Current as of: March 29, 2024 - 10:52

Cycle Kerala & Tropical India

Cycle Kerala & Tropical India Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: India
  • Programmes: Cycling
  • Activity Level:

    4 out of 7 - Moderate / Challenging

  • 15 Days: Flight Inclusive
  • 14 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: MIK
  • Carbon Footprint: 30kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Cycle from the Western Ghats to the idyllic coastline of Kerala

Beautiful landscapes, fascinating towns, stunning beaches and superb food, southern India is an excellent place to explore by bike. This trip offers the chance to cycle through the highlights, from the cool heights of the Western Ghats, where sanctuaries hide monkeys, elephants and tigers, to the quiet backwaters of Kerala, where Hinduism has produced elaborately decorated temples, and colourful villages, where rural life has changed little for centuries. The final coastal ride to Varkala rewards us with time to relax on the beach and reflect on an unforgettable experience.

At a Glance

  • Nine nights in hotels, three nights in lodges and one night on a houseboat
  • 10 days cycling (including one optional ride) with full vehicle support
  • Group normally 4 to 14, plus local cycling leader and driver. Minimum age: 16
  • Premium departures available
  • E-bikes available for an additional cost

Highlights

  • Cycle through striking countryside with tea plantations
  • Discover Hindu temples and Christian churches
  • Cruise the Kerala backwaters on a traditional houseboat
  • Enjoy a 4x4 safari in Bandipur National Park

Is This Trip for You?

This cycling trip is classified Road and Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

It is great for a first-time bike trip or a first visit to India, but there is also lots to interest those who have completed cycle trips with us previously or want to see a different part of the country. The temperature and humidity can be challenging but we schedule plenty of water and comfort breaks. A support vehicle is available throughout the trip should you wish to take a break from cycling at any point but please note, the support vehicle has limited space and can only take a maximum of 5 passengers with bikes.

  • 10 days of cycling (including one optional ride)
  • Average 55km (34.1mi) per day with full vehicle support

Route: We aim to cycle door-to-door for most of the route, with only a few transfers needed due to longer distances, national park restrictions and busier roads.

The cycling is mainly on surfaced roads with a few rough, potholed sections. Please bear this in mind if you are bringing your own pedals and clip-in shoes. Day 3 is the longest ride day at 90km (55.9mi), mostly on good roads with some gentle undulation.

Terrain and traffic: This is a good all-round trip with plenty of flat riding, lots of downhill and a challenging climb. We mainly follow backroads with little traffic, but traffic does increase when approaching towns. The roads can be busy and clients must be confident riders who have cycled in traffic before. Leaders will brief you on the rules of the road; please listen carefully and follow the instructions.

Sights and monuments: Please note, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India and very occasionally this may mean that work is taking place at sites visited on this trip. The ASI schedule is never published, so it is impossible to forewarn our clients of when work will be taking place.

Group

Our Indian team of leaders has proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Indian culture than letting an Indian guide show you around their country.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 14

Itinerary

Cycle Kerala & Tropical India

Land Only

  • Start City: Mysore
  • End City: Varkala

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Mysore

The adventure begins in Mysore. After checking into our hotel, we have a short introductory briefing and time to relax (we may have to wait until around noon if rooms are not ready). We meet at lunchtime and have a short post-lunch walk around the markets. In the late afternoon, we have a bike briefing and fitting in the hotel courtyard. In the evening, we have a full trip briefing before an optional group dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Pai Vista or similar (Mysore)

Meals included: Lunch

Day 2
Ride to Srirangapatnam ruins; return to Mysore; afternoon to explore the city including the Maharaja Palace

We start with a leisurely morning ride to Srirangapatna, the ruins of Tipu Sultan’s capital, which were destroyed by the British in 1799 during their final battle to secure control of southern India. The fortress stands on an island in the middle of the Cauvery River; once over the bridge, we cycle around the old ramparts, enter Tipu Sultan’s Mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple before riding back to Mysore for lunch.

