Magical Kerala by Cycle

Your journey begins with arrival at Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), the capital city of Kerala and one of India’s oldest cities. After a warm meet-and-greet by santos.travel representative, you ride south toward Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent. This sacred coastal town is where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean merge, creating a rare and dramatic seascape.

Kanyakumari is steeped in mythology and spirituality and has been a major pilgrimage center for centuries. Upon arrival, you check into your hotel, receive your bike, and complete the final tune-up. The evening atmosphere is serene, filled with temple bells, ocean breeze, and spiritual energy.

Overnight stay at Kanyakumari.

Begin the day by witnessing the spectacular sunrise over the ocean, a unique experience possible only at Kanyakumari.

You then ride north toward Kovalam , stopping en route at the magnificent Padmanabhapuram Palace. Built in the 16th century by the rulers of Travancore, this palace is a masterpiece of traditional Kerala wooden architecture. Constructed entirely of teakwood without the use of nails, it showcases exquisite carvings, murals, secret passageways, and royal chambers.

Continuing the ride, you reach Kovalam, one of India’s first internationally recognized beach destinations. Famous since the 1970s, Kovalam is known for its crescent-shaped beaches, palm-lined shores, and lighthouse views. The calm waters and laid-back vibe make it ideal for relaxation after a day’s ride. Overnight stay at a beach resort in Kovalam.

An early morning ride takes you along Kerala’s scenic coastal and backwater routes toward Alappuzha (Alleppey) . Often called the “Venice of the East,” Alappuzha is famed for its intricate network of canals, lagoons, and backwaters.

Established as a trading port in the 18th century , Alappuzha played a crucial role in Kerala’s spice and coir trade. Today, it is world-famous for its houseboats, lush paddy fields, and tranquil waterways. After checking into your resort, the evening is free to enjoy the peaceful surroundings or explore nearby canals.
Overnight stay at Alappuzha.

Around noon, you board a traditional Kerala houseboat, once used to transport rice and spices, now transformed into floating luxury homes. As the houseboat gently cruises through the backwaters, you witness everyday village life- fishermen casting nets, children waving from riverbanks, and women preparing meals by the water.

In the afternoon, you enjoy a ride through Kuttanad, famously known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala.” This region is unique because farming here is done below sea level, similar to the Netherlands. Endless emerald paddy fields and narrow country roads make this a cyclist’s paradise. Overnight stay in the houseboat.

After disembarking at Kumarakom , a serene backwater village known for bird sanctuaries and coconut lagoons, you ride toward Nilackal , near the sacred Sabarimala pilgrimage zone.

Nilackal lies at the edge of dense forests and serves as a base for pilgrims visiting Lord Ayyappa’s temple at Sabarimala , one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world. In the evening, enjoy a thrilling jeep safari through the Sabarimala forest to Pampa, the holy river where pilgrims perform rituals. Overnight stay in a forest camp at Nilackal.

Travel by jeep or tempo traveler into Gavi, a pristine eco-tourism destination deep inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve . Once an unexplored forest settlement, Gavi is now celebrated for its untouched wilderness and sustainable tourism.

You enjoy boating on a forest lake, followed by a guided trek through dense rainforest trails where elephants, birds, and rare plants thrive. Gavi is known for its silence, misty landscapes, and rich biodiversity. Overnight stay in a forest village camp at Gavi.

Ride toward Vandiperiyar for a visit to a tea factory, where you learn about tea cultivation and processing – an industry introduced by the British during colonial rule.

Continue to Thekkady, home to the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spread across 777 sq. km . The sanctuary was established around an artificial lake created in 1895 by the British engineer John Pennycuick. Thekkady is famous for elephants, birds, spice plantations, and rich forest ecosystems. Overnight stay at Thekkady.

Early morning boating on Periyar Lake offers a chance to spot elephants, deer, and birds along the forest banks.

Later, ride through fragrant spice plantations toward Munnar, a hill station once used as a summer retreat by British officials. Located at the confluence of three mountain streams, Munnar is renowned for its endless tea gardens, cool climate, and misty hills. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Begin with a thrilling ride to Top Station, the highest point in Munnar, offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats and Tamil Nadu plains.

Proceed via Kanthalloor, a remote village known for apple orchards and terrace farming, before reaching Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Chinnar is unique for its dry deciduous forests and is home to the endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel. Overnight stay in a camp at Chinnar.

Ride through Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary before ascending the spectacular ghat roads to Valparai, located in the Annamalai Hills of Tamil Nadu.

Valparai is surrounded by tea estates, waterfalls, and rainforest corridors. The region is known for frequent wildlife sightings, including elephants and lion-tailed macaques. The colonial-era tea bungalows reflect British plantation history. Overnight stay in a tea bungalow at Valparai.

Enjoy an exhilarating downhill ride through forested curves to Vazhachal and Athirappilly Waterfalls.

Athirappilly, Kerala’s largest waterfall, plunges dramatically from a height of 80 feet and is often called the “Niagara of India.” The surrounding rainforest is part of a UNESCO-recognized biodiversity hotspot. Overnight stay at Athirappilly.

Ride to Illithode, a quiet village nestled along a river and forest edge. This is a place for rejuvenation and adventure.

Activities include kayaking, trekking and traditional Ayurvedic massage , reflecting Kerala’s ancient healing traditions. Overnight stay at Illithode.

Ride toward Fort Kochi, passing through scenic islands and waterways connected by bridges.

Fort Kochi is a historic coastal town shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences . It was India’s first European settlement. Overnight stay at Fort Kochi.

Kochi sightseeing includes a visit to St. Francis Church, the historic site where Vasco da Gama was first buried, followed by Santa Cruz Basilica, a grand example of Portuguese architecture. The tour continues to the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), renowned for its exquisite Ramayana murals, and the Paradesi Synagogue and Jew Town, which reflect Kerala’s rich Jewish heritage. You will also see the iconic Chinese fishing nets, symbolizing Kochi’s ancient trade connections, and explore the bustling spice market, famous for its aromatic spices. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, Kerala’s classical art form, before an overnight stay in Fort Kochi.

Begin with a ferry crossing, then ride along Cherai Beach toward Guruvayur, one of India’s most important Hindu pilgrimage towns.

The Guruvayur Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is over 1,000 years old. Visit Punathur Kotta, elephant camp associated with the temple. Overnight stay at Guruvayur.

Ride north to Kozhikode (Calicut), once the capital of the powerful Zamorin rulers.

In 1498, Vasco da Gama landed here, opening a sea route between Europe and India. Kozhikode is famed for spices, literature, cuisine, and beaches. Overnight stay at Kozhikode.

A challenging and scenic ride takes you into Wayanad, a lush hill district known for forests, coffee plantations, and tribal culture.

Wayanad has ancient human settlements, including the prehistoric Edakkal Caves. Overnight stay in Wayanad.

A day to relax and absorb the beauty of misty hills, waterfalls, and wildlife after an unforgettable journey. Overnight stay at Wayanad.

Transfer to Kochi / Kozhikode Airport, marking the end of an extraordinary 19-day journey through Kerala’s landscapes, history, culture, and adventure- a ride that blends nature, heritage, spirituality, and thrill into one unforgettable experience.