Ride gentle routes along the shores and backwaters of southern India, interacting with friendly locals as you go
Kerala is seemingly tailormade for an easy-going cycling adventure: an idyllic coastline, tranquil backwaters, and a welcoming population always ready with a wave or a smile. On this guided adventure, we cycle from the old spice port of Kochi (Cochin) to the sweeping beaches of Varkala. That’s balanced with time to experience the local culture: sampling South Indian cuisine, spending a night in a village homestay and cruising the backwaters on a traditional houseboat.
Mostly surfaced roads (which can be rough in some places) including plenty of quiet backroads
Day 2
15 km / 9.3 miles
Day 3
52 km / 32.3 miles
Day 4
35 km / 21.7 miles
Day 5
14 km / 8.7 miles
Day 6
40 km / 24.9 miles
Day 7
30 km / 18.6 miles
Highlights
Cycle the coast and backwaters of Kerala, guided by our expert tour leader
Discover the old spice town of Kochi on a culture-filled bike ride
Enjoy traditional Keralan hospitality with a night in a village homestay
Cruise the backwaters and stay on a converted houseboat
Unwind on the sandy beaches of Varkala – the perfect end to the trip!
Itinerary
First Destination:
Kochi (Cochin)
Next Destination:
Varkala
Meals included:Dinner
Meals included:Breakfast
Meals included:Breakfast
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch
Meals included:Breakfast
Meals included:Breakfast
First Destination:
Kochi (Cochin)
Next Destination:
Varkala
The adventure begins in Kochi (also known as Cochin), a historic port city on the Malabar Coast. With a multicultural heritage, it is now the bustling commercial capital of Kerala. Warehouses full of tea, rickety bikes and hand-painted trucks fill the narrow streets, with food stalls on every corner.
Late this afternoon we have a bicycle fitting so that any necessary adjustments and safety checks can be made.
Around 6pm, say namaste to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Want more time in Kochi? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Casino Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner
Today is a good opportunity to get used to the bikes, exploring the historic town of Kochi by bike and on foot.
Most of the major sights are in the Fort Kochi and Mattancherry areas. We visit St Francis Church, close to the hotel, where explorer Vasco da Gama was first buried, then head to the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry. Constructed by the Portuguese in 1568, it was gifted to the Maharaja of Kochi before the Dutch took it over. Close to the palace is Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 for the Jewish members of the local trading communities, it is adorned with hand-painted tiles from China and elegant Belgian chandeliers, all donations from wealthy merchants. The area around the synagogue, called Jew Street, is a heritage zone with many antique and handicraft shops. The fish market near the Chinese fishing nets is also worth a visit.
Kochi is also a hub for Keralan arts, so this evening we enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a form of religious dance and play unique to Kerala.
Accommodation: Casino Hotel (or similar)
Maximum elevation: 174ft (53m)
Meals included:Breakfast
Riding out of Fort Kochi, we pass 500-year-old Portuguese villas, a striking contrast to the tiny fishermen huts dotted along the beach road, with their wooden boats pulled under the palm trees and nets hung out to dry. Many of these fishing villages are Christian. At Arthungal, we can rest under the shade of the coconut trees, sip tea and admire the view of the old stone church.
Continuing along the coastal road, we head towards the backwaters of Muhamma. Kerala is renowned for its backwaters: a network of canals and lakes that we cruise on a traditional rice barge later in the trip. Tonight, we stay in a backwater resort overlooking Vembanad Lake. The veranda and the gardens are excellent spots for relaxing, while backwater life unfurls before us.
Accommodation: The World Backwaters (or similar) Upgrade your room today– speak to your sales representative for more details
Maximum elevation: 89ft (27m)
Meals included:Breakfast
Continue along the coastal road towards Alleppey, another start point for the backwater trips. Our ride takes us through Kainakary village, eventually reaching Chennamkary, a traditional village in the Kuttanad backwater region of Alleppey. Spend the night here in a homestay, arriving in time for lunch. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience warm Keralan hospitality and we enjoy a cooking demonstration in the evening, followed by dinner.
