Current as of: April 25, 2024 - 18:11
Southern India Coast to Coast Ride Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: India
- Programmes: Cycling
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Activity Level:
4 out of 7 - Moderate / Challenging
- 14 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: MIT
- Carbon Footprint: 35kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Cycle through two distinct Indian states: Tamil Nadu and Kerala
The two southernmost states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala perfectly depict the contrasting nature of India. Seeing them on two wheels gives us an excellent opportunity to soak up rich culture and appreciate the different landscapes as we cycle. Tamil Nadu sees far fewer visitors than other Indian states, but this is part of the attraction as we follow quiet backroads from the fertile coastal plains in the east to the remarkable hills of the Western Ghats, which form the border with Kerala. Our ride takes us past some of the most impressive sites in southern India, including the former French colony of Pondicherry and the magnificent Sri Meenakshi Temple at Madurai. After cycling through the cooler highlands and tea estates of the Western Ghats, we reach the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, where a relaxing houseboat cruise offers the chance to unwind and reflect on a memorable journey.
At a Glance
- 10 nights in hotels, one night on a houseboat, one night on a plantation and one night in a heritage property
- 10 days of cycling with full vehicle support
- Group normally 4 to 14, plus local cycling leader and driver. Minimum age: 16
- E-bikes available for an additional cost
Highlights
- Cycle through two distinct Indian states
- Sample regional dishes served on a banana leaf
- Cruise on a traditional Keralan houseboat
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
- Average daily distance: 40mi (65km)
- Number of cycling days: 10
- Full vehicle support
Terrain and route: Almost entirely surfaced roads including plenty of quiet backroads with low levels of traffic, but traffic does increase when approaching towns. Road surfaces are mostly good. There is one sustained climb, and some undulating sections with short climbs, but the support vehicle is available if required. Longer days at the beginning of the trip are mostly flat, but always interesting. Most rides are door-to-door, allowing plenty of time in the saddle. Indian roads can be rough in some places with potholes. Please bear this in mind if you are bringing your own pedals and clip-in shoes.
Please note, 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 is taking place.
Group
Our Indian team of leaders has proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Indian culture than letting an Indian guide show you around their country.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 14
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Chennai
- End City: Kochi (Cochin)
Land Only Itinerary
Depart London
Flights usually depart London in the morning.
Arrive Chennai; transfer to Pondicherry via the shore temples of Mahabalipuram
Those who are on the group flights will land in Chennai early in the morning. Those not on the group flights, we recommend you are at Chennai Airport in time to join the group transfer. If not, please be at the Pondicherry hotel for 1pm to meet the group.
From the airport, it’s a 3hr 30min drive to Pondicherry. Those on the group transfer take a break at Mahabalipuram, home to shore temples and rock carvings. Carving in stone is still a living art here and we see stonemasons chipping away along the roadside, practicing skills that have flourished for centuries.
On arrival in Pondicherry, we assemble the bikes and explore this former French colony on a 4mi (6km) ride, before an evening briefing about our cycling adventure.
Accommodation: Hotel Atithi (or similar)
Circular ride passing the spiritual commune of Auroville. Enjoy lunch in the old quarter.
We take a circular ride to Auroville, a new-age spiritual commune. Founded in 1968 by The Mother and named after her Guru Sri Aurobindo, it promises a more balanced way of living. Revitalised by some earthly fruit juices, we ride the 9mi (15km) back into town, seeing fishing communities and cycling along the promenade, which retains some Gallic charm. Depending on time, lunch may be at Auroville or in Pondicherry, and the rest of the day is free to explore.
Accommodation: Hotel Atithi (or similar)
Pleasant ride along village roads to experience rural life. Afternoon ride to Chidambaram
Starting from our hotel, we ride out of Pondicherry and soon leave the city bustle for quiet backroads, experiencing rural life where simple mud huts contrast with the brightly coloured saris worn by local women. In true Indian style, we stop at a roadside restaurant for a tea break. Back on our bikes, we cycle another 41mi (66km) to Chidambaram. Staying in the grand mansion of the village, we sleep in the extended family villa; with its own temple, it’s almost like stepping back in time.