For lunch, you get your first taste of thali, the southern Indian meal of rice and multiple small curries on a plate, or the typical south Indian masala dosa, a thin pancake made with fermented rice and lentil batter.

In the afternoon, we have a guided tour around Mysore Palace. Also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, it is the official residence of the Wodeyars, the former royal family of Mysore, which ruled the princely state of Mysore for more than seven centuries. The decor is stunning, if a little bit over the top, and the former maharaja is still in residence in his private quarters.

Accommodation: Hotel Pai Vista or similar (Mysore)

Distance covered: 23mi (37km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3
Cycle on the back-roads of Mysore Plateau to Chamarajanagar

We leave the hotel and cycle out of Mysore town up to Chamundi Hill to view the 16.5ft (5m) rock carving of Nandi, Shiva’s celestial bull. There are also good views over the whole of Mysore. We then cycle back down the hill and continue along the quiet backroads, along with the children riding a bike or bus to school. We also share the road with herds of white oxen and women in colourful saris carrying waterpots on their heads.

Our ride takes us through the back-roads to a quaint little village where we stop to enjoy a picnic lunch. After a comfortable lunch, some re-hydration and rest, we continue to Chamarajanagar. We should arrive at our hotel in Chamarajanagar by late afternoon to relax by the pool or enjoy a cold drink.

Accommodation: The King’s Resort & Spa (or similar)

Distance covered: 56mi (90km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4
Cycle on the back-roads to Bandipur National Park

After breakfast, we take ride along the villages outside the forest areas to witness the local village life.  Continue along the back roads to the outskirts of Bandipur Sanctuary.

We should arrive at our hotel in Bandipur National Park in time for lunch. In the late afternoon, we take a 4×4 safari in the park to see lots of peacocks, spotted deer and monkeys, with the chance to see wild elephants, Indian bison, and, at certain times of the year, the elusive tiger.

Accommodation: Bandipur Safari Lodge (or similar)

Distance covered: 37mi (60km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5
Optional ascent to Ooty; free afternoon to explore

Today is the highlight of the trip for some, ascending 4,104ft (1,251m) to Ooty (Ootacamund), a resort town in the Nilgiri Hills and the former summer capital of the Raj.

After an early breakfast, we take local transportation to Kalhatty, a small village on the way up. Due to cycling restrictions to mitigate animal-human conflict, we start our ride just outside the forest area, from the 20th hairpin of the 36 bends. It’s a very steep ride up with stunning vistas at every turn; we have plenty of photo opportunities along the way, which double as rest stops. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed morning and journey up the hill in the support vehicle. After tea and cake at the top, we have an undulating ride into Ooty.

Ooty is called the Queen of the Hill Stations and, although it is now a busy little town, there is lots to see and do. Originally occupied by the tribal Todas, the area came under the East India Company at the end of the 18th century. The British introduced tea, and the hillsides around Ooty are covered in tea gardens.

Arriving late morning, we take lunch in our comfortable hotel. The afternoon is free to explore town and sample the local cardamom tea. Both the Botanical Gardens and the Rose Gardens are a short walk from our hotel. And in town, there are many shops selling locally grown tea and oils and homemade chocolate.

Accommodation: Fortune Resort Sullivan Court (or similar)

Distance covered: 11mi (17km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Western Ghats descent through tea plantations; transfer to Guruvayoor in tropical Kerala

After breakfast, we have a stunning ride across the rolling Nilgiri Hills, the backdrop for many Bollywood movies, before starting the dramatic descent, dropping 6,560ft (2,000m) through the hills and tea-covered slopes of the Western Ghats. The ride offers fantastic views over the hills below and there are spectacular viewpoints. After 34mi (54km), we reach Gadalur, a typical Indian town with one long high street selling everything, with shop fronts covered in colourful adverts and cheap children’s toys. Here we have a tea break before heading towards Kerala with the final 12.5mi (20km) descent through tropical rainforest and bamboo-covered slopes to our end point at a typical Keralan roadside restaurant.

The bikes are loaded as we enjoy lunch and then transfer to Guruvayoor (3hr 30min) to avoid busy roads. Please note that although the road is not very busy the road surface today is probably the worst of the trip. There are many potholes and the road surface is not even. Please take care and concentrate while cycling.

