Tours

South India Hike, Bike & Kayak Tour

South India Hike, Bike & Kayak Tour

Tour Overview: South India Hike, Bike & Kayak Tour

The Route
  • Begins in Mysore and travels through Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala before finishing in Fort Kochi.
  • Combines cycling, trekking, kayaking, wildlife experiences, and scenic transfers across South India.
  • Includes destinations such as Bandipur, Ooty, Coonoor, Pollachi, Munnar, Madurai, Thekkady, Alleppey, Marari, and Fort Kochi.
Landscapes & Riding Experience
  • Ride through rural backroads, tea plantations, spice-growing regions, hill stations, and coastal landscapes.
  • Experience challenging climbs in the Nilgiris and Western Ghats alongside relaxed cycling sections.
  • Enjoy trekking through highland forests and kayaking across tranquil backwaters and canals.
  • Encounter diverse environments ranging from dry inland plains to cool mountain regions and tropical coastlines.
Cultural & Natural Context
  • Explore royal cities, historic temples, wildlife reserves, and traditional plantation regions.
  • Visit landmarks including Mysore Palace, Meenakshi Temple, and the heritage railway of the Nilgiris.
  • Discover tea estates, spice plantations, protected forests, and Kerala’s famous backwaters.
  • Experience local culture through village visits, fishing communities, traditional performances, and regional cuisine.
Support, Comfort & Pace
  • Fully guided multi-activity tour with support vehicle assistance throughout the journey.
  • Luggage transfers, logistics support, and selected scenic transfers included.
  • Balanced itinerary combining active adventures with opportunities for rest and recovery.
  • Accommodation includes comfortable hotels, heritage properties, nature lodges, and backwater stays.

Day 1 – Arrival at Bangalore

Activity: Arrival, Airport Pickup, Transfer to Hotel

Hotel: Chancery Pavilion

Meals: Breakfast

Upon arrival in Bangalore, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. During the journey, enjoy your first impressions of Karnataka’s capital city, known for its vibrant atmosphere, tree-lined avenues, and dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.

After check-in, the remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Day 2 – Mysore Sightseeing

Activity: Transfer to Mysore, Sightseeing – Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills & Devaraja Market

Hotel: Metropole

Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, travel to Mysore through the scenic countryside of Karnataka, passing charming towns and rural landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel before beginning an afternoon of sightseeing in one of South India’s most culturally significant cities.

Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, an architectural masterpiece renowned for its grand halls, intricate carvings, colourful interiors, and royal heritage. The palace remains one of India’s most celebrated historic landmarks.

Continue to Chamundi Hills, which rise above the city and offer spectacular panoramic views of Mysore and its surrounding countryside. The hilltop is home to the revered Chamundeshwari Temple, an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari.

Conclude the day at Devaraja Market, a vibrant traditional marketplace filled with colourful flowers, fresh produce, spices, handicrafts, and local specialties. The bustling atmosphere provides a fascinating insight into the daily life and culture of Mysore.

Day 1 – Arrival at Bangalore

Activity: Arrival, Airport Pickup, Transfer to Hotel

Hotel: Chancery Pavilion

Meals: Breakfast

Upon arrival in Bangalore, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. During the journey, enjoy your first impressions of Karnataka’s capital city, known for its vibrant atmosphere, tree-lined avenues, and dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.

After check-in, the remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Day 2 – Mysore Sightseeing

Activity: Transfer to Mysore, Sightseeing – Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills & Devaraja Market

Hotel: Metropole

Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, travel to Mysore through the scenic countryside of Karnataka, passing charming towns and rural landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel before beginning an afternoon of sightseeing in one of South India’s most culturally significant cities.

Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, an architectural masterpiece renowned for its grand halls, intricate carvings, colourful interiors, and royal heritage. The palace remains one of India’s most celebrated historic landmarks.

Continue to Chamundi Hills, which rise above the city and offer spectacular panoramic views of Mysore and its surrounding countryside. The hilltop is home to the revered Chamundeshwari Temple, an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari.

