Highlights

It’s not hard to see why the state of Kerala has adopted the slogan ‘God’s own country’. And with Mountain Bike Kerala as your guide, you can be sure of experiencing fantastic mountain biking and the very best that Kerala has to offer. From the paradise setting of a sunny Arabian Sea beach and serene backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife sanctuaries, to mountainous tea estates and spice plantations, we’ll take you there.

Fishermans Nets

Cochin

A trading port since Roman times, Cochin sits in ar guably the most beautiful harbour in the world among coconut palms and endless blue waters. Cochin has been on the main trade route from Europe to China with traders from the court of Kublai Khan first arriving in the 14th century; followed by periods of Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. These colonial influences allied to local architectural styles have resulted in a wealth of picturesque low rise buildings, rich in history, set amongst a palm covered landscape with the timeless Chinese fishing nets at it’s heart.

 

Backwaters Cruise

One of the most memorable experiences in Kerala is a boat journey on the backwaters of Kerala. An extraordinary maze of rivers, lakes, canals and estuaries lined with dense tropical greenery, reveals a Keralan lifestyle totally hidden from the road.
A cruise and overnight stay on a luxuriously fitted Kettuvallam boat is an idyllic way to watch traditional Keralan life go by. Views change round every bend; paddy fields, churches, mosques and temples, as well as small farms and villages that remain almost untouched by the modern.

 

Kuttikanam

Perched on the edge of the mountains with stunning views down to the plains below Kuttikanam was formerly the summer retreat of the Royal family of Travancore. Set amongst Cardamom, Coffee, Pepper and Tea plantations at an altitude of around 1000 meters it is one of our main bases with a wealth of stunning mountain bike trails, including 1000 metre rocky descents, super winding singletrack, a cliff edge ride with jaw dropping views into the jungles and valleys and loads of technical trails to challenge the most skilled of riders.

 

Thekkady: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Set amongst beautiful forested scenery alongside a laked section of the river Periyar, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors all over the world and is India’s most fascinating natural wildlife reserve. A morning boat ride on the lake gives an opportunity to spot elephants, wild boar, otter, bison, lion tailed Macaque, barking deer, a range of bird life and perhaps even the elusive Tiger.

 

Munnar

Nestled amongst the highest tea estates in the world under the shadows of South India’s highest peaks, Munnar was the favoured summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. The unending expanse of tea plantations, pristine valleys, mountains and forests provides for a superb array of mountain bike trails and is home to a near 2000m super technical multi-switchback descent and oodles of singletrack.

 

 

 

 

Varkalla

The perfect place to unwind. An idyllic beach set to the backdrop of a towering red cliff. As well as its warm welcoming surf, Varkala has a host of other attractions including delicious seafood, natural springs, Yoga and meditation classes, ayurvedic treatments and South Indian style nightlife. Nursing a beer or cocktail while watching the sun dip into the Arabian Sea is a truly unforgettable experience.
The mineral springs near Varkala Beach are considered to have medicinal properties and many people come here to drink and bathe. Varkala Beach is also called Papanasam Beach because it is believed that bathing here will wash away all of one's sins.
The Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple nearby is believed to be between 800 - 2000 years old with Varkala being a pilgrimage destination to thousands of pilgrims year round.