Kerala & Tropical India

Clothing
While I doubt anybody would say something directly to you, you do pass through some remote villages and areas where the lifestyle is quite conservative and definitely not used to western people in anything particularly revealing. As such, I think you need to quite sensitive to the local culture and err on the side of caution when it comes to clothing. So this means no lycra, or at least baggy shorts over lycra.

Long sleeves are good for evenings, as mozzies can be out. Just layer up with Deet on anything exposed, so hands and feets (they love ankles and wrists, think becuase your veins are more exposed), neck.

Costs
Costs are hard to specify, but roughly £50 for snacks, water etc, £50 for tips at the end and £100 for meals not included. You can obviously spend over and above this and shop as much as you like. You can take some extra cash for this, or just use ATMs at different points.
I think we changed a little at the airport for a drink on the way, and then the leader pointed out the banks the next morning in Mysore - it was very early anyway! It definitely wasn't a problem, and we got a good rate when we changed the larger portion, so shouldn't be any problem.

The cycling is mostly very pleasant, with lots of quiet back roads and more undulating than anything else. The hill to Ooty was tough, I won't deny it, but about half the group went the whole way up, a few dropped out along the way and a couple took the van. There's no pressure, as people can drop out whenever they want, it's not a forced march and it's still a beautiful drive, for anyone who does take the van.

Emma Garrick - Product Manager

Staff member Phil Normington travelled on this trip and you can read his article to get a personal viewpoint of the holiday.

This climb is very achievable for all standards of cyclists. The best approach is frequent short water stops (with salt tablets ideally), take your time and find a comfortable rhythm. The main climb consists of 36 numbered hairpins, which vary in gradient between sections; the emphasis being almost entirely uphill. Few sections require you to actually peddle off the saddle. As you climb the temperature drops and there are frequent stopping points for rehydration and rest - the views do improve the higher you climb! The support vehicle will always be available for anyone wanting assistance or a breather, and the leader will be monitoring those less confident on the climb. The reward of reaching the top, along with the stunning views, make the ascent very special indeed - only to be matched by an exhilerating descent the following day, through the tea fields of the Western Ghats and onto tropical Kerala!

Phil Normington - Marketing Executive

Average temperatures range from 20C to 30C in the regions covered. The main monsoon in Kerala will start up around May and finish in September. The driest months are October through to March. Temperatures at Otty can drop to single figures as you will be approx 2200m above sea level. A jumper for the down-hill ride is advisable.

Olly Leicester - Sales

There is a real mix available and you won't be disappointed! The local cuisine is predominantly vegetarian, with lots of rice. You can enjoy everything from traditional spicy curries to stalls selling tasty sweets and deserts and even right the way to western style grub, if it all gets a bit too much. Vegetarians and 'non-spicy' food people are easily catered for, and the leader will make sure a wide range of dishes are ordered for each meal.

Charlotte Taylor - Customer Operations

Rural people on our cycling routes dress conservatively and both men and women need to adhere so far as possible to their cultural norms to avoid unwanted disrespectful attention. In particular male and female cyclists should cover lycra shorts with baggy knee length shorts or calf length pedal pushers. Women should not wear short shorts, strappy, backless, plunging or figure hugging tops. Loose fitting T shirts or cycling tops are suitable. We also strongly recommend that clients bring cycling gloves, cycling shorts and helmet. There are a number of hotels where clothes can be washed and dried by the staff.

Will Shoubridge - Agency Sales

No, there is plenty of bottled water available daily and soft drinks can also be bought at every stop.

Ian Langford - Sales

Where do you start?! Half the joy of shopping in India is the sheer scale of what's on offer, from upscale boutiques in New Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta to the crowded and sweaty markets of pretty much any town or village you come to. Handicrafts, art, leather goods, spices, hand carved statues, silk, the list goes on - all the way to cheap knock offs of western brands!

