Kerala Spice Trail Cycling Tour

Highlights:

Fort Kochi Sightseeing on Tuk Tuk, Birding experience at Thattekad, Tea plantations of Munnar, Trek to the second highest peak – Meeshapulimala, Cardamom Hills of Kerala, Wilderness of Periyar Tiger Reserve, Vagamon Hill station, Backwater Houseboat Cruise, Leisure at Pristine beach of Marari, Stay at Eco hotels, Backwater homestays and beach resort,

Day 1 Chinese Fishing Nets by the Harbour Mouth

The colonial city of Fort Kochi History tour on Tuk Tuks & Cultural Show Our guide will pick you from Cochin International Airport. It will be roughly an hour drive to reach Hotel in Fort Kochi. After you settle down and relax, the bike fitting is scheduled. Afternoon, we will go out for the History tour of Fort Kochi to know more about its colonial heritage on the famed Tuk Tuks. Once been a major port and trade centre, it evolved as a settlement hotspot for numerous merchants from across the world. The gradual intermingling of their cultures for centuries has made Fort Kochi a unique heritage city to visit. We will walk through the Jew street, flea market, watch the creaking Chinese fishing nets and the sunset. It will be nice to check out a local restaurant for dinner before winding up in a comfy hotel.

Overnight: Heritage Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Activities: Bike Fitting, Fort Kochi sightseeing ,on Tuk Tuk, Kathakali Show

Day 2 Tranquil countryside and forest patches of Thattekkad – Birder’s paradise

Cycling to birding hotspot of Thattekkad Ride along the irrigation canals of the agrarian villages After breakfast, we will transfer you away from the bustling city traffic. We will reach a quiet countryside to start the ride. We will ride through mostly flat backroads with few easy climbs. The ride will progress along irrigation canals through the village. You can see local cultivates of rubber, pepper, nutmeg banana and pineapple plantations along the route. We will be riding toward the lowland forest of Thattekkad a prime biding hotspot in South India. The place along the banks of Periyar River is the prime habitat for several species of birds including many water birds. After a classic lunch, we visit the famous Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary to look out for the endemic birds around. We can also stroll through nearby plantations and countryside to meet the local cultivators here.

Distance: 50 Kms
Terrain: Mostly Flat
Overnight: Nature Cottages
Meal Plan: All Meals
Activities: Cycling to Thattekkad , Nature walk at , Thattekkad Bird , Sanctuary / Kayaking

Day 3 Riding towards the Tea Hills of Kallarkutty Valley

Cycling to scenic Kallarkutty Valley Cycling uphill through forest patches and meet the agrarian villagers.
In the morning, we will ride towards the offbeat destination of Kallar Valley. The ride will be through village roads and stretches of highway with moderate and tough hilly and undulating terrain. You will ride with the refreshing view of Periyar river, lush rainforest, small waterfalls and streamlets, chirruping birds and lurking bonnet macaques watch your way. You will also pass along patches of rubber, pineapple and Cashew plantations along the route. Towards the end of the ride, we will reach a serene and vast farm resort in Kallarkutty valley. Then we drive to Munna and afternoon, we can visit the tea museum to understand the history of tea cultivation and stroll through the local market (If time allows).

Distance: 60 Kms
Terrain: Hilly and Undulating
Overnight: Mountain /Bungalow / Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast Enroute Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Cycling to Kallarkutty, Transfer to Munnar Visit Tea Museum,

Day – 4 Shola forests and grasslands of Meeshapulimala

We will hop into Jeeps and ride towards the starting point of our trek. En route, we will clear documentation at a forest checkpoint. After alighting from the vehicle, we will begin our hike to Meesapulimala Peak, the second highest peak in South India.

Our journey starts from Rhodo Valley, a picturesque area featuring grasslands, pine trees, flowers, and small rivulets. As we continue, we will cross multiple streams, grasslands, and Shola forests adorned with lichens and mosses. The Rhododendron trees and their exotic flowers add to the scenic beauty, while the misty wind provides a refreshing touch.

Gradually, we will ascend one hill after another, revealing the magnificent Meesapulimala Peak. Along the way, we might spot the Nilgiri Tahr, a species endemic to the region.

The view from the peak is breathtaking, with tea plantations, villages, and endless greenery merging with the blue sky, often accompanied by floating clouds. After completing the trek, we will drive back to Munnar town.

• Note Trek Distance: 06 Kms
• Overnight Stay: Mountain Bungalow / Hotel
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch & Dinner
• Activities: Meeshapulimala Trek through Shola Forests and Grasslands

Day – 5 Riding along the Cardamom Hills of Kerala

It’s time to set course to Thekkady through the cardamom hills, a rich biodiverse region. The wet and cold climate is ideal for wild cardamom and supports other cash crops like pepper and coffee.

The terrain will be a mix of uphill, downhill, and undulating roads along the vast tea plantations to start with. We will pass along the picturesque Anaerangal Lake and many scenic photo points.

Anaerangal Lake, with a small earthen dam, is centrally located between the hillocks of Suryanelli. It is a key source of water for wildlife, especially elephant herds, as well as for the villages in this remote hilly region.

Riding through the serene cardamom forest roads, you will reach the hotel to enjoy a well-deserved rest after a long and rewarding day of cycling through nature’s finest landscapes.

