Coast to Coast bike trip in India

(Puducherry to Kochi, Kerala)

Quick Facts

Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days Level: Moderate (Easy rider) Tour Starts: Chennai, Tamil Nadu Tour Ends: Kochi, Kerala

Overview:

The twin states of southern India – Tamil Nadu & Kerala are beauty personified. Both are known to be blessed with rich culture and pristine nature. Your cycling journey begins in Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry or Pondy) in Tamil Nadu and ends at Fort Kochi (formerly Cochin) in Kerala. Puducherry is popularly referred to as the ‘Forever French Corner of India’ and Kerala is nothing less than ‘God’s Own Country’– You will find the streets of Puducherry fashionably laid out like the French quarters and Kerala will largely resemble a construct of British colonizers.The cycling trail from Puducherry to Kochi is endowed with coconut farms, rustic villages, paddy cultivation, dense forests, plantations and historical city architecture.From the East Coast to the West Coast, this tour takes you through the plains of the Cauvery delta, crosses over into the lush greenery of the Western Ghats and descents into the backwaters of Kerala to end in Fort Cochin.

Details
General Information
Inclusions
Exclusions

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival & Mahabalipuram Introduction

Transfer: Chennai Airport → Mahabalipuram (60 km, approx. 1.5 hrs by van)

Ride: Optional 20 km coastal spin (flat) along the Bay of Bengal

Highlights:

Golden-hour visit to the Shore Temple (6th c. UNESCO monument)
Evening briefing & welcome dinner at seaside heritage hotel
Stay: Heritage property facing the sea
Meals: Dinner only

Day 2 – Mahabalipuram → Puducherry

Ride: 75 km (mostly flat coastal road, 4–5 hrs riding)

Route Notes: Follow the Coromandel Coast past Tiger’s Cave, fishermen’s villages & casuarina groves.

Highlights:

Sunrise at Tiger’s Cave rock-cut shrine
Seafood lunch in local fishing hamlet
Afternoon arrival in the “Forever French Corner” of India
Stay: Heritage villa in White Town, Puducherry
Meals: B, L, D

Day 3 – Puducherry Exploration & Warm-Up Ride

Ride: 30 km loop (easy, 2–3 hrs) through White Town & along Goubert Salai

Activities:

Guided walk of the French Institute & colonial churches
Beachside promenade ride to Paradise Beach
Free evening in the boutiques and cafés of White Town
Stay: Same as Day 2
Meals: B, L, D

Day 4 – Puducherry → Tranquebar (Tharangambadi)

Ride: 60 km (flat, 3.5–4 hrs)

Transfer: 10 km shuttle to Cuddalore then unload bikes

Highlights:

Ruins of the 17th-c. Danish and Dutch forts
Sunset bird-watching at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (optional extension)
Stay: Beach-front bungalow at “The Bungalow on the Beach”
Meals: B, L, D

Day 5 – Tranquebar → Kumbakonam

Ride: 85 km (flat to gentle rollers, 5–6 hrs)

Route Notes: Roll through rice paddies and small villages; the true Cauvery “granary.”

Highlights:

Airavatesvara Temple (UNESCO) and Gangaikondacholapuram on-route stop
Evening stroll through Kumbakonam’s bustling silk market
Stay: Colonial-style mansion converted to guesthouse
Meals: B, L, D

Day 6 – Kumbakonam → Thanjavur

Ride: 40 km (flat river-bank road, 2.5–3 hrs)

Highlights:

Morning ride alongside the Kollidam (Coleroon) River
Afternoon guided tour of Brihadeeswarar Temple (Chola masterpiece)
Local brass‐lamp-making demonstration
Stay: Boutique hotel within walking distance of the temple
Meals: B, L, D

Day 7 – Thanjavur → Chettinad

Ride: 95 km (rolling terrain, 6–7 hrs)

Route Notes: Transition from riverine plains to the red soil of Chettinad.