Accommodation: Lakshmivilas Heritage Resort (or similar)
Riverside ride to the old Nayak capital of Thanjavur; afternoon visit to the town and Royal Palace
We have a scenic morning ride following quiet roads and tracks alongside the Cauvery River to Thanjavur. A capital between the ninth and 13th centuries, it regained its status under the Nayaks in the 16th century who rebuilt the Royal Palace, Durbar Hall and libraries.
After lunch, we take a vehicle transfer to the Thanjavur hotel. Late afternoon, we visit the palace, which houses one of the finest collections of bronze sculptures and stone carvings in southern India, and the vegetable market at Tanjore followed by a visit to the Brihadishwara Temple, one of the largest in India and known locally as the Big Temple.
Accommodation: Hotel Parisutham (or similar)
Long ride through the Tamil Nadu heartland to Chettinad
Leaving the city by the old road, we head into the Tamil Nadu heartland, visiting the oldest clay horse temple en route, to an area renowned for impressive mansions built by wealthy traders known as chettiars. Some of these palatial houses have been converted into boutique hotels, offering a glimpse of the past. The grand interiors of Burmese teak and elaborate plasterwork retain much of the traditional architecture of a bygone age. But it’s from the kitchens, tucked at the rear of the house, that the real flavour of India is found. Chettinad cuisine is as traditional as its buildings; the piquant curries are slow cooked in copper pots over a wood stove to produce unforgettable meals.
Accommodation: Chettinadu Mansion (or similar)
Scenic ride to Madurai, a highlight of any trip to India
We have a scenic ride to Madurai. En route, we pass a rocky outcrop that’s said to be the sacred abode of Lord Murugan, the son of Shiva and also known as Skanda, the most revered god in Tamil Nadu. Staying at Madurai, we avoid the worst of the busy traffic.
Accommodation: JC Residency (or similar)
Morning to explore Madurai. Transfer to lunch; ride past Indian vineyards; final ascent into the Western Ghats and Thekkady
We have the morning to explore the old city and Sri Meenakshi Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India and one of the highlights of Tamil Nadu. Here, thousands of huge stone pillars, each adorned with different deities, are said to represent the gods of the Hindu cosmos. A constant flow of worshipers, offering pujas (rituals performed by the temple priests to the various deities) add to the heady atmosphere of incense and camphor smoke, and make this an unforgettable experience of Hindu culture. Blessed, we leave the heat of Madurai for the cool air of the Cardamom Hills. We transfer by vehicle to our lunch stop at Theni.
After lunch, we are dropped at Cambam, from where we ride to Kumily. Hidden behind a banana plantation are the vineyards of southern India’s new venture into wine making. These give way to the forested slopes of the Western Ghats and a slow but beautiful ascent up through the rainforest to Thekkady, a small town close to the entrance of Periyar National Park and our accommodation for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Abad Green Forest (or similar)
Free day to relax or visit Periyar National Park
Today is free to relax and explore Thekkady or, perhaps go on a guided nature walk or boat safari to the nearby Periyar National Park. Centred around a human-made reservoir, it is possible to see wildlife year-round, although the best time is the dry season (March-May) when elephants graze by the lake shore; if you are very lucky, you may even see a leopard or tiger coming down to quench their thirst.
Please note, activities in Peryiar National Park must be pre-booked as early as possible due to limited availability. If you are interested in either or both the guided nature walk or the boat safari please let your leader know within the first few days of your trip so he can secure your booking.
Accommodation: Abad Green Forest (or similar)
Ride through tea estates; tea factory stop; continue to Vagamon
Riding from the hotel, we cycle through cardamom and tea estates, stopping mid-morning for tea and to visit the local tea factory, learning more about the tea-making process. Refreshed, we continue along hilly tea plantation roads. We have a lunch break at a small roadside restaurant en route to Vagamon, an area of outstanding natural beauty and one of the most scenic roads in Kerala. We end the ride with a superb winding descent on a quiet road and stay at an old plantation bungalow.
