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Southern Sojourn India: The Robusta and Arabica Adventure

Cycle through tea and coffee country, rural countryside, back roads, off-road trails and wildlife sanctuaries. Includes a safari into a sanctuary for an opportunity to sight wildlife.


This ride covers the Coorg (Karnataka), the Wayanad district and ends with a taste of the Malabar coast (Kerala). These areas are known for their coffee plantations, scenic back country scenery and you'll almost always be surrounded by tea and coffee estates. Your accommodation will be best-in-class at some of the most beautiful properties enroute, with gorgeous views and all the amenities you need.  


Details

Start/End: Begins in Calicut and ends there. We suggest you fly into Calicut airport. The other option is Bangalore airport. However, the road trip from Bangalore will be around 5-6 hours and can be arranged at additional costs. For those flying into Calicut, you will be transferred to the resort in Vythiri, Kerala - the official start point for the tour.  


Duration: 14D/13N


Price:  USD 3450*


Date: November 15-28, 2025 

Date: January 17-30, 2026


Note: Tour dates can also be customized if there are 6+ participants who want to do this tour together. 


Weather: Warm/humid (expect 30-32°C/86°F during the day, with moderate to high humidity; crisp and cooler mornings and evenings)


Cycles: The vendor will provide branded (Scott/Trek etc.) MTB cycles. We recommend you use the vendor supplied cycles. Bringing in your own cycles is not recommended.  The bikes are all good quality and the vendor will ensure you have the right fit beforehand. Please check the 'Inclusions' section below. 


* Double occupancy/twin-sharing. Single supplement is USD 1040 and USD 50 per per person for airport transfers (from Calicut, either way). Priced for a minimum of 6 participants. 

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The Route

Tour Information

Adventure Awaits: A Trip of a Lifetime!

You will explore the Coorg, Wayanad region in the Southern part of India and end the trip with a houseboat experience and get some time to spend at an oceanfront resort. The state of the roads usually depends on the severity of the rainy season for that particular year. Expect undulating terrain, some short but steep uphills, some broken tarmac and rough stretches and some smoother roads. Smaller country roads are usually reasonably good but always watch out for small bumps. Your discomfort level will be low as you'll be on high quality bikes with front suspension.


This is an amazingly beautiful route, which takes you through some gorgeous scenery and back roads which you might not even find on the maps. Most of them are relatively quiet though you will come across a few towns while on the route. The good news is that the ride is fully supported and the support vehicle should not be too far just in case you're done or want to skip a portion of the ride. 


About me: Anita

Your Host/Guide & India Expert

I have been travelling in India for well over two decades and have over this time built up a lot of knowledge on how to navigate the country and find amazing and unique experiences. I spent many years as a travel blogger and discovering many different destinations in India. 


As a cyclist, hiker and adventure lover, I've done many of these rides myself and will be there to help and guide you navigate these scenic and beautiful routes. From the tough and challenging Tour of the Niligiris in South India; climbing from Manali to Leh over the Khardungla pass and a week-long self supported cycling adventure in Goa, I have been lucky enough to have had some memorable experiences on two wheels. I recently also did a hiking trip in Uttaranchal, going up to 13000 feet. 


I hope you'll join me for an adventure of a lifetime! 


Day-wise Itinerary

Day 1&2

Day 5 & 6

Day 1&2

Arrive into Calicut. One transfer will be provided within a reasonable window. You will be transferred to Wayanad by road (around 2.5 hours away) and check-into your resort. You will get matched with your cycles this evening so you're ready to ride tomorrow. Tonight, you'll be staying at a beautiful plantation resort. Gear up to wake up t

Arrive into Calicut. One transfer will be provided within a reasonable window. You will be transferred to Wayanad by road (around 2.5 hours away) and check-into your resort. You will get matched with your cycles this evening so you're ready to ride tomorrow. Tonight, you'll be staying at a beautiful plantation resort. Gear up to wake up to some amazing in the morning! 


Day 2:  You start riding after breakfast and will be covering some part of a highway, tea estates, and the road is a mix of undulating, broken and smooth tarmac, with tea gardens along the way till you reach a reservoir. We have a packed lunch overlooking the reservoir after which it's a very short ride to the next point. Expect some broken roads and rural countryside on this stretch. We'll also visit a bamboo cooperative society on the way. 


We will be transferred back to the resort by our vehicle to allow you some time to relax, enjoy the pool and chill out over a relaxed dinner. 


Total distance = ~ 45 kms/28 miles

Day 3

Day 5 & 6

Day 1&2

 We leave our resort and start biking after breakfast. 


We will head towards Pozhuthana, Banasura dam and Vellamunda on single roads, some broken tarmac, but all rural with some stunning mountain views. Be prepared to take lots of pictures from various scenic points! 