Highlights:

Sunset visit to a 100-room Chettiar mansion
Traditional “on-the-floor” Chettinad thali dinner on banana leaf
Stay: Restored heritage home with courtyard
Meals: B, L, D

Day 8 – Chettinad Cultural Layover

Optional Activities:

20 km village loop to tile-making workshops & terracotta kilns
Afternoon cooking class: learn to prepare milagu rasam, chettinad kozhi
Guided walk of local temples built in egg-lime mortar
Stay: Same as Day 7
Meals: B, L, D

Day 9 – Chettinad → Madurai

Ride: 75 km (flat to gentle rollers, 4–5 hrs)

Highlights:

Afternoon arrival in Madurai—“Athens of the East.”
Evening deepa aarti at Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple
Night market stroll under the gopurams
Stay: Heritage hotel adjacent to the temple complex
Meals: B, L, D

Day 10 – Madurai → Thekkady (via transfer)

Transfer: 30 km shuttle to foothills (1 hr)

Ride: 45 km climb into spice hills (3–4 hrs)

Highlights:

Cool forest ride scented with cardamom & pepper
Sunset tea tasting at a working plantation lodge
Stay: Eco-cottage tucked among cardamom trees
Meals: B, L, D

Day 11 – Rest Day in Thekkady

Optional Activities:

Nature walk with a Periyar wildlife guide
Private tour of organic spice gardens & pepper dryer
Ayurvedic massage or yoga session
Stay: Same as Day 10
Meals: B, D

Day 12 – Thekkady → Vagamon

Ride: 65 km (rolling climbs, 4–5 hrs)

Highlights:

Winding roads through pine groves & tea estates
Evening bonfire and storytelling under the stars
Stay: Eco-lodge on a misty ridge
Meals: B, L, D

Day 13 – Vagamon → Kumarakom

Ride: 80 km descent (mostly downhill, 5–6 hrs)

Route Notes: Long descent from the Western Ghats into Kerala’s backwater plains.

Highlights:

Late-afternoon arrival at the shore of Vembanad Lake
Sunset cruise launch from a lakeside resort
Stay: Lakeside villa with private jetty
Meals: B, L, D

Day 14 – Backwater Houseboat & Marari Beach

Morning: Board private kettuvallam for a 2-hr backwater cruise

Transfer: Houseboat → Marari Beach (40 km by road)

We bike along one of these canal bund roads, numerous coconut trees and rustic villages. A classic coastal ride along the beach on one side and unevenly spread serene backwaters on the other. A short stop to see the art of making the traditional boats, locally called as “Kettuvallom”. They make wooden boats both for backwaters and sea.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cycling distance: 28 mi/45 km (Approx)

Estimated cycling time: 5/6 hrs

Accommodation type: Hotel

Stay: Beach-front eco-bungalow

Meals: B, L, D

Day 15 – Marari → Fort Kochi

Ride: 55 km (flat coastal/canal-bund roads, 3–4 hrs)

Highlights:

Early-morning ride past coir-making villages
Arrival at Fort Kochi: Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church
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 Dutch, in came a cocktail of religions, cultural practices and diverse food habits. Kerala owes it cosmopolitan vibe to the traders who braved the seas to come to this land.
Today you start exploring the city of Kochi and visit – the St. Francis Church, Dutch Cemetery, Jew Synagogue, Dhobi Ghat and the Chinese Fishing Nets, a common sight in the backwaters of Kerala.
You also visit the Jew Town that hosts a Spice Market. The bustling trade of spices is evidenced in the trucks going to and away from the warehouses, loads being taken in and out using pushcarts, and the sight of workers drying, sorting and packing spices.
End the day by watching Kathakalli – a stylized classical Indian dance-drama and Kalaripayattu – a martial art form which originated as a style in Kerala.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation type: Hotel
Meals: B and D

Day 16: Depart Kochi

Our tour leaders transfer you to the Cochin International Airport to depart with a bag full of happy and fun filled memories.

