Kerala Cycling Tour

All our tours are customizable.

Embark on a classic itinerary to explore the best of Kerala, the land of spices. This journey offers the perfect opportunity to witness Kerala’s splendid landscapes—from tranquil backwaters and misty hills to lush forests—while experiencing its rich cultural heritage and flavorsome cuisine, known for its use of coconut oil in both vegetarian and seafood dishes.

Your adventure begins in the colonial city of Fort Kochi, where you’ll explore the vibrant streets, historical landmarks, and cultural highlights. From here, you’ll cycle toward the lowland forests of Thattekkad, a prime destination for birdwatching and nature lovers.

As you continue riding through the scenic Kallar Valley, the journey takes you to the mist-covered tea hills of Munnar, where the rolling green landscape of tea plantations offers stunning views. From Munnar, you’ll make your way through the Cardamom Hills of Shatanpara, known for their lush spice plantations and fragrant air.

Your next stop is Periyar – Thekkady, a wilderness destination where you’ll spend an additional day immersed in forest adventures and cultural experiences. Take part in activities such as bamboo rafting, forest trekking, and exploring local spice plantations, all while being surrounded by the region’s unique biodiversity.

Leaving Periyar, you’ll ride through the rugged beauty of the rocky hills of Vagamon, cycling along winding roads and meadows. As you descend from the hills, you’ll arrive at Kumarakom, a serene backwater village known for its scenic charm and the famous Water Lily Festival. Spend the day exploring the village, stay in a cozy homestay, or experience the tranquility of Kerala’s iconic houseboat cruise.

Your journey culminates in the fishing village of Marari, where the pristine beach awaits. End your cycling tour with a relaxing day by the sea, soaking up the serene atmosphere and enjoying the unspoiled beauty of Marari Beach.

This classic itinerary offers a deep dive into Kerala’s landscapes, culture, and cuisine, leaving you with a rich and memorable experience of God’s Own Country.

The Route

The journey begins in Fort Kochi and moves inland through lowland forests, hill regions, and wildlife zones before descending to the backwaters and finishing on the coast at Marari Beach. The route links Kerala’s key landscapes in a continuous southbound ride.

Landscapes & Riding Experience

Cycling conditions vary from flat coastal roads and backwater paths to sustained hill climbs and long descents in the Western Ghats. Riders encounter forest corridors, plantation roads, tea-covered slopes, and rolling countryside, with daily distances balanced for steady progress rather than speed.

Cultural & Natural Context

The tour passes colonial-era towns, spice-growing regions, tea estates, bird habitats, and protected forest areas including Periyar Tiger Reserve. Village life, plantation economies, and regional food traditions form a consistent backdrop throughout the ride.

Support, Comfort & Pace

The tour is fully guided with a support vehicle for logistics, rest stops, and luggage transfers. Accommodation is a mix of heritage stays, nature lodges, hill resorts, and backwater homestays. The riding pace is moderated to suit terrain, climate, and recovery needs across consecutive days.

Tour Highlights

  • Fort Kochi Colonial Quarter
    Street-level exploration of historic neighbourhoods, heritage buildings, and working waterfronts.
  • Thattekkad Forest & River Systems
    Cycling and water-based activities near one of Kerala’s most significant bird habitats.
  • Kallar Valley Climbs
    Quiet hill roads marking the transition from lowlands into the Western Ghats.
  • Tea Landscapes of Munnar
    Riding through high-altitude plantations with cooler temperatures and open views.
  • Cardamom Hills of Shantanpara
    Routes through spice-growing forests shaped by elevation and rainfall.
  • Periyar Wilderness Zone
    Non-riding day focused on forest access, plantation visits, and river-based activities.
  • Backwaters of Kumarakom & Alappuzha
    Low-speed riding and stays along canals, lakes, and village paths.
  • Marari Coast Finish
    A relaxed coastal endpoint with time for recovery by the Arabian Sea.

