trip
NEW Trip – Ladakh Mountain Biking AdventureView Trip Details

14 Days$2960USD

Activities
  • 8 day cycle
  • 1 day kayak
Accommodation
  • 8 nights hotel
  • 4 nights homestay
  • 1 night houseboat
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 9 Lunches
  • 13 Breakfasts
4
Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

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

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.

Trip Code: SIA

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

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

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.

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

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 18km.

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.

Meals:  B

Another long day ahead of us and perhaps the best day of the trip. It is also the most challenging day of the week with undulations all through. The view is magnificent and we have spice plantations on either side. We would see the famous arch dam of Idukki on the way and just before we reach our destination for the night we cross the beautiful Kulamavu dam. The last bit is a tough climb and a worthwhile challenge. Overnight Greenberg 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

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

Trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 13 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 4 dinners
  • comfortable accommodation on a twinshare basis
  • simple homestays
  • houseboat accommodation
  • airport transfer on day 1
  • 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

  • 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

Bike information


Departure dates


Notes

S
Surcharge
H
High Season

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$2960USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Bike, Hike and Kayak South India - E-Bike UpgradeUSD$300
  • Single SupplementUSD$870
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Bike, Hike & Kayak South India trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


South India Multi-Activity Adventure Trip reviews


Other trip reviews


Why travel with us

Award Winning Adventures

Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

Thoughtful Travel

Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

Ultimate Value

 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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