Arriving in Guruvayoor, we have time to relax before wandering into town to sample delicious Keralan street food and have an evening stroll outside the temple, which comes alive at night. It is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus in Kerala and the fourth-largest temple in India. The town is filled with devotees dressed in traditional Keralan costume, who come here in their thousands to offer rice, flowers and gold to Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Accommodation: Sopanam Heritage (or similar)

Distance covered: 53mi (86km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7
Ride past Guruvayoor Temple; continue to Cherai beach

Today we cycle by the Shree Krishna Temple. A little further is another religious centre, Palayur Church, one of the oldest churches in India and founded by Saint Thomas the Apostle, who landed in India in 52 CE.

From here, we head towards the coast, cycling along country roads lined with mango and coconut trees. There are plenty of photo opportunities as we observe traditional life. Later, crossing bridges, we cycle onto Vypin Island, arriving at Cherai Beach early afternoon. The rest of the day is free to enjoy this stunning location and swim in the Indian Ocean. Cherai is known for mouth-watering fresh seafood, so for dinner, you could try jhinga kachcia aam kari, a speciality dish from Kerala made with green mango and prawns simmered in coconut milk and spices.

Accommodation: Sea Lagoon Health Resort (or similar)

Distance covered: 39mi (62km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8
Cycle along coastal roads lined with coconut palms; ferry to Fort Cochin

We set off from our beach location towards the coast to the port city of Cochin, cycling south and passing through small fishing communities where colourful boats are hauled up along the sands. Turning inland, we see grand houses built with the remittance money from the Gulf States workforce, plus older houses constructed during the British colonial period. Please note, the traffic levels are high for the last 5mi (8km) as we arrive at the main road to board the ferry to the Fort Kochi neighbourhood. This has a unique place in Indian history, and to soak up the atmosphere we spend the next two nights here. After hotel check-in, we wander down to one of the restaurants in the old harbour area for lunch. Those wishing to visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum should do so today, as it is closed on Mondays.

Accommodation: The Dutch Bungalow (or similar)

Distance covered: 26mi (42km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9
Free day in Cochin to explore the bazaars and the old harbour

Today is a free day to explore Cochin with its bazaars and old harbour area. The Portuguese established a base here, followed by the Dutch, who were forced to hand it over to the British in 1841. A potpourri of Indian and international communities, it is now the bustling commercial capital of Kerala and consists of several islands connected by ferries. Most of the major sights are close by in the neighbouring areas of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Warehouses filled with the smell of tea and spices are lime-washed bright green, yellow and blue; rickety old bikes and hand-painted trucks piled high with goods fill the narrow streets and food stalls stand on every corner.

St Francis Church is close to the hotel. Built by the Portuguese in 1503, it is the burial place of explorer Vasco da Gama and his tomb is inside the church. Further along, you come to Mattancherry and the Dutch Palace. Constructed by the Portuguese in 1568, it was gifted to the Maharaja of Kochi before the Dutch took it over. Close to the palace is Jewtown and the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 for the Jewish members of the Kochi trading communities, it is adorned with hand-painted tiles from China and elegant Belgian chandeliers, all donations from wealthy merchants. The area around the synagogue, Jew Street, is a heritage zone with many antique and handicraft shops and is excellent for shopping.

For a culinary experience, try the fish market near the Chinese fishing nets, where you can buy the day’s catch and have it cooked to your taste. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities here.

Accommodation: The Dutch Bungalow (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10
Cycle past old Portuguese houses; continue to Muhamma

Riding from Fort Cochin, we pass 500-year-old Portuguese villas, a striking contrast to the tiny fisherman huts dotted along the beach road. Many of these fishing villages are Christian; at the coastal town of Arthunkal, the old stone church dominates the surroundings and is best viewed from the shade of a coconut tree while we have a tea break.

