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KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

15 days from GBP1,839 to GBP2,379 including flights
Tripcode: MIK

Countries Visited: India

Cycling in Kerala’s beautiful landscapes and villages
Encounter diverse cultures and religions
Enjoy a traditional houseboat cruise

Southern India is a magical place: beautiful landscapes, fascinating towns and villages, long white beaches and superb food make for an idyllic Kerala cycling holiday. In the cool heights of the Western Ghats the sanctuaries at Bandipur and Mudumalai hide wild elephants, tigers and leopards in jungle and bamboo forests.

Cycle around old forts and up to religious rock shrines and ride through colourful villages where rural life has remained little-changed for centuries. Further south, in Kerala, Hinduism has produced some of India's most elaborately decorated temples. A relaxing boat trip on the quiet backwaters here offers a change of pace from cycling in Kerala, before the final coastal ride to Varkala and a chance to laze on the beach and reflect on an unforgettable experience of rural India.

Exodus staff member writes...

Will Shoubridge, Agency Sales Consultant writes in our Extracts Winter Magazine (Jan. 2010).

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Day 1

Depart London.

Day 2

Arrive Bangalore; transfer to Mysore.

Day 3

Ride to Srirangapatnam ruins; return to Mysore; afternoon explore the city including the Maharaja Palace.

Day 4

Cycle on the back roads of Mysore Plateau and Bandipur N.P. via Nanjangud.

Day 5

Morning free or optional visit to Bandipur; afternoon ride to Mudumalai N.P.

Day 6

Optional ascent to Ooty Hillstation (13km climb), former summer capital of the Raj; free afternoon to explore the town.

Day 7

Western Ghats descent through tea plantations; transfer to Guruvayoor in tropical Kerala.

Day 8

Circular ride on rural roads to visit elephants from the temple, return to Guruvayoor; evening Pooja.

Day 9

Cycle along coastal roads lined with coconut palms; ferry to Fort Cochin.

Day 10

Free in Cochin to explore the bazaars and the old harbour.

Day 11

Cycle past old Portuguese houses; continue to Vambanad Lake and Alleppey; overnight in traditional Keralan house.

Day 12

Explore Alleppey town before backwater boat trip; overnight on lovely Keralan houseboat.

Day 13

Cliff-top ride to laid-back Varkala.

Day 14

Free to relax on the beach and eat the wonderful seafood.

Day 15

To Trivandrum; fly to London.

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Images from KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

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Clients cycling past wild elephant, Bandipur National Park

Peter Bluck, Kerela and Sri Lanka leader

Washing elephants at Punnathur Kotta sanctuary, near Guruvayoor

Clients and bikes on small ferry boat, near Varkala

Clients cycling past wild elephant, Bandipur National Park

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Average Review Rating:
based on 36 reviews.

A wonderfully varied trip from a chilly start in the Western Ghats to the warm tropical beaches of Kerala.Cycling was…

John Gove
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Terriffic holiday, great cycling, genuinly friendly locals even asking for pictures with us. Good hotels in interesting locations. Food fantastic.

Richard Gear
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Wow! Kerala & Tropical India Cycling trip was all we expected and more.Excellent trip - great cycling, great scenery -…

Ann Jacklin
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