Cycle the Coast of Kerala

Name: Cycle the Coast of Kerala
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.8 (16 reviews)

8 Days Excluding Flights From

9 Days from

~~£ 1449~~ £ 1379

4.8/5 from

Cycling

Activity Level

Easy & Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Cycling

Group Size :

4 - 14

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

MIA

Carbon Footprint :

32kg CO2e per person per day

Ride gentle routes along the shores and backwaters of southern India, interacting with friendly locals as you go

Kerala is seemingly tailormade for an easy-going cycling adventure: an idyllic coastline, tranquil backwaters, and a welcoming population always ready with a wave or a smile. On this guided adventure, we cycle from the old spice port of Kochi (Cochin) to the sweeping beaches of Varkala. That’s balanced with time to experience the local culture: sampling South Indian cuisine, spending a night in a village homestay and cruising the backwaters on a traditional houseboat.

Highlights

Cycle the coast and backwaters of Kerala, guided by our expert tour leader
Discover the old spice town of Kochi on a culture-filled bike ride
Enjoy traditional Keralan hospitality with a night in a village homestay
Cruise the backwaters and stay on a converted houseboat
Unwind on the sandy beaches of Varkala – the perfect end to the trip!

Key Information

Accommodation: 2 Superior nights (hotel), 4 Classic nights (3 hotel, 1 houseboat), 1 Simple night (homestay)
Six days of cycling, including one optional ride and a bike tour of Kochi, with full vehicle support
Group normally 4 to 14, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

Countries visited: India

What's Included

All breakfasts, three lunches, two dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available
Local bike hire

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
E-bike hire (available for an additional cost)

Pace:

Daily distances of 15.5mi (25km) to 32mi (52km)

Terrain:

Mostly surfaced roads (which can be rough in some places) including plenty of quiet backroads

Day 2

15 km / 9.3 miles

Day 3

52 km / 32.3 miles

Day 4

35 km / 21.7 miles

Day 5

14 km / 8.7 miles

Day 6

40 km / 24.9 miles

Day 7

30 km / 18.6 miles

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

TRIP

MIA - Cycle the Coast of Kerala

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

For flights call us on 0203 733 5948 or enquire when booking online

Regional flights available

Competitive flight prices

Specialist Flight Support

ATOL protected

Itinerary

Kochi (Cochin) Varkala

The adventure begins in Kochi (also known as Cochin), a historic port city on the Malabar Coast. With a multicultural heritage, it is now the bustling commercial capital of Kerala. Warehouses full of tea, rickety bikes and hand-painted trucks fill the narrow streets, with food stalls on every corner.

Late this afternoon we have a bicycle fitting so that any necessary adjustments and safety checks can be made.

Around 6pm, say namaste to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant (this will be included for all in 2026).

Want more time in Kochi? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation: Casino Hotel (or similar)

Today is a good opportunity to get used to the bikes, exploring the historic town of Kochi by bike and on foot.

Most of the major sights are in the Fort Kochi and Mattancherry areas. We visit St Francis Church, close to the hotel, where explorer Vasco da Gama was first buried, then head to the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry. 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 Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 for the Jewish members of the local 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, called Jew Street, is a heritage zone with many antique and handicraft shops. The fish market near the Chinese fishing nets is also worth a visit.

Kochi is also a hub for Keralan arts, so this evening we enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a form of religious dance and play unique to Kerala.

Accommodation: Casino Hotel (or similar)

Maximum elevation: 174ft (53m)

Distance covered: 9mi (15km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Riding out of Fort Kochi, we pass 500-year-old Portuguese villas, a striking contrast to the tiny fishermen huts dotted along the beach road, with their wooden boats pulled under the palm trees and nets hung out to dry. Many of these fishing villages are Christian. At Arthungal, we can rest under the shade of the coconut trees, sip tea and admire the view of the old stone church.

