Kerala PureQuest Cycling Tour - 12 Days- Walkthrough natural areas and spice plantations-Fall in love with the pristine natural beauty of Munnar- Sail on a traditional houseboat to see a truly unique India.

Day 1: Arrival Kochi ( D )

Arrive Kochi International Airport where a representative awaits you just outside the exit gate of the arrivals terminal, holding a placard for your convenience. After a meet and greet, transfer to your hotel for your first overnight stay Depending on your arrival time, head out to explore the surrounding area on the first cycling trip of the tour and discover the locals’ way of life. Believed to be the finest natural harbour in the world, Kochi has earned the nickname ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. Cruise around man-made islands, with lawns sloping down to the water’s edge, and enjoy the oldest European settlement in India. Many generations of settlers came, saw and put down roots here – Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French, Portuguese –, all adding to the city’s cultural charm. 

Meals included: Dinner Overnight in Kochi

Day 2 : Kochi City Tour ( B , L ,D )

After breakfast, proceed on a half-day sightseeing tour of Kochi. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, and see many Dutch and Portuguese buildings. As we drive along the coastline, at the mouth of the harbour, marvel at the famous Chinese fishing nets, unique to Kochi and still very much in use. In the afternoon, join Nimmi and Paul at their residence. Your two hosts will give you a cooking demonstration with details on Indian spices and recipes. Feel free to get your hands dirty and help them in the kitchen. A typical Kerala lunch is served, and you can discuss Kochi’s local life and culture with the hosts during the meal. In the evening, witness a Kathakali dance drama. During the first 40 minutes, participants get ready for the performance, applying heavy and colourful make-up, while the guide provides details on the Kathakali tradition. Then, enjoy the entrancing dance performance.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Activity: 3 hrs sightseeing / 2 hrs cooking demonstration with lunch / 1.5 hrs Kathakali performance. Overnight in Kochi

Day 3: Kochi - Thattekkad (65km- 5 hrs cycling ) ( B , L , D )

Eat up your breakfast and jump on your bicycle to make the most of the cool early morning temperatures as we head towards the foothills of the Western Ghats, specifically towards the lowland forests of Thattekkad. Our route begins outside the city limits to avoid the morning traffic and arrives early to the quiet countryside, where the roads are mostly level. Ride through scenic farmlands dotted with temples, spice gardens, paddy fields and rubber plantations. After a leisurely lunch en route, continue to the beautiful eco-lodge on the banks of the Periyar River. Check in to your cottage tent amidst the coconut groves. Each cottage has an en suite bathroom with private balconies overlooking the river and forest on the opposite bank. Meals will consist of ethnic Keralan cuisine prepared with home-grown spices. Dinner and overnight at the camp.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Activity: 65km- 5 hrs cycling on paved roads through countryside farmland. Overnight in Thattekkad

Day 4: Thattekkad Tour ( B , L , D )

Start a day full of activities with a morning kayak outing on the river. Paddle upstream to a nearby village to get the first glimpse of life in a typical spice-growing village of Kerala. After lunch, walk towards interior villages, passing through rubber estates, spice plantations and paddy farms. Along the walk, you can interact with the local villagers and farmers and learn about their daily activities and the farming process. The day comes to an end with a picturesque sunset kayak on the way back to camp. 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner    

Activity: 2 hrs kayak / 3 hrs village & plantation walk / 1 hr sunset kayakOvernight in Thattekkad 

Day 5: Thattekkad - Munnar (69km – 6 hrs cycling) ( B , L , D )

Today’s ride passes through the narrow, winding country roads along the banks of the Periyar and through the dense low-altitude forests of Neriamangalam. This is an excellent opportunity to see rubber and cardamom estates, tea and pepper plantations, and how the crops change as the altitude gradually rises from 200 to 1,200 metres. We make a stop at an appropriate location to enjoy a packed lunch before continuing to Munnar, where you will check in to your hotel. 

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Activity: 69 km– 6 hrs cycling through the paved country roads with a gradual elevation gain of 1 m Overnight in Munnar

Day 6: Munnar - Hike, Tea Plantations (3km-20 mins Transfer) ( B , L , D )

Munnar is a known hill station with majestic views and tea plantations all around. After breakfast, drive about 3km towards Kochi until reaching the starting point of the Letchmi Hills trail. The hike begins at an altitude of 1,420 metres, walking through tea plantations for about 30 to 40 minutes. After reaching the top of the hill, take a rest and enjoy the stunning views. Today’s hike follows a ridge, traversing grasslands with a rocky mountain slope on the one side and tea plantations and patches of shola forest on the other. We stop at a suitable location to enjoy a tasty picnic lunch. Continue for another hour through tea plantations to finish the trek. The highest point of this trek reaches about 1,950 metres. Our vehicle awaits us at the finish point to take us back to Munnar. In the afternoon, back in Munnar, visit a tea factory to learn more about tea-making – you can even enjoy the flavours of freshly brewed tea here!  