Continuing along the coast road, we head to Muhamma, the start point for backwater trips, and spend the night in a lakeside resort. The tranquil gardens are as relaxing as the Ayurvedic massage and treatments on offer to guests. In the afternoon and early evening, relax on the veranda as backwater life unfurls before you.

Accommodation: Deshadan Backwater Resort (or similar)

Distance covered: 32mi (52km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11
Explore Muhamma town before backwater boat trip; overnight on Keralan houseboat

After a lie-in, you can enjoy an optional 13.5mi (22km) bike ride to explore the village or you can relax for the morning. Around midday, we board a backwater houseboat for an unforgettable trip to Trikunnapuzha. These converted rice barges have two-berth cabins with en-suite bathrooms and come with their own cook. With our bikes stacked on the side of the boat, you won’t see the saddle for another 19 hours, so just relax and watch the world pass.

Vessels of all sizes use the lakes and canals that make up this fascinating network of waterways. On one side of the canal, vast paddy fields of iridescent green stretch as far as the eye can see; on the other are fishing nets and coconut trees. As the sun begins to set, the boats are moored together and we gather on deck for sundowners.

Accommodation: Overnight houseboat

Distance covered: 14mi (22km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12
Ride to laid-back Varkala

We have breakfast on the houseboats as they move from their overnight mooring point to our disembarkation point. Here we meet the support vehicle and set off along a quiet coastal road, passing by Amrithanadamayi Ashram, better known as the Hugging Mama Ashram, a spiritual retreat overlooking the backwaters.

We then join the main road to Quillon and have lunch at a seaside guesthouse: the fish is bought fresh from the market and cooked in mild spice and served with poratta, a favourite Keralan bread. After lunch, we are back on quiet roads for the last 18.5mi (30km) to Varkala, a small laid-back community with coffee bars and yoga schools perched along the clifftop. We spend the next two nights here.

Accommodation: Sajjoys Hotel (or similar)

Distance covered: 56mi (90km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13
Free to relax on the beach and try delicious seafood

Today is free to relax and enjoy the beachside location. There are several beach shack restaurants for lunch, serving excellent seafood. Try the tandoori dishes, the clay ovens give a more authentic taste to breads and curries. The last night’s meal is generally at the hotel with a fusion of all your favourite Keralan dishes.

Accommodation: Sajjoys Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 14
End Varkala

The adventure comes to an end today. For those on our Group flight, you’ll have a very early morning departure to the airport.

If you are not taking the Group airport transfer your trip will end after breakfast but, if you’d like a little longer to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotels, lodges and houseboat

Cycle Kerala & Tropical India

Nine nights in hotels, three nights in lodges and one night on a houseboat, all have ensuite rooms. Most hotels are of a comfortable standard with four-star facilities. The safari lodge in Bandipur is more basic but allows us to be close to the national park entrance and one of the first game drives into the park, beating some of the crowds.

Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are only a couple of months when the weather can get cooler. You can request more blankets or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please ask your tour leader if you need help in this matter.

Houseboat

Houseboats are comfortable and all cabins have en suite facilities, the majority of cabins are twin-share. The houseboats are air conditioned (between 8pm and 6am) and also benefit from a communal/dining area. Please note, single rooms can be limited.

Single supplement from £ 630

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, 10 lunches and four dinners are included.

Lunches on riding days are usually taken in roadside cafes, allowing us to sample typical south Indian dishes such as poori (deep-fried bread served with curry) and dosa (thin pancake made with fermented rice and lentil batter). South Indian food is heavily influenced by the tropical landscape; creamy coconut dishes enlivened with delicate spices, served on a banana leaf. It’s also an ideal destination if you are vegetarian. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap but a (large) bottle of beer is approximately 410 rupees (US$5). Please note, due to Kerala state laws, alcohol licenses are limited to one or two bars in each area and not all hotels are permitted to serve alcohol. The first day of every month and certain holidays in India are dry days, when no alcohol is permitted for sale.

Generally, you can eat out very cheaply in India. Where food is not included, you should allow at least 1,650 rupees (approximately US$20) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you mainly eat at the more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount.

Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow.

Drinking water is provided in the support vehicle, where you can fill your bottle from the containers.