Meals: Breakfast

Our tour leaders transfer you to the Cochin International Airport to depart with a bag full of happy and fun filled memories.

Meals: Breakfast
For Travel with Tapesh every day is a journey and the journey itself is a home. We hope that this little step is the beginning of a great journey for you!

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION

On the first day of the trip, Your Trip Leader will meet you at Chennai International Airport.

You will need to obtain a VISA to enter the country.

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

Getting Active

CLIMATE

October to March is winter in Tamil Nadu. The monsoon season has ended and the countryside feels alive. Though maximum temperature can touch 34 degrees celsius towards mid-day, early mornings and late evenings are cool. Nights can get chilly in the highlands. Across the country the flora and fauna is lush and vibrant. As we are mostly along the coasts expect high levels of humidity.

TERRAIN AND CONDITIONING TIPS

To get ready for this trip, we suggest biking regularly beforehand and hitting a few hills whenever you can. We want you to have the best possible vacation, and while there’s no need for hardcore training, you should feel comfortable riding at least 20–40 miles each day and still have the strength and enthusiasm to get up and do it all over again the next day.

To ride safely along the narrow and sometimes trafficked roads, it is important to ride single file and to develop good balance on your bike. Balance can only be developed by riding on the road. We recognize that not everyone lives in an area conducive to outdoor riding, but please keep in mind that while running, riding a stationary bike, spinning and other aerobic exercise will help improve your strength, endurance and cardiovascular health, these activities will not help with balance.

BRINGING YOUR OWN GEAR

Don’t forget to bring your helmet and water bottle!

You are welcome to bring your own gear, such as pedals, seat, helmet, toe clips and cyclometer, to use with bicycle. However, please inform us in advance if you choose to bring any of your own things.

STAYING COMFORTABLE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How to prevent soreness while bicycling?

Think padding! Padded shorts make sitting on the bicycle seat a lot more comfortable, and padded.

Are biking shoes necessary for my trip?

Rigid shoes maximize the power of your pedaling stroke, but there’s really no need to purchase a pair of biking shoes just for this trip. Any athletic shoes — provided they have stiff soles—will be sufficient.

Is it going to rain?

As much as we don’t like to think about it, rain is possible no matter where you travel. Your best bet for staying comfortable during a shower is to wear quality rain gear that is both waterproof and breathable. A jacket and pants made of Gore-Tex will keep you dry even in the fiercest downpour.

RULES OF BICYCLING SAFETY

Wear a helmet. Riding without a helmet is extremely dangerous. Our company requires that all guests wear helmets while cycling.
Ride predictably, defensively and in a straight line.
When riding with others, ride single file and maintain several bike lengths between cyclists. Allow more distance when riding downhill.
Do not use headphones while riding; you might not hear traffic coming up behind you.
Be as courteous to motorists as you would like them to be to you, and get completely off the road when you stop.
Keep your speed under control on down hills. Use both brakes simultaneously, but be aware that the front brake is more powerful than the rear. Gently pump your brakes on long descents for maximum effectiveness. Check brakes frequently to make sure nothing is loose or dangling.
Wet slippery roads require extra caution and greater stopping distance —especially on down hills. Wet brakes must be dried by pumping before they have an effect, so start braking early in damp weather.
When riding on sand or gravel, downshift into low gear so you can spin your pedals faster while still going slow.
Obey all traffic regulations. Stop at all stop signs and red lights, yield the right-of-way and use hand signals when turning, slowing down or stopping. Ride on the extreme left side of the road, at a safe distance from traffic
Be cautious around road obstacles. It is safest to dismount and walk your bike across railroad tracks and cattle guards. If you decide to bike across them, do so at right angles. Avoid potholes, metal grates, glass, rocks and thorns. Ride at a safe distance from parked cars and watch for vehicles pulling out and/or doors opening in your path.
You must yield the right of way to pedestrians. Do not ride on sidewalks.
When making a right turn, it is safest to pull off the road, dismount, look both ways for traffic and then walk your bike across the road. Never follow other cyclists when turning without confirming for yourself that it is safe to do so.
Listen carefully for approaching motorists. (Look over your shoulder only if you can do so

without swerving).