Accommodation: Gabby World Community Homestay (or similar)
Maximum elevation: 85ft (26m)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have a laid-back morning. You can either relax at the homestay or go on an optional short bike ride to explore the village. At midday, we board our houseboat for a backwater cruise to Thrikkunnapuzha. These converted rice barges consist of two-berth cabins with private bathrooms and have their own cook; depending on your group size, you may be divided over two or three boats. We stack our bikes on the side of the boat (we are saddle-free for the next 19 hours), a chance to unwind as we watch the world pass. Vessels of all sizes use the network of canals and lakes, with smaller boats ferrying passengers and goods between tiny communities on narrow spits of land. On one side of the canal, we see vast paddies, and on the other side are fishing nets and coconut trees. As the sun begins to set, the boats are moored together and we unite on the deck for sundowners and dinner.
Accommodation: Houseboat
Maximum elevation: 69ft (21m)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast is taken on the houseboat before we disembark, then enjoy a cliff-top ride to the laid-back beach town of Varkala. We set off along a quiet coastal road to Karunagapally, passing Amrithanadamayi Ashram, better known as the Hugging Mama Ashram, a spiritual retreat overlooking the backwaters. We stop for lunch en route before spending the next two nights at Varkala, staying close to one of the best beaches in India.
With coffee bars, shops and yoga schools perched along the red sandstone cliff-top, this town is an excellent place to relax.
Accommodation: Sajjoys Hotel (or similar)
Maximum elevation: 75ft (23m)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a small morning ride after breakfast to explore the surrounding coastal areas. Returning to the hotel by lunch, there is time to enjoy the beachside location and perhaps try one of the beach shack restaurants, which serve excellent seafood. We recommend trying tandoori dishes, the clay ovens give a more authentic taste to the breads and curries. Tonight, there is the option to enjoy a final group dinner at the hotel restaurant, which serves a variety of Keralan dishes.
Accommodation: Sajjoys Hotel (or similar)
Maximum elevation: 558ft (170m)
Meals included:Breakfast
The trip ends after check-out. Start your return journey home or, if you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Meals included:Breakfast
Dates & Prices
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This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
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Optional Single Supplement
+USD 548
USD 2175 (excl. flights)
Sunday 04 Oct 2026 to Sunday 11 Oct 2026
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
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USD 2325 (excl. flights)
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Sunday 18 Oct 2026 to Sunday 25 Oct 2026
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Sunday 01 Nov 2026 to Sunday 08 Nov 2026
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Tuesday 01 Dec 2026 to Tuesday 08 Dec 2026
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Tuesday
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Sunday 10 Jan 2027 to Sunday 17 Jan 2027
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
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Sunday 24 Jan 2027 to Sunday 31 Jan 2027
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
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Sunday 07 Feb 2027 to Sunday 14 Feb 2027
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
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Sunday 21 Feb 2027 to Sunday 28 Feb 2027
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
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Sunday 28 Feb 2027 to Sunday 07 Mar 2027
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
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Sunday 14 Mar 2027 to Sunday 21 Mar 2027
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
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Sunday 21 Mar 2027 to Sunday 28 Mar 2027
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
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Sunday 28 Mar 2027 to Sunday 04 Apr 2027
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Sunday 04 Apr 2027 to Sunday 11 Apr 2027
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Sunday 11 Apr 2027 to Sunday 18 Apr 2027
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Sunday 03 Oct 2027 to Sunday 10 Oct 2027
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Sunday 31 Oct 2027 to Sunday 07 Nov 2027
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
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Sunday 14 Nov 2027 to Sunday 21 Nov 2027
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
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Sunday 28 Nov 2027 to Sunday 05 Dec 2027
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Optional Single Supplement
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Sunday 12 Dec 2027 to Sunday 19 Dec 2027
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Optional Single Supplement
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USD 2400 (excl. flights)
Book with USD 600 deposit
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Your Group, Your Adventure
Want to choose your travel companions? Gather your family and friends and let us create a Private Adventure just for you.
Accommodation on this cycling adventure in Kerala includes five nights in hotels with pools, one night on a houseboat and one night in a homestay.
The accommodations typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the notable places we stay on this trip.
Room upgrades are available on Day 3 of the itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details.
