South India Cycling Tour

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Overview

South India Coast to Coast Cycling is a classic tour focusing on Scenic Destinations, Ancient Temples, Historic Monuments Culture, and Village Life. The tour starts from the historic city of Fort Kochi on the South Western Coast and ends at Mahabalipuram on the South Eastern Coast of India. The tour also offers an ideal opportunity to interact with the warm-hearted Tamilians and try out the special Chettinadu Cuisines, South Indian Thali meals, steaming Idli, and Sambar.

Initially, we will ride from Kochi towards the pristine beach of Marari. The next day, we ride to the backwaters of Alleppey for a houseboat cruise in Vembanad Lake. We will progress our ride towards the Western Ghats to explore the misty hills of Vagamon and the wilderness destination of Thekkady. We will traverse the downhill winding roads and ride to the great plains of Tamil Nadu towards the temple town of Madurai. Next day, we will visit the famous Madurai Meenakshi Temple. From here, we will ride to Chettinadu famous for the unique architecture and culture of the Chettiar community. We will further ride to the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu – Thanjavur and visit the Brihadeeswara Temple. Riding along the river Cauvery, we will reach the fishermen’s village of Tarangambadi. We will further ride to the erstwhile French Colony, Pondicherry to visit the French quarters and the Auroville. Then, we ride to the coastal village of Mahabalipuram to see the ancient monuments here.

The Route

This coast-to-coast cycling journey starts in Fort Kochi on India’s south-western coast and ends in Mahabalipuram on the Bay of Bengal. The route crosses Kerala and Tamil Nadu, moving from coastal plains through the Western Ghats and into the agricultural heartlands of the east.

Landscapes & Riding Experience

Riding conditions are predominantly flat to gently undulating, with hill sections while crossing the Western Ghats. The tour uses a mix of coastal roads, village lanes, plantation roads, and quiet highways, with warmer and drier conditions as the route approaches the eastern coast.

Cultural & Sightseeing Context

Sightseeing is an integral part of the tour and is spread across the route rather than concentrated in one region. Visits include historic temple towns, colonial settlements, coastal villages, market areas, and protected forest regions, offering insight into regional life, architecture, and traditions across southern India.

Support, Comfort & Pace

This is a fully guided cycling tour with a support vehicle for luggage, logistics, and assistance. Cycling distances are balanced with transfers and sightseeing visits. Accommodation is arranged in comfortable hotels, heritage properties, and resort-style stays suited to each region.

Tour Highlights

Kerala Backwaters Experience
Cycling through coastal Kerala combined with a houseboat cruise on Vembanad Lake in Alleppey
Vagamon & Thekkady Hill Regions
Cycling through plantation landscapes and cooler hill terrain in Vagamon and the forested areas around Thekkady.
Periyar Wildlife Zone
Guided visit within Periyar Tiger Reserve, combining forest landscapes with controlled wildlife viewing.
Madurai Temple Visit
Sightseeing at Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of South India’s most significant temple complexes.
Chettinadu Heritage Region
Cycling and exploration through the Chettinadu region, known for distinctive architecture, village layouts, and regional cuisine.
Thanjavur Temple & Cauvery Plains
Visit to Brihadeeswarar Temple, combined with cycling across the Cauvery delta’s agricultural landscape.
French Colonial Pondicherry
Sightseeing in Pondicherry, including the French Quarter and a visit to Auroville.
Coastal Finish at Mahabalipuram
Tour conclusion at Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, featuring ancient shore temples and rock-cut monuments.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Fort Kochi

Activity: Bike Fitting, Fort Kochi sightseeing

Hotel: Dutch Bungalow

Meals: Breakfast

Details

On arrival at Cochin International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel (1.5 hrs). In the afternoon, get ready for your bike fitting, followed by a guided sightseeing tour of Fort Kochi. Walk through its charming heritage streets, see the iconic Chinese fishing nets, and visit historic monuments, Jew Street, and the Synagogue.

