head out with a guide to see the important ones. The village is also known for its bronze paintings that can be bought as souvenirs.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Cycling Distance: 60km / 30mi*

Today is a classic coastal ride past typical rural hamlets.

Kumbakonam dates back to a historically significant period and were ruled by many distinguished dyanaties of India – the Early Cholas, Pallavas, Medieval Cholas, Later Cholas, Pandyas, the Vijayanagar Empire, Madurai Nayaks, Thanjavur Nayaks and the Thanjavur Marathas. It rose to be a prominent city between the 7th and 9th centuries AD, when it served as a capital of the Medieval Cholas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Cycling Distance: 75km / 47mi

Today we ride to Pondicherry, a former French colony, which still has its colonial ambience intact in cobble-stoned streets, bright cafes, and architecture style in most of the buildings.

Head out in the evening to explore the Pondicherry town. You can walk along the main Goubert Avenue where the whole town congregates in the evenings for walks as the breeze from the sea makes the weather ever pleasant.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cycling Distance: 70km / 42mi*

This morning, we ride to Auroville. A unique township, Auroville was constructed to include communities from all over the world, based on the vision of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. It wants to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. It has ballooned to encompass more than 80 rural settlements spread over 20km, and about 1800 residents. If you’re really interested in the philosophy it’s worth the ride out to the visitors centre to find out how it all works and eat some great food at the café.

You can also try your hand at surfing in the mild waves of the Tamil Nadu coast or take a quick dip with scuba experts on this day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Cycling Distance: 30km / 18mi

A coastal ride takes us to Mahabalipuram. Famous for its ancient rock carvings, especially the Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram was once the second capital and seaport of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. Mahabalipuram is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th centuries and remains a renowned centre for stone carving. As you enter into the village, you’ll see and hear the constant tapping of hammer and chisel as artisans chip away at exquisite sculptures.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cycling Distance: 85km / 53mi*

After the morning exploration of Mahabalipuram age-old temples, we take a transfer to Chennai. Explore a bit of Chennai if you have the time. The hot sultry seaside city represents a wonderful cusp of traditions and contemporary lifestyle. Visit the busy Mylapore temple area to see pilgrims buzzing in and out of the famous temple and the streets drenched in a splash of colour.

If you have time, we recommend to extend at the beach for few days before departing from Chennai.

Meals: Breakfast

*With shuttle – short transfers.