Continuing along the coastal road, we head towards the backwaters of Muhamma. Kerala is renowned for its backwaters: a network of canals and lakes that we cruise on a traditional rice barge later in the trip. Tonight, we stay in a backwater resort overlooking Vembanad Lake. The veranda and the gardens are excellent spots for relaxing, while backwater life unfurls before us.

Accommodation: Deshadan Backwater Resort (or similar)

Maximum elevation: 89ft (27m)

Distance covered: 32mi (52km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Continue along the coastal road towards Alleppey, another start point for the backwater trips. Our ride takes us through Kainakary village, eventually reaching Chennamkary, a traditional village in the Kuttanad backwater region of Alleppey. Spend the night here in a homestay, arriving in time for lunch. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience warm Keralan hospitality and we enjoy a cooking demonstration in the evening, followed by dinner.

Accommodation: Gabby World Community Homestay (or similar)

Maximum elevation: 85ft (26m)

Distance covered: 22mi (35km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We have a laid-back morning. You can either relax at the homestay or go on an optional short bike ride to explore the village. At midday, we board our houseboat for a backwater cruise to Thrikkunnapuzha. These converted rice barges consist of two-berth cabins with private bathrooms and have their own cook; depending on your group size, you may be divided over two or three boats. We stack our bikes on the side of the boat (we are saddle-free for the next 19 hours), a chance to unwind as we watch the world pass. Vessels of all sizes use the network of canals and lakes, with smaller boats ferrying passengers and goods between tiny communities on narrow spits of land. On one side of the canal, we see vast paddies, and on the other side are fishing nets and coconut trees. As the sun begins to set, the boats are moored together and we unite on the deck for sundowners and dinner.

Accommodation: Houseboat

Maximum elevation: 69ft (21m)

Distance covered: 9mi (14km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast is taken on the houseboat before we disembark, then enjoy a cliff-top ride to the laid-back beach town of Varkala. We set off along a quiet coastal road to Karunagapally, passing Amrithanadamayi Ashram, better known as the Hugging Mama Ashram, a spiritual retreat overlooking the backwaters. We stop for lunch en route before spending the next two nights at Varkala, staying close to one of the best beaches in India.

With coffee bars, shops and yoga schools perched along the red sandstone cliff-top, this town is an excellent place to relax.

Accommodation: Sajjoys Hotel (or similar)

Maximum elevation: 75ft (23m)

Distance covered: 25mi (40km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a small morning ride after breakfast to explore the surrounding coastal areas. Returning to the hotel by lunch, there is time to enjoy the beachside location and perhaps try one of the beach shack restaurants, which serve excellent seafood. We recommend trying tandoori dishes, the clay ovens give a more authentic taste to the breads and curries. Tonight, there is the option to enjoy a final group dinner at the hotel restaurant, which serves a variety of Keralan dishes.

Accommodation: Sajjoys Hotel (or similar)

Maximum elevation: 558ft (170m)

Distance covered: 19mi (30km)

Meals included: Breakfast

The trip ends after check-out. Start your return journey home or, if you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Number of days cycling: Six, including one optional ride and a bike tour of Kochi
Full vehicle support
Daily distance: 15.5mi-37mi (25km-60km)
Terrain and route: Mostly surfaced roads (which can be rough in places) including plenty of quiet backroads with low traffic levels, but traffic does increase approaching towns. The support vehicle is always available if required. The cycling consists of mostly half-day rides, allowing time to explore the sights and relax at your hotel

E-bikes: E-bikes are available on this trip for an additional cost and subject to availability. Read our e-bike fact sheet for more information on the e-bikes available for this cycling adventure.

Suitability: Traffic in India can be busy with limited enforcement of the rules, particularly on Day 3 when riding out of Kochi and along coastal roads. Inexperienced riders may find this difficult, but your tour leader is an expert on navigating these conditions and will brief you on how to cycle safely in India. Please listen carefully and follow the instructions.

Climate: It can be hot and humid in India, particularly during September-November and March-May, which can increase the difficulty of the cycling.

