Tours

South India Hike Bike and Kayak Tour

Overview

Discover the diverse landscapes of South India on a journey that blends cycling, nature, wildlife, and culture. Travel through the royal heritage of Mysore, the forests of Bandipur, the rolling hills of the Nilgiris, the tea estates of Munnar, the temples of Madurai, the spice plantations of Thekkady, the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, the beaches of Marari, and the historic streets of Fort Kochi.Along the way, enjoy scenic cycling routes, a heritage train ride, a wildlife safari, the Meeshapulimala trek, bamboo rafting, kayaking, a traditional houseboat cruise, and a Kalaripayattu performance. Combined with carefully selected heritage stays, nature resorts, and beachfront retreats, this itinerary offers an immersive experience of South India’s landscapes, traditions, and hospitality.

Tour Highlights

Mysore's Royal Legacy- Explore magnificent palaces, sacred hill shrines, and lively local markets that reflect the city's royal past.
Bandipur Wilderness- Venture into one of South India's renowned wildlife reserves on a jeep safari through forested landscapes.
Cycling in the Nilgiris- Ride through rolling tea estates before experiencing the charm of the historic Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
Meeshapulimala Summit Trek- Hike through high-altitude grasslands and shola forests to one of the Western Ghats' highest peaks.
Madurai's Temple Heritage- Discover the architectural grandeur and living traditions of the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple.
Periyar Nature Experience- Combine a guided forest trek with bamboo rafting across the calm waters of Periyar.
Kerala Backwaters- Paddle through peaceful canals before boarding a traditional houseboat to experience life along the backwaters.
Historic Fort Kochi- Conclude the journey with coastal cycling and time to explore the colonial streets, waterfront, and multicultural heritage of Fort Kochi.

