Cycle Kerala & Tropical India

Surprisingly beautiful, challenging and hospitable.

Our first cycling adventure with Exodus (after a great various activity tour to Vietnam last year) and this tour was just perfect for my husband and I as we love being active. However we still enjoyed the free days to explore and the sightseeing too. We had a great group and excellent guides. It was also our first trip to India and we felt as though we saw the real India, especially in the first week. The people were so friendly and they never stopped smiling and waving at us. The bikes were very good quality and suited to the mixed terrain. The hotels were generally of a good standard although a couple not so much but appreciate that it’s not always easy to find suitable accommodation in certain areas.

This trip is certainly an insight into real India, we definitely felt we were in at the deep-end! We've previously cycled in Vietnam and Sri Lanka with Exodus and this trip was very different. Our previous holidays included a lot of information about the abundant flora, fauna and history of the countries, this trip not so much. However, it is very interesting to cycle through the villages and towns to see how the people are living and the people were very friendly towards us. Don't under-estimate he climb up Ooty Hill, it's an unrelenting slog, but well worth the pain for the sense of pride at the top and the lovely stop at the Highland Cafe. Some people in the group had asked for electric bikes and 2 of them were small-wheeled and, in my opinion, looked quite poor and not up to the job. However, our non-electric bikes were absolutely fine. The roads are very busy and we had some sections cycling on the highway so I would say that this isn't cycling for the faint-hearted. However, our guide was excellent at keeping the group together through the 'dodgy' bits! The cycling for the first few days does include a fair few hills so don't expect it to be flat! Also, some of the road surfaces can be a bit rough, or even non-existent in some places, so don't forget your padded cycling shorts! Eating out is very cheap in the south and we had some delicious food. Also as far as I'm aware no-one in our group suffered with any tummy upsets. In the main, the hotels were good. We had a couple which were a bit basic, but our guide explained that this was because there wasn't anything else in the area, but other hotels were excellent so it's swings and roundabouts. All in all, a very good trip and we definitely feel like we've seen real, incredible, India.

India is an over-the-top experience for all the senses, bright colours, constant noise, strong flavours, heat and cold. The cycle routes provided a wonderful opportunity to explore a wide variety of landscapes and lifestyles -- farmland, plantations, villages and small cities. We experienced the busyness of the traffic and the quiet of the beaches. Shibu was a wonderful guide who answered all our questions and explained the economic activities of the backwaters of Kerala. The challenges of this route include the heat and humidity combined with the long distances in the coastal section of the trip, and the demands of intense traffic conditions and poor roads on some days. The climb up Ooti is challenging, but accounts for only 90 minutes of one day. I used an e-bike for the first time on this trip and it would have been helpful except that it was so poorly fitted.

I loved every minute of the trip it was exactly what I hoped for

Have done the trip during last Christmas/new year time. Totally enjoyed. I made a video for the trip: https://youtu.be/7xvF7soVxfw?si=4SniSHVWDryz8NLN for those who is interested.

This was an excellent trip with 14 other people I did not know who are now friends, we had three guides Safi, Sandeep and Dipkin, Safi was our cycle leader, Dipkin cycle as well and bike mechanic and Sandeep our van driver and water man. We had daily briefings and how to navigate roads where to eat, our guides were knowledgable with local envionmental information such as trees, fruits and temples overall a really good trip, with some challneging cycling which was great

Was quite nervous about going as it was my first trip to India. Once we arrived, I realised my nerves were unfounded. Our leader Safi and his two assistants Dipin and Sanjeed were all amazing. Everything was organised beautifully. They led the rides expertly, and made sure that we had a varied and authentic experience of India. The Indian people were fantastic - friendly, curious, helpful. And the children ... wow! Lovely.

I did this trip in Nov 2019 and did a review but cannot see any reviews from our trip for some reason. This was an amazing trip, so much to see, stop, photograph and take in the views and scenery. Tamil Nadu, tiger reserve (only saw elephants but that was great) we had a great guides and a fab group. I was definitely taken with the whole cycle trips to see more of the real country and life going on. Ooty hill was an amazing achievement for me though a lot of swear words kept me going! The Ooty train trip was great too. The colours, smells, madness of the traffic all terrific memories. Eating a typical Karelian meal from banana leaves in a local house was the best food. Vegetarians very well catered for and I wasn’t ill like many of the others in the group.

I loved the holiday, the people, the food, the adventures however, I think whoever put the description of the holiday together needs to go on the tour and rename it. There is a lot more cycling on main roads and highways than I expected. We didn’t get to experience the tea plantations. We simply sped past them. The Tropical bit didn’t occur until the final few days.

