Adventourus Active Vacations

Highlights include:

- Experience the traditional local Keralan dance

- Pass through scenic countryside of temples, spice gardens, paddy fields and rubber plantations

- Cycle along the quiet banks of rivers and through dense forests of Neriyamangalam

- See awe-inspiring panoramic views from 6,397 ft.

- Ride along the lakes where elephants come for water

- Encounter tigers at one of the best wildlife reserves in India

- Indulge in the best of Keralan foods

- Enjoy a few nights on a houseboat

- Relax on a local beach and sample the delectable seafood

- Accommodation on twin sharing room with breakfast at listed hotels or equivalent

- Meals as specified in the itinerary

- Cycles (Trek or Merida MBTs)

- Service of English speaking high experienced tour guide

- Accompanying vehicles (personnel carrier + cycler carrier)

- Refreshments & bottled water while cycling

- Cooking demo in Dewalokam Resort

- Visit Rubber processin in Dewalokam Resort

- Spice Plantation in Dewalokam Resort

- Village walk

- All applicable taxes

- Meals at hotels other than those listed in above inclusions

- Entrances fees, Forest activities

- Cameras fee, expenses of personal nature such as tipping, porters, laundry, telephones, etc.

- Inland/international flight ticket charges

- All other than those listed in above inclusions

Itinerary

Day 1: COCHIN (arrival)

Up on arrival at Cochin Airport , Meet and greet followed By transfers to hotel in fort Cochin - European influences are instantly apparent in this charming town picturesquely located on a number of islands squeezed between the Arabian Sea and the Kerala backwaters. The maritime history of Cochin is reflected in its blend of Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture. Depends up on your arrival time , Evening you may witness the epic Ramayana comes to life at a Kathakali performance, traditional Keralan dance, where the characters use larger than life gestures, wear outrageous costumes and dramatic make up. Overnight in Cochin

Day 2: COCHIN - THATEKKAD

After early breakfast we start off on our cycles making the most of the early morning coolness heading towards the foothills of the western Ghats towards the lowland forests of Thattekkad. We will start a little off the city limits enabling us to avoid the morning city traffic and reach a quiet countryside where the roads are mostly level throughout the morning. We pass through scenic countryside of temples, spice gardens, paddy fields and rubber plantations. After a leisurely lunch en-route, we will reach the spectacular eco-camp on the banks of river Periyar . Overnight in Hornbill Camp (Full board basis).

Cycling Distance: 45 kms

Day 3: THATEKKAD - MUNNAR

Today’s ride passes through the narrow winding country roads along the banks of the Periyar & through dense low altitude forests of Neriyamangalam. This is an excellent opportunity to see the numerous rubber estates, pepper plantations, cardamom estates and finally tea – all this as the altitude goes up gradually to 1200 m. Our stay will be at the beautiful farmhouse on a cliff with a breathtaking view of the Western Ghats. We continue to make our way to Munnar. Once a favourite summer resort town of the British, the hill town of Munnar is set amidst dramatic mountain scenery: craggy peaks, tall red wood trees, and some of the world’s highest tea plantations. Our ride passes through high altitude forests, manicured tea gardens, cardamom plantations and winding roads as we make it to a theme resort. Overnight in Munnar (Full board basis).

Cycling Distance: 55 kms

Day 4: MUNNAR

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. Overnight in Munnar . (Full board basis ).

Cycling Distance: 55 kms

Day 5: MUNNAR - VANDAMEDU

The Cardamom Hills are famed all over the globe over millennia as the centre of spices of the world. Today we cycle through the shadow of these hills. We will ride around the Anaerangal Lake (‘Lake where the elephants come down’) and along wonderful mountain roads to reach Nedungandom by lunchtime. Most of the way we pass through thick forests, cardamom estates and spice gardens that have made these Cardamom Hills earn its name. In the evening, check into the magnificent resort at Vandanmedu, set amidst a cardamom & tea estate. Overnight in Carmelia Haven (Full board ).

Cycling Distance: 60 kms

Day 6: VANDAMEDU - PERIYAR

Our destination in the short morning ride is Periyar, biking through forests, tea gardens and spice plantations. We will reach the forests at Periyar by lunchtime where we can either relax our legs or take off into the jungle. Periyar is one of the best wildlife reserves in India and has large herds of Asiatic elephants, Indian Bison as well as tigers. For the ornithologists it has over 330 species of birds including the majestic Great Hornbill. (Over night in Periyar) (Full board).

