Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I was most touched by the warm welcome we were given everywhere as we travelled around. The people we met could not have friendlier and that is what really stands out for me when I think back. And of course all the delicious meals. Kerala is not only paradise for vegetarians, there is plenty of tasty fish and seafood too, as well as meat dishes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our groupleader, Safi, was a great guy, well organised, friendly and a font of information on all things local. An experienced cyclist himself, he gave us great confidence in managing the traffic. We went at an easy pace, well suited to the heat and humidity. With Kamaru and Santhosh the three of them made a great team, always making sure everyone was fine and every thing was in order.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will find the week flying by as each day brings new sights and experiences. I enjoyed the variety of activities during the week. You do not need to worry too much about what to wear on the bike, even Lycra seemed to be acceptable. Just make sure you are well protected from the sun and the insects. We usually did the cycling in the morning, leaving the afternoons for walks or a dance performance, beach, the pool, lazying on the houseboat or doing some shopping. if you get a chance do not miss the martial arts performance in Cochin!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the more remote towns as people waved and shouted “Happy New Year”.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shibu was very likeable and dependable. He always did what he said and took good care of use.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are not a fan of hot and spicy food, like me, I’d suggest taking some small sealed containers of butter, jam, pate, etc to flavour rice, bread etc. If you like hot and spicy, you’ll be in food heaven!

Suggestions

Most of those with cleats fell of or nearly fell off at some point. The traffic in towns and sometimes precarious surfaces does mean that you have to put your feet down often. Unless you are a total pro, go with firm trainers. They are short distances, covered at a gentle pace, so cleats does not give much advantage.

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved the House boat trip, so peaceful and relaxing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was fantastic and helped to make the trip so enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is ideal if you've never done a cycling trip before. The distances and pace make it achievable for most people with a small level of fitness and most of it is flat, so no scary hills to tackle. Be aware that when staying at the homestay and on the boat, there is no hot water, so no hot showers, but don't let this put you off. The experiences of staying on the boat and at the homestay more than make up for the lack of hot water.

Suggestions

If you're thinking of doing this trip but not sure.... do it, you will not regret it.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many lovely moments. Cycling through the beautiful countryside with periods of cycling along the coast. Enough time to enjoy the scenery. Music which we could hear as we went past churches and temples. It seemed mystical. Sunrise on the backwaters. Cookery lesson at the home stay. Our guide always finding us a table in the evening with the best views!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gorgeous person. He helped to resolve a dental emergency in a calm and efficient manner. Always supportive - we felt very safe under his guidance. Loved the dancing he arranged for us on the boat in the backwaters! He had a great team too who looked out for us in the areas with more traffic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely need good insect repellent - two of our group got caught out on the first day and their bites were a nuisance. We were very conservative in our dress and perhaps strappy tops and shorts would have been OK in most though perhaps not all places, as was cycling in Lycra. I found my baggy shorts a bit hot for cycling in this setting. We spent very little money during the trip - thanks to the wisdom of our guide. We added on to our trip - staying at the final hotel for extra days - that was also very enjoyable. Wine is quite expensive in Kerala - would be worth choosing another drink. You can always get on the bus if you are having a bad day!

Suggestions

We were worried that it may be too hot or too hard for us weekend cyclists. Definitely this was not a problem. Another fear of getting a bad stomach did not materialise for any of our group of 14. Go for it - it is a brilliant trip!