India Bike Tours

It was my first trip to India and it gave a great down to earth feel of what India is all about, chaotic traffic but safe even on a bike, with the guidance of the tour leader. The people who were extremely welcoming and helpful all of the time with no pushy sales techniques.

Our leader Sam was very efficient, knowledgeable kind and totally first class I did feel that the advertising of the trip was misleading as leisurely the trip was not ! Sam guided and encouraged us all and the mechanics, drivers plus second leader first class also. Unfortunately I had a very bad accident. Sam was so kind and helpful

We did this tour after a week in the North doing the golden triangle so it was nice to sample the north and the south of India - they are very different. The cycle routes were fabulous and as were in the main flat within most people’s ability. The tour should be named cycling the backwaters and coast of Kerala as more time is spent in the backwaters than on the coast - not a complaint as the backwaters are fabulous. The night on the houseboat was amazing and the home stay was better than we expected. A great way of seeing the area.

Had a great time in Kerala, with a fabulous bunch of fellow Explorers and a very knowledgable guide in Sam. Weather was kind, despite rain being forecast for the whole trip, only one heavy shower which was quite welcome in the very hot and humid conditions which made the cycling a little tougher. Accommodation was of mixed standards, had more cold showers than hot! Often welcome tho. A/C or fans throughout and much needed. Backwaters just as expected, lush and green, teeming with flora and fauna, binoculars useful, also enjoyed blowy coastal rides and the start of the trip in hippie vibe resorts of Kovalam and Varkala, excellent restaurants overlooking beach and lots of shops selling clothing and fabrics. Trip ended in Fort Cochin, iconic fishing nets ‘Cheena Vala’ didn’t disappoint along with architecture left by Dutch and Portuguese, nice feel to the place - an excellent trip with lots of good and cheap food, a few G and Ts too.

The perfect balance of a fairly challenging two weeks of cycling, varied scenery, activities out of the saddle that are just as good as those in it, and a beach ending that is the cherry on top! Who doesn't want to spend their rest day searching for tigers & elephants in Bandipur National Park? Our leader, Safi, had 15 years experience and his local knowledge made sure we saw the real heart of India. I would go and do this very trip again and I don't think I've ever said that about a trip. 10 stars!

Great trip covering highlights of Kerala. Fabulous tour leader and support team. The rides started easy and flat, and became progressively harder with increasingly longer hills as we headed into the mountains. The slow pace suited my ability. The spinning classes I did as preparation definitely paid off. The heat and humidity were challenging! Road conditions were better than expected. The bikes could have been in better condition- the mechanic was great in sorting out issues on the way. Most of the participants missed their various connecting flights arranged by Explore, including us! Arriving at 5am and having to be prepared to cycle at 8.30am wasn’t fun! Explore really need to consider this as I think it’s a regular occurrence!