Coast to Coast bike trip in India (Puducherry to Kochi, Kerala) Starting from USD 3500*
Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights
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.
Tour Highlights
● 6th & 7th century old Shore Temple at Mahaballipuram.
● Breathtaking architecture of Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
● The large Nandi bull carved out of single rock at Brihadishvara Temple Thanjore.
● Spice Plantations in Kerala
● Tea Gardens in Western Ghats
● House Boats & Backwaters
Day 1: Arrive in Chennai and transfer to Puducherry via Mahabalipuram/ Mamallapuram
Arrive at Chennai airport and head to Mahabalipuram. Mamallapuram was a major port during the Pallava Dynasty. The town is famous for the rock cut architecture dating back to the 7th & 8th Century. These Hindu Group of Monuments at Mamallapuram, have been declared as a UNESCO world Heritage site. After sightseeing we have lunch and transfer to Puducherry.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive distance: 94 mi/150 km (Approx)
Estimated cycling time: 4/5 hrs
Accommodation type: Hotel
Day 2: Puducherry
Today we explore Puducherry on two wheels. Puducherry, a union territory of India still has evidences of its history as a French colony. The city’s colonial past is hard to miss. The entire town of Pondicherry is divided into two sections known as French Quarter and Tamil Quarter. There are several churches and other monuments which showcase French and Dutch architecture. We start at the French Institute of Puducherry and cover the cities major tourist attractions. We ride along the Goubert Salai with the beach on one side. This beachside promenade is unique and dotted with several monuments and statues of war heroes that speak volumes of the rich heritage and history of the place. From here we proceed to Paradise beach and return to white town. Evening is free to explore on your own. Pondicherry is also famous for its handicrafts and cotton fabrics.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycled distance: 15 mi/25 km (Approx)
Estimated cycling time: 2/3 hrs
Accommodation type: Hotel
Day 3 : Tranquebar/ Thiranganabadi
After breakfast, jump into the vehicles and head south past the town Cuddalore, We shuttle for an hour and half, unload the cycles and ride along rice cultivation which makes this area the true granary of South India. We will reach the eastern coast today at Tranquebar – known as Thiranganbadi locally – a centre of Dutch conquest and trade during the eighteenth century. In the evening we visit Tarnquebar fort and Point Calimere.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycled distance: 37 mi/ 60 km (Approx)
Estimated cycling time: 4/5 hrs
Drive distance: 35 mi/55 km (Approx)
Accommodation type: Hotel
Day 4: Kumbakonam
Westward the journey begins as we head to a town called Kumbakonam. The town is bound by two rivers, the Kaveri to the north and Arasalar to the south. After reaching the Hotel we go sightseeing. Visit Airavatesvara temple, built by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th Century a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He ruled between 1146 and 1172. In the evening we take a stroll in the local marketplace. Kumbakonam is famous for the Kanchipuram silk sarees.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycled distance: 41 mi/65 km (Approx)
Estimated cycling time: 5/6 hrs
Accommodation type: Hotel
Day 5: Thanjavur/ Tanjore
Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, onto our bikes and ride towards Thanjavur. Most of the ride will be alongside the picturesque Kollidam River, (aka Coleroon River). Thanjavur is an important center of South Indian religion, art, and architecture. Evening is reserved for sightseeing at Thanjavur (formerly Tanjore). We visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple built by the Cholas, dedicated to the Hindu Deity Lord Shiva. A part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site this is one of the largest temples in India.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycled distance: 25 mi/ 40 km
Estimated cycling time: 4/5 hrs
Accommodation type: Hotel
Day 6: Chettinad
Chettinad is home to the Chettiar community - A wealthy merchant class family from Tamil Nadu, well known for their local cuisine, architecture, and religious temples. This small town is also famed for its houses – large, colourful and with rooms numbering more than 100! Once upon these palatial houses and mansions used to host celebrations, festivities, and rituals. Evening is at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 37 mi/60 km (Approx)
Estimated cycling time: 5/6 hrs
Drive distance: 25 mi/ 40 km
Accommodation type: Hotel
DID YOU KNOW? Coconut water is a great natural electrolyte, and it contains high amounts of potassium. It is also lower in carbohydrates
Day 7: Madurai
We ride towards the town of Madurai. At the outskirts of the city, we load up and head straight to the Meenakshi temple before checking into the hotel.This temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500-year-old city of Madurai.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 25 mi/40 km (Approx)
Estimated cycling time: 5/6 hrs
Drive distance: 30 mi/ 50 km
Accommodation type: Hotel
Day 8: Thekkady
Thekkady is known for forests and spice plantations. The queen of spices, “Cardamom”, is native to these hills of Thekkady. We take in the spectacular views of tea clad Western Ghats. As you are riding through, the lush tea plantations will be forever etched in your minds. The smell of cardamom draws you quickly from the tea-lined mountains to the mishmash of cardamom plantations.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 37 mi/60 km (Approx)
Estimated cycling time: 5/6 hrs
Drive distance: 50 mi/ 80 km
Accommodation type: Hotel
Day 9: Thekkady
You explore the small town of Kumily at your own pace today. We recommend that you try and spend as much time at the Periyar National Park in Thekkady. The national park is known for its innovative sightseeing options. We recommend a short Nature Walk through the Park, which gives you a glimpse of the wildlife in the area. Later, we head to a spice farm and learn about the spices from a local farmer.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation type: Hotel
Day 10: Kumarkom
Depart Thekkady after breakfast and ride towards Mundakkayam. This is going to be a beautiful ride – from the Cardamom Hills to the tea gardens of Vagamon. 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 we will stop by for lunch. From Vagamon, we take a van transfer to Kumarakom. Kumarakom is one of the finest backwater destinations of India, as it lies at the edge of the massive Vembanad Lake.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 37 mi/50 km (Approx)
Estimated cycling time: 5/6 hrs
Drive distance : 47 mi/ 75 km
Accommodation type: Hotel
Day 11 – House Boat in Vembanad lake (Alleppey)
We spend a night in the houseboat and relax.The House boats are amongst the most remarkable and unique experiences that Kerala has to offer. Originally called Kettuvallams, in Malayalam language Kettu refers to ‘dwelling structures’ ‘Vallam’ means boat. They were used to carry tons of rice and spices from the backwaters to the port of Cochin. These boats come with a thatched roof cover over wooden hulls. The boat is made of planks of jackwood joined together with coir. This is then coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. With careful maintenance, a Kettuvallam can last for generations. A portion of the Kettuvallam was covered with bamboo and coir to serve as a restroom and kitchen for the crew. Meals were cooked onboard and supplemented with freshly cooked fish from the backwaters. What is truly magical about a houseboat ride is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers, while you float in a relaxed way right through it.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycled distance: 13 mi/ 20 km
Estimated cycling time: 1/2hrs
Accommodation type: House boat
Day 12: Marari Beach
Cycle to Marari Beach and relax. Marari Beach is being increasingly preferred by travelers as an alternative to its more popular counterpart- Kovalam in the South. This day, you can just relax by the pool or walk on the beach, watching the fishing boats coming in and the place bursting with activity as the catch is sorted.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycled distance: 13 mi/ 20 km
Estimated cycling time: 1/2 hrs
Accommodation type: House boat
Day 13: Kochi
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
Day 14: Exlore Kochi
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
Day 15: 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
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
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 a 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 on your own, 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, Capilene or Coolmax
✓ 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.
What’s Included
● 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
Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights
Level: Moderate (Easy rider)
Tour Starts: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Tour Ends: : Kochi, Kerala
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