Remember, outside of the proper shops, haggling is the key but don't waste your time trying to split the difference over a few pence - the best result is when everyone comes away happy!

Charlotte Taylor - India Operations

Any time I go out, I normally just take sterling cash which, as long as you excercise the normal degree of common sense you would at home, is safe and easy. The India rupee is a closed currency, meaning you can only get it upon arrival in the country. There are exchange facilities at all arrival airports, and ATMs are available pretty much everywhere as well in case you need to top up along the way.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Unfortunately we are not qualified to answer all your questions in regards to travel health, so we strongly recommend you contact your GP or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information.

Nomad Travel Clinics are experts in preparing people for travel, providing advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and staying healthy whilst overseas. We have arranged a special 10% discount for Exodus passengers on any vaccinations that you may require! Take along your Nomad discount card, sent with your confirmation pack, or call Exodus for your special discount code.
Visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/exodus for further information.

For additional information please visit: www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Charlotte Taylor - India Operations

Fancy a night out in India just like the locals? Head to a Bollywood movie and join the local in an evening packed with entertainment. The Bollywood masala movies are a mixture of dance, drama and musical with a break in between as most of these are lengthy 3 hours movies. This gives you the option to leave the theatre should you want to do that! The songs and dances make it like a 60’s musical where you could have the whole locals singing and dancing to the tune. Some movies become hits only because of these. Movie theatres that you may want to visit are; Raj Mandir in Jaipur, Odeon in  Canaught Place, New Delhi, Filmistan, Karol Bagh in New Delhi - but all cities have theatres. A word of warning- try to avoid the rush when entering and exiting the theatre and the crowded area and keep valuables with close to you zipped at all times and enjoy the show.

Niraj Chand Shrestha - Customer Operations

‘In-country’ bike hire should be arranged at the time of booking, and the cost will be added to your invoice. Please note that there are a limited number of bikes available locally. We always have to match a person's height to the bike frame size and, as there are a limited amount of each size, we cannot always guarantee availability of the correct frame. Therefore it is recommended you add the local bike hire as early as possible.

Andy Ross - Product Manager

Synthetic, cotton or merino wool tops will be perfect for cycling , especially when it's hot . Shorts (could be padded) will also be great as it will almost certainly be too hot for cycling in trousers. Stiff sole shoes are in general better for cycling but you could also go for sandals. A lightweight windbreaker (or water-resistant/proof top) may come handy in the unlikely event of a spell of bad weather ; however, in case of rain you may well go for being wet because of the rain rather than because of your own sweat under a jacket.

Rachel George - Customer Operations

No. The leader carefully breaks up the distances covered with refreshment stops and lunch. The terrain will vary but clients are always free to hop on the support vehicle that shadows the whole group, if they feel like a break. Saying that, you do cover more ground than you think, especially with a tailwind behind you!

Will Shoubridge - Agency Sales

Yes. All the bikes are adaptable to be fitted with personalised bike parts. The support team accompanying the group will be able help with any bike alterations or damage to the bike along the entire trip.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

The hotels you stay at will all be good quality, with en suite facilities. As such, towels are usually provided but it's always a good idea to pack a small emergency one in the end of your bag as well, just in case. You may have an odd night where the standard is slightly lower but this will usually be due to where you are and, as such, limited by what is available.

Charlotte Taylor - Customer Operations

Please visit the Exodus Travel Guide to India where you can find out what plugs they use, as well as more detailed Country information in the menu on the left of the page.

No. Indian visas must be pre-arranged in advance. Check the Indian embassy website for details.

http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/

Will Shoubridge - Agency Sales

India has delicious food to cater for all preferences but, like anywhere in the world, hygiene is important.  Keeping your hands well washed before eating, staying as hydrated as possible and sticking to bottled water is the best protection against an upset tum. Otherwise, mashed potato is apparently a good cure!

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Please download this PDF document to assist you in your preparation for flying with your bike.

You can view the Grading System for our Cycling programme online.

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!