South India Coast to Coast

Many people have asked us over the years if we could organize a cycle tour in India for those not from an off-road mountain biking background. The tour would have to be a challenge, take in the best of the sights and the scenery and allow time to soak up India’s delights.

For us at Mountain Bike Kerala one route sprung to mind that would provide all that and more; a cycle tour from the Bay of Bengal over the mighty mountains of the Western Ghats to the palm fringed beaches of the Arabian Sea. South India Coast to Coast.

Your cycle ride takes in the tropical South Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala pedalling on idyllic back country roads, taking time to explore places of special historical and scenic interest on route with the region having a wealth of temples, tea plantations, backwaters, historic cities and some hidden gems on route that only we know.

We start in Mahabilapuram with its wealth of history and UNESCO listed stone carved monuments that provide a fascinating and stunning starting point for the challenge ahead. From here its cruisy riding to French colonial Pondicherry that feels a world apart from the rest of south India. We move inland to Chidambaram with its paddy and palm fringed temple complex which is home to one of the most extraordinary sunset ceremonies in India. Landscapes change as we make our way into the Tamil heartlands and the ancient cultures and monuments of Tamilian heritage and the other-worldly temples of Thanjavur and Madurai. From here we move into the rock strewn landscape of Thenni district with the mighty mountains of the Western Ghats making up the next few days riding as we ride into Kerala and the lush green landscapes of Munnar and Kuttikanam with a rest day to give us time to take it all in. From Kuttikanam we roll down through the spice mountains to the coast and the tropical paradise beach of Marwari which is our ride journeys end. Now its time to relax on the houseboat and explore historical Fort Cochin and take in its unique atmosphere.