Detailed Itinerary

Day1: The colonial city of Fort Kochi
Activity: Fortkochi sightseeing
Hotel: Dutch Bungalow
Meals: Breakfast
Our guide will pick you from Cochin International Airport. It will be roughly an hour drive to reach Hotel in Fort Kochi. After you settle down and relax, the bike fitting is scheduled. Afternoon, we will go out for the History tour of Fort Kochi to know more about its colonial heritage on the famed Tuk Tuks. Once been a major port and trade centre, it evolved as a settlement hotspot for numerous merchants from across the world. The gradual intermingling of their cultures for centuries has made Fort Kochi a unique heritage city to visit. We will walk through the Jew street, flea market, watch the creaking Chinese fishing nets and the sunset. It will be nice to check out a local restaurant for dinner before winding up in a comfy hotel.
Day 2: Cycling to birding hotspot of Thattekkad
Activity: Cycling distance 50km (Flat and undulating)
Hotel: Birds murmur camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we will transfer you away from the bustling city traffic. We will reach a quiet countryside to start the ride. We will ride through mostly flat backroads with few easy climbs. The ride will progress along irrigation canals through the village. You can see local cultivates of rubber, pepper, nutmeg banana and pineapple plantations along the route. We will be riding toward the lowland forest of Thattekkad a prime biding hotspot in South India. The place along the banks of Periyar River is the prime habitat for several species of birds including many water birds. After a classic lunch, we visit the famous Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary to look out for the endemic birds around. We can also stroll through nearby plantations and countryside to meet the local cultivators here.
Day 3: Cycling to scenic Kallar Valley
Activity: Cycling distance 60km (Undulating and Hilly)
Hotel: Dew Drops Farm Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch & Dinner
In the morning, we will ride towards the offbeat destination of Kallar Valley. The ride will be through village roads and stretches of highway with moderate and tough hilly and undulating terrain. You will ride with the refreshing view of Periyar river, lush rainforest, small waterfalls and streamlets, chirruping birds and lurking bonnet macaques watch your way. You will also pass along patches of rubber, pineapple and Cashew plantations along the route. Towards the end of the ride, we will reach a serene and vast farm resort in Kallar valley. Afternoon, we can go for a small nature and plantation trek or visit the tribal village to understand their simple sustainable life closely. These humble local inhabitants live in harmony with nature and contribute immensely towards agricultural labour in various plantations and making local handicraft as well.
Day 4: Cycling to misty hills of Munnar
Activity: Cycling distance 30km (Undulating and Hilly)
Hotel: Olive Brook
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving the valley behind, we will ride to the high altitude teagrowing hills of Munnar. The terrain with hilly and undulated with steep and tough climbs. Though the distance is less, the efforts need to be significant. We will slowly pedal through the manicured tea plantations, with a view of the misty and scenic valleys toward the small town of Munnar. We will wind up our ride at an 84-year-old tea estate bungalow nestled amidst the vast plantation with its refreshing breeze and cool climate. In the evening, we will go out to visit the tea museum for more insights about the history of tea growing in this region. You will also get to taste different varieties of Tea and gain more insight into processing and production here. Further, we will visit the local bazaar selling tea, flowers, spices and local products.
Day 5: Cycling to Cardamom forests of Santanpara
Activity: Cycling distance 45km (Uphill and Long Downhill)
Hotel: Shola Crown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It time to set course to Shantanpara with its cardamom reserve forest and rich biodiverse vegetation. The wet and cold climate is ideal for wild cardamom and supports other cash crops like pepper and coffee. The terrain will be a mix of uphill, downhill and undulating roads along the vast tea plantations to start with. We will pass along the picturesque Anaerangal lake and many photo points. Anaerangal lake with a small earthen dam is the centrally located lake between the hillocks of Suryanelli. It is the key source of water for the wildlife especially for elephant herds and the villages in this remote hilly region. Riding through the cardamom forest roads, you will reach the vast plantation resort to have well-deserved rest after fairly tough cycling. If you wish to explore the area more, you can try out trekking through cardamom hills and plantations to see the distant plains of Tamil Nadu in the afternoon.
Day 6: Cycling to Thekkady
Activity: Cycling distance 80 km (Undulating and Uphill)
Hotel: Treetop
