Day 1: In Pondicherry
Meeting the tour leader at Pondicherry and final tune up of the bikes. Ride in the union territory of Pondicherry, which became part of the Indian Union in 1954 and carries a strong whiff of French presence in India. Visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Our Lady of Angels Church, Promenade Beach. Overnight stay at Pondicherry.
Day 2: In Pondicherry
Ride to Auroville also known as "City of Dawn", an experimental town where men and women are able to live in peace and progressive harmony. Rest of the day at leisure to explore the town. Overnight stay at Pondicherry.
Day 3: To Kumbakonam
Today we will begin our long adventurous and cultural journey across the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. We will leave the French colonial town of Pondy and head to 'Temple Town' of Kumbakonam. Enroute we will visit a Pottery Workshop, where you will get the unique experience to try your hand in making clay pots. We will also visit to "Gangaikonda Cholapuram", a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the 'Great Living Chola Temples'. In Kumbakonam, you will get a once in a lifetime chance to get blessings from an Elephant who takes part in the temple activities. Overnight stay at Kumbakonam.
Day 4: To Thanjavur
Today we will cycle to Thanjavur, an important centre of South Indian religion, art and architecture. Enroute visit to Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, part of the Great Living Chola Temples with fabulous stone carved architecture. Afternoon, check in to hotel. In the evening we will head to Brihadeeswarar Temple also known as 'Big Temple', a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If time and luck permits, we will watch Bharatnatyam concert, the classical dance form of Tamil Nadu originating in 6th century BC. Thanjavur is also famous for its terracotta dolls and paintings. Overnight stay at Thanjavur.
Day 5: To Chettinad
Today we will take a ride along the beautiful countryside of Tamil Nadu to Chettinad - a region packed with history and grandeur, well known for its local cuisine, religious temples and massive Chettinad mansions. Shop along the antique shops in the local market. Overnight stay at Chettinad.
Day 6: To Madurai
Today, we will ride to a unique village where you will get a chance to ride on a bullock cart, visit organic farms and relish a meal with the ingredients freshly sourced from the Farms. Later we will cycle to Madurai, an ancient city around 2600 years old situated in the banks or River Vaigai where ancient Tamil classics recorded the Meenakshi temple as the centre of the city and the surrounding streets appearing like lotus and its petals. Historically, Madurai is also called as the 'Athens of the East'. Overnight stay at Madurai.
Day 7: To Kodaikanal
Following the visit to "Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple" & "Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal", we will head towards the Western Ghats to the popular hill station of Kodaikanal, situated at an elevation of 2133 m above sea level. Enjoy the uphill ride in the Palani Hills crossing forested valleys and grassy hills. Overnight stay at Kodaikanal.
Day 8: In Kodaikanal
Day is free to explore the activities in Kodaikanal. Places to visit: Kodai Lake, Coakers Walk, Green Valley View, Pillar Rocks, Bear Shola Falls, Devils Kitchen. Overnight stay at Kodaikanal.
Day 9: To Munnar
Today we will hop in from one Hill Station to another and enter the state of Kerala, popularly known as Gods Own Country. Ride downhill from Kodaikanal and later uphill to Munnar. On the way we will cross Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and the sandalwood forests of Marayoor. We will stopover to watch Jaggery Making at Marayoor. Munnar, situated at a height of 1600 m above sea level is filled with sprawling tea plantations and picture book towns and was once the summer resort of the British Government of South India. Overnight stay at Munnar.
Day 10: In Munnar
Day is free to explore the activities in Munnar. Places to visit: Tea Museum, Mattupetty Lake and Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, Blossom Garden, Rajamalai. Overnight stay at Munnar.
Day 11: To Thekkady
Today we will ride across one of the most scenic routes in Kerala along the Western Ghats covered with tea and spice plantations. Enroute we will stop by a Spice Garden where you can see cardamoms, peppers, coffee, ginger, cocoa and nutmeg growing. We will reach Thekkady by evening. Thekkady, location of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spread across 777 sq. km out of which 360 sq. kms is thick evergreen forest. Thekkady is also considered a haven for natural spices. You can explore the various Activities - Jeep Safari, Forest Trekking, Bamboo Rafting, Nature Walks, Elephant Rides or Boating in the Periyar Lake. Overnight stay at Thekkady.
Day 12: To Alappuzha
Today will be our last day in the Western Ghats and we will begin our descent after crossing the town of Kuttikanam, an up market resort town during the British Raj. We will enter the Flat terrain and later arrive at the famous Alappuzha district of Kerala, well known for its pristine palm fringed Backwaters and the lush green Kuttanad region 'The Rice Bowl of Kerala', where rice is grown 2 to 3 metres below Sea Level. Enjoy cycling across the paddy fields of Kuttanad where you will witness variety of activities including Toddy Tapping, Houseboat Construction, Country Boats and the charming rural life of Kerala. Alternatively, you can hop in to a Houseboat and cruise through the Vembanad Lake. Overnight stay at Alappuzha.
Day 13: To Marari
Ride through rustic villages past markets, old lighthouse, beaches, temples and churches to Mararikulam, a fishing village with the pristine palm-fringed white sand Marari Beach lined with fisherman boats. Rest of the day is free to relax in the beach. Overnight stay at Marari.
Day 14: To Fort Kochi
Ride along the coastal route crossing the famous St. Andrews Basilica in Arthunkal, Andharkaranzhi beach and Chellanam to reach Fort Kochi. Enroute we will see Traditional Coir Making. Fort Kochi, one of the most visited places in South India is a significant place with every nook and corner of the island steeped with history having been occupied & inhabited by the Chines, Arabs, Jews, Portuguese, Dutch & British. Watch the fishermen set up their large cantilevered Chinese Fishing nets or ride across the colonial town crossing some significant landmarks including Dutch Palace & Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry and the St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica in Fort Kochi or stroll across the numerous cafes and restaurants in Princess Street. Overnight stay at Fort Kochi.
Day 15: Departure
Our tour ends today following a rich cultural and adventurous experience in South India. Wishing you sweet memories and hope to see you again.
