Accommodation
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 dรฉcor reflects the style of 1900s India, plus thereโs 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. 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.
Guide
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.
Others
Local bike hire
Meals
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. Itโs 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.
Not included:
Others
โ Travel insurance โ Visas and vaccinations โ Single supplement โ E-bike hire
Insurance
Travel Insurance is not included
Optional
Other activities and services are not included
Flights
International flights are not included
Start planning your experience
Itinerary of your trip Southern India Coast To Coast Ride
- Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Chennai; Transfer To Pondicherry Via The Shore Temples Of Mahabalipuram (Lunch,Dinner)
Day 1: Arrive Chennai; Transfer To Pondicherry Via The Shore Temples Of Mahabalipuram (Lunch,Dinner)
- Day 2 Day 2: Circular Ride Passing The Spiritual Commune Of Auroville. Enjoy Lunch In The Old Quarter. (Breakfast,Lunch)
Day 2: Circular Ride Passing The Spiritual Commune Of Auroville. Enjoy Lunch In The Old Quarter. (Breakfast,Lunch)
- Day 3 Day 3: Pleasant Ride Along Village Roads To Experience Rural Life. Afternoon Ride To Chidambaram (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
Day 3: Pleasant Ride Along Village Roads To Experience Rural Life. Afternoon Ride To Chidambaram (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
Experience Style
Mixed
There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโre also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.
Accomodation level
Medium
This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.
Experience Type
Small Group
Youโll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.
Physical Rating
Challenging
Long and challenging experience. Youโll be required to have good physical fitness to go on it. In some of these activities you'll need previous experience on similar activities.
Age range
Min: 16 / Max: 99
Age range allowed for this experience.
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