Monuments: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India and very occasionally this may mean work is taking place at sites visited on this trip. The ASI schedule is never published so it is not possible to forewarn when work will be taking place.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Casino Hotel, Casino Building, KPK Menon Rd, Willingdon Island, Kochi, Kerala 682003
Phone: +91 484 286 4500
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today, check-in is normally from midday. There will be bike fitting in the late afternoon followed by a welcome briefing around 6pm this evening.
Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 1hr 20min drive from the airport. 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.

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: Kochi (Cochin)
Location end: Varkala

Vaccinations and Health

India

You 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 visitors. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.

You may also 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.

Additionally, dengue fever and chikungunya are known risks in India. 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.

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.

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

New Digital Arrival Card

Travellers from the UK, US, EU and Canada must also complete a Digital Arrival Card. This can be filled online up to 72 hours before arrival via the official Indian visa website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/. This is separate from the Indian e-visa process and this remains the same. Physical cards will remain at the arrival airport until 1 April 2026, at which point the Digital Arrival Card will be made mandatory.

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners included.

Where food is not included, 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.

Lunches on riding days are usually taken in roadside cafes, allowing us to sample 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; a (large) bottle of beer is approximately 410 rupees (US$5). 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.

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

Weather

The ideal time to visit is during the dry season from October to March. Days are 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. 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 with lush green fields and forests and lower rainfall compared to the previous months.

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

TRIP

MIA - Cycle the Coast of Kerala

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

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Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Hotels, houseboat and homestay

Accommodation on this cycling adventure in Kerala includes five nights in hotels with pools, one night on a houseboat and one night in a homestay.

The accommodations typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the notable places we stay on this trip.

Chennamkary: Gaaby World Community Homestay (night 4)

Go beyond the traditional hotel with an experiential night at this welcoming homestay. Accommodation is spread across several houses owned by different families. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience warm Keralan hospitality, plus we enjoy a cooking demonstration in the evening, followed by dinner.

To Thrikkunnapuzha: Houseboat (night 5)

Cycle the Coast of Kerala

No trip to Kerala is complete without a houseboat stay. Typically, the boats are converted barges (known locally as kettuvallam), once used to transport rice from farm to market. All cabins have private bathrooms and the staff will keep you well fed. The houseboats have a deck and dining area, although the style/layout varies between boats. There is a cook, driver and assistants for each boat and the food is traditional Keralan fare using local produce. Houseboats have two to five twin-bedded rooms. Larger groups may be split over several boats; however, the group reunites at riverside stops and the overnight anchor point where your leader is available.

Varkala: Sajjoys Hotel (nights 6-7)

Cycle the Coast of Kerala

On a clifftop, Sajjoys has stretching ocean views just a few moments away. Additionally, the area is consistently popular with our group: Varkala is laid-back and less touristy than other nearby coastal towns. The hotel itself has an outdoor swimming pool and restaurant serving Keralan cuisine and international dishes.

Worth knowing

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

TRIP

MIA - Cycle the Coast of Kerala

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Tracy Meakin

Reviewed November 2025

Fabulous tour - great cycle routes and much more

We did this tour after a week in the North doing the golden triangle so it was nice to sample the north and the south of India – they are very different. The cycle routes were fabulous and as were in the main flat within most people’s ability. The tour should be named cycling the backwaters and coast of Kerala as more time is spent in the backwaters than on the coast – not a complaint as the backwaters are fabulous. The night on the houseboat was amazing and the home stay was better than we expected. A great way of seeing the area.