Chennamkary: Gaaby World Community Homestay (night 4)
Go beyond the traditional hotel with an experiential night at this welcoming homestay. Accommodation is spread across several houses owned by different families. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience warm Keralan hospitality, plus we enjoy a cooking demonstration in the evening, followed by dinner.
To Thrikkunnapuzha: Houseboat (night 5)
No trip to Kerala is complete without a houseboat stay. Typically, the boats are converted barges (known locally as kettuvallam), once used to transport rice from farm to market. All cabins have private bathrooms and the staff will keep you well fed. The houseboats have a deck and dining area, although the style/layout varies between boats. There is a cook, driver and assistants for each boat and the food is traditional Keralan fare using local produce. Houseboats have two to five twin-bedded rooms. Larger groups may be split over several boats; however, the group reunites at riverside stops and the overnight anchor point where your leader is available.
Varkala: Sajjoys Hotel (nights 6-7)
On a clifftop, Sajjoys has stretching ocean views just a few moments away. Additionally, the area is consistently popular with our group: Varkala is laid-back and less touristy than other nearby coastal towns. The hotel itself has an outdoor swimming pool and restaurant serving Keralan cuisine and international dishes.
Worth knowing
Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are really only a couple of months in the year when the weather can be cooler. You can, however, request more blankets or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter.
Introducing Safi
Highly experienced and a whizz on the bike, Safi is one of top cycling leaders in India.
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Number of days cycling: Six, including one optional ride and a bike tour of Kochi
Full vehicle support
Daily distance: 15.5mi-37mi (25km-60km)
Terrain and route: Mostly surfaced roads (which can be rough in places) including plenty of quiet backroads with low traffic levels, but traffic does increase approaching towns. The support vehicle is always available if required. The cycling consists of mostly half-day rides, allowing time to explore the sights and relax at your hotel
E-bikes: E-bikes are available on this trip for an additional cost and subject to availability. Read our e-bike fact sheet for more information on the e-bikes available for this cycling adventure.
Suitability: Traffic in India can be busy with limited enforcement of the rules, particularly on Day 3 when riding out of Kochi and along coastal roads. Inexperienced riders may find this difficult, but your tour leader is an expert on navigating these conditions and will brief you on how to cycle safely in India. Please listen carefully and follow the instructions.
Climate: It can be hot and humid in India, particularly during September-November and March-May, which can increase the difficulty of the cycling.
Monuments: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India and very occasionally this may mean work is taking place at sites visited on this trip. The ASI schedule is never published so it is not possible to forewarn when work will be taking place.
Key information
Start hotel: Casino Hotel, Casino Building, KPK Menon Rd, Willingdon Island, Kochi, Kerala 682003 Phone: +91 484 286 4500 Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today, check-in is normally from midday. There will be bike fitting in the late afternoon followed by a welcome briefing around 6pm this evening. Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 1hr 20min drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Trivandrum Airport (TRV) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
India
To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India.
Travellers from the UK, US, CA and EU normally need a visa to enter India. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
For more information on applying for your Indian Visa, including details required for your start hotel and local reference contacts, please click on this link: Indian Visa Information.
New Digital Arrival Card
Travellers from the UK, US, EU and Canada must also complete a Digital Arrival Card. This can be filled online up to 72 hours before arrival via the official Indian visa website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/. This is separate from the Indian e-visa process and this remains the same. Physical cards will remain at the arrival airport until 1 April 2026, at which point the Digital Arrival Card will be made mandatory.
Where food is not included, allow at least 1,650 rupees (approximately US$20) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you mainly eat at the more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow.
Lunches on riding days are usually taken in roadside cafes, allowing us to sample South Indian dishes such as poori (deep-fried bread served with curry) and dosa (thin pancake made with fermented rice and lentil batter). South Indian food is heavily influenced by the tropical landscape: creamy coconut dishes enlivened with delicate spices, served on a banana leaf. It’s also an ideal destination if you are vegetarian.
Tea and soft drinks are very cheap; a (large) bottle of beer is approximately 410 rupees (US$5). Due to Kerala state laws, alcohol licenses are limited to one or two bars in each area and not all hotels are permitted to serve alcohol. The first day of every month and certain holidays in India are dry days, when no alcohol is permitted for sale.
