Kerala Escapade - Cycling, Hiking and Cruising
Tour Information
10 Days
KRLESC#6
from $ 724.9
Overview
Filled with nature and immense culture, welcome to Kerala! Also known as – ‘God’s own Country’, one must visit this beautiful state in India, just to justify the catchphrase. This pristine and serene state lies in the Southeast part of India and is much favoured due to its exotic wildlife, herbs, spice plantations, tea gardens, emerald hill stations, houseboats, backwaters, pristine beaches, cuisine, art, and culture.
Interestingly, Kerala is the home of Ayurveda, Kathakali (an ancient Dance form), and the very first martial arts form in the world – Kalaripayattu. Located on the Malabar coast, Kerala is perfect for a Southern getaway in India, and this is the right place to make a tropical vacation happen! You can go as far as you can with your imagination and find the best options to make your Kerala trip come true with a lifetime of memories and adventures to look forward to.
Group Size: 4 to 16 Participants
Min. Age: 12 Years
Difficulty Level: Moderate
This Tour is mainly on tarmac and dirt (village) roads. A support vehicle will accompany the group to support, carry luggage and any participant in case of exhaustion, fatigue, or injury. Roads are well made at most of the locations and are primarily plain undulating roads. The routes we take passes through the Aravalli hill ranges, villages, rivers, etc.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Date
No Of Pers
Itinerary
In case your arrival is early, wander around and appreciate the beaches, the local markets, visit the lighthouse, and drop in at some local cafes. Later in the evening, head out for dinner with your fellow passengers and Leader for the first Group Meal.
Optional Activities
● Kovalam - Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
● Café hopping
Cycling distance: None.
Overnight in Kovalam.
Varkala sits on India's Keralan coast and is one of the most underrated beach destinations in India. Even though this is a popular destination for tourists, the beaches are quiet and relaxing. The entire Town has this laid-back ‘feel’ to it, with a string of Guest houses, Hotels, Restaurants, and Cafés. Later, we will go for a walk to get used to our surroundings and if there’s time, one can cycle through the fishing villages of Varkala and get up close with the locals to experience their culture. Finish your day by just sitting on the beach and watching a beautiful sunset.
Optional Activities
● Mannarasala Nagaraja (Snake) Temple
● Varkala Lighthouse
● Krishnapuram Palace
● Janardhana Swamy Temple
Cycling distance: 35 km
Maximum Altitude/ Elevation: 62m.
Elevation Gain: 288 m.
~ Mostly flat, slight uphill ~
Notes: The houseboats cruise through the backwaters the whole day. As per the local administration rules, at around 5:30 pm the boats are supposed to be put aside for overnight stay. Air conditioning is available only from 6:00 pm-6:30 am. Fans are available throughout the day along with options to recharge your gadgets. Each houseboat will have 3-4 rooms so the group will be split between a few houseboats.
Cycling distance: 27 km.
Maximum Altitude/ Elevation: 40 m
Elevation Gain: 70 m+
Overnight stay in Alleppey (in Houseboat).
~ Mostly flat ~
Travel by Support Vehicle inland - 80 km approx (3.5hrs) to Vagamon and we shall begin our very first - hill ride in Kerala. Today’s ride can be challenging but beautiful at the same time, as the route undulates along winding roads and verdant green hills. Ride for 56 km (approx), then avoid the steep sections by getting into the Support Vehicle and driving all the way to the town of Thekkady.
Cycling distance: First leg – 21 km; Second leg – 56 km
Maximum Altitude/ Elevation: 1197 m
Elevation Gain: 915 m
~ Mostly flat, moderate Uphill and Downhill ~
Note: Best to buy Spices from the Plantation as their produce is considered as one of the best.
Optional Activities
● Authentic Ayurvedic Herbal Massage
● Kalaripayattu (martial arts show)
● South Indian Cooking Class
Cycling distance: None
Maximum Altitude/ Elevation: N/A.
Elevation Gain: N/A.
Overnight in Thekkady.