Transport

All your luggage and personal belongings will be carried by the support vehicle, which is a minibus.

The main transfers are using private mini-buses/coaches depending on the group size. The cycle support vehicle will follow the riders most of the time, allowing you to cycle as much or as little as you like. However, there is limited seating in the vehicle, and it is not possible to accommodate the whole group at the same time. On occasions it is not possible for the support vehicle to follow the group, but we will still meet the vehicle at regular intervals to replenish water supplies etc.

Please note that there are two short (approximately five to 10 minute) ferry crossings on day eight where life jackets are not available however, there are life-rings available on all ferries.

Weather & Seasonality

The ideal time to visit is during the dry season from October to March. Days will be hot and the nights warm, the average range of maximum daytime temperatures is 21C-35C (70F-95F) and 6C-20C (43F-68F) at night. Expect rain showers on November departures, however, they are usually quick and the sun normally comes out afterwards.

Mid-April and May is the hottest time of the year with highs of 32C-36C (89F-97F) with high humidity also. The most important feature of the Indian climate is the monsoon. The main monsoon strikes the Kerala coast in late May and sweeps northward over the next month or so into July but this brings the humidity and temperatures down to 27C-30C (75F-86F) making August and September a pleasant shoulder season to travel to the region with lush green fields and forests and lower rainfall to the previous months.

Please note, swimming in the sea at Varkala is not always possible, depending on recent weather conditions.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Pai Vista, 5/A, Behind Bhima Jewellery, Bangalore Nilgiri Road, Doora, 35/A, Bangalore Nilgiri Rd, Nazarbad, Mysore, Karnataka 570001
Phone: +91 821 252 1111
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today, check-in is usually from midday
Airport: Bangalore Airport (BLR)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately four hours’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Make your own way
It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, a cab from the airport to the start hotel costs approximately 7,500 Indian rupees (US$90). On arrival at the hotel, please make the reception staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to Trivandrum Airport (TRV) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Mysore
Location end: Varkala

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • High-factor sunscreen
  • Warmer layers for the cooler mornings and evenings in the hills
  • Cotton trousers (pants)
  • Dull coloured clothing for the game drive
  • Swimwear and towel
  • Energy snacks
  • Sandals with toe protection
  • Water bottle – this should be a standard size to fit into a normal water bottle cage on the bike
  • Alternative option to water bottle is a water bladder (also known as a hydration pack/CamelBak)
Please note: The Indian government has banned e-cigarettes and related products. You can’t buy e-cigarettes in India or bring them into the country. Please ensure you do not pack these in your luggage.

Water included

Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.

Equipment Hire

Included standard bike
The standard bikes for this trip are Proformance ACL-02 and Specialized bikes.

We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.

E-bike upgrade
Electric bikes are available on this trip; prices from £175/US$245/335 Canadian dollars. Speak to your sales representative for more information.

Please note, e-bikes in India have a rear hub mounted motor (rather than in the centre). For steep climbs, they may be limited in the assistance provided but will perform well on plains or low-grade undulations.

Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible­­ f­or any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.

Accessories and clothing

Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.

Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.

Cycling clothing
For all cycling trips we recommend:

  • Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
  • Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
  • Layers: For cycling in the cooler mornings
  • Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
  • Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
  • Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride

Practical Information

Visa

India

To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India.

Travellers from the UK, US, CA and EU normally need a visa to enter India. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html

Travellers eligible for an e-visa, which includes those from the UK, US, CA and EU, can apply at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.

For more information on applying for your Indian Visa, including details required for your start hotel and local reference contacts, please click on this link: Indian Visa Information

Vaccinations and Health

India

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.

You will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of a polio vaccination may also be required by some travellers. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.

Additionally, dengue, a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, is a known risk in India. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approximately 6,560ft (2,000m), there is little risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips above 9,840ft (3,000m), there is a risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the Trip Notes for further information.

The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.

Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in places visited on this trip. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

The Travel Health Pro website recommends to have a rabies vaccination on this trip, as cycling is considered a higher risk activity.