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Activity: 5 hrs trek / 1 hr tea factory visit. Overnight in Munnar

Day 7: Munnar – Periyar (1hr driving, 60km – 5 hrs cycling) ( B , L , D )

Wake up to the sounds and scents of Munnar and enjoy today’s breakfast. Then hop on your bike and cycle through lush tea plantations all the way to Periyar National Park. Enjoy the wind on your face as you soar down a long and pleasant downhill ride for the first hour, which is then followed by some flat terrain. Cycle for about 60 km until reaching a nice spot in which to have a break and our picnic lunch. After lunch, you will be transferred by vehicle to your hotel (1hr).

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Activity: 60km– 5 hrs cycling on a paved road through the plantations and forestOvernight in Periyar

Day 8: Periyar Tour ( B , L , D )

In the morning, go on a guided nature walk into the surrounding forest area. During the tour, set eyes upon the wide variety of flora and fauna characteristic of this region. The two-hour walk provides an excellent opportunity to birdwatch, and observe butterflies and other forms of wildlife. The trails often pass through evergreen and wet deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. After lunch, go on to visit a spice plantation. Marvel at the different varieties of spices – cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, clove, vanilla, ginger, tea and coffee – growing in their natural environment. In the evening, join a cooking demonstration by the hotel’s master chef and learn the secrets of traditional Kerala seafood cooking. 

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Activity: 2 hrs nature walk / 2 hrs plantation visit / 1 hr cooking demonstration Overnight in Periyar

Day 9: Periyar – Vagamon (41 Km– 5 hrs cycling through the forest ) ( B , L , D )

Take to the road on your bike once more and head down to the foothills, where you’ll find a homestay tucked away in the deep interiors of Kerala, on the banks of the Kannadipuzha River. After a relaxing picnic lunch en route, you’ll arrive at Vagamon. Take a walk around the spice garden, growing nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper vines; wander through the herbal gardens; visit the rubber plantation; walk through the forest across the river; visit the local village. The Thomas Falls is just a few kilometres upstream and is an ideal spot to take a picnic basket. 

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Activity: 41km – 5 hrs cycling through the forest / 1 hr plantation walk Overnight in Vagamon 

Day 10: Vagamon – Kumarakom (81 km, 7 hrs cycling) ( B , L , D )

After breakfast, cycle for an exhilarating 81km to reach Kumarakom, a quaint little town in the backwaters of Kerala. It lies on the eastern shore of Lake Vembanad, which is a bird sanctuary and the largest lake in Kerala. Waterfowl, cuckoos and wild ducks can be spotted in abundance here. In winter, large flocks of migratory wild ducks from Siberia come to this location to roost. A picnic lunch will be served en route before heading on to Kumarakom, the village that won the National Award for Best Rural Responsible Tourism in India. Check in to your hotel and hop aboard a boat for a one-hour sunset cruise on Lake Vembanadu.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Activity: 81 km, 7 hrs cycling on paved roads with gradual elevation lost Overnight in Kumarakom

Day 11: Kumarakom - Farm experience ( B , L , D )

Experience the simple pleasures of rustic life. Kumarakom is acclaimed for its stunning backwaters, delicious cuisine, and gorgeous surroundings. A country boat will take you through the narrow canals that lie between local homes. Float past relishing the fresh air of the lush paddy fields, then enjoy some refreshing, sweet coconut water and bite into some tender coconut meat in a nearby grove. Witness how to climb a coconut palm to pluck coconuts, and how to tap toddy - sap - from coconut trees. Then visit a home where the lady of the house will demonstrate the art of weaving coconut leaves. Later, in another house, see how a coir is made from coconut husks and fibres to be used for rope and matting. Lastly, learn fishing tips from a fisherman who will show you how to fish the traditional way, using a bow and arrow. From here, a short tuk-tuk ride takes you to a local ethnic food court for lunch, run by Kudumbshree, a social project leading the empowerment of women through co-op societies. In the evening, return to your hotel for a cultural dance performance followed by dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Activity: 6 hrs of day activity full of local interaction and participationOvernight in Kumarakom

Day 12: Kumarakom - Depart Kochi (73km-1.5 hrs ) ( B )

Spend the morning at your leisure until it is time for pick-up from the hotel to transfer you to the airport, where you will hop onto your international flight back home or on to your next destination.

