- Explore
- Broadcast
- Activities
- Wildlife
- Historical Tours
- Cultural Tours
- Local Tours
- Adventure
- Blog
Cycle, trek and kayak through picturesque landscapes, wildlife reserves and the meandering backwaters of Kerala on this exciting multi activity holiday in Kerala! Starting from Fort Kochi, you will cycle through the lowlands and the Western Ghats. You will also get to trek through the mountains of Munnar and the Periyar Tiger Reserve as well as kayak through the backwaters near Alleppey, combining the most fun activities and destinations, all rolled together into one exciting trip.
Day 1: Kochi
Your activity holiday in India begins at Fort Kochi, where you will be staying at a hotel after arrival. Fort Kochi is a part of Kochi, and is known for its cultural and historical charm. Discovering Fort Kochi is a delightful prospect, as it is lined with cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses. Its importance as a port for trade is visible in the multitude of churches, colonial bungalows, Chinese fishing nets, a synagogue and a Portuguese Palace. There are plenty of museums that trace the rich history of Fort Kochi that you will get to visit. In the evening, you will be treated to performances in traditional dance forms of Kerala such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, signaling the end of the first day of your tour.
Day 2: Thattekkad
After breakfast, you will begin cycling towards the foothills of the Western Ghats and the lowland forests of Thattekkad. You will cycle approximately 55 kms, through a countryside that evolves from towns to rubber plantations, paddy fields and spice gardens. You will be cycling till the lowland forests at Thattekkad, on the banks of the Periyar River, the longest river in Kerala. You will be staying at the secluded Hornbill Camp, which is a birder’s paradise and is located on the riverside, surrounded by coconut groves and spice plantations. The Hornbill Camp, where you will be staying has large airy cottage tents with comfortable beds and en-suite bath. Your night will be echoing with the peaceful sounds of the forest, allowing you to rest after a day of cycling.
Day 3: Munnar - Muthuvaankudi
Today, after breakfast, you will set off again, along the Periyar riverbank, through the dense low altitude forests of Neriyamanagalam. These are the forests where reed is extracted for manufacture of traditional household items like baskets and mats. The view is filled with forests, redwood trees and mountain peaks, making it an ideal holiday destination. Towards the end, it’s the time to challenge yourself as the roads get much more steeper. Cycle through different Tribal settlement to reach your stay at Muthuvaankudi, in a well appointed Eco boutique resort, and it will bring you some well deserved rest after the day’s grueling cycling. Explore more; this village has many stories to unfold. Take a stroll along with our expert guide to know about the culture, tradition and the spices they are cultivating. You can spot many varieties of birds and fruit trees. Use your opportunity to learn tips from the local people while they prepare food in their traditional methods.
Day 4: Munnar - Pothamedu
Pedal towards your next destination after breakfast. Start your journey through the small village roads, then the scenery slowly changes to small farms of spices like pepper and cardamom, tea estates and finally towards the main road heading towards Munnar. “Welcome to the land of Neelakurinji ‘the flower which showers the hills once in twelve years’ and the Endangered Neelaghiri Thar, where you will be welcomed by hills carpeted in lush green tea plantations”. Pedal all the way up to an altitude of 1600-1800Mts above sea level. Visit Tea museum afternoon, to learn some interesting facts about tea plantations and tea production in Munnar. Return back to hotel to retire to your bed on the lap of nature.
Day 5: Suryanelli
Today, your adventure will be a trek through the highest areas of the Western Ghats near Munnar home to diverse wildlife. Your trek will begin at an altitude of 1500m, and will gradually walk upto 2600m, accompanied by guides and porters. You will pass through the high altitude rain forests of this region, the Sholas (high altitude cloud forests). The Sholas interspersed with grasslands are typical of this area. The wildlife includes elephants, the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, the Sambar deer and the sloth bear. After a good trek, you will set up camp at an altitude of around 2200m.
