Compare Southern India Coast to Coast Ride by Exodus Travels vs Discover Kerala by Contes Asia Travel

Day 1 Arrive Chennai; transfer to Pondicherry via the shore temples of Mahabalipuram

Those who are on the group flights will land in Chennai early in the morning. Those not on the group flights, we recommend you are at Chennai Airport in time to join the group transfer. If not, please be at the Pondicherry hotel for 1pm to meet the group. From the airport, it’s a 3hr 30min drive to Pondicherry. Those on the group transfer take a break at Mahabalipuram, home to shore temples and rock carvings. Carving in stone is still a living art here and we see stonemasons chipping away along the roadside, practicing skills that have flourished for centuries. On arrival in Pondicherry, we assemble the bikes and explore this former French colony on a 4mi (6km) ride, before an evening briefing about our cycling adventure. Accommodation: Hotel Atithi (or similar)

Day 2 Circular ride passing the spiritual commune of Auroville. Enjoy lunch in the old quarter.

We take a circular ride to Auroville, a new-age spiritual commune. Founded in 1968 by The Mother and named after her Guru Sri Aurobindo, it promises a more balanced way of living. Revitalised by some earthly fruit juices, we ride the 9mi (15km) back into town, seeing fishing communities and cycling along the promenade, which retains some Gallic charm. Depending on time, lunch may be at Auroville or in Pondicherry, and the rest of the day is free to explore. Accommodation: Hotel Atithi (or similar)

Day 3 Pleasant ride along village roads to experience rural life. Afternoon ride to Chidambaram

Starting from our hotel, we ride out of Pondicherry and soon leave the city bustle for quiet backroads, experiencing rural life where simple mud huts contrast with the brightly coloured saris worn by local women. In true Indian style, we stop at a roadside restaurant for a tea break. Back on our bikes, we cycle another 41mi (66km) to Chidambaram. Staying in the grand mansion of the village, we sleep in the extended family villa; with its own temple, it’s almost like stepping back in time. Accommodation: Lakshmivilas Heritage Resort (or similar)

Day 4 Riverside ride to the old Nayak capital of Thanjavur; afternoon visit to the town and Royal Palace

We have a scenic morning ride following quiet roads and tracks alongside the Cauvery River to Thanjavur. A capital between the ninth and 13th centuries, it regained its status under the Nayaks in the 16th century who rebuilt the Royal Palace, Durbar Hall and libraries. After lunch, we take a vehicle transfer to the Thanjavur hotel. Late afternoon, we visit the palace, which houses one of the finest collections of bronze sculptures and stone carvings in southern India, and the vegetable market at Tanjore followed by a visit to the Brihadishwara Temple, one of the largest in India and known locally as the Big Temple. Accommodation: Hotel Parisutham (or similar)

Day 5 Long ride through the Tamil Nadu heartland to Chettinad

Leaving the city by the old road, we head into the Tamil Nadu heartland, visiting the oldest clay horse temple en route, to an area renowned for impressive mansions built by wealthy traders known as chettiars. Some of these palatial houses have been converted into boutique hotels, offering a glimpse of the past. The grand interiors of Burmese teak and elaborate plasterwork retain much of the traditional architecture of a bygone age. But it’s from the kitchens, tucked at the rear of the house, that the real flavour of India is found. Chettinad cuisine is as traditional as its buildings; the piquant curries are slow cooked in copper pots over a wood stove to produce unforgettable meals. Accommodation: Chettinadu Mansion (or similar)

Day 6 Scenic ride to Madurai, a highlight of any trip to India

We have a scenic ride to Madurai. En route, we pass a rocky outcrop that's said to be the sacred abode of Lord Murugan, the son of Shiva and also known as Skanda, the most revered god in Tamil Nadu. Staying at Madurai, we avoid the worst of the busy traffic. Accommodation: JC Residency (or similar)

Day 7 Morning to explore Madurai. Transfer to lunch; ride past Indian vineyards; final ascent into the Western Ghats and Thekkady

We have the morning to explore the old city and Sri Meenakshi Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India and one of the highlights of Tamil Nadu. Here, thousands of huge stone pillars, each adorned with different deities, are said to represent the gods of the Hindu cosmos. A constant flow of worshipers, offering pujas (rituals performed by the temple priests to the various deities) add to the heady atmosphere of incense and camphor smoke, and make this an unforgettable experience of Hindu culture. Blessed, we leave the heat of Madurai for the cool air of the Cardamom Hills. We transfer by vehicle to our lunch stop at Theni. After lunch, we are dropped at Cambam, from where we ride to Kumily. Hidden behind a banana plantation are the vineyards of southern India’s new venture into wine making. These give way to the forested slopes of the Western Ghats and a slow but beautiful ascent up through the rainforest to Thekkady, a small town close to the entrance of Periyar National Park and our accommodation for the next two nights. Accommodation: Abad Green Forest (or similar)

Day 8 Free day to relax or visit Periyar National Park

Today is free to relax and explore Thekkady or, perhaps go on a guided nature walk or boat safari to the nearby Periyar National Park. Centred around a human-made reservoir, it is possible to see wildlife year-round, although the best time is the dry season (March-May) when elephants graze by the lake shore; if you are very lucky, you may even see a leopard or tiger coming down to quench their thirst. Please note, activities in Peryiar National Park must be pre-booked as early as possible due to limited availability. If you are interested in either or both the guided nature walk or the boat safari please let your leader know within the first few days of your trip so he can secure your booking.  Accommodation: Abad Green Forest (or similar)