Conclude the day at Devaraja Market, a vibrant traditional marketplace filled with colourful flowers, fresh produce, spices, handicrafts, and local specialties. The bustling atmosphere provides a fascinating insight into the daily life and culture of Mysore.

Day 5 – Cycling to Pollachi

Activity: Heritage Train Journey to Mettupalayam, Downhill Cycling and Transfer to Pollachi

Hotel: The Banyan Tree Farm Stay

Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with a memorable heritage train journey to Mettupalayam, travelling through the scenic Nilgiri Hills. The route offers spectacular views of forested slopes, tea plantations, and mountain landscapes, making it one of the highlights of the journey.

Upon reaching Mettupalayam, start a thrilling 30-kilometre downhill cycling experience. The descent provides sweeping views of valleys, forests, and distant mountain ranges while offering an enjoyable and rewarding ride through changing landscapes.

After cycling, transfer to Pollachi, passing through fertile agricultural regions and picturesque countryside along the way. Arrive at your peaceful farm stay surrounded by coconut groves and rural scenery, providing the perfect setting to relax after an active day.

Day 6 – Cycling to Munnar

Activity: Cycling and Transfer to Munnar, Tea Factory Visit

Hotel: Olive Brook

Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, begin a scenic cycling journey towards Munnar. The route combines flat and gently undulating terrain, creating an enjoyable ride through the diverse landscapes of South India.

Cycle past sugarcane fields, vegetable farms, coconut plantations, and rural settlements while experiencing the changing scenery as the route gradually approaches the Western Ghats. The countryside offers numerous opportunities to observe local life and agricultural traditions.

En route, visit a traditional tea factory to learn about the cultivation and processing of tea, one of the region’s most important industries. Gain insight into the journey from tea leaf to finished product while exploring the history of tea cultivation in the hills.

Continue towards Munnar, renowned for its rolling tea estates, cool mountain climate, and breathtaking landscapes. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this iconic hill station.

Day 7 – Meeshapulimala Trekking

Activity: Transfer to Silent Valley, Meeshapulimala Trek, Return to Munnar

Hotel: Olive Brook

Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to Silent Valley, the starting point for the Meeshapulimala trek. This scenic journey takes you deep into the high-altitude landscapes of the Western Ghats, preparing you for one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in South India.

The trek follows a route through pine forests, rolling grasslands, and rugged mountain terrain. As you ascend, enjoy spectacular views of mist-covered valleys, distant peaks, and the untouched beauty of the surrounding wilderness. The highland environment is home to diverse plant and animal species unique to the region.

Along the trail, there may be opportunities to spot native wildlife, including the iconic Nilgiri Tahr. The combination of mountain scenery, fresh air, and dramatic landscapes makes this trek a true highlight of the journey.

After completing the trek, return by vehicle to Munnar and enjoy a relaxing evening amidst the peaceful surroundings of the hill station.

Day 8 – Cycling to Madurai

Activity: Cycling through Tea Plantations and Anayirangal Lake Region, Transfer to Madurai, Meenakshi Temple Visit

Hotel: Fortune Pandiyan

Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with a scenic cycling ride through Munnar’s famous tea plantations and the picturesque landscapes surrounding Anayirangal Lake. The route passes rolling hills, lush green estates, and tranquil mountain scenery, offering some of the most beautiful cycling of the tour.

As you ride through the countryside, experience the charm of rural life in the Western Ghats, with opportunities to observe local communities and enjoy panoramic views of valleys and mist-covered mountains.

Following the cycling session, transfer to Madurai, one of South India’s oldest and most culturally significant cities. Renowned for its rich heritage and vibrant traditions, Madurai has been an important centre of art, commerce, and religion for centuries.

Visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, an iconic masterpiece of Dravidian architecture celebrated for its towering gateways, intricate carvings, and spiritual significance. Later, settle into your heritage-style accommodation and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this historic city.

