South India Coast to Coast

Many people have asked us over the years if we could organize a cycle tour in India for those not of an off-road mountain biking background. The tour would have to be a challenge, take in the best of the sites and the scenery and allow time to soak up India's delights.

For us at Mountain Bike Kerala one route sprung to mind that would provide all that and more; a cycle tour from the Bay of Bengal over the mighty mountains of the Western Ghats to the palm fringed beaches of the Arabian Sea. South India Coast to Coast.

Our tour takes in the tropical South Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. We pedal on idyllic back country roads, stopping overnight at places of special historical and scenic interest giving enough time to take in the temples, tea plantations, backwaters, historic cities and the best of the sights that make Mountain Bike Kerala's Coast to Coast ride so unique.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai. Transfer to Mahabalipuram and the poolside restaurant at our hotel. Unwind relax then join us on a short walk around Mahabalipuram's world famous rock carved temples.

Day 2: Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry. 110km. The cycle touring kicks of with a flat ride along the stunning scenic coastal road to the former French Colonial capital of Pondicherry. Join the locals on the promenade for an evening stroll before dining in top Indo-French restaurant.

Day 3: Pondicherry-Chidambaram. 75km. More cruisy coastal riding as we continue our journey south to the temple town of Chidambaram. Endless palm fringed paddy fields will provide the backdrop. Take a step back through the ages as we visit the temple complex at sunset and join the pilgrims in an unforgettable ancientritual.

Day 4: Chidambaram-Thanjavur. 120km. We leave the coast and head inland onto the vast lush Tamil plains. Stunning rural scenery reveals a Tamil heartland almost unchanged over centuries. A big day in saddle takes us to another South Indian gem; Thanjavur, and its word heritage listed Brihadeshwara Temple.

Day 5: Thanjavur-Pudukkotai. 58km. A relaxing morning then it's a short stage ride to Pudukkottia as we head further inland. Bullock carts and cycles are more common than any other vehicles here. Evening gives us time to relax those legs take in fantastic meal and perhaps knock the tops of a few Kingfishers; Kingfisher beers that is.

Day 6: Pudukkotai-Madurai. 112km. Big day in the saddle as we ride deeper in to the heart of Tamil Nadu with the lush landscape becoming more arid with rocks and ridges becoming a common sight. Idyllic rural riding brings us to perhaps the most famous of all of Tamil Nadu's towns Madurai and the unforgettable riot of colour that are the gopurams of SreeLakshmi temple. Evening guided stroll round the temple complex.

Day 7: Madurai-Thenni. 89km. Landscapes change, the first signs of an undulating road and the mighty mountains of the Western Ghats beckon on this delight of an 89km ride as we make our way to rural backwater district headquarter capital of Thenni. Scenery simply outrageous.

Day 8: Thenni-Munnar. 85km. Its time to climb A gentle warm up for 20km then climbing legs start to whirr as we embark upon the near 2000 meter acsent to Bhodimet and the Keralan border. Switch back after switch back give us the elevation to look back over the vast Tamil plain and see what we have ridden. Truly mesmerizing views. As we head into Kerala we ride through tropical jungles and tea estates on what must be one of the most stunning roads anywhere in the world. After the days riding its time perhaps to crack open a few more Kingfishers and revel in the cool night air and relax knowing that tomorrow is a well deserved rest day.

Day 9: Munnar Rest Day. Set amongst the highest tea estates in the world Munnar is a stunningly situated destination. Relax in the riverside gardens of our hotel retreat or take an afternoon trip in search of elephants at Chinnar national park. Visit the tea factory or take a short hike through the tea estates. It's your day.

Day 10: Munnar-Kuttikanam 90/130km. We ride the forest road through cardamom and pepper plantations and ancient rain forests on an undulating road. Forests make way for beautiful valleys carpeted by tea before we reach our delightful plantation resort accommodation in Kuttikanam.

Day 11: Kuttikanam-Pala. 70km. Another cracking day in the saddle with the joys of a big descent down to the lush tropical Kerala plains. Colonial tea bungalows, and churches new and old are testimony to the areas unique strong Christian roots. We overnight in the charming town of Pala.

Day 12: Pala-Kottayam. 50km. We ride through rubber, pepper and spice plantations on this short ride through to the district headquarters town and gateway to the backwaters Kottayam. From here we board our boat and cruise along Kerala's famed backwaters through to Allepey for our overnight retreat in a traditional Kerala homestay.

Day 13: Allepey-Marwari Beach. 20km. A delightful short ride to one of Kerala's hidden secrets; the near deserted tropical paradise beach of Marwari. Dive into to the soothingly warm sea for a well deserved bathe. We make the short trip in the afternoon to our luxury houseboat and overnight cruise on Vembanad Lake.

Day 14: Breakfast on the boat then it's a short transfer to historical Fort Cochin. Join us on our guided walk through the wealth of historical buildings and spice bazaars or take the chance to embark upon a bit of shopping. Finish the tour with a stunning traditional Keralan meal.

Day 15: Transfer to Cochin airport and your flight home.

Who should Come?

The tour is suited to enthusiastic cycle tourists with a keen sense of adventure and ready for a challenge. Riders should be of a good cycling fitness. Some stages; especially in the mountains are quite challenging with long climbs and undulating big days in the saddle.  

Accommodation

All nights in the major towns are in outstanding mid range hotels and guesthouses. All rooms are based on twin or double occupancy. Single rooms are available on request. If you are a single person and have not requested an own room option we will endeavour to match you up with a compatible roommate for the duration of the trip.

Bikes

The roads are in good condition by Indian standards with the majority of the roads being recently metalled and smooth. We would recommend a hard tail mountain bike with slick tyres or a touring bike.

Your bike must be in tip top condition. If you are unsure if a part will survive the trip replace it or take your bike to be serviced by a bike shop. Performance bike parts are hard to obtain in India but we do have small stocks of spare parts if things go wrong.

You will need to bring along:

• Spare spokes for your bike
• A spare mech hanger.
• Spare set of brake pads.
• Gloves
• Helmet
• Riding gear
• Multi tool
• Pump
• Tyre levers
• 2 tubes
• Camel back or bike bag space to store extra cycling layers.
• Head torch
• A set of warm clothes for nights spent in mountains
• Universal electric plug
• Mosquitto Repellant

What We Provide

• All accommodation
• All transfers
• All meals
• Tour leader, guide costs.
• All scheduled entry fees
• Vehicle support

Not Included

• Flights
• Personal travel insurance
• Snacks, soft drinks etc
• Personal expenses
• Tips, gratuities

Climate

The South Indian climate is at its best in January with daily sunshine almost guaranteed. Temperatures will be up to 30c during the day while nights maintain a balmy air. Temperatures drop considerably in the mountains with evenings and nights being cool. 

Food

South Indian food is a highlight of any trip. In the bigger towns there is also a wide choice of western food and north Indian dishes. All meals are included in the package.

Vehicle Support

We have full vehicle support on for the duration of the tour. Riders who are tired or just wish for a quick break from the cycling will be able to take time out in the support vehicles.

Flights

Tours start in Chennai and finish in Cochin so an open jaw ticket would work best. Both Chennai and Cochin are well served by international carriers with Emirates amongst others offering well priced deals. Check airlines for luggage allowance and what their policy is regarding cycles.

Which Visa's Do I Require?

See FAQ's “Do I Need a Visa” for more information.