Geography
Tucked away in the South West corner of India, Kerala is a narrow strip of land sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghat mountains. Some claim that Kerala means ‘land of coconuts,’ and palms still shade almost the entire state from the tropical sun. The tropical landscape is criss-crossed by dozens of rivers and countless waterways. Major agriculture products include rice , cashew nuts, sugar cane, tapioca, pepper, coconut, ginger, rubber, turmeric, tea, cardamom and coffee.

Climate
Kerala is a tropical state with a monsoon weather pattern which drops most of its rain between July and September. Our trips run from November through till late March when the weather is usually sunny and clear. Day time temperatures at sea level hover around 30C whilst nights maintain a balmy air.

The majority of our cycling is done at altitudes ranging between 1000m and 2000m. Temperatures during the day are in the mid 20C’s, while nights are usually mild and occasionally fresh. A few light layers and on occasion warm layers may be required in the evenings and early mornings.

Culture
Kerala’s colourful festivals and traditions showcase Kerala's legacy and are often intertwined with many religious beliefs. Kerala's multi-culturalism is best reflected in the various festivals of different faiths.

Onam is Malayali's favourite festival, heralding the harvest season in the months of August-September. Snake boat races, hailed as the largest team sport in the world are preceded by impressive water parades. Other important festivals of Kerala are Eid, Easter, Muharram as well as other festivals that are traditionally celebrated throughout India.

Accommodation
All our rooms are in select, locally-owned guesthouses and hotels. Accommodation is well appointed, immaculately clean with en suite facilities. There is no premium for single occupancy.

Cuisine
Kerala offers a rich and varied cuisine with superb vegetarian dishes a particular specialty. Keralan food is subtly spiced and aromatic rather than overbearingly hot. Making use of all that is on offer from the great spice belts that straddle the Western Ghats.

Excellent western style food is widely available for those not willing to tackle a “curry” for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fresh fruit, nuts and bottled mineral water are all widely available.

Cost of Living
Almost everything, from food and drink to essentials and exotic gifts to take home are inexpensive and excellent value. A seafood meal in a restaurant overlooking the Arabian Sea is likely to cost £3-4 while lunch in a local café or eatery could start from as little as 30p. A beer or large gin and tonic should cost about 90p.

Currency, Cash & Finance
Almost everything, from food and drink to essentials and exotic gifts to take home are inexpensive and excellent value. A seafood meal in a restaurant overlooking the Arabian Sea is likely to cost £3-4 while lunch in a local café or eatery or a beer/ gin and tonic should cost less than a pound.

Ayurvedic Treatments
Kerala is one of the few destinations in India where Ayurveda is widely practiced. While Ayurvedic treatments are available throughout India, there is some truth to Kerala's claim to be the original home of this 5,000-year-old system. There are many renowned schools and institutions here dedicated to the teaching of the principles of Ayurveda. It is possible to spend anything from a weekend to a year learning about this science. In any case, no trip to Kerala is complete without an Ayurvedic treatment, whether it is a massage or a facial.

Mountain Bike Kerala can organize bookings for all forms of Ayurvedic treatment through on of our recognized Ayurvedic practitioners.