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Visiting local tea plantations enroute to Munnar - Bike, Hike & Kayak South India, India
Visiting local tea plantations enroute to Munnar  | Kate Baker
Trekking the gorgeous mountain regions of Southern India - Bike, Hike & Kayak South India, India
Trekking the gorgeous mountain regions of Southern India  | Jaclyn Loft
Cycling group in Karnataka State in Southern India - Bike, Hike & Kayak South India, India
Cycling group in Karnataka State in Southern India  | Kate Baker
Breathtaking views while trekking Southern India - Bike, Hike & Kayak South India, India
Breathtaking views while trekking Southern India  | Jaclyn Loft
Cycling through tea plantations in southern India - Bike, Hike & Kayak South India, India
Cycling through tea plantations in southern India
Kayaking in Kerala, India - Bike, Hike & Kayak South India, India
Kayaking in Kerala, India
Sailing the vibrant Southern India by Kerala houseboats - Bike, Hike & Kayak South India, India
Sailing the vibrant Southern India by Kerala houseboats  | Jaclyn Loft

Bike, Hike & Kayak South India

Immersive, multi activity experience of an iconic region

India

 6 reviews

14 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: SIA
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 14 Days
Activities
  • 8 day cycle
  • 1 day kayak
Accommodation
  • 12 nights hotel
  • 1 night houseboat
Meals
  • 8 Dinners
  • 10 Lunches
  • 13 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

74kg of CO2-e PP per day

(968kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

South India Multi-Activity Adventure Trip highlights

  • Cycle the backroads of Southern India through tea plantations and quaint hillside villages
  • Embark on jeep safaris in search for wild Asiatic Elephants, Bengal Tigers, Sloth Bears and other wildlife
  • Trek through rain forest to the second highest peak of the Western Ghats
  • Depart on a UNESCO heritage train ride between Coonoor and Ooty
  • Experience the delightful backwaters of Kerala
  • Explore the historic and culturally rich town of Kochi
  • Visit the splendid Mysore Palace

Overview

Southern India delivers no end of pleasant surprises on this multi-activity trip. Our carefully crafted itinerary offers the highlights of the magnificent hill country of the Western Ghats at handle bar level. With a healthy mix of cycling and walking we pause to savour Bandipur and Periyar wildlife parks where a keen eye may spot tiger and elephant, the English hill station of Ooty and the fine tea plantations at Munnar. As the sweet smell of spices fill the air we descend to the coast and the delightful backwaters of Kerala, where we kayak and cruise through a myriad of channels observing the relaxed lifestyle of rural India. Our final bike ride follows palm lined beaches to the historic town of Fort Kochi where this action packed adventure comes to an unforgettable conclusion.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Upon arrival you will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the group hotel. The rest of the afternoon is spent at your leisure. This evening we head out for our first group meal, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members. Overnight: Chancery (MG Road) Hotel or similar.

Meals: Nil

After breakfast we drive to Mysore (approx. 3 hours), situated at the base of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is commonly described as the City of Palaces. Upon arrival we will have a sightseeing tour of the city including a visit to the ornately adorned Mysore Palace, one of the most famous in India, and the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery. We also visit the Chamundi Hills where we can see two ancient temples and get a panoramic view of the city. Overnight: Sandesh the Prince Hotel or similar.

Meals: B

You will start cycling a short distance away from the city to avoid traffic, to one of the best wildlife reserves in south India, Mudumalai National Park. The park is nestled away in the foothills of the Nilgiris (The Blue Mountains) and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Here, you can take a jeep safari deep into the midst of this dry deciduous forest, to observe herds of wild Asiatic Elephants, Leopards, Bison, Tigers, the elusive Sloth Bear and primates like the Langur, Bonnet Macaque and Slender Loris, all in their natural habitats. This reserve has achieved many a milestone in conservation efforts, which is evident from the growing number of tigers. Overnight: Bamboo Banks or similar. Cycle: approx. 55km

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we negotiate the Kallatti Ghats toward the colonial town of Ooty. We drive up the Nigiris (literally blue mountains) to the old hill station of Ooty or Udagamandalam. Many ‘hair pin bends’ later you find yourself greeted with pleasantly cool weather at your destination situated at just over 2,200 metres. Cycling along these mountain roads you can find charming English style cottages blending into the landscape. These cottages with teak floors, art-deco armchairs, red-tiled roofs and chimneys also boast well kept gardens with a profusion of flowers that thrive here. The excellent botanical garden at Ooty which is over 160 years old is home to not only a great variety of exotic flora but also many birds. Overnight: Accord Hotel or similar. Cycle: approx. 35km