Accommodation: Vanilla County Plantation homestay (or similar)
Cycle through rubber and spice plantations to Kottayam
Today we ride through rubber and spice plantations en route to Kottayam, known as the Syrian Christian heartland of Kerala. Here, grand churches dot the landscape and we break at Palai to visit St Thomas Church, its whitewashed facade and distinct gilded ceiling predates its Portuguese renovation. Roads converge into Kottayam, but we avoid the city by following country roads and stop for a lunch break at Erttumanoor town.
Accommodation: Whispering Palms Lake Resort (or similar)
Morning to explore or relax by the lake; board a houseboat
We have the morning to relax and enjoy the lake view. Alternatively, embark on an optional ride to the nearby Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary followed by a sightseeing ride along the lakeshore. Midday, we board our houseboats for a stunning backwater cruise. The houseboats, converted rice barges, have a captain, cook and crew; we just sit back, sip long drinks and watch the world pass.
Accommodation: Houseboat
Final ride along the coast road to Fort Kochi
In the middle of the morning, we disembark at Muhamma. Riding along the backroad, we cross over to the coastal road to Arthingal Beach for our first view of the Arabian Sea and, finally, know we’ve cycled across India from coast to coast. We then ride to Fort Kochi for lunch.
After lunch, you may wish to visit the synagogue whilst in the area. Built in 1568 for the Jewish members of Kochi’s 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 is also excellent for shopping and home to some of the last traditional lace makers, happy to demonstrate their skilled techniques and intricate designs for those interested.
Accommodation: The Dutch Bungalow (or similar)
Free day in Kochi
We have a free day to explore Kochi, its bazaars and old harbour area at leisure. Warehouses filled with the smell of tea and spices are limewashed bright green, yellow and blue; rickety old bikes and handpainted trucks piled high with goods fill the narrow streets; and food stalls stand on every corner. Further along the road, you’ll come to Mattancherry and the Dutch Palace. For food, try the fish market near the Chinese fishing nets, where you can buy the day’s catch and have it cooked to your taste. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities here.
Accommodation: The Dutch Bungalow (or similar)
End Kochi
The adventure ends today and we begin our return journeys home. Alternatively, if you’d like the adventure to continue, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Fly to London
If you are on the group flight you will have an early morning transfer to the airport for the flight back to London. Those not flying with the group will leave us at the hotel in Kochi.
Accommodation
Hotels, houseboat and mansions
On this cycling adventure in southern India, we spend 10 nights in hotels, one night on a houseboat, one night on a plantation and one night in a heritage property.
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.
Chettinad: Chettinadu Mansion (night 5)
Stay in a 100-year-old property within Kandukathan, which was named a Heritage Village by the Indian government. The property extends some 80,000sqft (7,430sqm) but there are only 12 bedrooms, providing plenty of space to sprawl. The décor reflects the style of 1900s India, plus there’s an antique museum and swimming pool.
Vagamon, near Kottayam: Vanilla County Plantation homestay (night 9)
Experience the many charms of rural Kerala with a stay at this family-run plantation in the Mavady Hills. It has a flower-filled garden, plunge pool amid the greenery, and Koffi, the friendly labrador. The accommodation here is spread out, so some of the group stays in the main house and others in permanent Swiss cottage tents. These each have a raised bed and mattress, an attached veranda and toilet.
To Muhamma: Houseboat (night 11)
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. They are comfortable and unique. All cabins have private bathrooms and the staff 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 will be available.
Worth knowing
- The single supplement does not include the night at the Vanilla County Plantation on Day 9 and cannot be guaranteed on the houseboat due to limited rooms.
- Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are really only a couple of months in the year when the weather can get 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.
Single supplement from £ 625
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, 11 lunches and eight dinners are included.
