Description

Day 1
Arrive at Cochin airport and drive 40km to Athirapally, the entrance to the Western Ghats, about 1000 feet above sea level and famous for its 80ft high waterfalls, surrounded by forests. Check in to resort and have the remainder of the day free to relax.

Day 2
Cycle 60km to Thettekkad through the rainforests and visit the Salim Ali bird sanctuary, located on the banks of the river Periyar, the longest river in Kerala. Ride along winding roads, through villages and dense forests of the Western Ghats to your accommodation.

Day 3
Cycle 70km, mostly up-hill, to your hotel in Munnar – a famous tea growing area. Explore the town, visit the tea museum and drink tea, walk in Eravikulum National Park and look out for the Nilgiri Tahr (like goats) and explore the tea plantations as you cycle along the winding roads seeing the ladies picking tea by hand.

Day 4
Cycle 25km, down-hill to Suryanelli and arrive at the permanent tented camp cottages. The afternoon is free to relax or to enjoy a leisurely walk around the tea plantations, enjoying the views of the hills and nearby lake.

Day 5
Cycle 70km through the Western Ghats towards Periyar, stopping en route at the tea gardens and spice plantations before arriving at your overnight stay at Anakkara.

Day 6
Continue your journey down-hill through the Western Ghats, for about 70km towards Theekoy, to your accommodation at Vanilla Country where a tented retreat is waiting for you, situated in a plantation. Explore the local area by bike.

Day 7
Start the day by driving 110km to Kottayam, the land of letters, lakes and laytex and the hub for Christian missionaries in Kerala. The town is an important trading centre for spices, crops and rubber from the plantations. The town also houses some old cathedrals and temples. Continue your journey on your bike, cycling 60km to Kumararkom, a backwater village where you will ride along the bank of the Vembanad Lake. Overnight stay at a resort close to the lake.

Day 8
A restful day today, as you sit back and relax aboard a houseboat. Enjoy the journey as you cruise from Kumararkom to Alleppey, going out on to the lake before entering the famous backwaters of Kerala and observing village life and wildlife on the banks along the way. Overnight stay on the houseboat with lunch and dinner.

Day 9
After breakfast on board the houseboat, drive 60km to Cochin. Explore Fort Cochin, enjoy the charm of the old colonial buildings, churches and Keralan Palace and enjoy some of the best sea food that the town has to offer. Check in to your hotel for a 2 night stay.

Day 10
A free day to explore Cochin by bike – see the Chinese fishing nets and visit the Naval museum, St Francis Church, Dutch Cemetery, the Jewish area and museums before watching the sun set over the sea.

Day 11
Tour ends – transfer to airport – return home or onward travel.