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we board the historic Toy Train for a remarkable rail journey with spectacular vistas as we descend to the popular hill station of Coonoor. From here we take a scenic bike ride, mostly downhill (approx 40km) to Mettupalayam – a small town located at the foothills of the Nilgiris. You will leave this busy town behind, and travel on our vehicle to Pollachi (approx. 2.5 hours), near the city of Coimbatore. At Pollachi, you will spend the night at a beautiful resort set amidst a coconut grove. In the evening we will take a walk through the farm & the nearby village. Overnight: Coco Lagoon or similar. Cycle: approx. 40km

Meals: B,L,D

One of the longer cycling days, today we hop on our bikes and head towards the tea town of Munnar. En-route we pass by the dry scrub land forests at Chinnar and the sandalwood forests at Marayur before the climb begins to Munnar, situated at a pleasantly cool 1500m in altitude. The mountain scenery we pass today is spectacular, and we have plenty of time to stop and enjoy the views. Overnight: Eastend Hotel or similar. Cycle: approx 70km.

Meals: B,L,D

Your rain forest trek at Munnar begins early, as you to have to ascend to a height of 2640 metres, where the peak of Meesapulimala is located. Meesapulimala is the second highest peak in the Western Ghats and your rain forest trek at Munnar involves navigating through the high altitude cloud forests and grasslands to get to this peak. After a brief stop to feast your eyes on a brilliant view of forests and tea estates down in the valleys below, you will trek down to trail head and be transferred back to Munnar. Overnight: Eastend Hotel or similar. Hike: approx. 15km.

Meals: B,L,D

The Cardamom Hills are famed all over the globe as the spice centre of the world, and today we cycle through the shadow of these hills. We ride around Anaerangal Lake and along wonderful mountain roads to Nedungandom where we stop for lunch. We pass through thick forests, cardamom estates, and spice gardens that have given these Cardamom Hills their name. In the afternoon we drive to Periyar and check into our accommodation where we can relax or explore the jungle. Periyar is one of the best wildlife reserves in India. Here we have an opportunity to meet some of the local people and see their fascinating way of life. Overnight: Forest Canopy Hotel or similar. Cycle: approx. 60km.

Meals: B,L

Early this morning we venture into the national park. Mannans are among the oldest indigenous group of people to inhabit Periyar. As late as the 1940’s, they lived in the remotest areas of the reserve seeking out a simple life, fishing in the lake and cultivating a few crops, today they are instrumental in the conservation of the forest. There is also the opportunity to do bamboo rafting for those that are feeling adventurous. In the afternoon we visit the Natural History Museum, and the cardamom and pepper plantations. Overnight: Forest Canopy Hotel or similar.

Meals: B

Today, you’ll enjoy one of the most rewarding rides of the trip as you descend to the foothills of Vagamon. The journey takes you through sweeping tea plantations and peaceful forested stretches—some of the most picturesque terrain in the Western Ghats. As you ride, the landscape shifts gradually, with the cool highland air giving way to the warmer breezes of the lower slopes. You’ll arrive in Vagamon, a quiet hill town renowned for its calming atmosphere and its intriguing blend of religious mysticism and European influences. Tonight, you’ll stay at a resort overlooking Vagamon’s three sacred hills—Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala—providing a peaceful setting to unwind after a full day on the bike. Overnight: Wintervale Hotel or similar Cycle: approx. 80km

Meals: B,L,D

Today, you will be taking a downhill ride through the mountain passes to the plains and from there through the rubber country of Palai to Alleppey, the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. Here, you will settle into a beautiful resort at Alleppey. Overnight: Lake Canopy Hotel or similar. Cycling: approx. 55km.

Meals: B,L,D

Today morning we are in for a different adventure, exploring the backwaters on Kerala on a Kayak. You will kayak through the narrow canal, a great opportunity to experience the village life that evolves around the backwaters. Before noon we will complete the kayaking and board Kerala’s most luxurious forms of accommodation and transport, the houseboat. Reclining on cushions and drifting through quiet canals, you will pass through paddy fields grazed by ducks, floating markets, local toddy shops, temples and churches. Overnight: Aboard houseboat.

Meals: B,L,D

We end our journey at Fort Kochi with a fabulous beach side ride. After a chance to relax and freshen up we have lunch, and then spend the rest of the afternoon discovering a little of this amazing city. Its historic links can be seen in the Colonial Bungalows, an old Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets, the oldest European Church in India and a medieval Portuguese Palace. The city was founded in 1341 following a flood which created a natural and safe harbour and quickly became the chief port on the Malabar Coast. From the 1400’s it attracted Jewish, Arab and Christian settlers from the Middle East as a result of the Royal Family’s move to the city from Muziris, 50 kms north. The Europeans began settling from 1500’s as the Portuguese, Dutch and English competed to control the port and the lucrative spice trade. The city has three distinctive regions – Ernakulam, the modern region to the East, and the older districts of Mattancherry and Fort Kochi located on a peninsula in the west. We are staying in the heart of the historic Fort Kochi, India’s Oldest Indo – European town. We will discover a little more off the rich cultural history of this place during our visits to museums and temples that dot the city and surrounding areas. In the evening we can enjoy traditional Keralan dances like kathakali and mohiniattam. Overnight: Dutch Bungalow Hotel or similar. Cycle: approx 60km.