Cycling Distance: 25 kms

Day 7: PERIYAR

Free day to relax or go on one of the trekking and boat safaris to the nearby Periyar National Park. Mannans are among the oldest indigenous group of people to inhabit Periyar Tiger Reserve. As late as the 1940’s, they lived in the remotest areas of the tiger reserve eking out a simple living by fishing in the lake and cultivating a few crops. Today they are the main conservators of the forest. Enjoy your walk and talk with them as you discover the endemic flora and fauna of the region. We have a choice of activities organized by these tribals – Bamboo Rafting or a full day forest trek or a boat safari around the Periyar Lake for wildlife viewing (Over night in Periyar) (Full board).

ACTITVITIES:

Elephant Ride: You can take an elephant ride & interact with the elephants (Cost $8 per person )

Bamboo rafting: This is a dawn to dusk range hiking and rafting programme through some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve ( cost $48 ) ( Minimum 02 / Maximum 10 paying person )

Boating: You can go boating on the lake for seeing wildlife. ( $ 6per person + Forest Entry :$8 per person ) Tickets can be bought at the forest department office directly.

Escorted trekking for 03 hours: ( $ 9 per person + Forest Entry :$8 per person

Note:. PAX can book these activities separately according to their requirements & supplement cost will applicable for each gaming.

Day 8: PERIYAR - KARIMANNOOR

From Periyar we will transfer a short distance to avoid the traffic and cycle through a beautiful countryside of tea gardens, spice plantations, forests, tiny rural hamlets paddy fields and rubber plantations – most of it downhill. We eventually reach the spice plantation villa, tucked away in the deep interiors of Kerala, at the foothills of the Western Ghats on the banks of the Kannadipuzha – the Mirror River – cascading down the hills. The ‘Thomas Falls’ is a few miles upstream and makes an ideal spot to take a picnic basket. Professor Jose and his family live in the farm – an organic farm with goat farm, cows and buffalos, pigs and chicken, turkeys, ducks and guineas fowls. The farm produces meat, fish, milk, eggs and vegetable which are used for preparing delicious South Indian dishes for the guests. From the patio of your room you can see the mountains of the Sahyadris (the local name for the Western Ghats), beyond the river and the forest. This is something very special for people who love the nature! Here we will go on forest walks, picnic to the waterfalls, meet the local farmers, visit the local village and enjoy the best of Keralan food ! .(over night in Dewalokam resort ) (Full board).

Cycling Distance: 80 kms (mostly downhill

Day 9: KARIMANNOOR

Today we go around a working farm, see how rubber is processed, how spices are grown, meet the villagers, learn to cook Keralan delicacies or walk in the forest across the river.(Over night in Dewalokam resort ) (Full board)

Note: Ayurvedic treatments/ massages available on direct payment

Day 10: KARIMANNOOR - THANNEERMUKKOM

We cycle through myriad farms, rubber plantations, paddy fields and stunning views as we cycle towards the backwaters at Kumarakom. On arrival we will check into a beautiful backwater resort. Overnight in Ilona lake resort ( full board )

Cycling Distance: 60 kms

Day 11: THANNEERMUKKOM - HOUSEBOAT

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. Overnight in House boat (Full board)

Day 12: HOUSEBOAT - MARARI

Mid morning we disembark at Alleppey and ride along the old canal road, past historic buildings. We take the beach road north to Marari Beach for a seafood lunch and relax by the sea. (Breakfast only )

Cycling Distance: 20 kms

Day 13: MARARI

Free day to relax on the beach (Breakfast only)

Day 14: DEPARTURE TRANSFERS

Depart from Hotel and drive to airport to connect onward flight to fly back home.

Bike type: Trek 4500 / MERIDA
Number of gears: 21-24
Brakes: V-Brakes
Suspension: Front
Pedals: Standard
Frame range: 13.5”- 19.5”
Bike bag provided: Yes
Water bottle holder provided: Yes
Water bottle provided: No
Adjustable handlebars: No
Female saddles provided: No
Gel saddles provided: No
Option to fit own saddle: Yes
Option to fit own pedal: Yes
Bar ends: Yes (on request)

Package on Twin sharing basis with minimum 08-09 paying person : $1990 per person

Package on Twin sharing basis with minimum 10-14 paying person : $1920 per person

Package on Twin sharing basis with minimum 15 paying person : $1850 per person