Was trying to think of one word to sum up this trip and India, and it’s Abundance. Abundance of people, noise, traffic, colour, friendliness, food, wildlife etc. It was everything I hoped it would be: the places we cycled to and through, the friendliness of the people, outstanding food and the legend of a guide that is Safi! Cycling in the traffic on the busier roads I never felt unsafe, they’re actually better, more attentive drivers than in the UK, and the seeming chaos of the roads makes complete sense in a country with sooo many people and modes of transport. Safi takes great care to look after his group, keeping us safe. He’s informative, kind and funny and goes above & beyond to make sure we’re happy and having a good time. A huge credit to Exodus. We had a fabulous group and along with our leader and the support guys made this a superb trip, feeling like we’d really immersed ourselves in India.

The two week cycle tour more than met our expectations. First time in India and would definitely visit again. The two key components being part of a nice group of eight participants whom all got on well (4 couples) and really superb local tour guides led by Safi. India more than met our expectations in terms of being ‘different’ in that it was very busy, noisy, colourful, warm which all added to the sensory experience as well as much of the countryside being delightful to cycle through. The Indian people in all locations were very very friendly with the children particularly keen to wave and acknowledge our presence which was a nice feeling. The first days dive into the very busy and noisy hustle bustle of Mysore with cows wandering down the roads and experience of some poorer areas, then the tour moves more to the countryside where it is quieter. The final week heads down to the coast of Kerala where the cycling is easier and the temperature is hotter and the humidity is higher. There are interesting and varied accommodation types used throughout the tour. Some accommodation is delightful whilst some accommodation is ordinary. Thoroughly enjoyable and memorable holiday

Great variety of riding, lots of different terrain and views. Excellent guide.

A great very well organised trip.

It was great. 3rd time lucky after 2 cancellations due to Pandemic. And no more visa hassles now evisa up and running again. Excellent trip. Cycling was an easy level 4 especially with Ooty climb truncated. Roads are nuts but actually pretty safe. Didn’t see any accidents. A lot of variety, cities, rural villages, beach, stunning Nilgiri hills, wildlife. Food was excellent. Hotels good. Very well led by Safi and his team. People were lovely. One of the best exodus trips I have done.

My wife and I had a fabulous trip on the Cycle Kerala & Tropical India tour. I think with any cycling trips the key thing is the trip leader and accompanying maintenance staff and co leader. Safi the trip leader did a fantastic job along with Frank and Shaker who helped Safi with all the various jobs required to make things run smoothly. Safi was extremely organized and dealt efficiently with anything that came up. The food and excursions were all very good and very interesting with great cultural involvement . I think this trip was absolutely a "bucket list " scenario for myself and my wife. The trip stands above many that I have done.

This was such a memorable trip, there was such a variety of experiences. From cities and temples, to rainforest and jungle safari to the tea plantations and stations in the hills. Cycling allowed us to get close to it all and be properly off the beaten track. The group all got on well and the organisation from Safi and Franklin was amazing, nothing was too much trouble or hadn't been planned for. The food was amazing too.

This was our first Exodus holiday and overall we had a great time. The cycling was varied, with great scenery and opportunities to get off the beaten track and see the real India. Safi, the tour leader, was good company and very informative and knowledgeable. He also helped us to cope with the intricacies of cycling on the roads in India, supported by our able driver, Franklin. We were hoping for a wonderful experience and overall we had a great time, marred by just 2 aspects: Firstly, the incident which resulted in our group being detained against our will for 5 hours by the wildlife park rangers/ police in Bandipur National Park, Tamil Nadu. This was for a minor infringement (walking just 5 metres off the highway into the forest), whilst being led on a walk to a local farmhouse. Whilst we accept that it is sometimes difficult to combat the apparent corrupt tendencies of certain local officials, who tried to extort money from us for such a minor infringement, the local guide (not Safi, I hasten to add) should really have known better. As a result, the most challenging cycling day, the ride up to Ooty, was rather spoiled: we were not allowed to cycle the bottom half of the ride and only 2 of us eventually climbed the top half, in the midday sun and with no warm up possible. We also missed out on what would have surely been a very interesting home visit. Such things happen! (Oh, and Exodus never actually called us back, after we phoned to explain our predicament; it was left to the local team of Safi and the hotel owner to secure our release from effective custody, with the support of local dignitaries, who travelled up the hillside to help us). The second thing was that the quality of the hotels was rather disappointing: some were shabby and very basic, to say the least, and half of the swimming pools were not fit for purpose eg the infinity pool at Cherai beach, that we were all really looking forward to (especially compared with the much better quality we found in Rajasthan on the second half of our holiday), We were so looking forward to this being the first of many potential cycling holidays with Exodus, but are left wondering if we should perhaps look elsewhere in future, given the quality of the accommodation provided.