Most Inspirational Moment

We did an impromptu visit to a local school - which was fabulous. The cycling was amazing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rahim and his deputy Dipan were fabulous. We felt very safe in their company even in the busier towns.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it

adam moran

Reviewed November 2024

Best first cycling trip

fantastic food- authentic curries you cannot find at home,freshly caught seafood. the backwaters were beautiful and perfect for sun downers after a day of cycling. hotels much better than expected

Most Inspirational Moment

the cycling was a thrill though the cities, on long coastal roads to stretch your legs and in tropical rain which brings a smile on when I think of it

Thoughts on Group Leader

sehar was phenomenal, we were in safe hands from the start, very knowledgeable and had great stories such as the time he slept in his vehicle and woke up to a tiger asleep on his bonnet. the support team rahim and franklin made sure everything ran very smoothly

Advice for Potential Travellers

day 1 is a bit slow and lots of visits to synagogs and churches. would have liked to visit Hindu temples instead so maybe stay extra nights if you would like to also. go heavy on the mosquito spray , the rooms were fine but it's outside at dusk they bite.

Maxine Pollock

Reviewed March 2024

Fab trip

Fantastic trip, enjoyed every second.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Shibu was fantastic as were all of the team.

Rob

Reviewed February 2024

Cycling - The Best Way to Experience Kerala!

I had a truly memorable week as part of a group of six, who cycled a total of 134 miles (215 km) from Willingdon Island, Fort Kochi to Varkala.

The weather was georgeous and the scenery and food amazing. The sights and sounds of the real Kerala could not be experienced in a better way.

Shibu our tour leader and Kingsley our mini bus driver and support assistant made it so easy just to relax and soak everything up. The support vehicle was always present to provide regular water top ups and snacks and always drove a good distance behind the last cyclist, (frequently me) so there was never any pressure to speed up.

There are seemingly no rules of the road in India.! Lorries, cars, taxis, tuk tuks, motor bikes and cyclists simply move along in incredible harmony , somehow avoiding each other and the numerous animals and pedestrians occupying the streets, by sounding horns and bells constantly. Unlike European drivers, this is done in a very non aggressive way and is simply to alert other road users of a vehicles presence. You soon learn to join in with your bicycle bell!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through towns and communities and experiencing the genuine friendliness and excitement of locals of all ages calling out and waving to our group as we passed through.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shibu was an excellent tour leader. He briefed everybody clearly on where we were going and how far we were cycling. He broke each ride up into stages, so that we always knew the distances and times between stops and breaks. If we needed to negotiate a challenging junction, he ensured that everybody crossed safely. He also allowed individual group members to ride at their own pace, which I particularly enjoyed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was a little apprehensive about coping with the distances, as I am a very infrequent and casual cyclist at home, having never done more than 20 miles. Three of the group were keen cyclists and two of the others had opted for electric bikes, whereas I had a standard bike. I needn’t have worried, as the routes were all flat, apart from the odd bridge and the final day exploring Varkala, which was quite hilly. I was lucky enough that day to borrow an electric bike from one of the group who opted out and was so impressed with the assistance it provided, I would definitely recommend one to anybody in two minds about considering this trip.

Alex Barbier

Reviewed October 2023

A Cycling Adventure Through the Charms of Coastal Kerala: A Journey to Remember

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the incredible “Cycle the Coast of Kerala” trip with Exodus Travels, and it was an absolute dream come true. Every aspect of this journey, from the breathtaking landscapes to the exceptional guidance, exceeded all my expectations. The itinerary was meticulously planned, allowing us to soak up the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Kerala at our own pace. The cycling routes were well-chosen, taking us through picturesque coastal villages, lush greenery, and serene backwaters, offering an authentic glimpse into the soul of this beautiful region. The accommodations provided by Exodus were top-notch. From comfortable stays in charming local lodges to luxurious nights in beachside resorts, each place offered a unique experience, blending modern amenities with the traditional charm of Kerala. The trip leaders were incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and always ready to offer support and guidance. Their deep understanding of the local culture, history, and geography truly enriched our journey, making it more than just a cycling adventure but an immersive cultural experience. Furthermore, the local cuisine was a highlight of the trip. From delectable seafood dishes to flavorful spices, every meal was a celebration of Kerala’s rich culinary heritage. The team made sure we got to savor the authentic flavors of the region, adding an unforgettable dimension to our travel experience. Overall, I cannot recommend this trip enough. It’s a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Exodus Travels has truly crafted a remarkable itinerary, leaving me with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for the beauty of Kerala. I will undoubtedly cherish the moments and look back on this trip with fondness for years to come. Thank you, Exodus, for an unforgettable experience!