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will head towards the wilderness destination of Periyar through the Cardamom Forest route. The terrain will be a mix of uphill, downhill and undulating roads. You will pass along various spice plantations like cardamom and pepper. You will also see patches of tea and coffee plantations en route. Till noon, you will comfortably reach an eco-homestay nested in the thick vegetation all around. After relaxing, the rest of the day is scheduled for Kalarippayattu Show (a traditional Kerala Martial Art form) or an optional cooking class to learn to prepare a few traditional dishes.
Day 7: Free Day at Thekkady
Activity: Half Day Bamboo Rafting in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Spice Plantation Visit
Hotel: Tree Top
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Half Day Bamboo Rafting in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Spice Plantation VisitThe next day is reserved for activities in the Periyar National Park nestled in the Western Ghats. The biodiverse reserve is abundant in flora and fauna with 35 species of Mammals including the majestic Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic elephant, more than 260 Bird species including the Great Indian Hornbill. This biodiversity hotspot is home to many species of Amphibians, reptiles, insects, fishes etc. Here, we will be going for a moderate nature walk along the periphery of the forest. More intense activities such as Bamboo Rafting, Border Hiking and overnight Tiger Trail programmes can be booked based on your interest and schedule. After the forest activities, we will be visiting a spice plantation in-depth and a walk around the local spice market.
Day 8: Cycling to hilly meadows of Vagamon
Activity: Cycling distance 55km (Undulating and Uphill)
Hotel: Wintervale
Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch, Dinner
Today, we ride the final stretch of Western Ghats during the tour. Again the terrain will be a combination of inclined and undulating countryside. You will be riding on the winding roads through cardamom and tea plantations with the view of scenic hills and valleys with dancing meadows in the refreshing breeze. You will pass through small settlements and small towns of Vandiperiyar and Elapara. We will wind up the ride at a misty resort on the hilltop at Vagamon. The scenic hill destination is a is the perfect romantic getaway to spend time with your loved ones. Afternoon, you will be having time to relax sipping a hot coffee; watching the spectacular view from the hill resort or go for an evening walk at the nearby pine forest iconic to the region.
Day 9: Cycling to placid Backwaters of Alappuzha
Activity: Cycling distance 50km (Long Downhill and Undulating)
Hotel: Emerald Isle
Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch, Dinner
The day is going to start with the continuous downhill ride towards the midlands. We will ride through the rubber country of Pala and agrarian village of Erattupetta along valleys of rubber, spices and pineapple plantations, small temples and churches. We will transfer you to our next destination, remote into the meandering water world. You will drive along the lush green paddy fields, fish and duck farms, coconut lagoons and canals to reach Champakulam Village. Here, you will be greeted by the friendly host at the heritage homestay situated right on the banks of Vemabanadu lake. After lunch, we will go around for a village walk to see the church, toddy shop, vegetable market, local tea shop and meet the delighted villagers or explore the tranquil village on country canoe. You can opt to spend a leisurely day on the famed houseboat instead of the homestay or both. On the houseboat, you will be having traditional meals with fresh catch, watch the reels of the backwaters life slowly unfold before you and enjoy the sunset.
Day 10: Cycling to the pristine beach of Marari
Activity: Cycling distance 30 km (Flat)
Hotel: Abad Turtle Beach
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Winding up the rustic yet simple experiences of the backwater village, now we ride toward the pristine beach destination of Marari. The road will again be flat with some high bridges over the canals. You will be passing along paddy fields and coconut lagoons. We will visit the coir factory enroute. Coir products making were once a prime source of income for the locals, men and women alike. You will get to know how each and every part of a coconut tree is used for various purposes and has been blended into the culture of the land. We will ride to a serene beach resort, a couple of steps away from the cottage you will be staying in. Afternoon, we can go around the fishermen village nearby to meet the brave sea warriors try to know more about their intense life. During the 2018 Kerala floods, these good Samaritans took their fishing boats braving the gashing flood waters to rescue stranded and helpless people in remote areas of the coastal villages.
Day 11: Depart
You can opt to extend your stay at the Marari Beach for Leisure. Our travel assistance team will make the necessary booking based on the discussions with you. Else, we will be happy to drop you to Cochin Airport if this is according to your schedule.

