Kerala is a young state on India's southern tropical Malabar Coast known for its greenery, wildlife reserves, tea and spice plantations, palm-lined beaches and exotic cuisine. It's a world away from the hustle and bustle of elsewhere. Famed for its backwaters and home to a network of hydro-highways popular for sightseeing cruises, it's hard to deny Kerala's liberal use of the slogan 'God's Own Country', when traveling through the peaceful region.
SpiceRoads CyclingThe fresh ocean breezes of the surrounding Arabian Sea combined with the cooler temperatures in the highlands of the mountainous Western Ghats makes it perfect for bicycling, which may very well be the best way of discovering what's often referred to as 'Spice Garden of India'.
Taking on quiet country roads, the ride starts with a visit to Paniyeli Poru, home to beautiful natural waterfalls and small rivulets surrounded by rich flora. The tour spends a night at Whispering Waters, a serene riverside resort, before continuing on to the ancient town of Thodupuzha. Passing fertile spice farms and rubber plantations along the way, we make our way to this historic town, which dates back to 300 BC, when the Buddhist and Jain religions first made their inroads into Kerala.
The group then cycles towards Kottayam, known as the Syrian Christian heartland of Kerala. A descent leads towards Kumarakom, where you'll spend a relaxing afternoon drifting through the tranquil backwaters on a houseboat, a converted rice barge, for a stunning canal cruise. Just sit back, sip long drinks, and watch the world go by. To end the tour, after a transfer to Alleppey you'll cycle to Cochin and catch the transfer back to the city. Along the way you will be staying at a beautiful riverside resort, on a farm, and on a houseboat.You’ll have your fill of ethnic and delicious food, seasoned by the local spices.