We do not cycle after dark on trips. If you decide to do so, you must bring your own bike equipped with a white light on the front, a red light on the rear and reflectors on the spokes and pedals.
If a dog chases you and you are not able to ride away quickly, stop your bike and walk out of the dog’s territory, keeping the bike between you and the animal.
Wear appropriate clothing for bicycling. Brightly colored clothes make you more visible to motorists.
Double-tie shoelaces and tuck them inside your shoes.
You should wear corrective lenses while bicycling if you use them while driving.

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST

ESSENTIAL BICYCLING CLOTHES & GEAR

✓ bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers

✓ bicycling shorts

✓ short-fingered cycling gloves

✓ brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T- shirts

✓ lightweight jacket or vest

✓ non-cotton base layers of varying weights (tops & bottoms); choose a fabric such as

polypropylene, Capitoline or Cool-max

✓ synthetic bicycling socks

✓ sunglasses

✓ breathable windproof jacket

OTHER NECESSITIES

✓ wallet (credit cards, bank cards, ID, cash)

✓ one quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag to carry all liquids, gels and aerosols in carry- on luggage (and liquids, gels and aerosols must be in 3-ounce or smaller containers)

✓ medications and copies of prescriptions

✓ toiletries

✓ insect repellent

✓ sunscreen and lip ointment

LUGGAGE

Please limit your luggage to one soft-sided medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address and phone number.

RECOMMENDED CLOTHES & GEAR

✓ mid-weight short-sleeved, synthetic undershirt (base layer)

✓ appropriate clothing for restaurants, villages and temples

✓ fleece jacket/vest or warm sweater

✓ synthetic mid-weight socks

✓ arm and knee/leg warmers (for biking)

✓ bicycling tights

✓ long-fingered gloves

✓ windproof outer gloves (worn over biking gloves)

✓ heavier-weight long-sleeved, synthetic undershirt

✓ long-sleeved cycling jerseys and synthetic T-shirts lightweight but warm cycling cap that fits under helmet (skullcap)

✓ headband that covers ears (wear under helmet)

Please Note :- our company recommends that you not bring valuable personal electronics

including, but not limited to, IPAD, laptop computers and expensive cameras. While we will

transport them from place to place during the trip as a convenience, we do not assume

responsibility for any damage, loss or loss of function to the devices. This policy also applies to other items such as expensive jewelry, fur coats and fragile and delicate accessories, whether purchased on the trip or otherwise.

Luxury and comfortable, heritage hotels at all the locations.
- Aluminum frame mountain bike with helmets
- All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
- Expert trip Leaders who are well versed with the itinerary and the local language. They will look after your every need.
- Two Nutrition halts during the cycling course every day. We will provide protein bars, nuts and dry fruits rehydration supplements .
- Spare bikes to prevent you from slowing down.
- Local knowledgeable guides Kumbakonam, Thanjour, Madurai, Kochi.
- Bike mechanic for maintenance and repair (If group more than 5 people).
- Service tax and Permit fees are included
- Complete in-person assistance provided from arrival at the airport to the end of the trip.
- SAG – A Van support that follows throughout the trip and carries all belongings including extra bikes.(Toyota Innova)
- Entrance fees to historic sites, museums, temples and all other exclusive events
- Essential first-aid kit
- All transportation from rendezvous to final drop-off

Alcohol & Beverages
Personal expenses like tips, laundry and spa, massage etc.
Any items not mentioned above

Quick Facts

Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days Level: Moderate (Easy rider) Tour Starts: Chennai, Tamil Nadu Tour Ends: Kochi, Kerala