Lunch is enroute again today and we spend some time relaxing before the f

 We leave our resort and start biking after breakfast. 


We will head towards Pozhuthana, Banasura dam and Vellamunda on single roads, some broken tarmac, but all rural with some stunning mountain views. Be prepared to take lots of pictures from various scenic points! 


Lunch is enroute again today and we spend some time relaxing before the final few miles to our stay for the night - a heritage plantation bungalow nestled amidst a sprawling tea estate. The ride will be through rural backroads and you can ride up to the bungalow. Or choose to be transported up from the main road as it's a slightly taxing uphill! 


Cool off in the swimming pool, get some tea(but of course!), and we will also organize an evening to visit the tea factory within the plantation. 


Total distance = ~ 45 kms/28 miles

Day 4

Day 5 & 6

Day 5 & 6

 We begin our adventure after breakfast today through tea estates, broken tarmac and some slightly rough riding in the morning. 


We pedal towards Kuruva, which is through rural countryside, with some forest cover, and along the Kabini river. We'll also cross paddy fields, and head towards Bavali and Kattikulam - here you'll get some good t

 We begin our adventure after breakfast today through tea estates, broken tarmac and some slightly rough riding in the morning. 


We pedal towards Kuruva, which is through rural countryside, with some forest cover, and along the Kabini river. We'll also cross paddy fields, and head towards Bavali and Kattikulam - here you'll get some good tarmac road as we travel through a wildlife sanctuary. 


Lunch will be at a hotel enroute and we'll then pedal the remaining miles through Kattikulam and Thirunelli - winding roads, some off road, some smooth tarmac and we can do a photo shoot of the Thirunelli temple (fro the outside only). 


Our abode or the night is a beautiful resort located near the temple. 


Total distance = ~38 kms/23.5 miles

Day 5 & 6

Day 5 & 6

Day 5 & 6

We have a longer day on the road today and we'll start riding after breakfast as usual. You can look forward to the luxury of a beautiful location and a pool overlooking the golf links - if that makes you pedal somewhat faster! We will spend an additional night at this next location. 


We'll travel from Thirunelli towards Bittangala through

We have a longer day on the road today and we'll start riding after breakfast as usual. You can look forward to the luxury of a beautiful location and a pool overlooking the golf links - if that makes you pedal somewhat faster! We will spend an additional night at this next location. 


We'll travel from Thirunelli towards Bittangala through a wildlife sanctuary, countryside, coffee estates and the roads as usual are a mix - just expect everything! Packed lunch enroute today. 


After a few more miles of pedalling,  you'll reach the this stunning golf retreat.  


The next day (6) is free (or you can choose to play golf - additional charges apply), explore the surroundings or you just relax by the poolside overlooking the golf links - did we mention that the pool is just stunning? 


Total distance = ~70 kms/43.4 miles



Day 7

Day 9&10

Day 7

 After a day's rest, you'll probably be eager to get back on your bikes again. We will start towards Bittangala and Virajpet, crossng  Ammathi, Polibetta, and

Gonikoppa. Make sure you keep a watch out for any towns and regroup. 


The route as usual will be a mix of both broken tarmac, smooth roads and through many more coffee plantations. 


Pa

 After a day's rest, you'll probably be eager to get back on your bikes again. We will start towards Bittangala and Virajpet, crossng  Ammathi, Polibetta, and

Gonikoppa. Make sure you keep a watch out for any towns and regroup. 


The route as usual will be a mix of both broken tarmac, smooth roads and through many more coffee plantations. 


Packed lunch will be enroute and we'll make a stop to understand how coffee is grown, various varieties of coffee and how it’s processed. 


Your resort for the night is one of the best in this area. Be prepared to enjoy yourself in the lap of nature amid greenery, and a lush environment. The pool awaits in case you want to cool off! 


Total Distance: ~55 kms/34 miles

Day 8

Day 9&10

Day 7

A special day today as we get to visit the Golden temple, the largest Buddhist settlement in the world. The Buddhist community sought refuge here after the Chinese invasion of Tibet and is one of the several settlements in the country.

But before that, we will spend some time biking through more coffee plantations, and rural roads befor

A special day today as we get to visit the Golden temple, the largest Buddhist settlement in the world. The Buddhist community sought refuge here after the Chinese invasion of Tibet and is one of the several settlements in the country.

But before that, we will spend some time biking through more coffee plantations, and rural roads before we arrive at our scenic and luxurious resort.

The visit to Bylakuppe, which is the location of the Golden temple will be organized separately after the day's cycling. The temple is beautiful and you'll get some time to explore it at leisure.

After the temple visit, we'll come back to the resort and relax and enjoy a mix of comfort and luxury at this fantastic accommodation.