Lunches on riding days are usually in roadside cafes, allowing us to sample typical south Indian dishes such as poori (deep-fried bread served with curry) and dosa (thin pancakes 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 but a (large) bottle of beer is approximately 410 rupees (US$5). Please note, due to Kerala state laws, alcohol licences 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.
Generally, you can eat out very cheaply in India. Where food is not included, you should 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.
Drinking water is provided in the support vehicle, where you can fill your bottle from the containers.
Transport
All your luggage and personal belongings are carried by the support vehicle. Transfers are done in the support vehicle or a separate vehicle depending on the group size. The support vehicle follows the riders most of the time, allowing you to cycle as much or as little as you like. The whole group can be accommodated at all times. On occasions, it is not possible for the support vehicle to follow the group, but we still meet the vehicle at regular intervals to replenish water supplies etc.
Weather & Seasonality
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. The ideal time to visit is during the dry season from October to March, but monsoons have been known to be late and it can rain as late as November. Days are hot and the nights warm: average maximum daytime temperatures are 21C-35C (70F-95F) and 6C-20C (43F-68F) at night. However, in the hills, temperatures can be considerably cooler. Expect temperatures just above freezing point at night. Also expect frequent rainstorms on November departures. These are usually quite short and the sun normally comes out fairly quickly afterwards.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Atithi, 126, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Heritage Town, Puducherry, 605001, India
Phone: +91 90877 38989
Recommended arrival time: We recommend you arrive or are at the airport in Chennai in time to join the group transfer. If not, please be at the hotel in Pondicherry for 1pm to meet up with the group
Airport: Chennai International Airport (MAA)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately two hours to 3hr 30min 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, 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.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport 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.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Chennai
Location end: Kochi (Cochin)
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- High-factor sunscreen
- Warmer layers for the evenings in the hills
- Cotton trousers (pants)
- Energy snacks
- Water bottle – this should be a standard size to fit into a normal water bottle cage on the bike
- Alternative option to water bottle is a water bladder (also known as a hydration pack/CamelBak)
Cycling clothing
For all cycling trips we recommend:
- Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
- Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
- Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
- Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
- Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride
- Cycle helmet
There are plenty of opportunities to get laundry done locally at a very affordable price so fine to pack light.
Please note: The Indian government has banned e-cigarettes and related products. You can’t buy e-cigarettes in India or bring them into the country. Please ensure you do not pack these in your luggage.
Optional Equipment
Please note that Satellite phones are prohibited in India and in some cases the airport authorities have been known to also seize satellite navigation systems (Sat Nav) from customers exiting India, stating they require a valid license/approval form in advance to be able to travel with them. We can find no direct information that confirms Sat Navs can or cannot be brought into India however, we would recommend you exercise caution and refrain from travelling with Sat Nav devices.
To date, we have not received any negative reports about customers travelling with fitness tracking watches, such as Garmin/Apple/Android etc. and you should be free to travel with these items.
Equipment Hire
Included standard bike
The standard bikes for this trip are Proformance ACL-02 and Specialized bikes.
We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.
E-bike upgrade
Electric bikes are available on this trip; prices from £175/US$245/335 Canadian dollars. Speak to your sales representative for more information.
Please note, e-bikes available in India have a rear hub mounted motor (rather than mounted in the centre). For steep climbs, they may be of limited assistance but will perform well on plains or low-grade undulations.
Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.
Accessories and clothing
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Practical Information
Visa
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.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html
Travellers eligible for an e-visa, which includes those from the UK, US, CA and EU, can apply at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
For more information on applying for your Indian Visa/eVisa, please click on this link: Indian Visa Information
Vaccinations and Health
India
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.
You will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of a polio vaccination may also be required by some travellers. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
Additionally, dengue, a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, is a known risk in India. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approximately 6,560ft (2,000m), there is little risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips above 9,840ft (3,000m), there is a risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the Trip Notes for further information.
The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.
Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in places visited on this trip. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
The Travel Health Pro website recommends to have a rabies vaccination on this trip, as cycling is considered a higher risk activity.
