The tour starts in Delhi, the capital of India, and finishes in Cochin in the Southern State of Kerala. Join Pedaltours as we cycle through villages where we will share the road with goats and camels, sacred cows – perhaps even an elephant; see local women pumping water at the communal well and be overwhelmed by magnificent Moghul forts rising above deserts and towns.
Day 1 Delhi.
Namaste! (Welcome). New Delhi, the capital of India, is a blend of the old and new India.
Day 2 Delhi/Kota.
After an orientation tour of New Delhi, we board the afternoon train to Kota where we stay in a former Maharaja’s palace.
Day 3 + 4 Bijaipur.
Here we fit the bikes and cycle to the little village of Bijaipur, the countryside becoming progressively more attractive and quiet. Watch out for goats and camel carts on the road. We stay at Castle Bijaipur for two nights. Enjoy a day ride to Panagahr Lake resort, where we lunch in a luxury tent camp before returning to relax at the castle.
Day 5 + 6 Udaipur.
We bike to Udaipur via Chittaurgarh, India’s largest fort and the ultimate symbol of Rajput chivalry and pride. Optional day ride on day 6 through rolling countryside and lttle villages.
Day 7 Kumbhalgarh.
A superb day’s cycling on narrow paved roads through rolling country and little villages as we gently climb to spectacular Kumbhalgarh Fort and our heritage hunting lodge.
Day 8 Ranakpur.
It’s an easy ride today along narrow lanes, past bullocks working water mills to irrigate the fields, and culminating in a wonderful downhill.
Day 9 Udaipur.
We drive to Udaipur where there will be time for a short city tour and perhaps a traditional string puppet show, before our final dinner.
Day 10
Udaipur to Cochin.
After breakfast we take you to Udaipur airport for your flight to Cochin via Mumbai to commence the second half of our trip.
Day 11 Fort Cochin.
Time to settle in at our heritage hotel, then explore the spice markets, watch the fishermen using Chinese fishing nets, and explore the European heritage of this fascinating port.
Day 12 Thattekad.
Pass rubber, banana, coconut and pineapple plantations on the way to the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, one of the most important bird sanctuaries of India with both forest birds and water birds.
Day 13 Munnar.
Enjoy a glorious descent through a forest before a challenging climb to the famous tea plantations of Munnar. With the gain in altitude you will notice the significant drop in nighttime temperatures.
Day 4, 5 + 6 Kumily.
Ride past rice fields, coffee and cardomom to Kumily. Take an organised hike though Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Finish your stay with a late afternoon trip on Lake Periyar to see more wildlife such as deer, buffalo and elephants. We cycle to neighbouring Tamil Nadu where you will see many bullock carts and perhaps working elephants.
Day 17 Kumarakom.
A spectacular day’s biking to our resort on the edge of Lake Vembanad. Kumarakom is a paradise of mangrove forests, paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals.
Day 18 Houseboat.
Spend a lazy afternoon cruising the lakes and canals, then spend the night on the houseboat.
Day 19 + 20 Cochin.
Bike back to Cochin for an afternoon tour of the city and harbour, followed by a farewell group dinner to celebrate your achievements.