Meals: B,L

Trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

5 scheduled departures between 24 Oct 2026 and 23 Oct 2027.

  • Departs 24 Oct 2026 – ends 6 Nov 2026 (14 days)
  • Departs 5 Jan 2027 – ends 18 Jan 2027 (14 days)
  • Departs 15 Feb 2027 – ends 28 Feb 2027 (14 days)
  • Departs 25 Sep 2027 – ends 8 Oct 2027 (14 days)
  • Departs 23 Oct 2027 – ends 5 Nov 2027 (14 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 13 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 8 dinners
  • 12 nights in a range of comfortable hotels from safari bungalows, to modern and boutique hotels in cities and character hotels in smaller towns all provided on a twinshare basis with private facilities - some hotels have swimming pools.
  • 1 night on a comfortable houseboat - twin cabins have private facilities
  • airport transfer on day 1 and day 14
  • all internal transport and support vehicle whilst cycling
  • local specialist guides
  • backwaters cruise
  • sightseeing and entry fees as listed in the itinerary
  • good quality Cannondale, Trek (or similar) branded bikes

Not included

  • International flight & departure transfer
  • bottled water, aerated & alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.
  • tips
  • airport & departure taxes
  • visas
  • travel insurance

Reviews (6)

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Well planned and executed trip.

W. Keegan|OH, USA
7 Feb 2019
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Our whole family loved the trip, it had a great variety with all the activities involved. We all came home pretty fit as the cycling was hard through the hills. We were very well looked after by our guide and driver and really enjoyed everything southern India had to offer.

A. Hayward|Western Australia
5 Feb 2019
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I had an amazingly wonderful time on my World Expeditions vacation to Southern India! The itinerary was super (active, fun, fascinating), our guide, Francis, did everything possible to help us feel happy, comfortable and as though we were in good hands, the accommodation was far beyond expectations, the food was out-of-this-world, and everywhere we went we were made to feel like visiting dignitaries! This is my fourth World Expeditions trip, and every one of them has been far better than I imagined. And they seem to keep getting better!

J. Pascoe|VT, USA
22 Nov 2018
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I just wanted to give some feedback to World Expeditions about our trip! And to say thank-you for your excellent organisation for our last minute booking. The trip was fantastic! A special thanks also to our team leader in South India, Shabeeb Kamarudhem, who was excellent. A great organiser, team-builder, attentive, friendly and fun, as well as champion bike maintainer. Also our driver, Thalikan, was great. The trip itself ran well in terms of building up to harder activities then winding down just as you needed it — appropriate time for activity, shopping, relaxing etc. I loved the variety of activities we had. The bikes were excellent too, most of them were new. Perhaps a bell on the bike would be appropriate, especially for the nature of travel in India! Everyone used and expected you to use a horn. I hope you pass this feedback on — a big thank-you for an absolutely terrific time! Even though we’ve been back for over a month the memories linger...

Gail and Mick Ingram|Christchurch, New Zealand
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The trip was fantastic! A special thanks also to our team leader in South India, who was excellent. A great organiser, team-builder, attentive, friendly and fun, as well as champion bike maintainer. Also our driver, was great. The trip itself ran well in terms of building up to harder activities then winding down just as you needed it — appropriate time for activity, shopping, relaxing etc. I loved the variety of activities we had. The bikes were excellent too, most of them were new. A big thank-you for an absolutely terrific time! Even though we have been back for over a month the memories linger...

G and M Ingram|Christchurch, New Zealand
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Gregory|NSW, Australia
4 Feb 2026

Extra trip info

BikesWill My Trip Run?

E-Bikes Available

Cycle hassle-free and climb mountains effortlessly, enjoy nature and landscapes without physical limitations. E-bikes make it possible and are available to hire on this trip for an additional fee (see prices below). The E-bikes available are touring e-bikes and are perfect for those concerned about cycling distances.

*For safety reasons, we also insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

Mountain Bikes

The bikes used on this trip are modern aluminium-framed, front suspension Trek, Cannondale, or Giant mountain bikes. Consistent and safe braking is ensured by disc brakes, and the wide range of gears provides the ability to ride up and down the hills in comfort and confidence. If you have a saddle and clip-in pedals you wish to bring and use, the mechanic would be more than happy to fit them.

*For safety reasons, we also insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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