An amazing first trip to India. Great variety of scenery with a very challenging climb! Fantastic guide, Safi, and support team, Shibu and Franklin. We were a small group, 7 in total, that quickly jelled and were of a similar cycling ability. A fantastic holiday with a great bunch of people. Thank you.

The standard of this trip is up there with the best Exodus trips I have experienced: great cycling, fantastic food, very few moments of down time and a terrific insight into the culture, environment and wildlife of the three states it encompasses. It is an added bonus that the local population is hugely welcoming and friendly.

Great trip, well organised, lovey tasty food and very friendly staff and locals. Bike were appropriate to the trip and mostly trouble free. Houseboat stay was a wonderfully peaceful and restful period after busy actioned packed first week. Weather was better than forecast, not too hot for cycling and only used rain jacket one day.

I have done many cycling trips with Exodus and without doubt, this is the best of the lot. If you want a good mix of cycling with plenty of time for afternoons by the poolside, this is the trip for you. The climb to Ooty is exactly as described on the tin and it’s tough. The rest of the tour is all within the average cyclists capabilities. Only one 4 hour bus transfer during the trip, the rest pretty much involved finishing the days ride at your destination hotel. The whole trip ran like clockwork and that’s no accident all thanks to our first class tour guide Joseph, Maneesh and Kam, our excellent bike team. We were a mixed group of 13 like minded people and it worked perfectly.

This was a fantastic couple of weeks. Joseph and his team are absolutely first class. The cycling is easy apart from that climb up to Ooty! Lots of magical memories.

My husband and I had an amazing time on this cycling trip. From the start in Mysorevisiting stunning temples and cycling through manic traffic to the backwaters of Kerala and the tranquil pace to the national parks and tiger and elephant sightings it was a wonderful experience. Safi and his team were first class guides - there to help in every way they could and to enhance each experience and always with a smile on their faces. Nothing was too much trouble and the added extra of being impromptu guests at an Indian wedding was an experience we’ll never forget. The cycling was accessible to us as occasional cyclists and sometimes challenging. Climbing the hill to Ooty was certainly physically demanding but we had plenty of time and support on route and the midway tea point provided some much needed respite. The roads are, as described in the trip notes, mostly good but with some rough patches but taking our time we all navigated these without too much difficulty. It’s hard to pick out the top highlights because there were so many varied and different experiences but for us the night on the houseboat (where we all dressed in traditional outfits) and seeing a tiger at close range were two. The food was also exquisite. However, it’ll be the smiles of everybody we met and the hospitality of people who couldn’t do enough for us that we’ll remember. We can’t recommend this trip highly enough,

This really was a holiday of heightened senses: the most brilliant colours, the noisiest roads, the most intense flavours, the brightest smiles, the biggest views – and everything experienced in the thick of it, either from a bike or on foot. Vehicle transfers are few and far between, meaning there’s nothing between you and your environment (including a tiger, if you’re lucky enough to see one – which sadly we weren’t). The great thing about Exodus at their best is that they can organise things we could never do on our own: not just carefully picked hotels and restaurants, but also temple and palace tours, a safari, a houseboat trip, a bespoke lunch in a bay of the Indian Ocean – and much more. That not only makes this trip great value – it also makes a lifetime memory. And then, of course, there are the guides. The unfailing cheerfulness and knowledge of Joseph and our support driver Maneesh were a constant bonus that contributed to this being not only our best Exodus trip to date (it was our fourth) but one of the best holidays of our lives. Cycling aside, in fact, a highlight was a lesson in Bollywood dancing from Joseph – who is incredible at it!

This was my first trip to India and it was a fabulous experience. I loved the cycling, which was mainly moderate with a few tough days, and we packed in so much that it felt like an amazing introduction to the country. We had wonderful guides, our group got on famously and the food was delicious. It was a very memorable holiday.