You will ride through thick forests, tea estates, and open countryside with rolling hills. The terrain in these areas will be a bit challenging, so we will be covering only 25 km (approx) by our cycles and drive the rest of the way in our Support Vehicle. In the evening, you will return to your accommodation in time to celebrate today's ride.
Cycling distance: 25 km
Maximum Altitude/ Elevation: 1200 m
Elevation Gain: 990 m
Overnight in Vagamon
~ Undulating - Uphill and Downhill ~
Cycling distance: 25 km
Maximum Altitude/ Elevation: 1200 m
Elevation Gain: 150 m
Overnight in Vagamon
~ Uphill and Downhill ~
Our arrival at the hotel will be late in the evening and after check-in, if interested, we can go for an Orientation walk followed by dinner. Head back to the hotel, grab a shower and relax.
Cycling distance: 35 km
Maximum Altitude/ Elevation: 1200 m
Elevation Gain: N/A
Overnight in Kochi
~ Sightly undulating and mostly Downhill ~
Cycles and Mechanic go away from the beach and we drive back to the hotel for breakfast. Return to Kochi for a late breakfast then head back to Fort Kochi for a guided walking tour, including the Mattancherry/ Dutch palace, Chinese fishing nets, the fascinating Jewish quarter – the Jewish community here has roots going back as far as 1000 AD, and you’ll see the Jewish synagogue in the city. The Tour will take around 3-4 hours with enough time to wash off the days’ effort before heading out to dinner and enjoying one of India's most revered classical dances, at a performance of the famed Kathakali (evening – optional).
Optional Activities
● Kathakali dance show
Distance Covered: 26 km
Maximum Altitude/ Elevation: N/A
Elevation Gain: N/A
Overnight in Kochi.
~ Mostly flat ~
Cycling distance: None.
Details
● 70% Tarmac and 30% Gravel (best suited for MTB)
● Full vehicle support on cycling days
● Riding distances are approximate
● 3 – 5 hours cycling in a day depending on riding conditions and riding capability.
Even though this is not an exhaustive trip, it is necessary to be physically fit and active to appreciate this Tour’s experience. The ride is open to all amateur and seasoned cycling enthusiasts. There shall be mostly straight roads along the entire route with small undulating roads. Hence, we only recommend riders who are physically fit and have essential cycle riding capability.
The weather is hot mainly during the day, with temperatures varying from 8 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius in winters and 35 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius in Summers. Though we are always observant about the changing weather, no one can guarantee rain or the sun. Do understand that your safety is of utmost importance to us. We will not proceed any further from the destination if the weather is not favourable, especially when it's too hot to bear and there can be chances of heatstroke.
Accommodation is included in all destinations as per the itinerary; if arriving early or staying extra at the end of the Tour, let us know if you need suggestions. Most of the hotels we use are Family-run/ experiential stays with quality service while adhering to Covid-19 guidelines.
- Trip cost is on ‘double-sharing’ and 'twin-sharing'.
- Single supplement is available at extra cost. (Please do inform us in advance).
We make sure all the food we offer/ recommend is freshly cooked, and you get to experience a hint of the local delicacy.
Packed Lunch/Lunch in a Local restaurant, Fruits, and Water will be provided when riding.
Please let us know any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
As our initiative toward Responsible and Sustainable Travel, we will be providing filtered/ purified water during the ride days. Water shall be provided to all participants when riding to prevent excessive use of plastic. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer and alcohol are available only at specific destinations but are NOT included in the price.
We use an experienced airconditioned chauffeur for this tour for your comfort and safety; airport pick-up and drop isn’t included in the tour cost. Check with us before your arrival or departure if you want us to have transport services which will be charged separately. Email us at [email protected] or [email protected] or call/ WhatsApp us on +91 9315028184.
NOTE: We shall be using a SUPPORT VEHICLE for the entire Tour. If the PARTICIPANT does not wish to continue by Cycle, he/she may sit inside the VEHICLE. The plan, activities, ride, route, and other aspects of the TOUR is subject to change, and the LEADER holds authority to do so.