Breakfast included

Inclusions:
  • Hotel Based on Twin Sharing
  • Bikes for complete Tour ( Trek Bikes)
  • All Meals(Breakfast and dinner at Hotel)
  • Lunch in Midway restaurant/City Restaurant or Pack Lunch
  • Expert Cycle mechanic throughout the tour
  • Back up AC vehicle for a complete tour
  • English speaking Local Guide
  • Fresh Fruits/Snacks (Only Cycling Part)
  • Unlimited filter water during cycling (Only Cycling Part)
  • All road and transport taxes
  • 5% Government Taxes
  • Driver Allowance
  • Toll and Parking charges

Exclusions:

  • Any Domestic or International flight tickets
  • Monument or Sightseeing entry fees (Like Taj Mahal entry fee, Elephant ride or Camel Ride etc..)
  • Still/Video camera fees
  • Meals not on tour
  • Tips and Gratitude
  • Travel insurance
  • Any Hard and Soft Drink

Travel Information

Bikes: Trek Bikes

Bike Hire: Includes on Tour Cost. You may bring your own bikes, but in this case, let us know in advance.

Accommodation

Accommodation is offered at all locations. Most of the hotels are Culture Resort, Eco Resorts & family-run hotels - all with a common line of quality in service. Our costs are based on a 'twin-sharing' foundation. For those who want a single room, we offer a single room, but at an extra cost.

Terrain

The landscape is flatland, with village streets except Day 2, Day3 and Day 4 which is a hilly region.

Climate

Mostly dry depends on which month of the year you are travelling.

Transportation/Support Vehicles

All transport is involved in the cost. We provide a backup vehicle at all times during a cycling trip. If in any case if you don't feel like riding you can always come by car/Bus and we can drive

Food

Food is a very essential part of these trips. We make sure that the meals we offer are method delicious unless you ask for dull meals. You are also permitted the choice of veggie or non-vegetarian meals. We suggest that you consume only the canned standard water. Please make sure that the container is enclosed.

What to bring

  • Footwear
  • Bike shoes
  • Helmet
  • Pedal
  • Water Bottle
  • Sun cream lotion
  • Relaxed shoes for walking
  • Shoes for other sightseeing
  • Socks

Clothing

  • In India, the conventional outfit is more traditional. We counsel you to prevent very short shorts/skirts and limited tops/tanktops when viewing small non-urban places, temples, mosques or other sacred sites as this may limit your access.
  • Water-resistant jacket.
  • Riding bike equipment like safety gloves and shorts.

Others

  • Torch
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Eyewear, cap
  • Sun lotion of SPF at least 35
  • Individual Bike riding equipment like bar finishes, pedals, chairs and headgear
  • Helmets for riding a bike

Health

Malaria is an avoidable disease that can create trouble if neglected. One can prevent disease by taking recommended anti-malarial drugs and defending against insect attacks. The areas you will be passing are Malaria-free. Make sure that your insurance provider includes illnesses and injuries overseas.

Precautions

  • Bring all the important medications and OTC medications. Do not ignore to have the brands as well as the general titles of the medications one needs to have.
  • Use a sun hat when revealed.
  • Consume a lot of liquids. Don't drink tap water. Use only bottled water which is always kept in the back of your automobile.
  • Bring your personal medical kit and pest resilience.
  • To avoid fungus and parasitic attacks, keep legs clean and dry, and do not go without shoes.
  • Do not eat food bought from road providers.
  • Do not drink drinks with ice.
  • Do not eat milk products unless it is known that they have been pasteurized.
  • Prevent managing creatures (especially apes, pets, and cats) to avoid attacks and serious illnesses.

Medical Information Update

Details given above are liable to change every now and then and one should contact the Native India tasks of the specific country or the government vacationer offices for more details.

Shopping

You will get possibilities en route to do a bit of purchasing. However unless particularly requested, our guide will not suggest any particular store. Neither we nor our driver/guides take any percentage on purchasing.

Spending Money

Every visitor will have different cash specifications and varying personal costs. Please assess your own spending routines while enabling for beverages, purchasing and falling. Also keep aside cash for extra costs like:

  • Foods that are not included
  • Emergencies
  • Optionally available activities /additional sightseeing
  • Shopping/Souvenirs

Foreign Exchange

As Indian currency values tend to go up and down, make reference to the following website for daily return rates: www.xe.com.

Airport Taxes

There is no airport terminal or leaving taxation from any airport terminal of India.

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