CYCLING HOLIDAYS IN INDIA: BACK ROADS OF KERALA

Introduction: Tropically lush and emerald green, the far southern state is India's gleaming hidden jewel. Our cycling route in this compact yet scenically diverse region takes us along shaded backroads past beaches and backwaters and through the countryside and villages to the spice and tea plantations of the inland foothills. Travelling well off the beaten track by bicycle affords a deeper insight into the lives of the Keralan people; famed for their welcoming and cosmopolitan outlook on life, they refer to their home as “God's Own Country”!

Life Along the Backwaters: Behind the long sweep of Kerala's sandy beaches lie the “Backwaters” - a maze of islands and villages linked by rivers and canals. Peddling north along the coast under a canopy of seemingly unending coconut trees, we pass through numerous villages where fishing and farming the fertile soils provide the mainstay of life. In many small restaurants and at our village homestay this fresh local produce transforms into deliciously distinct and delicately flavoured curries. Leaving our bikes behind for a while we glide through the waterways by small boat and local Anjili wood canoes.

Elephants and Spices: Using our support vehicle, we head inland to the enchanting Vanilla County Estate (1100 feet) engulfed by tea gardens and plantations of spices and rubber. At Periyar National Park we watch out for herds of elephant, sambar deer and myriad bird species on our boat trip and early morning trek. By bike we'll set out to explore the surrounding waterfalls and silent valleys which, clothed in the richest green, rise toward the majestic heights of the Western Ghats.

Colonial Cochin and Crescent Beaches: Returning to the coast we head for Cochin with its unique architectural blend of Indian and European; cycling around the old Portuguese Fort with its Chinese fishing nets, churches, synagogue and old godowns, now occupied by some interesting antique and curio sellers. A sunset boat trip around the harbour and visit to a performance of the local Kathakali dancers are a must. Finally we travel by train to Trivandrum and cycle back to Kovalam's crescent beach.

Trip notes:

Accommodation & Meals: 9nts hotel, 2nts estate bungalow, 2nts village house; 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 4 dinners included.

Bicycles: 21 gear hybrid 'Firefox' bikes. Grade & Terrain: Grade B - 237km/9 days (Average 26km/cycling day). On several days additional optional rides are available and 2 days are left completely free with optional rides available. Cycling will be on level terrain or down hill apart from 4 days where the terrain will be hillier and some undulating coastal sections on days 2 and 3. Keen cyclists can tackle longer routes on several days - conversely you can choose not to cycle and stay with the support vehicle. We avoid main roads where possible and cycle on back roads. Cycle 90% on tarmac, 10% earth/gravel roads.

Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.

Tour Staff & Support: Tour company provided Tour Leader plus driver(s) and some local guides. A support bus accompanies the tour in full, providing transfers between cycling points, carrying luggage. Cycles are transported by truck. .

Detailed itinerary:

1 Fly London/Trivandrum. 2 Arrive Trivandrum; drive to Kovalam, afternoon cycle ride. 3 Drive to Veli Lagoon, visit Anjengo fort and cycle to Varkala. 4 Cycle to Kollam. 5 Boat trip along Backwaters, cycle through villages to Mancombu Homestay. 6 Cycling through Backwaters' villages; afternoon canoe trip (optional). 7 Drive and cycle to Vanilla County Estate. 8 Cycling around Vanilla County including spice plantation visits. 9 Drive and cycle to Thekkady. 10 Early morning trek in National Park; afternoon boat trip on lake at Periyar National Park. 11 Drive and cycle Cochin. 12 Tour of Cochin by cycle, evening boat cruise. 13 Early morning train to Trivandrum, cycle on backroads to Kovalam. 14 Free day in Kovalam. 15 Drive Trivandrum airport, fly London.

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