This tour combines the three spectacular states of Southern India: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala. Be ready for some serious green therapy riding amidst the Western Ghats – the long stretch of mountains on the South Western edge of the country. Considered a notable hotspot for bio diversity, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Expect to be submerged in the lush environs of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserve forests along with tea plantations of Nilgiris and backwaters of Kerala. We have planned this cycling tour in a way that you are up against the challenge of the mighty mountains and get to soak in the comfort of estate homes as well. Local food, abundant wildlife and gorgeous views that will enthrall you will keep you hooked through on this cycling trip.
insightful details
Stretched over fifteen days this trip takes you through the south western half of peninsular India. A fabulous journey which passes through thick jungles, tropical rain forests, verdant tea plantations, rice fields, terraced vegetable gardens and Eucalyptus trees. Bangalore to Cochin is a quintessential experience a must do for the avid nature lover and wildlife enthusiast. The ride starts with flat plains and rice fields and gradually moves to the hills of the Western Ghats.
The Western Ghats also known as the Great Escarpment of India is one of the top bio- diversity hot spots in the world and is home to many rare species of flora and fauna, some of which are still yet to be discovered. It runs parallel to the western coast all the way from Mumbai till the tip of the Peninsular.
As we ride through this fabulous landscape we are greeted with the regular chorus of the jungle!. Chirping birds and noisy crickets add a musical note different from the beep and honks of Crazy Indian Traffic. The route is full of ups and downs and at times the climbs can be challenging as we ascend to altitudes close to 2000 meters above sea level.
Crocodiles on the rocks! – basking on the banks of the river Cauvery.
Birds such as – Pelicans, King fisher, hornbills, Indian roller, Peafowl, Jungle Fowl, Hawks, Eagles, Minivets, Bulbuls and Sun birds which are all endemic to this region. Mammals such as – Indian Gaur, Elephants, Leopards, Tigers, Spotted Deer, wild boar, bears, Sambar, Giant Squirrels and monkeys.
• The Palace and Markets in Mysore
• Brindavan Gardens and KRS dam
• Irrigation Canals cutting through rice fields and sugar cane
• Tea gardens, coffee plantations, pepper vines and cocoa plantations in the hill stations of the Western Ghats
• Terraced vegetable gardens and Eucalyptus trees on the hillsides of Ooty
• Colonial Bungalows and plantation lifestyles with traditional south Indian cuisines
• The wealth of flora and fauna found in Peninsular India
Your Art of Bicycle Trips (ABT) tour leader meets you at the airport and helps transfer to a boutique stay, Casa Cottage, in the heart of the city. After resting for a short while, hit the arterial high street of the city, M.G Road. Criss-crossed by narrow streets lined with bookshops, contemporary clothes, pubs, cafes and trinkets, the place are abuzz with shoppers in the evenings. Bangalore acquired itself the moniker of the ‘beer capital’ of India, with around 70 pubs in a radius of 2 kms in this area. We have dinner at a vantage sight seeing spot, the 13th Floor Restaurant. With a brilliantly lit view of the city below us, we get to known each other better and get briefed for the cycling tour.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
We know you are eager to ride, but we get on a different set of wheels (a train) early morning, to omit the traffic and long transfer between the cities. Post lunch is to take in the magnificent structures of Mysore. We start with the palace and then move onto the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery. The palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace is a 14th century enthralling structure, which is beautifully lit at night we can see this later while crossing it). After the two main historic sights here, we make way into the busy Devaraj market. The market is a concoction of sights, sounds and smells – a real visual treat. Walk around the stalls stacked with conical mounds of Kumkum, stacks of glittering bangles, blocks of jaggery, and huge mounds of fragrant marigolds, jasmine, asters and even antiques!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, wind your way through the deep forests. We will continue cycling to Mudumalai National Park, a favourite haunt of wildlife buffs & professional wildlife photographers from around the world.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 60km / 37mi*
This day is quite challenging as you ride from the base of Mudumalai to the top of Ooty hill station part of amazing Nilgiris biospehere.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 40km / 24mi
Take it as a rest day and explore the nearby areas by walk!