Day 2: Cycling to Marari

Activity: Cycling Distance 50kms (Flat)

Hotel: Turtle Beach Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Details

After breakfast, we begin our ride toward the pristine beach destination of Marari. The route is mostly flat, with views of the Arabian Sea along the way. Cycle past patches of wetlands, fish farms, and waterbirds, and see the traditional Chinese fishing nets. Ride through the coastal village of Chellanam, the fishermen’s settlement, and the busy fishing harbour of Andhakaranazhi, before continuing under the shade of coconut groves. Our day ends at a serene beach resort in Marari, where you can relax and watch the stunning sunset by the sea.

Day 3: Cycling to Alleppey & Houseboat Cruise

Activity: Cycling Distance 30kms (Flat), Houseboat Cruise

Hotel: Premium Houseboat

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Details

Leaving the beach behind, we cycle through villages, canals, and paddy fields along flat backwater routes. Ride past fish and duck farms, coconut lagoons, and serene landscapes until we reach the houseboat boarding point. On arrival in Alappuzha, step aboard your private houseboat for an unforgettable overnight backwater cruise. Drift through calm rivers and canals, watching village life unfold along the shores—fishing, washing, and duck farming. Enjoy freshly prepared meals on board, featuring the local delicacy, pearl spot fish.

Day 4: Cycling to Vagamon

Activity: Cycling Distance 60kms (Flat and Undulating)

Hotel: Winter Vale Eco-Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

Today’s ride begins along the flat backwater roads, with views of craggy coconut palms, lush green paddy fields, and canals dotted with flocks of ducks. We then continue toward the rubber country of Pala and Erattupetta, cycling through valleys filled with rubber, spice, and pineapple plantations. Along the way, pass tranquil villages, small temples, and churches, with plenty of photo stops en route. The terrain gradually shifts to undulating roads and a long uphill climb into the Ghats. Our ride concludes at a resort in Vagamon, a serene hill destination where you can unwind while watching the mist roll over the picturesque hillocks.

Day 5: Cycling to Periyar (Thekkady)

Activity: Cycling distance 55kms (Flat and Undulating), Boating in Periyar Tiger Reserve

Hotel: Forest Canopy Premium Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

Today, we cycle toward Thekkady, the spice capital of Kerala. The ride takes us through rolling tea plantations, charming hill villages, and winding roads with views of scenic landscapes, grassy meadows, and spice gardens. We end the ride at a premium resort in Thekkady. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the lake inside Periyar Tiger Reserve, with chances to spot wild elephants, Indian gaur, and sambar deer along the forested shores.

Day 6 & 7: Cycling to Madurai and a Day break day

Activity: Cycling distance 60kms (Flat and Undulating), Next day visit to Madurai Meenakshi Temple

Hotel: Heritage Madurai Premium Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

Today, we will traverse the final stretch of the Western Ghats. The ride will be combination of downhill and flat on hairpin bend roads. We will cross the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu and ride through the countryside along the grape yards, coconut grooves, vegetable plantations and small temple. After riding convenient distance, we will transfer you for rest of the distance to reach Heritage Resort in Madurai. We will relax at the resort after the long ride. Tomorrow is the break day and it’s the time to visit the epic Madurai Meenakshi Temple on Tuk Tuks. The temple is dedicated to Goddesses Meenakshi - a form of Parvati and Sundareshwar – a form of Shiva. The narration of temple dates back from 6th Century CE. The temple complex covers an area of 14 Acres with its many grand pillars, sanctums, Mandapas, Gopuras, sculptures and wall paintings. The 10 Day Meenakshi Tirukalyanam (Holy Marriage) Festival in April – May is the prime attraction here. Millions of pilgrims gather here to offer prayers during the occasion. After the temple visit, we will stroll through the 17th Tirumala Naykar Palace and the local market with its fruits and flower shops before getting back to the Resort for the scrumptious Dinner.

