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.
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.
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.
Cochin provides an opportunity to witness a kathakali performance a traditional dance form of Kerala with impressive facial expressions, hand gestures and dance moves.
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.