Most Inspirational Moment

A particularly inspirational moment during the trip was our stay at a traditional homestay nestled amidst the lush greenery of a Kerala village. Engaging with the warm and welcoming local family, hearing their stories, and sharing in their everyday life offered a profound insight into the rich cultural fabric of Kerala. Experiencing their genuine hospitality, delicious home-cooked meals, and participating in their daily routines created a sense of kinship and belonging that transcended cultural boundaries.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Shibu, was an extraordinary guide whose passion for the region was infectious. His deep-rooted knowledge of the local culture, history, and natural wonders added an unparalleled depth to our journey. Shibu's unwavering dedication to ensuring our safety, comfort, and enjoyment was truly commendable. His friendly demeanor, coupled with his excellent organizational skills, fostered a sense of camaraderie within our group, making the trip not just an adventure but a shared experience of joy and discovery. Shibu's genuine enthusiasm and genuine care for each member of the group made our journey along the coast of Kerala all the more enriching and memorable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hydration is Key: Stay hydrated at all times by carrying a refillable water bottle and drinking water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty. Replenishing lost fluids is crucial in combating the effects of heat and humidity. Light Clothing and Sun Protection: Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your skin to protect it from the sun. Additionally, use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the intense sunlight.

Yvette Fernley

Reviewed November 2019

Kerala is a gem!

Spoiler alert: your senses may never be the same again – but in a good way! We visited Kerala over 20 years ago, but only scratched the surface. Exodus is very good at stripping away all that is unnecessary, to enable you to connect with Kerala and immerse yourself into Indian culture. Throw into the mix a great bunch of fellow cyclists and you strike gold. We had a blast! The trip notes describe pretty accurately what you will see and do. Every day has new experiences. Cycling is a gentle pace and when you do hit a busy town you are shepherded through effortlessly by the two guides. Oh, and the food is seriously good. Cauliflower has never tasted so delicious. Let the magic unfold, but it will be over all too soon.

Most Inspirational Moment

More special moments than inspirational, including the warm welcome we received wherever we went and whenever the crazy people on bikes went past. Everyone wants to meet you and smiles are everywhere but there is only time to shout ‘ Hello’. Lunch in our tour leader’s home (see below). The trip on the houseboat was special. And we got to see an elephant in the road, yeh!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shibu goes the extra mile, including inviting us into his home for lunch involving the whole family. We were treated to a fabulous vegetarian meal on a banana leaf, prepared entirely by them all. Special shout-out to Shibu’s wife who was up at 4.00am to start cooking for us. His daughter and niece sang beautifully to us after the meal. They delighted us all. Shibu is responsible for designing the tour and has done so with great care and consideration to showcase Kerala and provide you with a great insight into its life, culture and landscapes. You could not put together an itinerary like this on your own; that’s what makes it special. His no. 2, Seekhar deserves a special mention: excellent English, knowledgeable and amusing, stopping the bus to rescue puppies lying in the middle of the road. All-round good guy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Grab a bottle of your favourite tipple at the airport. Kerala is (partly) dry. Beer is cheapish, wine and spirits (where available) expensive. Take a lightweight cotton sleeping bag for the home stay, it may come in handy and don’t look too closely. On the last day cycling in Varkala, there are a couple of ‘cheeky’ hills to climb - be prepared.

nicole jordan

Reviewed May 2019

good

The home stay was awful, it would have been good to have an option to have a stay at hotel instead.
It’s not my idea of a holiday being a strangers house.

People nice enough.