Drinking water is provided in the support vehicle, where you can fill your bottle from the containers.
The ideal time to visit is during the dry season from October to March. Days are hot and the nights warm, the average range of maximum daytime temperatures is 21C-35C (70F-95F) and 6C-20C (43F-68F) at night. Expect rain showers on November departures; however, they are usually quick and the sun normally comes out afterwards.
Mid-April and May is the hottest time of the year with highs of 32C-36C (89F-97F) with high humidity. The most important feature of the Indian climate is the monsoon. The main monsoon strikes the Kerala coast in late May and sweeps northward over the next month or so into July but this brings the humidity and temperatures down to 27C-30C (75F-86F) making August and September a pleasant shoulder season with lush green fields and forests and lower rainfall compared to the previous months.
Please note, swimming in the sea at Varkala is not always possible, depending on recent weather conditions.
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.
On this trip, we:
Stay overnight at Gabby World Community Homestay in Chennamkary village, supporting local hosts while enjoying Keralan hospitality and a cooking demonstration.
This cycle tour was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Exodus were a great company and as a solo traveller I was very impressed with the support, nothing was too much trouble. It was a great itinerary, our tour leader was informative, flexible to all members of...
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.
CHARLES BARTLETT
Rating: 2
Potentially great trip let down by unroadworthy bike
Bike: Rear caliper loose, rear tyre coming off rim, excessive play in headset, poor brakes as calipers not aligned with discs. Bike replaced after a couple of days but they sent the wrong size. Leader was at best average. I cycled in Kerala two years age with different company, good...
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.
Reply from Exodus
How’s this:
We're sorry to read that Charles felt this way about his Cycle the Coast of Kerala trip, and we appreciate him taking the time to share such detailed feedback. Exodus places great importance on the condition and safety of all bicycles used on our cycling itineraries, and we have stringent checks in place before every departure. Feedback from other members of this group indicates that the majority of bikes were generally in good condition overall; however, the comments Charles raises about his bike are not acceptable and this is being followed up with our local team. We fully understand how frustrating it must have been for Charles to begin his holiday with an unroadworthy bike, and we’re glad a replacement was provided, even if the sizing wasn’t perfect. One of our UK team was in touch with Charles during the trip and we would have been happy to organise a different replacement bike if he had requested at the time.
We were also sorry to learn that Charles was disappointed with his tour leader. We’re proud to have a strong team in Kerala who usually receive excellent feedback for their organisation, communication, and local knowledge, so it’s disappointing to hear this wasn’t reflected on this occasion. His comments regarding communication, restaurant decisions, and group coordination have been noted and will be shared our local manager.
It’s encouraging that Charles still enjoyed aspects of the trip, particularly the homestay and backwater experience, which are often highlights for many travellers. We appreciate him offering advice to future customers, though we feel that our ongoing equipment checks and leader development mean guests can join this trip with confidence.
We’re grateful for Charles’s honest reflections and will use them to ensure we continue strengthening the experience for those travelling with us in the future.
-Oliver O’Boyle, Exodus Product Manager
Tracy Meakin
Rating: 5
Fabulous tour - great cycle routes and much more
We did this tour after a week in the North doing the golden triangle so it was nice to sample the north and the south of India - they are very different. The cycle routes were fabulous and as were in the main flat within most people’s ability. The tour...
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
adam moran
Rating: 5
Best first cycling trip
fantastic food- authentic curries you cannot find at home,freshly caught seafood. the backwaters were beautiful and perfect for sun downers after a day of cycling. hotels much better than expected
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.
Maxine Pollock
Rating: 5
Fab trip
Fantastic trip, enjoyed every second.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader Shibu was fantastic as were all of the team.
Rob
Rating: 5
Cycling - The Best Way to Experience Kerala!
I had a truly memorable week as part of a group of six, who cycled a total of 134 miles (215 km) from Willingdon Island, Fort Kochi to Varkala. The weather was georgeous and the scenery and food amazing. The sights and sounds of the real Kerala could not be...
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.
Alex Barbier
Rating: 5
A Cycling Adventure Through the Charms of Coastal Kerala: A Journey to Remember
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the incredible "Cycle the Coast of Kerala" trip with Exodus Travels, and it was an absolute dream come true. Every aspect of this journey, from the breathtaking landscapes to the exceptional guidance, exceeded all my expectations. The itinerary was meticulously planned, allowing us...