My first time using Exodus for long-haul...I've traveled independently all over the tropics so was reluctant about this, wondering if it would be worth the money, but compared to the European trips I actually think it's great value & I loved this trip It's a perfect balance of cycling & sight-seeing with the best food I've EVER eaten in India, which I put down to our guide Safi. As a vegetarian, you can't eat better than Southern India :-) Lots to do, heaps to see, great variety of landscape, architecture and more...people are warm and friendly towards cyclists here...use your bell in the busy areas and enjoy the glorious peace of the quiet out-of-town rides. The backwater trip was lovely & peaceful, most hotels very good & a few excellent. I'm an experienced distance cyclist so wasn't daunted by the itinerary...most days are leisurely, a few more challenging which keeps it interesting -without question, the climb to Ooty is a serious challenge so be prepared. That said, a few folks used the support vehicle, that's what it's there for so don't be proud! * Would definitely recommend *

The cycling was challenging at times due to ascent and temperature but the local guides were realistic and supportive. The trip through three Indian states showcased the amazing friendliness of the local Indian people. The trip demonstrated the wildlife of Indian, the heritage of the area, history and heritage of the locals and the cycling challenges. Recommended as a great way to see the real India. Please don't see each day as a race and get into the Indian time zone and slow down and enjoy the time cycling rather than try and finish first.

The cycling was challenging at times due to ascent and temperature but the local guides were realistic and supportive. The trip through three Indian states showcased the amazing friendliness of the local Indian people. The trip demonstrated the wildlife of Indian, the heritage of the area, history and heritage of the locals and the cycling challenges. Recommended as a great way to see the real India. Please don't see each day as a race and get into the Indian time zone and slow down and enjoy the time cycling rather than try and finish first.

This is a really good holiday with chance to see some very different bits of India, from the illuminated palace of Mysore to the tigger reserve (we saw a tigger), to the 36 hairpin bends on the mountainous road to Ooty (1200m accent), the glorious tea plantations (that actually smell of tea), then Kerala itself, with its palm trees, beaches and backwaters. If you are worried about the recent flood (2018), don't be everything is open, schools, roads, hotels, pools, etc. In fact there is no trace of it at all and we stayed in places that had flooded. You do need to be prepared, some parts (especially Mysore) are dirty, smelly and noisy. The driving in India is downright scary - you will find vehicles coming round bends on the wrong side of the road, but it all somehow works,and speeds are lower that the UK. The food (I'm vegetarian) with very few exceptions was outstanding. Worth booking for the food alone. The bikes were perhaps not maintained as well as I would have liked, and were a little heavy, but were mostly up to the job. Some sections of the cycling are tough! We had rain in the mountains were it got quite cold, but left it behind as we descended.

India remains much as I saw it almost forty years ago; more traffic though! The people are lovely and the food is fantastic Kerala itself is well over the recent floods, so don’t let this hold you back. It’s truly beautiful. Our guide, Joseph, was lovely; calm, confident and informative at all times. Thoroughly recommend this trip.

A wonderful cycling holiday, superb organisation and led and supported by a great team who were friendly and efficient. The itinerary was very varied from towns and palaces to the jungle, beaches and backwaters, and the cycling linked it all perfectly. The big hill climb up to Ooty was certainly a challenge, (but well worth it) and added an extra dimension to the tour. Despite staying in excellent hotels, we felt we had an insight into the real India as or routes took us through back roads and villages. I would thoroughly recommend it!

My first time in India and Tropical India was an ideal place to start. Some of my fellow travellers who started in the north confirmed this. I was told Kerala and Tamil Nadu is greener, slower and softer than the big cities of the north. I was a solo traveller and the group couldn't have been more friendly and inclusive. Well paced trip ,busy but not exhausting. All in all a well organised and wonderful experience, I shall certainly be travelling with Exodus again.

There are many great points about this trip; - This trip combines riding in busy city traffic (which is mental, but exciting and often safer than in UK), with lovely rides through beautiful scenery (e.g. little villages, forest, coast) - much of it fairly flat and easy cycling. We went in Feb and the temperature is hot (30-35C). - Food was a huge surprise in the fact that many of the hotels had great selection and great quality, and the meals in people's homes were delightful and delicious - only the breakfasts were disappointing, but lunch/dinner was great. However, it is all Indian food, so don't expect Western choices. - Most of the hotels were in great locations, and of great quality (comfortable, modern, clean). - The rides weren't exceptionally long (20-25 miles, with a couple around 50), but in the 30-35C heat many of these were done in the morning and were more than long enough to see great things. - With these rides being slightly shorter than on other trips we've done, there was lots of free time (e.g. afternoons) and a couple of free days which allowed us to experience far more of Kerala than on just a bike - a good mix of riding and free time. - Minimal bus transfers (only 2 I recall), so most rides were door to door. - The boat trip on the backwaters was delightful, and the photo opportunities are great. The are 2 rides that are worth being aware of; - The ride to Ooty is a gruelling ride of 17 miles up a 1,400 meter climb - the road is a constant gradient of 10-15% so it's hard work. Even though you start the climb around 07:30, it doesn't take long for the heat to kick in. However, there's no pressure on how quickly you get up there, and you can opt out and take the bus if it's too much for you. - The descent down from Ooty is pretty much 20 miles all down hill, but the road is often poor (pot holes, poor surface, traffic on wrong side)) so riding fast is tempting but dangerous, so you need to watch what you are doing - but it's a lovely ride through Eucalyptus forest and tea plantations. We felt this trip was really enjoyable, and highly recommend it.

