Welcome to Trivandrum, locally known as Thiruvananthapuram. Your Indian adventure begins with an important group meeting at 6pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. If you arrive in Trivandrum with free time to spare, perhaps wander around Kerala’s capital and admire its British colonial architecture, visit an art gallery, or stroll through the intricate Puthenmalika Palace, whic...

Say 'hello' to your bike support team this morning, then get suited up and fitted to a bike before starting your first ride in South India. Leaving from Trivandrum, head straight towards the beach on the flat road that takes you all the way up to the Varkala. The scenery is memorable, with Kerala on your right and nothing but long stretches of sand, palm trees and the Arabian Sea on your left (approximately 45 kilometres). Varkala sits on India's Keralan coast and is home to some of the whitest and most pristine beaches in the whole country. Even though this is a popular destination for Indian tourists, the beaches are quiet and laid-back. The town itself, a string of laid-back bars, restaurants, guesthouses and hotels, will be explored on an orientation walk. If you want to get active, there are plenty of water sports on offe...

By support vehicle (approximately 60 kilometres) and bike (approximately 40-50 kilometres), ride to the backwaters of Kerala this morning and discover sleepy Alleppey. Once a significant trading port, the town is now famed for the long ‘snake boats’ races that take place in August every year. Here you will board a typical Keralan houseboat (Kettuvallam) to cruise through the complex system of beautiful lagoons and canals. These floating cottages have western toilets, private bedrooms, a dining area and sundeck for you to relax on. The backwaters are best explored by boat as life revolves around the water here – children often learn to swim before they can walk and they row boats before they ride a bike. Float down the waterways, try your hand at fishing, and just lay back and enjoy this unique landscape. Notes: The houseboa...

Continue riding through the fragmented countryside, which is broken up by lakes and waterways, to Kochi (approximately 60-80 kilometres). Spread over several islands, Kochi is a fascinating place full of Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and English influences. Some of the sights to see include St Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica and the famous Chinese fishing nets. To gain better insight into this intriguing town you’ll take a cycling tour of Fort Kochi. This is the historic heart of the city where crumbling mansions line streets of antique shops and spice markets. Tonight you’ll attend a Kathakali dance performance. This classical dance is a powerful drama that combines devotion and physical virtuosity with symbolic storytelling. It requires rigorous training to attain complete control of the body and emotional sensitivity to b...

Take a break from the bike today and head to the Mattancherry part of Fort Kochi for a guided walking tour. Explore the Dutch Palace (Kochi Palace), which was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese and later claimed by the Dutch in 1663. The Dutch improved upon the existing palace before presenting it to the rajas of Kochi. Continue on to the Jewish quarter – the Jewish community here has roots going back as far as 1,000 AD, and you’ll see the Jewish synagogue in the city. The tour will take around three hours and the rest of the day will be free to do as you wish. During free time, why not join one of our Urban Adventures such as Home Cooked Kochi or Kochi Food & Culture Tour. Please check with your leader in advance if you would like to book one of these tours and they can assist in making arrangements. Later, perhaps ...

Continue up the west coast and head a bit inland to Trissur (Trichur). You’ll drive around 10 kilometres today but have a full ride of 60-80 kilometres. Trissur has a history deeply rooted in the spice trade but it is also known as the Cultural Capital of Kerala. Trissur’s thriving cultural traditions date back centuries, and it supports several institutions that are focused on preserving the dying classical Keralan performing arts. On arrival you will take a short orientation walk, covering the main sights that this delightful town has to offer. Centred around a large park and temple complex, Trissur is home to a Nestorian Christian community dating back to the 3rd century AD, as well as many other religious sites, such as the 1,300 years old Hindu Vadakkunnathan Temple dedicated to Shiva. Aptly nicknamed “The Niagara of In...

Travel approximately 50 kilometres by support vehicle and 60-80 kilometres on bike to Kozhikode (Calicut), once the capital of the Zamorin dynasty. Kozhikode has been a prosperous trading town ever since the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first landed near here in 1498, opening the trade route between Europe and India. Northern Kerala's largest city sits proudly between the Malabar Coast and the Wayanad hills, providing easy access to serene beaches and the nearby Kadalundi Bird Sanctury, which is home to over a hundred species of native birds. On arrival you will take a short orientation walk, covering the city’s main sights, including the Mananchira Lake and square. While you’re here, don’t forget to head over to Sweet Meat Street and try the famous Kozhikodan Halwa – a local sweet dessert delicacy.  Cycling...

