Cycle Kerala
On this fantastic charity challenge, we discover Kerala – South India’s most serene and beautiful state. We start our challenge in Thattekad, before journeying through dense forests, tea plantations and ascend up to Munnar – surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. We witness the world famous arch dam of Idukki, before beginning our descent. Crossing Vembanad Lake by houseboat, we continue to our destination of Marari, where we enjoy a celebratory meal! We then have a free day to relax and enjoy miles of golden sand at Marari Beach or visit the historic city Fort Cochin. This fantastic cycle challenge involves tough climbs throughout – but we will be rewarded with the most spectacular scenery!
358km
Approx. distance
Challenging (1)
Challenge Grading
10 days
Challenge Duration
India
Challenge Location
Challenge Highlights
Discover Munnar, set amidst dramatic mountain scenery and some of the world’s highest tea plantations
Visit the world famous arch dam of Idukki
Experience breakfast on board a houseboat as we cross the stunning Vembanad Lake
Enjoy a free day in beautiful Marari – relax on the stunning beach with miles of golden sand!
Challenge Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart UK
We depart the UK for our flight to India.
Day 2 - Thattekad
We land at Cochin International Airport and transfer to our overnight stay in Thattekad; our starting point for this fantastic challenge. After a bike fitting we have the option of going for a short warm up ride. We will then meet for a welcome dinner and challenge briefing in the evening.
Day 3 - Thattekad to Munnar
After breakfast we set off cycling along the Periyar riverbank and through dense low altitude forests of Neriamangalam where reed is extracted to make traditional household items such as baskets and mats. As the scenery slowly changes, we get a glimpse of rubber, pepper, cardamom and finally tea plantations. Munnar, once a favourite summer resort town of the British, is set amidst dramatic mountain scenery, craggy peaks, tall redwood trees, and some of the world’s highest tea plantations.
Cycling distance – approx. 70km
Day 4 - Munnar to Thekkady
Following an early breakfast, we have a 20km transfer before starting our day of cycling. We cycle along winding roads through tea gardens and forests, before cycling through the Lockhart gap overlooking the spectacular Bison Valley. We will pass through thick forests, cardamom estates and spice gardens, that have made these Cardamom Hills world famous, before arriving at our overnight accommodation. Today is a challenging cycle, but we will be rewarded with spectacular scenery!
Cycling distance – approx. 80km
Day 5 - Thekkady to Kulamavu
After breakfast we start the most challenging day of the trip. We ascend through spice plantations, as we are surrounded by magnificent views. After a steep climb, we are rewarded with views of the famous arch dam of Idukki. We then cross the beautiful Kulamavu dam before we reach our accommodation for the night.
Cycling distance – approx. 80km
Day 6 - Kulamavu to Kumarakom
Today we will cover a lot of distance – but it will be a much less challenging day. After breakfast we start with a 24km descent followed by a small climb – the last incline of the trip! It’s all downhill from here with beautiful views of the plains, as we reach the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom. We then have some time to relax and enjoy this stunning location.
Cycling distance – approx. 98km
Day 7 - Kumarakom to Marari
The last day of cycling, and a memorable one at that! We embark on a house boat to cross the scenic Vembanad Lake to start the final leg of our cycling challenge. We’ll eat on board the houseboat – one of the most spectacular settings to enjoy breakfast! We then cycle along plain roads to our final destination of Marari, a beautiful and tranquil area of Kerala. Here we will enjoy a well deserved celebratory dinner with local entertainment.
Cycling distance – approx. 30km
Day 8 - Marari
Today we enjoy some free time to relax and look back on our fantastic achievement. We can spend some free time on the beach, soaking in the beautiful surroundings. Or for those feeling a bit more energetic there is an optional tour to visit Fort Cochin, where we can explore the historic city including the St. Francis Church, Jew Street and the Synagogue.
Day 9 - Return to UK
We transfer to Cochin International Airport for our flight back to the UK.
Day 10 - Arrive UK
We arrive in the UK, and make our onward journeys home.
Please note, this is a complex itinerary and subject to change.
Challenge Inclusions
What's Included
Before Your Challenge
- Your own personalised account hub that houses all your challenge support information to ensure you are fully prepared for your challenge
- Support documents to aid your preparation including but not limited to further information about your challenge, detailed challenge itinerary, kit lists, training plan/schedule, fundraising advice
- Discount vouchers with affiliate partners such as Nomad Travel
- A dedicated Customer Care team supports each participant from registration and is always on hand to answer queries
- Financial Protection
- Risk Management including but not limited to challenge specific risk assessments, emergency management plans and medical screening.
On Your Challenge
- Return flights from a London airport to India
- All transfers per the itinerary including to and from the in-country airport
- 7 nights accommodation, 6 nights in a hotel, twin share with private bathroom, 1 night camping, twin share per tent.