Day 8: Cycling to Chettinadu

Activity: Cycling distance 60kms (Flat and Undulating)

Hotel: Visalam Heritage Mansion

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

After breakfast, transfer one hour to the cycling start point. Ride through the wetlands of Tamil Nadu, passing lakes, mangroves, rural villages, and grazing cattle, before reaching Chettinad—the land of the Chettiars, famous for its palatial mansions and unique temples. Check in at a beautifully preserved heritage mansion that reflects the grandeur and lifestyle of the Chettiars. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided heritage walk through the streets lined with remarkable mansions, each telling a story of prosperity and tradition. Chettinad is celebrated for its cuisine. Take part in an interactive cooking session, learn the art of blending spices, and prepare authentic dishes. Relish a traditional Chettinad lunch and dinner at the mansion, making your culinary experience truly special. Overnight stay at Chettinad mansion

Day 9: Cycling to Thanjavur

Activity: Cycling Distance 70kms (Flat), Heritage Walk

Hotel: GRT River View

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Details

After the breakfast, we will set out to next cultural hub on the Tamil Nadu map - Thanjavur. The ride will be through village roads on flat terrain. Leaving the outskirts of Chettinadu, we will ride through villages with the view of lush green paddy fields and clusters of eucalyptus trees along the way. Thanjavur located in the fertile basin of river Cauvery is known as the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu for its sumptuous harvests. Reaching here, we will set out to visit of the magnificent Brihadiswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The 11 Century CE temple was built by the Chola King Raja Raja Chola I and is one of the ‘Great Living Chola Temples” classified by UNESCO. Exemplary Dravidian architecture with its highest Vimana tower in South India and marvellous sculptures makes Brihadiswara Temple truly remarkable. We can also visit the Saraswati Mahal Library, Palace and the Art Gallery if time allows.

Day 10: Cycling to Tranquebar

Activity: Cycling distance 70kms (Flat)

Hotel: Bungalow on the Beach

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

This morning, transfer one hour to the cycling start point. Ride on flat village roads along irrigation canals, passing paddy fields, small temples, and shady stretches with banyan trees. The sacred Cauvery River and its tributaries bring life to this fertile region and its farming communities. Arrive at the quaint fishing village of Tranquebar (Tarangambadi), a charming east coast town once under Danish rule for more than 150 years. Stay at a colonial bungalow, formerly the residence of Dani

Day 11 & 12: Cycling to Pondicherry

Activity: Cycling Distance 70kms (Flat), Next Day Pondicherry Sightseeing

Hotel: Promenade

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

From the erstwhile Danish province, we head north towards the French Colony of Pondicherry (Pondicherry). We will ride the flat backcountry and beach roads with rivers cutting across to converge into the Bay of Bengal. You will see fisherman villages, fish farms, and local beaches along the way. Riding north from the Cuddalore suburb, we will reach a peaceful beach hotel in Pondicherry to end our ride. We will walk along the French quarters and the happening Promenade beach in the evening. The influence of French architecture and culture can be witnessed while the heritage walk. Next day, we will be visiting the miraculous Auroville, a unique sanctum for meditation. Once been a barren land, it has thrived as universal township dedicated towards human unity and sustainable living. We will settle back at the hotel to spend the rest of the day relaxing or go around for street shopping. Afternoon, we will go around the town for a food tour to try out the local delicacies.

Day 13: Cycling to Mahabalipuram

Activity: Cycling Distance 60kms (Flat), Afternoon Mahabalipuram sightseeing

Hotel: Ideal Beach Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

Today, we will leave Pondicherry and ride further north to the next beach destination – Mahabalipuram. You will ride on the east coast highway through small fishing villages and towns. You will see local beaches, coconut groves and the salt fields along the way. We will end the ride for the last day at a tranquil beach resort in Mahabalipuram. The town is known for its temples and the group of monuments which dates back from the 7th - 8th century. Pancharathas and the Shore temple by the beach reflect the architectural splendour and craftsmanship of the Pallava Dynasty. A history tour to these UNESCO world heritage sites is scheduled in the afternoon. The town is also famous for the traditional rock sculpture making industry. You can witness the craftsmanship closely at the facility, nowadays using modern machinery. After the visit, you are free to spend the rest of the day at the pristine beach resort.

Day 14: Depart

Details

It’s the time to say Adieu, with fond memories of the South India Coast to Coast Ride. We will be happy to drop you at the Chennai International Airport if this is as per your schedule. We will ride through the scenic east coast