Southern India Coast to Coast Ride
Southern India Coast to Coast Ride
Southern India Coast to Coast Ride
14 Days Starting in Chennai and ending in Kochi (Cochin)
Visiting: India
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MIT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 14
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishActivities:
Tour Overview
The two southernmost states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala perfectly depict the contrasting nature of India. Seeing them on two wheels gives us an excellent opportunity to soak up rich culture and appreciate the different landscapes as we cycle. Tamil Nadu sees far fewer visitors than other Indian states, but this is part of the attraction as we follow quiet backroads from the fertile coastal plains in the east to the remarkable hills of the Western Ghats, which form the border with Kerala. Our ride takes us past some of the most impressive sites in southern India, including the former French colony of Pondicherry and the magnificent Sri Meenakshi Temple at Madurai. After cycling through the cooler highlands and tea estates of the Western Ghats, we reach the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, where a relaxing houseboat cruise offers the chance to unwind and reflect on a memorable journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Chennai; Transfer To Pondicherry Via The Shore Temples Of Mahabalipuram
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.Â
Accommodation: Abad Green Forest (or similar)
Day 9 : Ride Through Tea Estates; Tea Factory Stop; Continue To Vagamon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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All breakfasts, 11 lunches and eight dinners
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All accommodation, including houseboat
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Local bike hire
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All entrance fees to monuments and national parks as per the itinerary
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Visas and vaccinations
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Single supplement
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E-bike hire
Accommodation
On this cycling adventure in southern India, we spend 10 nights in hotels, one night on a houseboat, one night on a plantation and one night in a heritage property.
The accommodations typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the notable places we stay on this trip.
Chettinad: Chettinadu Mansion (night 5)
Stay in a 100-year-old property within Kandukathan, which was named a Heritage Village by the Indian government. The property extends some 80,000sqft (7,430sqm) but there are only 12 bedrooms, providing plenty of space to sprawl. The décor reflects the style of 1900s India, plus there’s an antique museum and swimming pool.
Vagamon, near Kottayam: Vanilla County Plantation homestay (night 9)
Experience the many charms of rural Kerala with a stay at this family-run plantation in the Mavady Hills. It has a flower-filled garden, plunge pool amid the greenery, and Koffi, the friendly labrador. The accommodation here is spread out, so some of the group stays in the main house and others in permanent Swiss cottage tents. These each have a raised bed and mattress, an attached veranda and toilet.
To Muhamma: Houseboat (night 11)
No trip to Kerala is complete without a houseboat stay. Typically, the boats are converted barges (known locally as kettuvallam), once used to transport rice from farm to market. All cabins have private bathrooms and the staff keep you well fed. The houseboats have a deck and dining area, although the style/layout varies between boats. There is a cook, driver and assistants for each boat and the food is traditional Keralan fare using local produce. Houseboats have two to five twin-bedded rooms. Larger groups may be split over several boats; however, the group reunites at riverside stops and the overnight anchor point where your leader will be available.
Worth knowing
The single supplement does not include the night at the Vanilla County Plantation on Day 9 and cannot be guaranteed on the houseboat due to limited rooms.
Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are really only a couple of months in the year when the weather can get cooler. You can, however, request more blankets or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter.
Food
All breakfasts, 11 lunches and eight dinners are included.
Lunches on riding days are usually in roadside cafes, allowing us to sample typical south Indian dishes such as poori (deep-fried bread served with curry) and dosa (thin pancakes made with fermented rice and lentil batter). South Indian food is heavily influenced by the tropical landscape; creamy coconut dishes enlivened with delicate spices, served on a banana leaf. It’s also an ideal destination if you are vegetarian. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap but a (large) bottle of beer is approximately 410 rupees (US$5). Please note, due to Kerala state laws, alcohol licences are limited to one or two bars in each area and not all hotels are permitted to serve alcohol. The first day of every month and certain holidays in India are dry days, when no alcohol is permitted for sale.
Generally, you can eat out very cheaply in India. Where food is not included, you should allow at least 1,650 rupees (approximately US$20) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you mainly eat at the more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount.
Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow.
Drinking water is provided in the support vehicle, where you can fill your bottle from the containers.
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.