Cycling Kerala's Backroads

Groups can be from 2 to 16. For groups of 9 or more, a second guide joins the tour.

Yes, riders must be 18 years old by the time the tour starts.

Yes, quality mountain bikes can be hired for the duration of the tour.

The bikes are well-known makes with lightweight alloy frames, 24 to 27 speed gears, v-brakes, have Shimano components and front suspension.

The scenery is ever changing as you start cycling from the outskirts of Kochi and then climb the slopes of the Western Ghats, entering tea and spice country. You will ride 544 km (338 mi) in 10 days of cycling, but this tour is entirely on paved roads, so the distances are not too strenuous. The route was designed to take in the best of Kerala’s culture, countryside, and wildlife, all while enjoying an active holiday. You’ll ride from sea level to an altitude of 9521 m (31,236 ft), but this is over many days, and though there will be some steep climbs, the pace is easy. There’ll be some exhilarating descents, including one that’s 22 km long (14 mi)! The trip is fully supported, and your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of cold drinks and fresh fruit.

Suitability: You can expect some climbs with steep gradients for the first five days of this trip, then some undulating terrain towards the end. There are three days of longer distances, but they include major descents. The hills can be tackled by those with a moderate amount of fitness; however, being physically fit will, of course, be a huge asset, but as the tour is fully supported, the van is always close at hand if needed.

Biking Conditions: This trip is on tarmac roads, and there is no technical riding involved. An airconditioned support bus travels behind the group, so participants can cycle as much or as little as they like and still enjoy the same views as the rest of the group.

The tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue. But to a large degree, riders must be responsible for their own safety during the tour. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a cycling tour.

The tour starts and finishes in Kochi (formerly known as Cochin). It can be accessed through the Cochin International Airport (COK).

You are not required to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. The tour operator will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender. If you cannot be matched, they will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share, a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room.

The Tour Operator is committed to ensuring all trips are safe and that they travel responsibly with the safety of riders, staff and local communities paramount, always.

Their health and safety policies follow recommendations from the World Health Organisation and the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travel protocols for tour operators and they have worked with all their suppliers to undergo a comprehensive risk assessment and safety audit for every trip. As every country is different with varying and fast-changing requirements for entry, they require for every trip tocommit to the following basic requirements:
- All participants must be double vaccinated by a recognised vaccine and will need to show evidence upon booking and on arrival.
- All Tour Operator tour leaders and support staff will have completed a COVID-19 health and safety training course and will all have been double vaccinated prior to a tour starting. For 2021 departures onwards, they are planning to have our leaders tested within 72 hours of meeting the group.
- The Tour Operator follows the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels protocol and has received the stamp of approval, which provides travellers with an assurance that they have adopted the health and hygiene global standardised protocols.

Yes, if you're hiring a bike from the operator, a complimentary helmet is provided, although you are welcome to bring your own if you wish.