Most Inspirational Moment
A particularly inspirational moment during the trip was our stay at a traditional homestay nestled amidst the lush greenery of a Kerala village. Engaging with the warm and welcoming local family, hearing their stories, and sharing in their everyday life offered a profound insight into the rich cultural fabric of Kerala. Experiencing their genuine hospitality, delicious home-cooked meals, and participating in their daily routines created a sense of kinship and belonging that transcended cultural boundaries.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Shibu, was an extraordinary guide whose passion for the region was infectious. His deep-rooted knowledge of the local culture, history, and natural wonders added an unparalleled depth to our journey. Shibu's unwavering dedication to ensuring our safety, comfort, and enjoyment was truly commendable. His friendly demeanor, coupled with his excellent organizational skills, fostered a sense of camaraderie within our group, making the trip not just an adventure but a shared experience of joy and discovery. Shibu's genuine enthusiasm and genuine care for each member of the group made our journey along the coast of Kerala all the more enriching and memorable.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Hydration is Key: Stay hydrated at all times by carrying a refillable water bottle and drinking water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty. Replenishing lost fluids is crucial in combating the effects of heat and humidity. Light Clothing and Sun Protection: Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your skin to protect it from the sun. Additionally, use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the intense sunlight.
Yvette Fernley
Rating: 5
Kerala is a gem!
Spoiler alert: your senses may never be the same again - but in a good way! We visited Kerala over 20 years ago, but only scratched the surface. Exodus is very good at stripping away all that is unnecessary, to enable you to connect with Kerala and immerse yourself into...
Most Inspirational Moment
More special moments than inspirational, including the warm welcome we received wherever we went and whenever the crazy people on bikes went past. Everyone wants to meet you and smiles are everywhere but there is only time to shout ‘ Hello’. Lunch in our tour leader’s home (see below). The trip on the houseboat was special. And we got to see an elephant in the road, yeh!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Shibu goes the extra mile, including inviting us into his home for lunch involving the whole family. We were treated to a fabulous vegetarian meal on a banana leaf, prepared entirely by them all. Special shout-out to Shibu’s wife who was up at 4.00am to start cooking for us. His daughter and niece sang beautifully to us after the meal. They delighted us all. Shibu is responsible for designing the tour and has done so with great care and consideration to showcase Kerala and provide you with a great insight into its life, culture and landscapes. You could not put together an itinerary like this on your own; that’s what makes it special. His no. 2, Seekhar deserves a special mention: excellent English, knowledgeable and amusing, stopping the bus to rescue puppies lying in the middle of the road. All-round good guy.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Grab a bottle of your favourite tipple at the airport. Kerala is (partly) dry. Beer is cheapish, wine and spirits (where available) expensive. Take a lightweight cotton sleeping bag for the home stay, it may come in handy and don’t look too closely. On the last day cycling in Varkala, there are a couple of ‘cheeky’ hills to climb - be prepared.
Suggestions
Go create some special memories.
nicole jordan
Rating: 4
good
The home stay was awful, it would have been good to have an option to have a stay at hotel instead. It's not my idea of a holiday being a strangers house. People nice enough. Some environmental issues that were offensive, think Exodus should be insistent that the locals improve...
Most Inspirational Moment
The scenery was beautiful and cycling the back waters was magical.
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was good, his english was not brilliant so hard to engage with him but he was attentive, thoughtful and did everything to make us have a pleasant time.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a sheet or lining for the home stay and expect the worst and you will ok.
Suggestions
It was a good holiday.
nicole jordan
Rating: 4
good
The home stay was awful, it would have been good to have an option to have a stay at hotel instead. It's not my idea of a holiday being a strangers house. People nice enough. Some environmental issues that were offensive, think Exodus should be insistent that the locals improve...
Most Inspirational Moment
The scenery was beautiful and cycling the back waters was magical.
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was good, his english was not brilliant so hard to engage with him but he was attentive, thoughtful and did everything to make us have a pleasant time.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a sheet or lining for the home stay and expect the worst and you will ok.
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