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Cycling Holiday in Kerala

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Cycle and trek through some breathtaking landscapes exploring the interiors of this beautiful state of Kerala. You will have ample opportunities to experience the culture and people of this area besides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.

 

Day 1: Sholas and grasslands


Arrive Munnar by 8 am. We will drive to the start point, about 20 kms from Munnar. The trek from an altitude of 1500 m gradually goes to over 2600m, passing through sholas (high altitude rain forests) and grasslands which are typical to the higher areas of the Western Ghats. Guides will accompany. The area also has wildlife – notably elephants, sambar, sloth bear and the Nilgiri tahr - the latter being endemic and endangered. We head along paths over the undulating mountain grasslands and ascend Meesapulimala - the second highest peak in the Western Ghats. The trek passes through sholas, grasslands and mountain streams which criss-cross the area. When we reach the top, we stop for a rest and enjoy the panoramic views. We can see the world’s highest tea estate Kolukkumalai in the undulating hills below. Descend and continue trekking through grasslands and high altitude rainforest to the camp at Suryanelli.

 

Day 2: Papathy Shola Trek


From Suryanelli you will start early for a full day trek. Perched atop the mountains here is the Papathy Shola (‘Butterfly Forest’), so named due the spectacular annual migration of butterflies every October. The thick high altitude cloud forests here provide an ideal home not only for the butterflies but large numbers of birds & wildlife including the endemic Malabar Giant Squirrels. You trek through vast swathes of forests and grasslands will amze you with its natural beauty & endemic flora & fauna. As you come down after the walk, the vast Anaerangal Lake is a salve for tired limbs. Anaerangal, meaning “The lake Where the Elephants Come Down” - a vast expanse of water is a draw for elephants to come down for grazing and water. Snaking across a large area, this lake is placid and beautiful and a source of water for farmers downstream. Many tribal colonies have sprung up around it to farm for spices and cardamom which grow abundantly in the salubrious climate here.

 

Day 3: Shantanpara 


Today we will trek to the tribal village and from there on jeeps to start the trek near Mathikettan Shola National Park. This is a high altitude rain forest saved from ‘development’ and preserved through a campaign by environmental activists here in Kerala. Our destination is Santhanpara, set amidst luxuriant vegetation and the surrounding areas constitute the world-famed ‘Cardamom Hills’ – the capital of the spice growing areas that have made Kerala famous through millennia. We will pass large cardamom forests where cardamom, pepper & coffee are grown within the canopy of the forests. Elephants are common here. We will reach Santhanpara by afternoon.

 

Day 4: Cardamom Hills cycling


After an early breakfast start the cycling towards Vandamnmedu the cardamom capital of the world. The trail passes through the tea estates, dense forests where spices are grown and small hamlets. Stay at a spice plantation theme resort.
 

Day 5: Periyar Tiger Reserve. 


Cycle to our destination - Periyar Tiger Reserve as we pass through forests, tea gardens and spice plantations.

 

Day 6 & 7: Tiger Trail at Periyar Tiger Reserve


This is a conservation-based three day long trekking and camping in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala. The programme is unique in that it is conducted by a team of former poachers & local community members who have turned protectors of the forests. The proceeds of this programme largely goes to sustaining their livelihood in return for joint participatory management of the forest in which they play a positive part. 

Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the best managed Wildlife Reserves in the country, with verdant forests extending over an area of 777 sq. km. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience wilderness and abundant wildlife first hand. The uniqueness of this sanctuary is the Periyar lake, an artificial lake, which was created by damming the Periyar River a century ago. The open grasslands and varied topography supports a magnificent variety of animals - elephants, Gaur (Indian bison), Sambar deer, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Lion-tailed macaque, leopards, Jungle cats, Wild dogs and most importantly the tiger. An estimated 40 tigers inhabit the Reserve. Other important animals are bear, Porcupine, Jackal, Indian Giant Squirrel, Malabar flying squirrel, Wild boar, small Indian Civet, Mongoose and the Pangolins. The tiger is the main predator in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. 

The trek starts at 9 am and ends by noon on the third day. The team consists of a maximum of 5 visitors, 5 guides and 2 forest officials. Normally 20 to 35 kms of trekking distance will be covered, depending on the route chosen.

 

Day 8: Depart


Arrive back at starting point by 12 noon. Your luggage would be at Koshy’s. After freshening up, you are free to depart as convenient. (Transfer onward can be arranged at extra cost
 

 

Visa


Visitors to India must obtain a Visa before departure. You can consult the nearest Indian Embassy/ High Commission/ Consular Office for the same.

 

Accomodation


You will be put up in comfortable Luxury cottage tents with en-suite bathroom, Plantation Villas, and Home stays.

 

Climate


The weather is tropical and warm but most of the cycling is in the forenoon, when the temperature is lower. Monsoons months are July to August.

 

Transportation Guides


Transportation including airport transfers are included in the cost. The vehicle with roof top carriers will accompany throughout. We provide qualified guides for all activities in this tour.

 

First Aid


Our guides have been adequately trained in first aid and always carry a comprehensive first-aid kit. In case of any medical emergency we have facilities to transfer you to the nearest hospital immediately.

 

Food


Food is a very important part of these journeys and we have ensured that the Keralan Cuisine is a part of this adventure. Refreshments and bottled mineral water are provided on all activity days. Any special food requirements can be met if sufficient notice is given.

 

Precautions


• Drink plenty of fluids. Use only bottled mineral water provided by us.
• Carry your personal medical kit and insect repellent.


 

Spending Money


During the cycling there will be opportunities to do some shopping and money spent along the way goes directly into the hands of the local communities.

 

Airport Tax


Airport or departure taxes are not applicable if you depart from Kochi.

 

 

 

Cost per person (INR)
Rs.66700
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Date Selected Dates
Where Kerala
Duration 6 Night / 7 Days
Difficulty Easy
Capacity 25 Seats
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Call Us
7838984471, 8368292699, 01142156013
in collaboration with
Kalypso Adventures
20th Oct, 2017
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