- All meals including celebratory dinner starting from dinner on day 2 through to breakfast on day 9, with the exception of lunch day 8
- Drinking water, snacks and fruit for all cycling days
- Private vehicles for backup, support and transfers
- Local English-speaking guides
- Mechanical and medical support
- Global Adventure Challenges leader from the UK
- Full and comprehensive first aid / medical kits
- Local bike hire with spares
- Challenge Medal
- GAC 24 hour emergency on call team
What's Not Included
- Airport taxes and fuel surcharge – Please refer to Dates and Costs section. These are approximately £250 and payable 8 weeks prior to departure to departure
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks and drinks during meals
- Tips and gratuities
- Visa for India
- Lunch on day 2 and 8
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this trip for me?
ABSOLUTELY! This cycle is suitable for all ages with the correct training. The minimum age for this cycle is 18 years old (14-17 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). The one thing everyone will have in common is a great sense of adventure and a desire to help a charity. Whether you are taking part as an individual or as a team with friends, team spirit will be flying high on the challenge.
How fit do I need to be?
This cycle ride has been graded as Challenging (1) on our challenge grading scheme, and is push your boundaries – however it is achievable by anyone as long as you fitness train beforehand! Remember, you are cycling for 5 days and in very hot temperatures – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy this challenge. Cycling training tips can be found on the Global Adventure Challenges website to point you in the right direction.
Our policy is to encourage and support as many people as possible to take part in our challenges. But they may not be suitable for all people due to restriction posed by limitation in mobility, physical or cognitive disability, pregnancy or other various medical conditions. If you have any doubts regarding your suitability for your challenge please contact our office to speak to one of the team.
What is the challenge grading scheme?
All our challenges are graded on a scale from 1 to 3 to indicate the level of difficulty, 1 being the lowest challenge grade and 3 being the most challenging. (1 = Challenging, 2 = Tough and 3 = Extreme).
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
No. All luggage will be transported from accommodation to accommodation by our support vehicles. You will need a small saddle bag/bum bag/‘camel bak’ while cycling, to carry items such as camera, sunscreen, etc. Some people find wearing a back pack uncomfortable due to the heat and humidity, but it’s your choice.
Do I need specialist kit?
We will supply you with a kit list of what to take once you register to take part. Apart from some cycling shorts, a cycling helmet and maybe some cycling gloves, you do not need any specialist kit. Participants can bring their own pedals, bar-ends and any other personal cycling equipment they see fit to modify the bikes supplied, although it is not compulsory.
Food Matters...
All meals will be provided on the challenge, from lunch on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 9 (except lunch on Day 8). Food will be predominantly South Indian with a good selection of meat and vegetables, and there will be some Western cuisine at the hotels in the evenings. We cater for most dietary requirements so long as we know in advance – just fill in the appropriate section on your registration form.
What support is there on the challenge?
There will be a strong support team with a professional Global Adventure Challenges leader from the UK, as well as local guides. Full, comprehensive first aid kits will be taken and we are never too far away from hospitals. An air-conditioned vehicle will accompany the group providing support if needed.
Can I stay in India after the challenge?
Yes you can, but this is subject to us being able to amend your booking from our flights inclusive package to our ground only package. For further information on how our ground only packages work, please visit our guide to ground only challenges.
If you have already registered and would like to request a change to our ground only package, please contact [email protected].
What happens if I get tired?
There will be regular rest stops for drinks and snacks – there is no problem if you need to take more rest stops. A guide will be bringing up the rear of the group on the cycle ride ensuring no-one is left alone – remember though, this is not a race!
How do I go about raising the sponsorship?
Once you have signed up you will receive a fundraising pack from your charity in order to make your fundraising as easy as possible. You will also receive a few tips and ideas from Global Adventure Challenges to help you on your way.
Request a Call Back
We understand that booking your challenge is a big step, and you may have some questions before you take the plunge! If you'd like to talk to our Customer Care team before you book your space, just click the button below to request a call.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
dates and costs
Payment Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
This option means the challenge balance of your event cost is met through raising a minimum sponsorship for a charity of your choice.
Step 1 – To join the challenge you pay the non-refundable registration fee directly to us and commit to raising the minimum sponsorship shown on the challenge page.
Step 2 – Start fundraising and send your sponsorship money to your chosen charity as you raise it. Your charity will most likely keep a log of monies you are sending in.
Step 3 – 80% of your minimum sponsorship must be received by your charity no later than 12 weeks before departure. If you have raised the required amount, your charity would then be in a position to pay the challenge balance, which is never more than 50% of the minimum sponsorship figure.
Step 4 – The remaining 20% of your minimum sponsorship should be sent to your charity no later than 6 weeks following your return after the challenge. Some charities may request you send this 20% to them before the challenge takes place – your charity will guide you further on this.
Payment Option B - Self-Funding
This option enables you to fund the entire challenge yourself, which means you do not have to commit to raising a set sponsorship. Although no fundraising is required, we do strongly encourage you to support a charity of your choice and raise as much as you possibly can.
Step 1 – You pay the non-refundable registration fee to us, in order to join the challenge.
Step 2 – Prior to your departure, you will receive an invoice to pay the challenge balance as shown on the respective challenge page.
Step 3 – The challenge balance invoice is to be paid no later than 12 weeks before departure.