Some environmental issues that were offensive, think Exodus should be insistent that the locals improve on.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery was beautiful and cycling the back waters was magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was good, his english was not brilliant so hard to engage with him but he was attentive, thoughtful and did everything to make us have a pleasant time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a sheet or lining for the home stay and expect the worst and you will ok.

nicole jordan

Reviewed May 2019

good

The home stay was awful, it would have been good to have an option to have a stay at hotel instead.
It’s not my idea of a holiday being a strangers house.

People nice enough.

Some environmental issues that were offensive, think Exodus should be insistent that the locals improve on.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery was beautiful and cycling the back waters was magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was good, his english was not brilliant so hard to engage with him but he was attentive, thoughtful and did everything to make us have a pleasant time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a sheet or lining for the home stay and expect the worst and you will ok.

Sonia Athwal

Reviewed March 2019

Well Organized Trip

Well organized trip. The cycling route was very well thought out by our guide Shibu. The entire team of Shibu, Bevan, and Franklin took extra lengths to ensure we were well taken care of, and safe. Really great people leading us. My group was a good size (11), making is easy to interact and have fun. I recommend this trip to see Kerala up close.

Most Inspirational Moment

Less inspiring, but more exciting was seeing an elephant up close on the street, taking a stroll as we rode out bike by!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shibu is a top notch guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware that it gets very hot. Bring some sort of small pannier, or bum-bag (fanny pack) for camera and small needs. You won't need to carry a back pack - everything is on the bus.

Rex Yetton

Reviewed February 2019

Wow, what a trip

Wow, I’m still buzzing a week after getting back from this trip. I have done several cycling trips with Exodus and this was my first one solo. The whole trip was amazing, along with a lovely group. We all got on really well and had lots of laughs. The cycling was flat and easy going. Cycling through the crazy Indian towns was surprisingly straightforward. ‘Good bell, good brakes and good luck’ is the motto! The Indians use their hooters and bells for spacial awareness and are very good at it. The friendly Indian children waving on their way to school has left a lasting impression. We cycled from 8am and only in the mornings. We stopped for tea and samosa, then for lunch. The hotels had lovely swimming pools. Swimming in the Indian Ocean waves on the last two days was lovely. None of us had any tummy issues. Joseph always had nice restaurants and the best seats reserved for us.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling with relative ease through the crazy Indian towns. The friendly waves as we cycled along. Seeing the sights, sounds and smells of the Indian culture. Swimming in the hotel pools and Indian Ocean. Coping relatively easily with Indian food. Getting on so well with my group The lovely warm weather.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joseph was perfect. He was very patient. There were various dietary and other issues for him to cope with. He always told us about the Indian culture and food. He would stop along the road and showed us various fruits growing. The back up crew, Bevan, a young lad at the back and Franglin our driver who never gave way for anyone!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to see India and have a relatively gentle cycle ride too, this is absolutely perfect. There is plenty of down time to swim or take it easy. The homestay and houseboat were both an experience. The week just flew by unfortunately. Before I knew it we were saying our farewells and on the flight home.

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Cycle the Coast of Kerala

4.8/5 from

8 Days Excluding Flights From

9 Days from

~~£ 1449~~ £ 1379

Cycle the Coast of Kerala

Ride gentle routes along the shores and backwaters of southern India, interacting with friendly locals as you go

Sustainability and Impact

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Your Group, Your Adventure

Itinerary

Kochi (Cochin) Varkala

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Vaccinations and Health

India

Visa

India

Food & Drink

Weather

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Hotels, houseboat and homestay

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Trip Experts

Safi Hyder

Shibu TA

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Reviews

Fabulous tour - great cycle routes and much more

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Best first cycling trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fab trip

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cycling - The Best Way to Experience Kerala!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

A Cycling Adventure Through the Charms of Coastal Kerala: A Journey to Remember

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Kerala is a gem!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

good

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

good

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Well Organized Trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wow, what a trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

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