Day 6: Vandanmedu
Start your mountain biking expedition after early breakfast. You will circle around the picturesque Anaerangal Lake, through the tea estates, to Vandanmedu. On this route, you will be able to set your sights on the cardamom estates that gave these hills their name. The thick aroma of the spice gardens and the beautiful forests will be the highlight of today's ride through the Cardamom Hills. You will spend your night in a magnificent resort at Vandanmedu, set amidst cardamom and tea estates.
Day 7: Periyar Tiger Reserve
Your next destination is the Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is a famed protected area that is home to large herds of Asiatic Elephants, the Indian Bison, and the Tigers that India is renowned for. Periyar cycling involves roads surrounded by spice gardens and tea plantations. The ride is quite comfortably short and you will reach the reserve in time for lunch. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you can take a walk with the local guides into the rain forest. The reserve is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists, with its rich fauna, which apart from the elephants, tigers and bison’s, also includes has over 300 species of birds like the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Blue-winged Parakeet, and the Crimson-backed Sunbird.
Day 8: Periyar Tiger Reserve
The Mannans are among the oldest indigenous group of people to inhabit the Periyar Tiger Reserve. As late as the 1940s, they lived in the remotest areas of the Tiger Reserve. Their lifestyles were simple, and they made their living by fishing and cultivating a few crops. Today, they are the main conservators of the forest. You will get to walk and talk with them, as they will help you discover the tropical rain forests and wildlife. You will also gain some insight into their interesting way of life.
Day 9: Vagamon
The ninth day of your adventure holiday in India sees the hill town of Vagamon as your next destination. Today is a full day cycling journey, over a beautiful mountainous countryside of forests, small villages, tea estates and spice plantations.
Day 10: Alleppey - Houseboat
Today you will be riding all the way down to the plains and ride on the flat roads towards Kerala famed backwaters. Here a cruise has been arranged for you on the rice boat. It is a luxurious way to see the backwaters and the life by the backwater countryside. You will explore the villages along this region, cruise past ancient temples, paddy fields, lagoons and lakes. Your overnight stay will be on the rice boat itself, which is quite luxurious as it is air-conditioned and has an en-suite bath and toilet.
Day 11: Kayaking through the backwaters
You will be starting your kayaking adventure today. You will paddle through the famed backwaters, exploring the lagoons and the lakes. The vast expanse of water, the friendly people, and their lifestyles which you get to experience up close is bound to create memories to remember. You will settle into the backwater villa, which is a small cozy family owned resort in the midst of the backwaters!
Day 12: Explore the Backwater Villages - Muhamma
Today, you will set course after breakfast to a small but beautiful "Tharavadu" (Ancestral home) situated on the backwaters. As you paddle along these waters, you will be mesmerized by the beauty and tranquility of the backwaters and realize why it has become world famous and endeared itself to millions of tourists visiting this area. At noon, you will have a picnic lunch on the way. Once we have arrived at our destination you will be able to relax and enjoy the serenity of this stately Tharavadu.
Day 13: Depart
This day marks the end of the Bike, Hike and Kayak in Kerala tour and you will be transported to the airport, with fond memories of your exciting activity holiday in India.
Bike & Kayak Hire
No Charge. You may bring your own bikes, but in this case let us know in advance.
Other equipment provided: Pedals, helmets,life jackets (it is recommended that you bring your own helmets and camelbaks)
Kayaks: Prijon Capri I & II
Bike Specifications
Bike type: Trek/ Cannondale/ Merida
Number of gears: 21-24
Brakes: V-Brakes
Suspension: Front
Pedals: Standard
frame range: 13.5”- 21"
Bike bag provided: Yes
Water bottle holder provided: Yes
Water bottle provided: No
Adjustable handlebars: No
Female saddles provided: No
Gel saddles provided: No
Option to fit own saddle: Yes
Option to fit own pedal: Yes
Bar ends : Yes (on request)
