Kerala Bikes, Hikes & Boats

Arrive in Kochi

Arrival in Kochi and transfer to your hotel in Fort Kochi. Kochi is a diverse and colourful port/city, spreading over 4-5 islands and peninsulas. The main town of Ernakulum is on the mainland. All the islands are connected by a ferryboat network and therein lies the charm of an exploratory two days here. Around the headland of Fort Kochi, phalanxes of cantilevered Chinese fishing boats dip into the sea at high tide. In its back streets, there is an aroma of ginger, cardamom and other spices, piled high in every nook and cranny.

Continue Exploring Fort Kochi

Sightseeing in Kochi

Drive to Munnar

Inland now and after the coastal heat we experience more familiar English summer temperatures a landscape of rolling hills, tea, coffee and rubber plantations and mist-covered valleys and woods. Munnar is the centre of the surrounding tea industry and in some ways has changed little since pre-independence. Beyond the tea plantations, the mountains rise to over 2500m. It is similar to the English Lake District but with more forest and less lakes. The main difference however is that apart from High Places groups, virtually no-one walks here!

Cycle around Munnar

Cycling around Munnar. At 1600m above sea-level Munnar in the Western Ghats is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams, the Muthirapuzha, the Nallathanni and the Kundala. It was a favoured summer resort of the British Government during the colonial era and the imprint left behind by the British can still be seen in the form of English style bungalows. Munnar is a superb place for cycling, the roads and trails are undulating and occasionally challenging, but as ever, there are plenty of downhill stretches to compensate for the steep climbs. Today you head out from Munnar to Top Station in the Kannan Devan hills which was used for tea transportation between Munnar, Madupatty and down to Kottagundi. This part of the journey provides some epic views of rolling hills and lush valleys.

First day's hike

Today, there will be an easy hike through the tea estates to the highest tea estate in the World. Starting our hike form Suryanelly estate (24 kilometers approx from Munnar town) the whole trek will be about about 10 kilometers overall and gradually ascending from the height of 1700 meters to 2160 meters. We will pass the camp to visit the one of the oldest tea factories in this region built in 1935 with an orthodox processing method. Offering one of the best organic teas, we will have chance for a taste after the factory visit and walk back to campsite to overnight in the comfortable tents.

Hike to Rhodo Valley

Our camp is at the eastern slope of the western Ghats so it is one of best for viewing the sunrise. An early wake up call then for the sunrise and breakfast. After that, a short walk through the tea fields will take you to the foot hill of Meesapulimalai, the second highest peak in South India. Before reaching the rolling grass land we need to cross through the shola forest on the ridge that offers a spectacular view of both the low land of Tamil Nadu and the peaks. This is a moderate climb for 1-1.30 hours to summit the peak (2637 meters). After a short refreshment break the trek will continue through a valley where the rhododendrons and pine forests grows wild and a unique eco system of grass land and streams to the campsite. Overnight camp in comfortable tents by the side of gurgling mountain streams at Rodho-valley with the beautiful natural brooks and the meadows of Western Ghats.

Final day's hike and descent

After breakfast we will have around a 6-7 hours trek by crystal clear streams, waterfalls (seasonal), and through pine and gum tree (eucalyptus) plantations to Yellapatty valley where our jeeps will be ready for the hours drive (25km) to Munnar.

To Periyar

Option of cycling off-road on this day A drive over rolling hills and coffee plantations to Periyar wildlife sanctuary with the chance of seeing Indian elephants, wild boars, lion-tailed monkeys, ibex, tigers, leopards and sloth bears as well as great hornbills, kites, darters, herons, egrets, owls and kingfishers. We will have our bikes with us and can take opportunities to cycle around today as well.

Drive to Kumarakum

A drive past rice fields, banana, tapioca, rubber and coffee plantation to Komarakum. We spend the next three days in a local village, experience local culture and come face to face with local people. Watch Kathakali dance and prayer ceremonies plus other interesting activities.

Cycle along the Backwaters

This morning its time to mount up again and cycle along the shoreline of Vembanad Lake taking the trails that skirt the paddy and coconut fields. A pause to catch your breath in one of the many villages which lie close to the lake before continuing for lunch at the houseboat. The rest of the day is free for you to do a little more cycling.

Continue cycling

After spending a peaceful night on the houseboat, the following morning after breakfast, we find a suitable place from where we can take a bike ride out into the countryside and see how the locals live here in the area.

Kayak experience on the lagoons

Leaving the houseboat early in the morning to reach the start point for kayaking; around 3-4 hrs. Later we drive along the coast past beaches with rolling waves and fishermen hauling nets to reach the town of Varkala.

Under the palms

Varkala’s beautiful beaches are still relatively less visited but may be more popular during holidays. Time for relaxing in the sun.

Departure

A final wake up in paradise! Transfer to Trivandrum for the international flight home.