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Discover the rugged mountains of the Western Ghats, known as the crucible of endemism and one of the earth’s 35 bio-diversity hot-spots on this incredible ride on back roads through the Western Ghats. The ride passes through high altitude rain forests, tribal villages, farm lands, spice plantations & tea gardens. Your stay will be at exclusive and well appointed eco-lodges, colonial tea estate bungalows, plantation bungalows with spectacular view of the mountains & heritage villas at scenic locations.
Day 1: Thattekkad
Arrive Kochi International Airport. You will be transferred to the lowland forests of Thattekkad, set on the banks of the Periyar river. Check out and fit out the cycles for the tough challenge ahead. You can take off for a quick ride to Edmalayar in the nearby forests along the mountain tracks to get acclimatized to the terrain and climate for the days ahead.
Day 2: Munnar
Your ride today is first big challenge – riding from 300’ to above 4500’. You will be riding along the side of the river Periyar, through forests, spice plantations, countryside of pineapple plantations & rubber estates. At Neriamangalam, you will start the ride uphill through narrow mountain roads with deep chasms on its side, wilderness interspersed with lakes, spice growing villages and narrow rivulets and deep canyons, till we reach the foothills of the Western Ghats at Adimali. From here a tough 15 kms ride takes you to the day’s destination Munnar - once a British planters’ creation set amidst dramatic mountain scenery: craggy peaks, tall red wood trees, and some of the world’s highest tea plantations. The sceneries are awe inspiring and the ride away from the tourist trails is truly spectacular. The terrain is undulating but the scenic beauty of the manicured tea gardens is bound to mesmerize you. Your stay would be at a small family owned resort set amidst a cardamom Estate.
Day 3: Pollachi
You will be up early and we ride through the only sandalwood forest in India and the dry deciduous forests of the wildlife sanctuary at Chinnar, with chances of sightings of wildlife roaming free. Soon we will cross the boundaries into Tamilnadu and pass through temple towns and large farmlands and bustling towns as you reach the foothills of Indira Gandhi National park – one of the most wildlife rich parks in India, a place known for its great swathes of forests and wildlife - birds, butterflies, elephants, sloth bears, leopards, gaurs (Indian Bison), dholes (wild dogs) and the king cobra. Your stay will be at a resort with plantations of coconuts.
Day 4: Valparai
Today is the biggest challenge of the entire ride – riding the 44 ‘hair-pin’ bends through the narrow mountain trail taking us into the heart of Valparai, famed for its tea and rain forests which are the last bastion for the endangered Lion Tailed Macaques . On arrival by afternoon we will settle into the luxurious tea estate bungalow.
Day 5: Kochi
You will have the full day riding around this wonderful mountain region & going off into the rain forests to sight the endemic and endangered Lion Tailed Macaques among the numerous wildlife usually sighted here. You will then once again ride to the lower elevations through spectacular forest patches of Sholayar, lakes and cascading rivers to the site of the greatest waterfall in Kerala at Athirapilly. Thereafter you will be making a short transfer to Kochi where we end your trip.
Day 6 : Depart
Visa
Visitors to India must obtain a Visa before departure. You can consult the nearest Indian Embassy/ High Commission/ Consular Office for the same.
First Aid
Our guides have been adequately trained in first aid and always carry a comprehensive first-aid kit. In case of any medical emergency we have facilities to transfer you to the nearest hospital immediately.
Airport Tax
Airport or departure taxes are not applicable if you depart from Kochi.
Accomodation
You will be put up in Heritage Hotels, Villas, eco-lodges & camps.
Climate
The weather is tropical and warm. Monsoons months are June to September.
Transportation Guides
Transportation (sometimes including airport transfers) are included in the cost. The vehicle with roof top carriers will accompany throughout. We provide qualified cycling guide for the tour.
First Aid
Our guides have been adequately trained in first aid and always carry a comprehensive first-aid kit. In case of any medical emergency we have facilities to transfer you to the nearest hospital immediately.
Food
Food is a very important part of these journeys and we have ensured that the local Cuisine is a part of this adventure. Refreshments and bottled mineral water are provided on all cycling days. Any special food requirements can be met if sufficient notice is given.
Spending Money
During the cycling there will be opportunities to do some shopping and money spent along the way goes directly into the hands of the local communities.
What to bring
Clothing:
Cottons
Warm Clothes (Fleece, Jackets, Gloves, Caps)
Biking shorts
Camelbacks
Waterproof jackets
Casual Shirts/T-shirts
Others:
Binocs & Camera (optional)
Torch
Insect repellent
Sunglasses, cap
Sun screen lotion
Canteen
Day pack
Bike Specifications
Bike type: Cannondale/ Trek / MERIDA
Number of gears: 21-24
Brakes: V-Brakes
Suspension: Front
Pedals: Standard
frame range: 16 - 21
Bike bag provided: No
Water bottle holder provided: Yes
Water bottle provided: No
Adjustable handlebars: No
Female saddles provided: No
Gel saddles provided: No
Option to fit own saddle: Yes
Option to fit own pedal: Yes
Bar ends : No
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