Cycle Kerala & Tropical India

Day 1  Mysore          
Arrive in Mysore in the morning and enjoy lunch and a walking tour before your bike fitting.    

Day 2  Mysore          
Today you will embark on a leisurely ride to Srirangapatna ruins, an island fortress on Cauvery River. Afterwards, ride back to Mysore for a local 'thali' and later, a guided tour of Mysore Palace.          

Day 3  Mysore  
Cycle out of Mysore town up to Chamundi Hill to view the 16.5ft (5m) rock carving of Nandi, Shiva's celestial bull. There are also good views over the whole of Mysore.    

Day 4  Mysore to Bandipur NP      
This morning, cycle out of Mysore passing rock carvings on quiet back roads towards Nanjangud, with its beautiful 9th Century temple. Continue onto Bandipur National Park by bus for an afternoon jeep safari. There is a chance of spotting elephants, deer and the very elusive tiger      
   
Day 5  Bandipur NP to Ooty      
Ooty, the former summer capital of the Raj, is next as you ride a very steep climb with 36 hairpin bends to the Hill Station. The views are staggering and offer a convenient excuse to stop for photos and catch your breath. Alternatively you can enjoy a more relaxed ascent by support vehicle.  After lunch, enjoy a free afternoon at your leisure.          

Day 6  Ooty to Guruvayoor          
After the climb of yesterday, today's reward is a fantastic descent passing tea plantations towards Kerala with fabulous views around every corner. Stop at Gadalur for lunch before transferring to Guruvayoor.        

Day 7  Guruvayoor to Cherai          
Cycle towards the coast, stopping at one of the oldest churches in India along the way.  Life is slower here as you pass mango and coconut trees Then take the ferry to Vypin Island to enjoy a free afternoon at Cherai beach.    

Day 8  Cherai to Fort Cochin      
Cycle south through small fishing communities and grand houses to board the ferry to Fort Cochin. Enjoy lunch in the old harbour.

Day 9  Cochin          
Today is free to explore Cochin at your leisure.      

Day 10  Cochin to Muhamma      
Pass grand Portuguese villas next to tiny fishermen huts as you ride towards Vambanad Lake and Muhamma. This is an area of contrasts, as you cycle through a more Christian area before your stay in a backwater resort overlooking the lake.        

Day 11  Onboard a Houseboat      
With a later start, you can have a lie in, or explore the village with a 22km bike ride, before boarding a simple but traditional houseboat on the backwaters. Relax as you watch the world go by and take in the rice fields, tiny villages, coconut trees and fishermen at work.  

Day 12  Ride to Varkala          
After disembarking the houseboat and taking a local ferry and bus transfer, begin riding the scenic coastal road towards Varkala. Enjoy the last day of riding next to the sparkling ocean.    

Day 13  Varkala          
Today is free to enjoy the beach or explore the area at your leisure.      

Day 14  Varkala        
Your tour ends after breakfast.