Local Time

India's time zone: Asia/Kolkata (UTC +05:30)

Electricity

India's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins), D (three round pins) and M (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

India's currency: Indian rupee (INR). Please note, it is illegal to import or export rupees. Do not accept torn or very dirty Indian banknotes from banks or in change as they will almost certainly not be accepted as legal tender in India. You can normally change money back from rupees into US dollars or British pounds at the departure airport, but you must produce an exchange receipt showing that you changed money in India.

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available throughout this trip (Visa and Mastercard are best). However, you should not rely on these 100 percent of the time, so bring cash too. Please inform your bank before departure that you are travelling to India and carry the relevant telephone number with you in case they block your card.

You can pay with credit cards in bigger shops all over India. You can bring British pounds or US dollars, but travellers cheques are often difficult to exchange.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Many sites now charge a small fee for camera use. Allow at least 600 rupees (approximately US$7) per day for personal expenditures such as snacks, postcards and soft drinks.

India has very good shopping opportunities, especially for locally made goods. During your trip, it is highly likely your local guides will take you to emporiums as well as workshops where these goods are made. Many people find this a great opportunity to buy local handicrafts, silk, jewellery and carpets. Guides will often assume that visitors will want to go shopping, it is very much part of the culture, but if you do not wish to go, please make this clear to your local guide at the time.

Optional Activities

Additional optional activities available are as follows:

Fort Cochin:

  • Kathakali dance show: 700 rupees (US$9) per person, based on a minimum of four people

Tipping

Tipping is part of the culture in India. However, it can often be an awkward affair, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar country. As such, your tour leader will offer to arrange and look after a tipping kitty, which will be used to tip hotel staff, local guides, airport transfer drivers and other support staff used on the trip.

Your leader will suggest how much to contribute, depending on group size, but it is usually in the region of 5700-6300 rupees (approximately US$70) per person. At any time during the trip, your leader will be happy to show you an account of how the kitty is being distributed.

Tips for the Leader and drivers and cycle crew are not included in the kitty and are at your own discretion. Our local leaders and staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus however, if you wish to show your appreciation, our recommendation is as follows:

For the driver, assistant leader, and mechanic around 400 rupees (approximately US$5) per passenger per day would be appreciated.

For your Leader around 400 rupees (approximately US$5) per person per day.

Where possible, please try to tip in the local currency.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

  • The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural-social sensitivities.
  • This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food and supporting other local enterprises.
  • The hotels we stay in are dedicated to hiring local staff, this benefits the community by providing employment opportunities and income alternatives where they may be otherwise hard to come by.
  • Our local partners share a commitment to projects that benefit their communities.
  • This tour encourages guests to visit local cafes and restaurants and use markets to purchase traditional crafts.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

  • Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
  • By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
  • On this trip we visit national heritage sites and the entrance fees included generates income which is used for the upkeep and development of these important monuments and nature parks.
  • Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
  • We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for reusable bottles.
  • Where possible on this trip, paper bags are used as an alternative to single-use plastics.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

  • Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
  • Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
  • In some restaurants there is the option to have plant-based meals.
  • This trip favours locally owned and run accommodation.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

  • Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
  • Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
  • Cultural respect:
    • Best to ask before photographing people, ceremonies or sacred sites.
    • It’s polite to use only your right hand when eating something without cutlery and when handing money and small objects to someone else.
    • Before entering a holy place, remove your shoes and give them to the shoe minder. When you collect your shoes again, give the minder a few rupees. You’re permitted to wear socks in most places of worship.
    • Religious etiquette advises against touching the heads of local people or directing the soles of your feet at a person, shrine or an image of a deity. You should not touch a carving of a deity.
    • When visiting religious sites, dress and behave respectfully, don’t wear shorts and sleeveless tops – this applies to both men and women. Head cover for women and sometimes men is required in some places of worship.
    • Generally, it is best to dress modestly throughout your time in India as a sign of respect.
    • Making the effort to fit in is invariably appreciated so being aware of these aspects of cultural respect will assist you during your travels in India.

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.