Day 9 Ride through tea estates; tea factory stop; continue to Vagamon

Riding from the hotel, we cycle through cardamom and tea estates, stopping mid-morning for tea and to visit the local tea factory, learning more about the tea-making process. Refreshed, we continue along hilly tea plantation roads. We have a lunch break at a small roadside restaurant en route to Vagamon, an area of outstanding natural beauty and one of the most scenic roads in Kerala. We end the ride with a superb winding descent on a quiet road and stay at an old plantation bungalow. Accommodation: Vanilla County Plantation homestay (or similar)

Day 10 Cycle through rubber and spice plantations to Kottayam

Today we ride through rubber and spice plantations en route to Kottayam, known as the Syrian Christian heartland of Kerala. Here, grand churches dot the landscape and we break at Palai to visit St Thomas Church, its whitewashed facade and distinct gilded ceiling predates its Portuguese renovation. Roads converge into Kottayam, but we avoid the city by following country roads and stop for a lunch break at Erttumanoor town. Accommodation: Whispering Palms Lake Resort (or similar)

Day 11 Morning to explore or relax by the lake; board a houseboat

We have the morning to relax and enjoy the lake view. Alternatively, embark on an optional ride to the nearby Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary followed by a sightseeing ride along the lakeshore. Midday, we board our houseboats for a stunning backwater cruise. The houseboats, converted rice barges, have a captain, cook and crew; we just sit back, sip long drinks and watch the world pass. Accommodation: Houseboat

Day 12 Final ride along the coast road to Fort Kochi

In the middle of the morning, we disembark at Muhamma. Riding along the backroad, we cross over to the coastal road to Arthingal Beach for our first view of the Arabian Sea and, finally, know we’ve cycled across India from coast to coast. We then ride to Fort Kochi for lunch. After lunch, you may wish to visit the synagogue whilst in the area. Built in 1568 for the Jewish members of Kochi’s trading communities, it is adorned with hand-painted tiles from China and elegant Belgian chandeliers, all donations from wealthy merchants. The area around the synagogue is also excellent for shopping and home to some of the last traditional lace makers, happy to demonstrate their skilled techniques and intricate designs for those interested. Accommodation: The Dutch Bungalow (or similar)

Day 13 Free day in Kochi

We have a free day to explore Kochi, its bazaars and old harbour area at leisure. Warehouses filled with the smell of tea and spices are limewashed bright green, yellow and blue; rickety old bikes and handpainted trucks piled high with goods fill the narrow streets; and food stalls stand on every corner. Further along the road, you'll come to Mattancherry and the Dutch Palace. For food, try the fish market near the Chinese fishing nets, where you can buy the day’s catch and have it cooked to your taste. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities here. Accommodation: The Dutch Bungalow (or similar)

Day 14 End Kochi

The adventure ends today and we begin our return journeys home. Alternatively, if you’d like the adventure to continue, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Day 1: Arrival Cochin (35 km-1 hrs)

Arrive Cochin airport / Railway station, our executive meet you on arrival and explain the tour itinerary to you and later transfer to Hotel, after freshen up go for sight seeing – interesting places to see are St Francis Church, Fort Cochin, Chinese fishing nets, Dutch Palace (Mattanchery Palace), Jewish Synagogue, Jew Street etc Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Munnar (150 km)

Morning after breakfast checkout from hotel and  to Munnar (3.30 – 4. hrs). Munnar is one of the most famous hill station situated on the Western Ghats at the height of 1600 meters above the sea level. It is essentially a tea town – miles of unending tea plantation can be seen here.  Also see Spice plantations, Rubber Plantations .Arrive and check into the hotel. Evening free for leisure. Overnight at hotel

Day 3: Munnar

After Breakfast Morning visit  Mattupetty dam,  Kundala Lake. Boating facilities are available at Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Lake. Later visit a tea factory and tea museum. Afternoon visit  Eravikulam National Park which is also known as Rajamala is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Thar. Overnight stay.

Day 4: Thekkady (120 kms)

After breakfast, you drive to the Thekkady (Periyar National Park). Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5: Kumarakom (30 Kms)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Kumarakom. On arrival, proceed for check-in at the hotel,  the backwater destinations of Kerala.  Overnight stay.

Day 6: Kumarakom – Houseboat- Alleppey

Next Day check in to Houseboat which is also called as Kettuvallom and begin your journey through the picturesque backwaters and small lakes of Kerala. Overnight in the houseboat (All meals included).

Day 7: Kumarakom – Kovalam (30 Km)

After breakfast, drive to Kovalam the beach destination ( 3.30 hrs). Arrive and check in to the hotel.

Day 8: Kovalam – Trivandrum

After Breakfast proceed for Trivandrum sightseeing. The interesting places to see are Padmanabha swami temple, Horse shoe museum, Chaitram Art gallery, Zoo and Shanghumugham Beach. Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 9: Departure (30 kms)

Transfer to Cochin airport/railway station, for your onward journey.