Day 9 – Cycling to Thekkady

Activity: Cycling through Villages and Plantations, Transfer to Thekkady, Spice Plantation Visit

Hotel: Treetop

Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with a scenic 60-kilometre cycling journey through rural villages and plantation landscapes, accompanied by magnificent views of the Western Ghats. The route combines flat sections with gently undulating terrain, creating an enjoyable and varied riding experience.

Cycle through traditional villages where daily life unfolds amidst farmlands, local temples, and picturesque countryside. Along the route, enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats, with their forested slopes, mist-covered peaks, and dramatic mountain scenery providing a stunning backdrop throughout the ride.

Following the cycling stage, transfer to Thekkady, one of Kerala’s most renowned nature destinations. The region is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, spice-growing heritage, and beautiful highland landscapes.

Visit a local spice plantation and learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of spices such as cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Gain insight into the agricultural traditions that have made Thekkady an important centre of Kerala’s spice trade.

Later, check in to your resort and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The remainder of the evening is free to relax and reflect on another memorable day of cycling and exploration in the Western Ghats.

Day 10 – Explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Activity: Half-Day Trekking and Bamboo Rafting at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Evening Martial Arts Performance

Hotel: Treetop

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today offers an immersive experience within the remarkable landscapes of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Begin the day with a guided half-day trekking adventure through forest trails that wind across diverse ecosystems, including moist deciduous forests, grasslands, and protected wilderness areas.

As you explore the sanctuary, keep watch for wildlife such as elephants, sambar deer, gaur, and a variety of bird species that inhabit the region. The rich biodiversity and pristine environment make Periyar one of South India’s most important wildlife destinations.

The experience continues with bamboo rafting on the tranquil waters of Periyar Lake. Glide quietly across the lake while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding forests and observing wildlife along the shoreline. The peaceful setting provides a unique perspective on the sanctuary’s natural beauty.

In the evening, experience Kerala’s cultural traditions through a captivating Kalaripayattu performance. This ancient martial art is renowned for its agility, discipline, and dramatic techniques, offering fascinating insight into one of the world’s oldest martial traditions.

Return to your resort for a relaxing evening amidst the serene surroundings of Thekkady, reflecting on a day filled with wildlife encounters, outdoor adventure, and cultural discovery.

Day 11 – Backwater Kayaking at Alleppey

Activity: Transfer to Alleppey, Sunset Kayaking through Canals and Backwater Villages

Hotel: Emerald Isle

Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, travel to Alleppey through the scenic landscapes of Kerala. Along the journey, observe changing countryside views, traditional villages, coconut groves, and glimpses of local life that define the region’s unique character.

Upon arrival, embark on a memorable sunset kayaking experience through the intricate network of canals and waterways that have earned Alleppey its reputation as the “Venice of the East.” Paddle through peaceful backwater channels lined with coconut palms, lush vegetation, and traditional village homes.

As you navigate the narrow waterways, witness everyday life unfolding along the banks, from fishing activities to local transportation and agricultural work. The tranquil atmosphere offers an authentic insight into Kerala’s backwater communities.

As the sun sets, the calm waters reflect the changing colours of the sky, creating a truly unforgettable experience. Following the kayaking excursion, relax at your charming backwater homestay surrounded by the serene beauty of the region.

Day 12 – Backwater Houseboat Cruise

Activity: Cycling through Backwater Villages, Houseboat Cruise

Hotel: Marvel Cruise House Boat

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with a relaxed cycling ride through the peaceful backwater villages of Alleppey. The route follows flat roads alongside paddy fields, duck farms, canals, and coconut groves, providing a wonderful opportunity to experience rural life in Kerala’s backwater region.

Pass traditional homes, village temples, and agricultural landscapes while observing the daily routines of local communities. The gentle terrain and beautiful scenery make for an enjoyable and immersive cycling experience.

