Tours

South India Coast to Coast Cycling Tour

South India Coast to Coast Cycling Tour

Tour Overview: South India Coast to Coast Cycling Tour

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
  • Starts in Fort Kochi on India’s south-western coast and ends in Mahabalipuram on the Bay of Bengal.
  • Crosses Kerala and Tamil Nadu through coastal plains, the Western Ghats, and eastern agricultural landscapes.
  • Includes highlights such as Alleppey Backwaters, Vagamon, Thekkady, Chettinadu, Pondicherry, and Mahabalipuram.
Landscapes & Riding Experience
  • Predominantly flat to gently undulating riding with selected hill sections across the Western Ghats.
  • Routes include coastal roads, village lanes, plantation roads, and quiet highways.
  • Experience backwaters, plantation hills, forest landscapes, the Cauvery delta, and coastal scenery.
  • Conditions become warmer and drier as the route approaches the eastern coast.
Cultural & Sightseeing Context
  • Houseboat cruise on Vembanad Lake in Alleppey.
  • Visit the Periyar Wildlife Zone and the hill regions of Vagamon and Thekkady.
  • Explore Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai and Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur.
  • Discover the French Quarter and Auroville in Pondicherry.
  • Conclude at the UNESCO-listed monuments of Mahabalipuram.
Support, Comfort & Pace
  • Fully guided cycling tour with support vehicle assistance throughout the journey.
  • Luggage transfers, logistics, and rider support included.
  • Balanced cycling distances combined with sightseeing visits and transfers.
  • Accommodation in comfortable hotels, heritage properties, houseboats, and resort-style stays.

Day 1 – Fort Kochi

Activity: Bike Fitting, Fort Kochi Sightseeing

Hotel: Dutch Bungalow

Meals: Breakfast

On arrival at Fort Kochi, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, get ready for your bike fitting, followed by a guided sightseeing tour of Fort Kochi. Explore its charming heritage streets, view the iconic Chinese fishing nets, and visit historic landmarks including Jew Street and the Synagogue.

Day 2 – Cycling to Marari

Activity: Cycling – 50 km (Flat)

Hotel: Turtle Beach Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, begin your ride towards the pristine beach destination of Marari. The route follows Kerala’s scenic coastline, offering views of the Arabian Sea along the way. Cycle past wetlands, fish farms, waterbird habitats, and traditional fishing villages before continuing beneath the shade of coconut groves. The day concludes at a peaceful beach resort where you can relax and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the sea.

Day 3 – Cycling to Alleppey & Houseboat Cruise

Activity: Cycling – 30 km (Flat), Houseboat Cruise

Hotel: Premium Houseboat

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Leaving the beach behind, cycle through villages, canals, and paddy fields along Kerala’s scenic backwater routes. Pass fish farms, duck farms, coconut lagoons, and tranquil waterways before reaching the houseboat boarding point in Alleppey.

Board your private houseboat for an unforgettable overnight cruise through the backwaters. Drift along calm rivers and canals while observing daily village life along the shores. Enjoy freshly prepared local cuisine on board as you relax amidst the serene surroundings.

Day 4 – Cycling to Vagamon

Activity: Cycling – 60 km (Flat & Undulating)

Hotel: Winter Vale Eco Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today’s ride begins along the backwater plains, passing coconut groves, paddy fields, and picturesque canals. Continue towards the plantation regions of Pala and Erattupetta, cycling through landscapes dotted with rubber, spice, and pineapple plantations.

As the day progresses, the terrain gradually becomes more undulating with a rewarding climb into the Western Ghats. Arrive in Vagamon, a peaceful hill station known for its rolling meadows, mist-covered hills, and refreshing mountain climate.

Day 5 – Cycling to Periyar (Thekkady)

Activity: Cycling – 55 km (Flat & Undulating), Periyar Boat Safari

Hotel: Forest Canopy Premium Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Cycle through the scenic highlands of Kerala towards Thekkady, often referred to as the spice capital of the state. The route passes tea plantations, spice gardens, rolling hills, and charming village settlements, offering spectacular views throughout the ride.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise within Periyar Tiger Reserve. The forested shores provide opportunities to spot wildlife including wild elephants, Indian gaur, sambar deer, and a variety of bird species.

Day 6 & 7 – Cycling to Madurai & Rest Day

Activity: Cycling – 60 km (Flat & Undulating), Madurai Sightseeing

Hotel: Heritage Madurai Premium Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Cross the final stretch of the Western Ghats, enjoying a combination of downhill sections, winding roads, and gentle countryside terrain. Enter Tamil Nadu and ride through vineyards, coconut groves, vegetable farms, and traditional villages before transferring to Madurai.

The following day is dedicated to exploring Madurai, one of South India’s oldest cultural centres. Visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, renowned for its towering gopurams, intricate carvings, and vibrant traditions. Continue to Tirumalai Nayakkar Palace and explore the bustling local markets.

Day 8 – Cycling to Chettinad

Activity: Cycling – 60 km (Flat & Undulating)

Hotel: Visalam Heritage Mansion

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to the cycling start point and ride through the rural landscapes of Tamil Nadu. Pass lakes, wetlands, grazing fields, and traditional villages before arriving in Chettinad, a region celebrated for its grand mansions, distinctive architecture, and cultural heritage.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided heritage walk through the historic streets of Chettinad. Later, participate in a traditional cooking experience and discover the flavours that have made Chettinad cuisine famous throughout India.

Day 9 – Cycling to Thanjavur

Activity: Cycling – 70 km (Flat), Heritage Walk

Hotel: GRT River View

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Ride through the fertile countryside of Tamil Nadu on predominantly flat village roads. Pass paddy fields, irrigation canals, and rural farming communities while making your way towards Thanjavur, widely known as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu.

Later, visit the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest achievements of Chola architecture. If time permits, explore the palace complex, library, and local art galleries.

Day 10 – Cycling to Tranquebar

Activity: Cycling – 70 km (Flat)

Hotel: Bungalow on the Beach

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Following a short transfer, begin cycling through the fertile Cauvery Delta along peaceful village roads. Ride past irrigation canals, paddy fields, banyan trees, and traditional farming settlements that define this agricultural region.

Arrive at Tranquebar, a charming coastal town with a rich colonial heritage. Stay at a historic beachfront property and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this picturesque fishing village overlooking the Bay of Bengal.

Day 11 & 12 – Cycling to Pondicherry & Sightseeing

Activity: Cycling – 70 km (Flat), Pondicherry Sightseeing

Hotel: Promenade

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today’s ride follows flat coastal and countryside roads as you travel north towards Pondicherry. Along the way, pass fishing villages, local beaches, rivers, and fish farms before arriving in the former French colonial settlement.

Spend the evening exploring the French Quarter and the lively Promenade waterfront. The following day includes a visit to Auroville, an internationally recognised township dedicated to human unity and sustainable living. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing, shopping, or enjoying Pondicherry’s diverse culinary scene.

  • 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.
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