NO HELMET NO RIDE - Wearing a helmet is required on all our Biking Adventures and is non-negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet, you will not be allowed to cycle. Your Team Leader is trained in First Aid and Emergency Rescue, but you must be responsible for your safety to a large degree while riding.
We use premium hybrid or Mountain bikes in our tours.
You may bring your own cycle, and we will give you a discount (Check with us before the tour for the value). Our team will look after your bike, but we do not take any responsibility for any issue you might face during/ after the tour. Example: Your bike will be with us throughout the term, and many times, we will load it and unload it for your ride. During this time, there can be a possibility of minor scratches/wounds. Our team will not be responsible for any such issues related to your bike.
NOTE: Participant may bring their pedals, padded - saddle covers, or other fittings/ accessories that can be attached to the bike.
Any Spares, Replacements, Overhauls on the personal bike is not included in the cost. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube is recommended. (Extra Spares expense as per actual for BYOB)
Essential spares and tools are carried by the Cycle Technician, though we cannot guarantee to have spares for every conceivable problem.
● Relaxed shoes for walking/ Riding
● Personal toiletries as required.
● Refill Water Bottles
● Personal medication
● Riding Apparel and Clothes (according to Weather)
● You may bring winter or summer clothing according to the season.
● Best to carry a rain cover.
● Cap
● Sunglasses
● Essential Bike Tools and Spares
● Individual Bike-riding equipment – Gloves and Helmet
● Mosquito Repellent
You will be led by a local Cycle tour guide, otherwise known as your Team Leader, and in cases of larger groups, we will add another Leader to the Tour. All our Team Leaders are well informed in the regions you will be passing, along with prior experience in leading Cycle Tours.
As per regulations, all our Accommodation and Equipment shall be sanitized and checked in advance to ensure a safe environment. Wherever meals are available, they would be prepared with care. However, it is advisable to be Responsible for your Health and Safety and carry a sanitizer.
The Bike Tribe reserves the right to make modifications/ changes in the retreat program and accommodations as is deemed necessary. We also reserve the right to cancel any Tour. In the unlikely event of a cancellation, you may opt to transfer to Tour or receive a full refund of the money you have paid.
The Bike Tribe is not responsible for any consequential expenses or damages incurred because of any cancellation, not limited to costs spent in preparation.
Cancellation must be made through the corresponding email – [email protected] or [email protected] ONLY; otherwise, no cancellation will be entertained.
Cancellations will not be accepted over the phone. Only written cancellation notices (email) will be received for authentication purposes.
In case of any increase in the cost of Hotel, Transport, govt. Tax, fuel, etc., we are bound to augment the same. Any Booking will be tentative unless you pay in advance and book on a guaranteed basis.
The Bike Tribe will not be responsible for any (additional) charges incurred after cancellations/ amendments without confirmation from our side.
The refund will be made via bank transfer or depending on the original purchase method. Additionally, although The Bike Tribe will instruct the bank to handle the crediting process immediately upon notification of cancellation, it could take 2-3 weeks for the actual crediting to occur, which may differ as per your Bank’s practice.
Cancellations before 20-days from the start of the Tour
Refund Options
● Get 80% refund
● 90% cash voucher for any trip till one year
Cancellations before 15 days from the start of the Tour
Refund Options
● Get 60% refund
● 75% cash voucher for any trip till one year
Cancellations before ten days from the start of the Tour
Refund Options
● Get 20% refund
● 40% cash voucher for any trip till one year
Cancellations before seven days from the start of the Tour
Refund Options
● Get 10% refund
● 20% cash voucher for any trip till one year
Cancellations before six days from the start of the Tour
Refund Options
● Get 0% refund
● 0% cash voucher for any trip till one year
In case of transferring a trip to a friend, they should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by The Bike Tribe. TBT holds the right to change/ cancel the policies without prior notice.
While gratuities for essential services that you will receive as part of your Tour package, from local specialist guides to drivers, bike technician, and the crew who will take care of you onboard, are included as part of your Tour cost, the voyage fare does not include the customary, gratuity for your Cycle/ Team Leaders. While it may not be customary for you, it is of great significance to the people who will care for you during your travels. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations in India.
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