| (Puducherry to Kochi, Kerala) |
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Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days Level: Moderate (Easy rider) Tour Starts: Chennai, Tamil Nadu Tour Ends: Kochi, Kerala
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.
ITINERARY
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:
Stay: Heritage property facing the sea
Meals: Dinner only
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:
Stay: Heritage villa in White Town, Puducherry
Meals: B, L, D
Ride: 30 km loop (easy, 2–3 hrs) through White Town & along Goubert Salai
Activities:
Stay: Same as Day 2
Meals: B, L, D
Ride: 60 km (flat, 3.5–4 hrs)
Transfer: 10 km shuttle to Cuddalore then unload bikes
Highlights:
Stay: Beach-front bungalow at “The Bungalow on the Beach”
Meals: B, L, D
Ride: 85 km (flat to gentle rollers, 5–6 hrs)
Route Notes: Roll through rice paddies and small villages; the true Cauvery “granary.”
Highlights:
Stay: Colonial-style mansion converted to guesthouse
Meals: B, L, D
Ride: 40 km (flat river-bank road, 2.5–3 hrs)
Highlights:
Stay: Boutique hotel within walking distance of the temple
Meals: B, L, D
Ride: 95 km (rolling terrain, 6–7 hrs)
Route Notes: Transition from riverine plains to the red soil of Chettinad.
Highlights:
Stay: Restored heritage home with courtyard
Meals: B, L, D
Optional Activities:
Stay: Same as Day 7
Meals: B, L, D
Ride: 75 km (flat to gentle rollers, 4–5 hrs)
Highlights:
Stay: Heritage hotel adjacent to the temple complex
Meals: B, L, D
Transfer: 30 km shuttle to foothills (1 hr)
Ride: 45 km climb into spice hills (3–4 hrs)
Highlights:
Stay: Eco-cottage tucked among cardamom trees
Meals: B, L, D
Optional Activities:
Stay: Same as Day 10
Meals: B, D
Ride: 65 km (rolling climbs, 4–5 hrs)
Highlights:
Stay: Eco-lodge on a misty ridge
Meals: B, L, D
Ride: 80 km descent (mostly downhill, 5–6 hrs)
Route Notes: Long descent from the Western Ghats into Kerala’s backwater plains.
Highlights:
Stay: Lakeside villa with private jetty
Meals: B, L, D
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
Ride: 55 km (flat coastal/canal-bund roads, 3–4 hrs)
Highlights:
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.
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
Think padding! Padded shorts make sitting on the bicycle seat a lot more comfortable, and padded.
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.
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
without swerving).
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.
Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days Level: Moderate (Easy rider) Tour Starts: Chennai, Tamil Nadu Tour Ends: Kochi, Kerala