This was a great trip for me as a novice traveller to India. I was concerned beforehand about cycling on the Indian roads but I was reassured appropriately by Exodus staff and the cycling was very enjoyable. There were a couple of stretches on the trip that were on fast busy roads but that was only when that was unavoidable and our guides always looked after us very well, assisting us to cross junctions etc. This was a lovely introduction to Southern India with a good balance of cycling and rest or other activities. Safi our guide was brilliant as were Viben, his assistant and our driver Santosh. Safi was extremely well organised and reliable and gave us good clear briefs each day and after each break. He and Viben supervised the cycling very well and I was quickly rescued when I accidently took a wrong turn! Santosh was just lovely and always gave us a big smile with our water and gorgeous snacks including our "Dark Fantasy's"! (biscuits with chocolate in the middle -- very clever choice given the heat). Nothing was too much trouble (even trying to get us a turkey dinner for Christmas!) and I felt very well looked after, particularly when I left all my valuables in a safe! Such a stupid thing to do but Safi dealt with it calmly and reassuringly and it was all sorted with no fuss and no loss! For me the trip was as "described on the tin" but I was also fortunate to share the trip with a fantastic group of people. Everyone was like minded and easy going which meant that everyone got along well, we had a great laugh and I feel that I have met a whole host of new friends. I have done a fair amount of travelling before and I would not hesitate in recommending this trip to others. The cycling is not difficult (save for Otty hill of course!) and it was a lovely way to see the country and encounter the very friendly people. If you are a photographer there are some fantastic photo opportunities - the only problem is that you have to let some of them pass otherwise you would never end up where you need to get. Thank you very much to Safi, Viben, Santosh and Exodus.

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's a wonderful trip. Every last detail has been meticulously planned from the routes to the choice of hotels, where to have lunch, where to rest during the cycling... It was my first cycling holiday and I enjoyed that part of it more than expected - if you're reasonably fit, with the exception of Ooty Hill it's perfectly manageable. In that sense the heat and humidity is the hardest part of the cycling. However, the standout for me was the food - simply incredible... I like Indian food in the UK but this was another level entirely - a huge variety of flavours and certainly not crazy spicy.

Great trip

Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic. I kept saying this at least three times a day during the trip. The landscape, all the friendly people along the route who cheered at us and the consept of sycling through Keralas wonderful environments.

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.

There is nothingnegative to say about this trip. It delivers on all aspects. The cycling is varied- at times a great challenge and other times an easy, pleasurable ride. With the local guides you get to see the real India. I couldn't recommend this trip enough.

A trip full of vibrant colours, wonderful food, fascinating culture, crazy drivers, warm and welcoming locals and great countryside. We booked this holiday because we wanted a journey with maximum cycling and minimal vehicle transfers en route. This trip is exactly that, touring through three provinces with a well balanced programme of activities and a well chosen route that took in places of significance and interest, with the majority of cycling on scenic routes. Where busy roads were involved we just marvelled at the Indians' driving styles! Travel on a bike in India is the perfect way to soak up the sights, sounds and smells, seeing how people go about their daily lives in the towns, countryside and places of worship. Throughout our trip we were constantly surprised by the warm welcome we received from local people.

Our first time to India and the country just blew us away. We enjoyed all of the cycling including that which at first sight seemed impossible. Once you understand how the Indian's drive you will love it! India is a densely populated country and half the fun of cycling here is to participate along with motor bikes carrying whole families, tuk tuks, oxen carts and random cows horses and other livestock - not to mention the legions of smiling school children who all rush out to high five you. Unusual obstacles including unmarked speed bumps, wheat being spread over the road to thresh it, impromptu religious celebrations and wedding processions all add to the fun.

Kerala and Tropical India by bike. What an experience. Joseph our guide made it so much more than just a cycle ride. India is such an interesting country and we were able to discover some of it without feeling like "tourists".

Much stunning scenery. Too much cycling on busy roads. Bike gears too high for the otherwise fun climb up to Ooty. Enjoyed the low key visit to the driver's family farm at Wildhaven. Would have enjoyed more visits to local industries. eg tea factory,coir carpet making,sugar and rubber processing . Space for these could have been provided by reducing temple visiting times.