Day & Route	Details
Day 1 Arrival at Bangalore	Activity:Arrival, Airport Pickup, Transfer to Hotel Hotel: The Chancery Pavilion Meals: Breakfast Upon arrival in Bangalore, transfer to your premium hotel and settle in at leisure. During the drive, catch glimpses of the city's vibrant streets, leafy avenues, and modern skyline.
Day 2 Mysore Sightseeing	Activity: Transfer to Mysore, Sightseeing: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills & Devaraya Market Hotel: Royal Orchid Metropole Mysore Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch & Dinner After breakfast, drive to Mysore through the scenic landscapes of Karnataka, characterised by flat and gently rolling terrain. Upon arrival, check in to your heritage luxury hotel and explore the city's highlights, including the grand Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills with its temple and panoramic views, and the vibrant Devaraja Market showcasing local culture and crafts.
Day 3 Cycling to Bandipur	Activity: Transfer out of the city limits and cycling through rural villages and countryside Hotel: The Windflower Jungle Resort Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch & Dinner Leaving the city behind after breakfast, set out on a 50-kilometre cycling route towards Bandipur. The flat and gently rolling trail passes through rural villages and fertile farmlands, where fields of rice, sugarcane, millet, and seasonal vegetables line the route. Arrive at your tranquil escape in Bandipur and unwind amidst nature.
Day 4 Cycling to Ooty	Activity:Morning Wildlife Safari at Bandipur National Park, Transfer and Cycling to Ooty through tea plantations and villages, Optional visit to Botanical Garden Hotel: Accord Highland Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch & Dinner Begin the day with a rewarding 50-kilometre cycling ride to Bandipur. The flat and gently rolling route winds through rural villages and fertile farmlands, where fields of rice, sugarcane, millet, and seasonal vegetables line the way. Arrive at your peaceful hillside retreat in Bandipur and unwind amidst nature.
Day 5 Cycling to Pollachi	Activity: Heritage Train Journey to Mettupalayam, Downhill Cycling and Transfer to Pollachi Hotel: Coco Lagoon Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch & Dinner Board a heritage train to Mettupalayam and enjoy the changing landscapes of the Nilgiri Hills along the way. From Mettupalayam, set off on a 30-kilometre downhill cycling ride through forests and valleys. You will then be driven to Pollachi, passing rural villages, lush fields, and coconut plantations before arriving at your tranquil resort.
Day 6 Cycling to Munnar	Activity: Cycling and Transfer to Munnar, Tea factory Visit enroute Hotel: Olive Brook Resort Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch & Dinner Set out on a 50-kilometre cycling ride towards Munnar. The route follows flat and gently rolling terrain, passing sugarcane, vegetable, and coconut plantations, along with rural villages and scenic countryside before reaching your destination.
Day 7 Meeshapulimala Trekking	Activity: Transfer to Silent Valley, Meeshapulimala, Trek through pine forests and Grasslands, Drive back to Munnar Hotel: Olive Brook Resort Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch & Dinner A 1.5-hour drive takes you to the starting point of the Meeshapulimala trek. The trail climbs through pine forests, rolling grasslands, and rugged mountain terrain, with sweeping views of the mist-covered valleys and peaks of the Western Ghats. Keep an eye out for native wildlife, including the Nilgiri tahr. After the trek, drive back to Munnar.
Day 8 Cycling to Madurai	Activity: Cycling through Tea Plantations along picturesque Anaerangal Lake, Transfer to Madurai, Meenakshi Temple Visit Hotel: Fortune Pandiyan Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch & Dinner Start the day with a cycling ride through Munnar's tea plantations and along the scenic Anayirangal Lake. Cycle across gently rolling terrain, with views of lush valleys, mist-covered mountains, and rural villages along the way. After the ride, you will be driven to Madurai, home to the renowned Meenakshi Amman Temple, a remarkable example of Dravidian architecture. End the day at a heritage hotel, where timeless charm meets modern comfort.
Day 9 Cycling to Thekkady	Activity:Cycling through villages and plantations with majestic view of the Western Ghats, Transfer to Thekkady, Spice Plantation Visit Hotel: Hotel Treetop Meals: Breakfast ,Enroute Lunch & Dinner Set out on a 60-kilometre cycling ride through rural villages and lush plantations, with flat and gently rolling terrain offering sweeping views of the Western Ghats. Pass traditional homes, small temples, and peaceful countryside before being driven to Thekkady. Explore a local spice plantation and learn about the cultivation of the region's renowned spices. End the day at a serene nature resort perched on a hillock near the edge of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Day 10 Explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary	Activity: Half Day Trekking and Bamboo Rafting at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Evening Martial Arts Performance Hotel: Hotel Treetop Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on a half-day trek and bamboo rafting experience through its forests and grasslands, with opportunities to spot elephants, sambar deer, gaur, and other wildlife. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kalaripayattu performance before returning to your serene nature resort near the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Day 11 Backwater Kayaking at Alleppey	Activity: Transfer to Alleppey, Sunset Kayaking through canals and backwater villages Hotel:Emerald Isle Heritage Villa Meals: Breakfast , Enroute Lunch & Dinner Drive to Alleppey through Kerala's scenic countryside, passing lush landscapes, traditional villages, and glimpses of local life. On arrival, enjoy a sunset kayaking experience through the peaceful backwaters, gliding past narrow canals, swaying palms, and traditional homes. End the day at a charming 150-year-old heritage house estled along the backwaters.
Day 12 Backwater Houseboat Cruise	Activity:Cycling through backwater villages along paddy fields and duck farms, Houseboat cruise through rivers Hotel: Marvel Cruise Houseboat Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch & Dinner Set out on a scenic cycling ride through Alleppey's backwater villages, following flat backroads lined with paddy fields, coconut palms, and traditional homes. Later, board a traditional houseboat for a relaxing cruise through the backwaters, accompanied by a freshly prepared Kerala lunch.
Day 13 Cycling to Marari Beach	Activity: Cycling through villages and coastal roads, Leisure at the pristine Marari Beach Hotel: Abad Turtle Beach Resort Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch & Dinner Your Kerala journey comes to an end today. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, carrying with you lasting memories of scenic landscapes, vibrant villages, tranquil backwaters, and memorable cultural experiences.
Day 14 Cycling to Fort Kochi	Activity: Cycling through fishermen villages and beaches Hotel: Dutch Bungalow Meals: Breakfast ,Enroute Lunch Complete your journey with a 45-kilometre cycling ride along Kerala's coast, passing fishing villages, sandy beaches, and flat coastal terrain. Along the way, witness the daily life of local fishing communities before arriving in the historic town of Fort Kochi. End the day at a 375-year-old heritage stay, where historic character is paired with modern comforts.
Day 14 Tour Ends	Activity: Airport Drop and Departure Your journey through Kerala comes to an end today. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you lasting memories of the state's scenic landscapes, backwaters, villages, and coastal towns.

Route Map

Inclusions

Exclusions

Essential Information

Best Time to Ride

October to March offers pleasant weather, scenic landscapes, and ideal cycling conditions across Kerala.

Accommodation

Stay in carefully selected hotels, homestays, heritage properties, and eco-resorts with local character.

Fitness & Difficulty

Moderate fitness is recommended. Daily rides range from 40–80 km depending on terrain and itinerary.

Arrival & Departure

This round-trip journey starts and ends in Kochi. Airport pickup and drop-off are included.

Bicycle & Equipment

Geared bicycles or e-bikes, helmets, and essential cycling equipment are provided. Tools and spare parts are carried by the support vehicle.

Support & Safety

Support vehicle, luggage transfers, drinking water, first aid supplies, and local assistance are provided. Guide and mechanic support can be arranged on request

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Every traveller is different. We can customise this itinerary to suit your dates, pace and interests.

Tours

South India Hike Bike and Kayak Tour

South India Hike Bike and Kayak Tour

Explore

Tour Style

Difficulty

Overview

Tour Highlights

Route Map

Inclusions

Exclusions

Essential Information

Best Time to Ride

Accommodation

Fitness & Difficulty

Arrival & Departure

Bicycle & Equipment

Support & Safety

Have Questions?

Create Your Own Journey

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