Local Time
India's time zone: Asia/Kolkata (UTC +05:30)
Electricity
India's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins), D (three round pins) and M (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
India's currency: Indian rupee (INR). Please note, it is illegal to import or export rupees. Do not accept torn or very dirty Indian banknotes from banks or in change as they will almost certainly not be accepted as legal tender in India. You can normally change money back from rupees into US dollars or British pounds at the departure airport, but you must produce an exchange receipt showing that you changed money in India.
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available throughout this trip (Visa and Mastercard are best). However, you should not rely on these 100 percent of the time, so bring cash too. Please inform your bank before departure that you are travelling to India and carry the relevant telephone number with you in case they block your card.
You can pay with credit cards in bigger shops all over India. You can bring British pounds or US dollars, but travellers cheques are often difficult to exchange.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Many sites now charge a small fee for camera use. Allow at least 600 rupees (approximately US$7) per day for personal expenditures, such as snacks and soft drinks.
India has very good shopping opportunities, especially for locally made goods. During your trip, it is highly likely your local guides will take you to emporiums and workshops where these goods are made. Many people find this a great opportunity to buy local handicrafts, silk, jewellery and carpets. Guides often assume visitors want to go shopping, it is very much part of the culture, but if you do not wish to go, please make this clear to your local guide at the time.
Optional activities
Thekkady:
- 45-minute Ayurvedic massage: Approximately 2,500 rupees (US$30) per person
Fort Kochi:
- Kathakali dance show: 700 rupees (US$9) per person, based on a minimum of four people
Tipping
Tipping is part of the culture in India. However, it can often be an awkward affair, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar country. As such, your tour leader will offer to arrange and look after a tipping kitty, which will be used to tip hotel staff, local guides, airport transfer drivers and other support staff used on the trip.
Your leader will suggest how much to contribute, depending on group size, but it is usually around 5,700-6,300 rupees (US$70-US$76) per person. At any time during the trip, your leader will happily show you an account of how the kitty is being distributed.
Tips for the leader, drivers and cycle crew are not included in the kitty and are at your own discretion. Our local leaders and staff are paid well and fairly for their work; however, if you wish to show your appreciation, our recommendation is as follows:
- For the driver, assistant leader and mechanic: Around 500 rupees (approximately US$6) per passenger, per day
- For your leader around 400-500 rupees (approximately US$5-US$6) per person, per day
Where possible, please try to tip in the local currency.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food, and by supporting other local enterprises.
- The hotels we stay in are dedicated to hiring local staff, this benefits the surrounding community by providing employment opportunities and income alternatives where they may be otherwise hard to come by.
- Our local partners share a commitment to projects that benefit their communities.
- This tour encourages guests to visit local cafes and restaurants and use markets to purchase traditional crafts.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
- By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- We visit national heritage sites and the entrance fees generate income, which is used to upkeep and develop these important monuments and nature parks.
- Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for reusable bottles.
- Where possible on this trip, paper bags are used as an alternative to single-use plastics.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- Plant-based meals are available in some restaurants.
- This trip favours locally owned and run accommodation.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
Cultural respect
- Best to ask before photographing people, ceremonies or sacred sites.
- It’s polite to use only your right hand when eating something without cutlery and when handing money and small objects to someone else.
- Before entering a holy place remove your shoes and give them to the shoe minder. When you collect your shoes again give the minder a few rupees. You’re permitted to wear socks in most places of worship.
- Religious etiquette advises against touching the heads of locals, even children, or directing the soles of your feet at a person, shrine or an image of a deity. You should not touch a carving of a deity.
- When visiting religious sites, dress and behave respectfully, don’t wear shorts and sleeveless tops – this applies to both men and women. Head cover for women and sometimes men is required in some places of worship.
- Generally, it is best to dress modestly throughout your time in India as a sign of respect.
- Making the effort to fit in is invariably appreciated so being aware of these aspects of cultural respect will assist you during your travels in India.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.