• Note Distance: 90 Kms
• Terrain: Hilly and Undulating
• Overnight Stay: Premium Hotel
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch & Dinner
• Activities: Cycling to Thekkady & Martial Arts Show

Day – 6 Bamboo Rafting in Periyar National Park

The Wilderness of Periyar Tiger Reserve Bamboo Rafting through Periyar River and Rainforest Hike The next day is reserved for activities in the Periyar National Park nestled in the Western Ghats. The biodiverse reserve is abundant in flora and fauna with 35 species of Mammals including the majestic Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic elephant, more than 260 Bird species including the Great Indian Hornbill. This biodiversity hotspot is home to many species of Amphibians, reptiles, insects, fishes etc. Here, we will be going for Bamboo Rafting through the Periyar River and Hike through the dense tropical rainforest. After the forest activities, we will be visiting a spice plantation to get to know the local grown spices. It’s also the opportunity to buy good quality spices for your cooking.

• Note Trek Distance: 12 Kms
• Overnight Stay: Premium Hotel
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch & Dinner
• Activities: Bamboo Rafting and Rainforest Hike in Periyar Tiger Reserve
• Additional Experience: Spice Plantation Visit

Day – 7 Riding towards the misty hills of Vagamon

Cycling to hilly meadows of Vagamon Riding along the scenic valleys and misty mountains Today, we ride the final stretch of Western Ghats during the tour. Again the terrain will be a combination of inclined and undulating countryside. You will be riding on the winding roads through cardamom and tea plantations with the view of scenic hills and valleys with dancing meadows in the refreshing breeze. You will pass through small settlements and small towns of Vandiperiyar and Elapara. We will wind up the ride at a misty resort on the hilltop at Vagamon. The scenic hill destination is a is the perfect romantic getaway to spend time with your loved ones. Afternoon, you will be having time to relax sipping a hot coffee; watching the spectacular view from the hill resort.

• Note Distance: 60 Km
• Terrain: Hilly and Undulating
• Overnight Stay: Hill Resort
• Meal Plan: All Meals
• Activities: Cycling to Vagamon / Leisure

Day – 8 The vast paddy fields of Kuttanad – the rice bowl of Kerala

Cycling to placid Backwaters of Alappuzha Ride to the rubber country of Pala and Drive to the backwater Village The day is going to start with the continuous downhill ride towards the midlands. We will ride through the rubber country of Pala and agrarian village of Erattupetta along valleys of rubber, spices and pineapple plantations, small temples and churches. We will transfer you to our next destination, remote into the meandering water world. You will drive along the lush green paddy fields, fish and duck farms, coconut lagoons and canals to reach Nedumudy Village. Here, you will be greeted by the friendly host at the heritage homestay situated right on the banks of Manimala River. Evening, you can explore the Tranquil village by walk to see the nearby temple, paddy fields, local tea shop and meet the delighted villagers.

• Note Distance: 40 Kms
• Terrain: Downhill
• Overnight Stay: Backwater Homestay
• Meal Plan: All Meals
• Activities: Cycling to Pala, Transfer to Nedumudy

Day – 9 The famed Houseboat against the dusk sky

Backwater Kayaking & Houseboat Cruise Explore the backwater village paddling and Cruise the meandering waterways. Morning, we will take out the kayaks to paddle through the rivers and backwater canals to explore deep into the villages to witness daily life and activities closeby. You can also witness lot of aquatic birdlife and see the backwater village slowly waking up to the morning. Further we will drive to board the houseboat and set out for the day cruise in the Vembanadu lake. In olden times, these houseboats were used to transfer enormous loads of rice to commercial centres. Now they have been converted into luxurious accommodation to explore the backwaters. You can have traditional vegetarian meals onboard or opt for the spicy kuttanadan non veg meals with fresh catch. You will watch the reels of the backwater life slowly winding up before you and the spectacular colours of the sunset in the western sky. At night, the houseboat will be docked as per the extant navigation policy. Kindly note that standard houseboats will have Aircon during the bedtime.

• Overnight Stay: Premium Houseboat
• Meal Plan: All Meals
• Activities: Morning Kayaking through Rivers and Canals
• Experience: Backwaters Houseboat Cruise

Day – 10 Ride along the Fishermen Village of Mararikulam

Cycling to the pristine beach of Marari Ride through coconut groves and fishermen villages Winding up the rustic yet simple experiences of the backwater village, now we ride toward the pristine beach destination of Marari. The road will again be flat with some high bridges over the canals. You will be passing along paddy fields and coconut lagoons. Coir products making were once a prime source of income for the locals, men and women alike. You will get to know how each and every part of a coconut tree is used for various purposes and has been blended into the culture of the land. We will ride to a serene beach resort, a couple of steps away from the cottage you will have the pristine beach. You can opt to have rejuvenating ayurveda massage at the resort or spend time at the beach.

• Note Distance: 35 Kms
• Terrain: Flat
• Overnight Stay: Premium Beach Resort
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Enroute Lunch & Dinner
• Activities: Cycling through Paddy Fields and Coastal Villages

Exclusions

• Airfare: International or Domestic Flights
• Personal Expenses: Laundry, Phone Calls, Tips, etc.
• Insurance: Travel Insurance & Medical Expenses
• Gratuity: Gratitude towards Guide & Driver