Later, board a traditional Kerala houseboat and set sail through the scenic rivers and waterways of the backwaters. As the houseboat glides along the tranquil channels, enjoy uninterrupted views of lush greenery, palm-fringed shores, and village life along the water’s edge.

During the cruise, savour freshly prepared Kerala cuisine featuring local ingredients and regional flavours. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing on board, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and the unique charm of Kerala’s iconic backwater landscape.

Day 13 – Cycling to Marari Beach

Activity: Cycling through Villages and Coastal Roads, Leisure at Marari Beach

Hotel: Abad Turtle Beach

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s journey features a scenic 30-kilometre cycling route through charming villages and along Kerala’s picturesque coastal roads. The predominantly flat terrain allows for a relaxed ride, offering ample opportunity to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere.

Cycle through traditional fishing villages where daily life revolves around the sea, and experience the unique character of Kerala’s coastal communities. Along the route, enjoy views of golden beaches, swaying coconut palms, and the sparkling waters of the Arabian Sea.

Continue towards Marari Beach, one of Kerala’s most beautiful and unspoiled coastal destinations. Renowned for its peaceful ambiance and pristine shoreline, Marari offers the perfect setting to unwind and appreciate the tranquil surroundings.

Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing by the beach, enjoying the sea breeze, or simply taking in the serene coastal scenery. In the evening, settle into your beach resort and reflect on the memorable experiences of the journey so far.

Day 14 – Cycling to Fort Kochi

Activity: Cycling through Fishermen Villages and Beaches

Hotel: Dutch Bungalow

Meals: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch

Today marks the final cycling stage of the journey as you ride approximately 45 kilometres through Kerala’s picturesque coastal landscapes. The predominantly flat route follows scenic beaches and traditional fishing villages, providing a relaxed and enjoyable conclusion to the adventure.

Along the way, experience the vibrant atmosphere of Kerala’s coastal communities. Observe colourful fishing boats along the shoreline, fishermen preparing their nets, and the daily activities that have shaped life along the Arabian Sea for generations.

Continue towards Fort Kochi, one of India’s most fascinating historic port towns. Known for its multicultural heritage, colonial architecture, and thriving arts scene, Fort Kochi offers a unique blend of history, culture, and coastal charm.

Upon arrival, check in to your heritage-style accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the town’s charming streets, waterfront promenades, art galleries, and historic landmarks.

Day 15 – Tour Ends

Activity: Airport Transfer and Departure

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to Kerala and conclude your unforgettable journey through South India. A transfer will be arranged to the airport according to your departure schedule.

As you travel onward, reflect on the remarkable experiences gathered throughout the tour—from wildlife encounters and mountain adventures to tea plantations, historic cities, backwater villages, and coastal landscapes.

We wish you a safe journey home and hope the memories of South India’s rich culture, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality remain with you long after the adventure has ended.

  • Royal Mysore Heritage – Explore grand palace architecture, hilltop temples, and vibrant traditional markets in one of South India’s most historic cities.
  • Bandipur Wildlife Zone – Experience a wildlife safari through protected forest habitats known for elephants, deer, and diverse native species.
  • Nilgiri Hills Cycling & Heritage Train – Ride through scenic tea-growing landscapes and enjoy a memorable heritage train journey between the hill stations of the Nilgiris.
  • Meeshapulimala Trek – Trek through high-altitude grasslands and shola forests to one of South India’s most spectacular mountain summits.
  • Madurai Temple Culture – Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple and experience the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of Tamil Nadu.
  • Periyar Forest Trek & Bamboo Rafting – Explore the wilderness of Periyar through guided forest walks and bamboo rafting within a protected wildlife reserve.
  • Alleppey Backwater Kayaking & Houseboat – Paddle through tranquil village canals before enjoying an overnight houseboat cruise across Kerala’s famous backwaters.
  • Coastal Finish at Fort Kochi – Conclude the journey with cycling through fishing villages and coastal landscapes before arriving in the historic port city of Fort Kochi.
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