Meals: Breakfast
An amazing rolling downhill awaits you here after a spectacular toy train ride from Ooty to Coonoor.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 70km / 44mi*
Day 7: Munnar
This morning after our delicious breakfast, we ride through Marayur sandalwood forest. The gradual rising trail winds its way through tea and sandalwood plantations. We continue our gradual climb towards our lunch stop at a local restaurant. After lunch, bike amongst enormous cardamom plants and past alpine tea plantations in the rugged Munnar hills to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 70km / 44mi*
Ride through the God’s Own Route today. It’s a stunning climb out of Munnar through the Lockhart Gap, with spectacular views of tea gardens and lakes along the way before we gradually descend along a winding country road, passing small hamlets and plantation villages to Thekkady.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 70km / 44mi*
This is going to be a beautiful ride – from the Cardamom Hills of Thekkady to the tea gardens of Vagamon, and that too, through the rubber plantations. This is going be a hilly ride, with both dips and steep climbs, but the cool weather helps you grapple with this challenging ride better. Vagamon is an enchanting hill station where you can either relax or indulge in the outdoor activities like paragliding, easy hikes or explore nature trails.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance cycled: ~ 50km / 30mi
Spend the night on (and we do mean on) Vembanad Lake aboard your own private houseboat. The houseboats, converted rice barges, come with a captain, cook and crew; we just sit back and relax under the blanket of stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On the last biking day, we ride along the beach road and the journey will be refreshing and easy. Spend a night at the century old house epitomising the traditional Kerala architecture. Today’s stay is at a century old, an elegant traditional country home that retains the grandeur and history of an aristocratic family. Here’s where you’ll find antique woodwork, ancient granaries, and isolated attics! Ancestral stories abound, and so does the rustic essence of traditional Kerala architecture.
Meals: Breakfast
Distance cycled: ~ 50km / 30mi*
On the last day of the trip, we cover some Kochi highlights.
We meet for the last dinner next to the beautiful lake to celebrate the end of a fabulous cycling journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our trip concludes late-morning at the hotel. Your leaders will make arrangements for transportation to the Kochi Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
* With shuttle – short transfers.
Bitte beachten Sie, dass je nach Auswahl der hier aufgeführten zusätzlichen Erlebnisse weitere Reisetage notwendig sind.
Alternativ können auch die im Reiseprogramm inkludierten Standartausflüge entsprechend ersetzt oder gekürzt werden.
Die Prioritätshotels sind bei den publizierten Rundreisen in den jeweiligen Reisekategorien einkalkuliert. Die Prioritätshotels haben wir für die jeweilen Kategorien mit grösster Sorgfalt ausgewählt. Sie können die Hotels für Ihre Rundreise jedoch auch frei zusammenstellen. Gerne erstellen wir Ihnen Ihre individuelle Offerte oder beraten Sie.
Ort | Hotels | ||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adams Peak |
Prioritätshotels
| ||||||||||||||||||
Agra |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Alchi |
Prioritätshotels
| ||||||||||||||||||
Alwar |
Prioritätshotels
| ||||||||||||||||||
Amritsar |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Andamanen |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Anuradhapura |
Prioritätshotels
| ||||||||||||||||||
Arugam Bay |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Aurangabad |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Backwaters |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Badami |
Prioritätshotels
| ||||||||||||||||||
Balapitiya |
Prioritätshotels
| ||||||||||||||||||
Bandarawela |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Bandhavgarh NP |
Prioritätshotels
| ||||||||||||||||||
Bandipur NP |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Bangalore |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Bekal |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Bentota |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Beruwela |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Bhopal |
Prioritätshotels
| ||||||||||||||||||
Bijaipur |
Prioritätshotels
| ||||||||||||||||||
Bikaner |
Prioritätshotels
| ||||||||||||||||||
Chandigarh |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Chennai |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Chettinad |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Chilaw |
Prioritätshotels
| ||||||||||||||||||
Chittagong |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Cochin |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Coimbatore |
Prioritätshotels
| ||||||||||||||||||
Colombo |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Coorg |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Cox's Bazar |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Dambulla |
Prioritätshotels
| ||||||||||||||||||
Dandeli |
Prioritätshotels
| ||||||||||||||||||
Darjeeling |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Dehradun |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Delhi |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Delhi Airport |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Deogarh |
Prioritätshotels
| ||||||||||||||||||
Dhaka |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Dharamsala |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Dungarpur |
Prioritätshotels
| ||||||||||||||||||
Ella |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Europa |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Galle |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Gangtok |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Goa |
Prioritätshotels
Weitere Hotelempfehlungen
| ||||||||||||||||||
Gulbarga |
Prioritätshotels
| ||||||||||||||||||
Guwahati |
Prioritätshotels
| ||||||||||||||||||
Gwalior |
Prioritätshotels
|
Away from the hustle-bustle of the town and tucked away in a quiet green street of Bangalore, if the bright cheerful rooms of Casa Cottage do not impress you, the lovely green patch in front of this small hotel will. There is a small café that serves dinner and snacks incase you do not want to step out. We have especially chosen this accommodation to ensure that your stay in Bangalore doesn’t feel staid and sans charm, like you would expect in a city.
