Itinerary

Day 1
    Arrive at Kochi (formerly known as Cochin), a vibrant seaport town that is the perfect jumping off point for our exploration of Kerala.

Day 2
    From our hotel we ride into the countryside, passing a temple, crossing the Periyar River where, if we are lucky, we'll see elephants from a nearby camp bathing. We head towards the Thatekkad Bird Sanctuary and overnight in deluxe and unique house tents

Day 3
    Bird watchers can rise early to see how many bird species they can see. Cycle from the hotel following the Periyar River as we head to the Valara forest reserve, passing waterfalls, as we gradually climb to our overnight hotel.

Day 4
    A 20 km morning climb will take us up to Munnar hill station.to an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level. There are lakes, reservoirs, forests and several tea plantations carpeting the hillsides. Afternoon free to explore the town and bazaar.

Day 5
    Ride to Top Station 1,950 m/ 6,397 ft for panoramic views over the town and neighbouring Tamil Nadu. You'll ascend 500 m in this gradual uphill but there'll be little traffic and the views will be worth the effort. Then there's the reward of the downhill.

Day 6
    It's a stunning climb out of Munnar through the Lockhart Gap before we gradually descend along a winding country road, passing small villages. We overnight at a tranquil resort set amidst a plantation of spices and have a guided walk around the grounds.

Day 7
    Easy morning ride to Periyar National Park, one of the world's richest bio-diversity spots that is a sanctuary for more than 40 tigers. We ride on small roads through deciduous forests to our resort set on the edge of the park.

Day 8
    Free day to relax or go on one of the trekking and boat safaris to the nearby Periyar National Park.

Day 9
    Riding from the hotel we descend on a scenic road through cardamom and tea estates, stopping to visit the Connemara Tea Factory. We overnight at an old plantation bungalow.

Day 10
    Stunning views, combined with a 22 km descent makes this probably the best ride of the trip. We ride through rubber and spice plantations as we head towards India's second largest lake.

Day 11
    A free morning before we board our houseboat, a converted rice barge, for a stunning backwater cruise. We just sit back, sip long drinks and watch the world go by.

Day 12
    Mid morning we disembark at Alleppey and ride along the old canal road, pasint historic buildings. We take the beach road north to Marari Beach for a seafood lunch and relax by the sea. The afternoon ride ends at Fort Cochin and our boutique hotel.

Day 13
    Optional morning cycle ride around the back streets of old Cochin, taking in all the major sights. Afternoon is free to relax before we meet up for our farewell dinner.

Day 14
    Onward travel

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