• Is this tour for me?
• Where does the tour start and end?
• How many people are on each tour?
• Do I have to carry my own luggage?
• Do you supply all meals and drinks?
• What distance do we travel? How far do we cycle?
• What if I can’t manage some of the routes/trails?
• What sort of bike should I bring?
• Do you provide insurance?
• Do I need a visa?
• Do I need any inoculations or protection against malaria?
• Do you offer group booking discounts?
• Why are tours not available between May and October?

Is this tour for me?
Mountain Bike Kerala offers the most varied and exciting mountain biking in Asia. Trails and routes have been chosen and designed for Mountain Bikers with a degree of flexibility to suit the skill levels of the each group.
A reasonable level of mountain biking experience is desirable though for less advanced riders there is plenty of scope to improve skill levels as the holiday progresses. For more experienced riders there are enough rocky routes, technical down-hills and gnarly trails to keep anyone on the edge of their seats.

Where does the tour start and end?
All trips start and finish in Cochin. Daily flights are available daily with Emirates Airlines from Manchester, Birmingham and London with many other airlines covering this route. A return flight should cost approximately £500.
For those planning to extend their India trip by arriving before or departing later than those dates stipulated for the holiday, Mountain Bike Kerala are happy to advise or assist all in aspects of your additional travel arrangements.

How many people are on each tour?
Ideal group sizes are 4-6 people but for larger group can be catered for on request.

Do I have to carry my own luggage?
Your luggage and cycles will be transferred by Mountain Bike Kerala.

Do you supply meals and drinks?
We will provide breakfast daily and all lunches taken on mountain biking days.
Evening meal will be provided on backwater trip. All other meals and drinks are to be covered by you.

What distance do we travel? How far do we cycle?
Transfer distances are no longer than 200 km with plenty of opportunities to rest. Mountain Bike routes vary greatly from 2 hour blasts, 10-15 k.m, to all day epics with distances greater than 50 k.m however longer days take in a great deal of freewheeling downhills with journeys back to base completed in our jeeps, so no long climbs to finish the day. Unless you really insist!!!

What happens if I can’t complete the days riding?
If the terrain gets a little too tricky our guides will endeavour to take you by a route more suited to your skills. If for some reason you can’t continue, vehicle support will remain at hand to transfer you back to the guest house or end of trail.

What sort of bike should I bring?
Bring a bike you are familiar with. A hard tail (front suspension) bike with a decent front fork should suffice. Terrain can be very demanding so ensure that the bike is a robust model. Our bikes are a mix of Kona Hoss’s and Calderra’s so if they are up to that spec then they will be fine.

Do you provide insurance?
No, unfortunately we are unable to provide insurance. However, it is a condition of out trips that you are adequately insured. Policies must cover mountain bike and the potential risks of a mountain bike holiday. www.sportscoverdirect.com

Do I need a Visa?
Every visitor to India requires a valid passport and visa, unless they hold a PIO (Person of Indian Origin) Card.
Visas are required by all UK residents traveling to India and you are responsible for completing your own visa applications.
For an application form, please contact:
The High Commission of India India House Aldwych London WC2B 4NA www.hcilondon.org

All other nationalities should contact the Indian Embassy in their own country.

Do I need any inoculations or protection against malaria?
Inoculations are not legally required for entry into India. However it is recommended that you obtain vaccinations against Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Get in touch with your GP well in advance of your departure to arrange for vaccinations and anti-malaria protection.

Do you offer group booking discounts?
6 people booking as a group for one individual tour can avail a 10% discount.

Why are tours not available between May and October?
We run our tours when the climate is at its best. After April the heat on the coastal fringes and plains can become oppressive whilst from June through till September monsoon conditions can make mountain biking conditions incredibly tricky. October is our time to expand and improve trails and explore new areas.