Cycle the Coast of Kerala

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many unexpected moments that enriched the trip, many of which weren’t even on the original itinerary. Our lead guide, Safi, often added or adapted elements along the way, creating a mix of planned and completely impromptu immersive experiences that made the journey feel truly special and memorable. I was also genuinely touched by the people of Kerala: everywhere we went, we were met with such warmth and friendliness, which will stay with me long after the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was absolutely amazing. He made sure everyone in the group felt cared for, catered for and happy throughout the entire trip. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and he went out of his way to check in with each of us and adapt plans where needed so that everyone could get the most out of the experience. A huge thank you as well to Shibu and Vinni, who worked tirelessly alongside Safi to ensure everything ran smoothly behind the scenes. Their hard work, humour, support and friendly presence really added to the enjoyment of the tour, and together they created such a positive, relaxed atmosphere. As a team, they genuinely made the trip, and I’m incredibly grateful for all they did to give us such a fantastic experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t be put off if you’re not an experienced cyclist. The routes are mostly flat and the road surfaces are generally good, with just the occasional pothole to navigate. The daily distances are very manageable and, importantly, most of the cycling is done in the mornings, before the heat and humidity really build, which makes it much more comfortable. I’d recommend bringing padded cycling shorts (or gel seat) and gloves if you have them, and making sure you stay well hydrated (with electrolytes), but you certainly don’t need to be a serious cyclist to enjoy this trip. It is a fantastic way to see and feel the “real” Kerala at a gentle pace, travelling through villages and countryside you might not otherwise experience, while also getting or keeping fit at the same time. Overall, if you are happy to be a little active and open to new experiences, this tour is incredibly rewarding and very achievable for most people with a basic level of fitness.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the elephant walking in the festival parade. I never thought for a minute I would see that in Kerala. But also meeting so many lovely locals along the route

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was a great leader. He made sure we always knew where we were going and when and checked that everyone in the group was ok with that. He left some flexibility so that we could add in some interesting excursions when the opportunities arose. A great combination of leadership and teamwork.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Kerala is so beautiful and cycling at grass roots level lets you see and hear everything going on around. You can stop whenever there is something interesting to see (every 5 minutes!) If you are interested in this type of immersive trip but don’t fancy cycling, hire an e-bike. Best of both worlds.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many! From the local wedding we visited, to learning and watching local craftsman keeping traditions alive to all of the super friendly locals and even a Hindu procession.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A special mention must go to our group leader and his team, Safi, Shibu and Vinnie who were outstanding throughout, professional, supportive, and genuinely passionate about making sure everyone had the best possible experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be put off if you're not a regular cyclist or haven't been on a bike for a while, the route is very flat and there is no hurry or race to get to the next stop, its a very good relaxed pace.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our highlight was the Kerala house boats, they were fabulous especially watching the sunrise in the morning as we sailed along the backwaters.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, who we understand was not the usual leader, was a poor communicator, disorganised and a thoroughly disappointing ride leader. On previous Exodus trips the leader has set up a WhatsApp group and used it to keep us informed of departure times and other key information. Our leader asked us to set the group up and rarely used it, most communication was by Chinese whispers. He was also a poor time keeper, we left late in the mornings, rode through the hottest part of the day and didn’t get to lunch until 3:00pm. On rides his pace was erratic, he would stop pedalling when on the phone. He also led us down the wrong side of the road, cut corners and failed to give clear signals of his intentions. Again we raised these issues with Exodus, they have assured us that these issues will be addressed with additional training so that Exodus usual standards are maintained on future trips.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lycra cycle shorts are acceptable apart from visiting the temples/churches. Use insect repellent on the houseboats overnight as the ensuite had slats and no mesh to keep the mosquitos out.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling in the mornings on quiet back roads where you are greeted like celebrities by happy smiling families on they way to school/work

Thoughts on Group Leader

My personal experience was absolutely fine. Unfortunately there were several other travellers in the group who were very challenging, our group leader tried so hard to accommodate but nothing was ever enough. Mr Shaker was professional, courteous, informative, helpful and flexible at all times. A great tour leader.

Most Inspirational Moment

Homestay and Backwater trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Average, made poor decisions about eating places. Communication poor, not using WhatsApp to remind us of important timings , like diner, breakfast and departure. Didn't even set up a WhatsApp group, so I did.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check your bike thoroughly or get someone with bike knowledge and refuse to get on it until all faults are rectified to your satisfaction. Pot luck with leaders. I walked out of our first night dinner in Varkala without sitting down. Next daythe others said they should have followed me.

Most Inspirational Moment

We did an impromptu visit to a local school - which was fabulous. The cycling was amazing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rahim and his deputy Dipan were fabulous. We felt very safe in their company even in the busier towns.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it

Most Inspirational Moment

the cycling was a thrill though the cities, on long coastal roads to stretch your legs and in tropical rain which brings a smile on when I think of it

Thoughts on Group Leader

sehar was phenomenal, we were in safe hands from the start, very knowledgeable and had great stories such as the time he slept in his vehicle and woke up to a tiger asleep on his bonnet. the support team rahim and franklin made sure everything ran very smoothly

Advice for Potential Travellers

day 1 is a bit slow and lots of visits to synagogs and churches. would have liked to visit Hindu temples instead so maybe stay extra nights if you would like to also. go heavy on the mosquito spray , the rooms were fine but it's outside at dusk they bite.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Shibu was fantastic as were all of the team.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through towns and communities and experiencing the genuine friendliness and excitement of locals of all ages calling out and waving to our group as we passed through.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shibu was an excellent tour leader. He briefed everybody clearly on where we were going and how far we were cycling. He broke each ride up into stages, so that we always knew the distances and times between stops and breaks. If we needed to negotiate a challenging junction, he ensured that everybody crossed safely. He also allowed individual group members to ride at their own pace, which I particularly enjoyed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was a little apprehensive about coping with the distances, as I am a very infrequent and casual cyclist at home, having never done more than 20 miles. Three of the group were keen cyclists and two of the others had opted for electric bikes, whereas I had a standard bike. I needn’t have worried, as the routes were all flat, apart from the odd bridge and the final day exploring Varkala, which was quite hilly. I was lucky enough that day to borrow an electric bike from one of the group who opted out and was so impressed with the assistance it provided, I would definitely recommend one to anybody in two minds about considering this trip.