Set by the inspiring Cauvery River and overlooking the breathtaking Brindavan Gardens, Royal Orchid Brindavan is a four star luxury Heritage Hotel.
At 3000 feet above sea level and a range of climatic conditions, this holiday estate is surrounded by a wealth of plant and animal life that thrives amidst sparkling streams and virgin jungle.
The winding road that takes you uphill doesn’t let you steal more than little glimpses of the spectacular beauty below. Once you’re up there, apart from the perpetual mist-sprayed air around you, what you see below is a valley enclosed by hills on all sides.
The resort is built with nicely blended vintage and trendy architectural concepts and located amidst a wide spread serene coconut grove.
A holistic retreat with a focus on Yoga, Kaivalyam is perched on the corner of a hill with spectacular view of rolling hills, draped in tea plantations. The soothing ambience is perfect for relaxing or doing some yoga in the company of the misty mountains. What you are going to love most about the place is the fresh organic food.
Frankly, there’s not too much fuss at The Wildernest. Comfortable beds, clean sheets and a king sized breakfast each morning. The rest of the experience is, naturally, Periyar itself.
Houseboats in Kerala traditionally made from local Angili or jackfruit wood. Stitched together by coconut rope and protected from elements by cashew oil, no nails are used in their construction.
Situated at the edge of Fort Kochi, with a brilliant few of massive vessels coming to dock at the opposite island, Fort House is a good mix of comfort, typical Kerala nuances, a large shady garden in the centre, Ayurvedic massages and great sea food. The rooms are minimally decorated in white and are cheerful and comfy; great for a good day’s rest.
Beautiful Hotels
On this Casual Inn tour, experience the best of small boutique hotels at each destination. They are chosen carefully so that you are well rested, get a drift of the local character or an enthralling view from your verandah! Under circumstances of non-availability of hotel, we will put in equivalent or a better hotel. Any extras at hotel are at your expense.
Quality Bikes
When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Most of our tours in Kerala run on some of the best hybrid bikes in the cycling tour industry. Upright position, good traction and optimal balance between performance and comfort are some of the characteristics.
Outstanding Food
Local food plays an integral part in experiencing the culture of region and we make sure that you get plenty of this. The inclusion of daily meals is highlighted in detailed itinerary. Drinking water and soft drinks such as juice, tea/coffee is included in your price. Alcohol is at your expense.
Charming Guides
Our most visible and perhaps most important role is played by a Trip Leader, the folks who make a trip exciting, comfortable, knowledgeable and who are able to steer you towards the real experience! In most of the trips, we have two guides riding with you. One is leading the group of riders and other is closing at the back.
Comfortable Support Van
A Van follows the group of riders throughout the trip and carries all belongings. If at any point riding seems a little hard, the van takes you for as long or as little as you wish it to. It also provides you refreshments along the way and sometimes a chilled beer.
Guaranteed to Depart Tours
We run most of our tours with minimum 2 people traveling and sometimes even with 1 person, without any extra fee. Rest assured, your trip is always guaranteed to depart. If for some reasons you don’t wish to join a tour then you can always transfer to another trip or we’ll give you a credit which you can settle against any future trip.
Entrance Fees & Transportation
Entrance fees to historic sites, museums, temples & other exclusive events and transportation from rendezvous to final drop-off is always included in your tour price. Our tour designers give as much focus on non-cycling activity as on cycling.
Deep Local Knowledge & Presence
Presence of operations in Kerala, local associations and ad-hoc field network allows us to leverage local know-how and deliver on what is promised to you without any culture and communications barrier.
Singles Friendly
It is applicable only in cases where you want to opt for a room alone. In other cases, we will try to club you with another person, preferably of same sex. In the cases, where we don’t find a room partner, we’ll bear the extra room charges.