Varkala Tours in December 2025

We loved this. India just hits you in the face - sights, smells,sounds,tastes. Exotic and spicy, just like a good curry. Cycling is such a great way of seeing a country and we traveled deep into rural areas where tourists don't go; we often felt like creatures from another planet and the locals seemed to agree judging by the number of selfies they took with us in them.

It would be foolish to try and get a taste of all of India in two weeks. You would need to spend at least half your time flying and busing from one corner to another. This tour allows you to savour a corner of India at a reasonable pace. We had a chance to experience the moderately sized city Mysore, see the beaches, the hill country, national parks and cycle both in moderate traffic (hint- don't look back) and on quiet back roads.

It was an amazing holiday. We saw a variety of landscapies and interesting items. The routes were varied and entertaining. I had the option to ride the bus when the road was too steep or too busy.

What an astonishing trip! The whole itinerary was superbly planned with each day bringing new experiences to wonder at. The cycling was exhilarating if sometimes tough in the heat and humidity, but the back-up of the van proved a great boon for some of us! And there was enough relaxation time built in to allow us to recharge our batteries and generally chill out when we needed it most. This was our first trip to India and we were thoroughly wowed by the experience.

This trip really was amazing every few days you felt like you were somewhere new, it was a trip that offered so much variety. One day your surrounded by tea plantations and then by the end of the day your on the tropical coast. There was a good mix of culture and amazing scenery. Great like minded group which made each day easy and fun. I would recommend this for everyone, apart from going up the hill to Ooty (that was really tough) you didn't need a huge amount of fitness, I hadn't done that much training before and managed fine.

Our Exodus staff were amazing. They took care of us so well, knew the best and quietest routes, stopped for tea and snacks at just the right moment. They took great care of our bicycles too. I enjoyed being able to see a part of India from a bicycle instead of a car or bus. the tour took us from an interior city to a beach town on the Arabian Sea. We cycled up a long and high hill to Ooty and the next day down 2000 metres on a winding road through beautiful tea plantations. LAter we cycled along the coast. the houseboat trip was lovely and super relaxing.