Today you will temporarily leave the state of Kerala and make your way towards peaceful Mahe, a small town at the mouth of the Mahe River. There will be a short 20-kilometre drive followed by 40-60 kilometres of cycling. Lying on the west of the Western Ghats among lush green groves and a beautiful shoreline, this sleepy town is the ideal place to unwind and relax. Perhaps take a stroll along the promenade on the banks of River Mahe or enjoy a wonderful sunset from ‘the Hillock’ overlooking the Arabian Sea.  While the rest of Kerala was under British rule until India gained independence in 1947, Mahe stayed a French colony for nearly two and half centuries, only formally becoming part of India in 1954. Despite gaining its independence, traces of French influence remain in the town's colonial buildings and in the fact that t...

Shake off the sleep with a morning ride along the seaboard (approximately 40-60 kilometres). Leave Kerala state behind and enter Karnataka, heading for the small but prosperous port town of Bhatkal. As the town is quite a way up the coast, there will also be a drive of approximately 260 kilometres today. The town is best known for its imported goods markets – the Dubai Market and the Mirchi Gully – and is home to some of the finest mosques in the country. Take a walk about town and see the main sights, including the famous lighthouse and the Shiva Temple. Bhaktal is also renowned for its mouth-watering seafood dishes and the famous Bhatkal Chicken Biryani, both of which are great options for dinner. Cycling distance: approx. 40-60 kms

Leaving Bhaktal behind, cycle to Murudeshwar (approximately 13 kilometres north of Bhatkal) to see the magnificent Shiva temple. Built on top of a small hill and surrounded by Arabian Sea, the world's second-tallest statue of Lord Shiva sits between the shore and a huge 20 storey Gopura. Continuing north, discover the massive yet abandoned 16th century Mirjan Fort on the banks of the Aganashini River. End a good day cycling (approximately 60-80 kilometres) in Gokarna, one of the seven important Hindu pilgrimage centres. Mahabaleshwar Temple is considered as holy as the Shiva temple in Varanasi, and it houses the 'Atmalinga', which is said to bestow vast blessings to those who merely glimpse it. Gokarna is also home to India's most beautiful beaches, a small but lively bazaar, and some of the best eating Karnataka has to offer....

Get your bearings on a short orientation walk in the morning. The rest of the day is free for you to explore beautiful Gokarna and its spiritual vibes. Head to Gokarna’s main beach or take the winding path that leads to Kudle beach. If these don’t take your fancy then there’s plenty more to choose from with the south-facing Om beach, Half-moon Beach and Paradise Beach all accessible. If you're looking for something more active, you can try your hand at surfing at Gokarna Beach or kick back with a beachside yoga class. If you feel like some extra cycling, your leader will be able to advise you of the best local routes to follow. Cycling distance: none

Cross into the state of Goa and cycle to the beautiful beachside town of Agonda (approximately 60-80 kilometres, plus an approximately 25 kilometre drive). Backed by forested mountains on one side and pristine beach on the other, Agonda is one of four beaches designated a turtle nesting site for the endangered Olive Ridley turtle. You’ll get a good feel for this lovely quiet town, full of local atmosphere, on an orientation walk. Visit Fort Cabo de Rama, both the largest and one of the oldest forts of Goa, which was seized from local rule by the Portuguese in the 18th century. The western edge of the fort, with its sheer drop to the Arabian Sea, gives you a stunning panorama of South Goa's coastline. Cycling distance: approx. 60-80 kms

This is your last official day of cycling so enjoy your time in the saddle. Ride between 40-60 kilometres, plus a 15 kilometre drive, to the capital of Goa – Panjim. This laid-back city is famous for its sandy beaches, including the legendary Miramar beach, but there's more to discover than just the beautiful coastline. Packed with Portuguese influences, the old quarter of Panjim features colourful villas, cobbled streets, and the stunningly white Baroque Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church. Be sure to visit 18th June Road, a popular thoroughfare shopping area in the heart of town. Cycling distance: approx. 40-60 kms

Get to know this unique World Heritage-listed city on a guided walking tour of Old Goa. The city is best known for its churches, including the Se Cathedral (the seat of the Archbishop of Goa) and the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which contains the relics of St. Francis Xavier. The rest of the day is free for more sightseeing, shopping up a storm, or simply relaxing on the beach. Gather together your fellow cyclists tonight for a celebratory final dinner, looking back on how far you’ve come on this Indian adventure. Cycling distance: none

Today is departure day and there are no activities planned. You are free to depart at any time. Cycling distance: none