Reviews

Peter Machlup

January 6, 2026
From start to finish these guys were just amazing… You showed us the best of Kerala …. Best sights .. Best food.. Best routes ..

Edgar

January 6, 2026
We did a great three weeks long tour through the South of India with two persons only.. Everything was well planed by Offbeat Pedals, Francis was an excellent tour guide. I have done several tours with him some years ago, also in the North. This tour was done in Oct/Nov. Weather was nice and warm, the selection of hotels, Swiss tents and homestays was very well done and a fine mixture of getting connected with the culture and population. The bicycles we have had for the tour fitted well and were good running in all situations. The guide and driver always respected and followed our wishes. When you are open minded, interested in the Indian landscape and culture I would recommend Francis and his organisation. You will get a list of hotels you will stay and can change this in advance. You will get what you have booked. Be surprised of the good roads of India and the fine hotels. Eine wirklich empfehlenswerte Organisation mit sehr gutem Preis-/Leistungsverhältnis. Tolle Hotels und Strassen teils besser als im Ruhrgebiet. Man geht auf alle eure Wünsche ein.

Monica Busby

January 6, 2026
I’m unbelievably surprised how beautiful Kerala, India is thanks to Off Beat Adventures for showcasing the best Kerala has to offer in a 10 day bike, hike, and kayak tour! The immersion in Indian culture too was phenomenal too! Got to visit the Madurai temple, watch Indian traditional dances and martial arts, took a spices tour, and even rode an elephant!! Sujith, Francis, and Assif are a perfect team to handle your trips around India!!! I plan to go back again!! 🥰🥰🥰

Isabel Schwarz

January 6, 2026
Cycling through Kerala with Offbeat Adventures was one of the most awesome travel experiences I ever had! From the get-go Sujith & Francis were extraordinarily accommodating in the planning of our custom tour – even as we had to do last minute changes. And the tour itself was in all regards simply perfect: Sandosh was an incredibly friendly, fun and thoughtful guide, the bikes were excellent (disk brakes, perfectly maintained), the accommodations were great and every little detail was taken care of for us – from the spontaneous tour to the spice garden, to the bottle of coke in the support vehicle that fueled our climbs in the cardamom hills. And while I was impressed by the great, traffic-calm cycling roads we took, I was particularly grateful for the thoughtful attention paid by the guide in the support vehicle to keep us cyclists safe on the busier roads by driving closely behind us. Thank you to the entire Offbeat Adventure Team for this great experience! We will be back :)

Martin Pfister

January 6, 2026
Wir haben mit Sujith und seinem Team 8 Tage mit Mountainbiken, Kajaken und Trekkingtouren verbracht und es war einmalig schön. Super Tourenauswahl abseits der üblichen Wege, nagelneue Mountainbikes (Trek, 29 Zoll, Hardtail), spannende Trekkingtouren mit Sonnenaufgang und Elefantenbegegnungen und nicht zuletzt unterhaltsame Kajaktouren mit Vogelbeobachtung. Die Guides waren immer pünktlich und sehr hilfsbereit und zuvorkommend. Die Unterkünfte und die Verpflegung währende der Touren top! Absolut professionell und eine Empfehlung. Gebucht haben wir übrigens über Chalo Reisen, Sarah Appelt. Auch hier eine klare Empfehlung. Sehr hilfsbereit, kompetent und immer erreichbar, wenn Fragen auftauchen!

Peter Raidt

January 6, 2026
Wir haben eine abwechslungsreiche Woche in Kerala mit Sujith von Offbeat Adventure erlebt. Die Radtouren waren wunderschön, etwa 50 km und so manche Höhenmeter (Up and down). Neben dem Radfahren von Kochi über Thattekkad, Munnar, Kumily und die Backwaters haben wir sehr viel über Land, Kultur, Gewürze, Früchte, local people gelernt. Zum Abschluss noch Kajak in den Backwaters war perfekt. Wir können alles nur bestens empfehlen! Super Organisation für alles …

Gallery

Inclusions

  • Accompanying English Speaking Guide
  • Geared Bicycles (Trek / Giant / Cannondale / Scott)
  • Accommodation in Twin Share
  • Snacks, Beverages & Drinking Water
  • Entry Fees at Forest, Monuments, Plantation, Museums etc
  • Transfers in AC vehicle
  • Airport Pickup and Drop
  • Toll, Vehicle Permit, Parking & Government taxes

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