Total Distance = ~55 kms/34 miles

Day 9&10

Day 9&10

Day 9&10

 Today, we start off with a drive first as we want to avoid a highway. We will visit the Dubare Elephant camp where elephants are rehabilitated. 


We start our ride will start. We have a slightly long day today on our cycles but you'll love the destination as it involves a bit of life on the wild side! 


Today's ride will take us through  

Sid

 Today, we start off with a drive first as we want to avoid a highway. We will visit the Dubare Elephant camp where elephants are rehabilitated. 


We start our ride will start. We have a slightly long day today on our cycles but you'll love the destination as it involves a bit of life on the wild side! 


Today's ride will take us through  

Siddapura, Pollibetta, Tithimathi and includes coffee estates, rolling Deccan plateau, farming villages, and a wildlife sanctuary with lunch enroute. This is your last official cycling day, so make sure you enjoy it! Of course, the adventure is not yet over...


You will arrive at your wilderness lodge, which borders the Nagarhole forest. The road into the lodge is slightly rough and we can also transport you in the support van. Be prepared for an unforgettable experience! The next day at your leisure to explore the area including forest and night walks, a wildlife safari or to relax and listen to bird chirping and forest sounds!


Total Distance: ~ 65 kms/40 miles



Day 11

Day 9&10

Day 9&10

 Check out after breakfast from this dream location and we have a long drive ahead towards Nileshwar. After all this time in the interiors of Kerala, you will probably be waiting for a glimpse of the Indian ocean and the coast. The drive is around 5 hours and we will aim to arrive a little after noon.

Board a houseboat - and if you haven

 Check out after breakfast from this dream location and we have a long drive ahead towards Nileshwar. After all this time in the interiors of Kerala, you will probably be waiting for a glimpse of the Indian ocean and the coast. The drive is around 5 hours and we will aim to arrive a little after noon.

Board a houseboat - and if you haven't done this before - it's a unique Kerala experience! We will spend the rest of the afternoon until the next morning cruising the beautiful Valiyaparamba backwaters of north Kerala. Lunch, dinner and breakfast will be onboard.

The houseboat will dock for the night, as required by law.

Day 12

After the houseboat experience, we'll be transported to an amazing oceanfront resort and spa where you'll get a chance to totally pamper yourself 


This day is for your leisure and you can take advantage of the facilities at this luxury resort. Make sure you get in your Ayurvedic spa and massage (all services are at additional costs). Or relax by the pool side and enjoy Kerala's sprawling coastline! 

Day 13 & 14

We have a different kind of journey planned for you today and it's by a super-fast train. It's a short enough distance and will give you the experience of an Indian train ride. 


As we near the end, it's time to get back into a bustling city and get to know and explore Calicut. In the evening, we have a market experience planned - think busy, chaotic and some shopping! You will stay at one of Calicut's prime properties with some great views of the city. 


On day 14, you will check out after breakfast for your onward flights and next leg of your journey. 

Where you'll stay: plantation bungalow, wildlife lodge, oceanfront retreat, golf resort, houseboat...

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    FAQs/Terms & Conditions

    •  Local a/c transport throughout tour including one consolidated airport transfer for the group from the airport. For individual pick-up and drop, additional charges might apply. 
    • 24 or 27-geared mountain bikes (Scott, Cannondale, Giant, Trek or similar) with front suspension and knobbly tires and cycling helmet. Optional gel seat cover. Cycle sizes MUST be communicated in advance.
    • The vendor will cover normal repairs and wear and tear, but repairs/replacement due to wanton damage or misuse by a rider will be charged. Riders must bring any other personal gear such as gloves, goggles, hydration packs etc. – these will not be provided as part of the tour.
    • Water and fruits during cycling. Please carry your own bottles for the cycles. 
    • 1 x cycle carrier vehicle, 1 x motorbike, 1 x emergency evacuation car in addition to above guest transport.
    • Staff trained in first-aid, along-with first-aid kit
    • Guide, cycle mechanic and support staff for activities as outlined above.
    • Accommodation on single occupancy basis, meals and activities for one Tour Guide
    • All entrance fees and forest fees
    • 1 x jeep safari into Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
    • Accommodation for 13 nights on twin-sharing basis. Please note that checkin on Day 1 is 12 noon. Early checkin may incur additional charges and is dependent on availability. Single supplement charge is payable for single occupancy.
    • Dinner on Day 1 (arrival day), B+L+D on days 2-13, B on Day 14 (B:Breakfast; L:Lunch; D:Dinner). Lunch may be packed lunch or at hygienic local eateries en-route. Lunch on Day 1 can be ordered at the resort  additional costs,
    • Everything else is excluded unless stated specifically as an inclusion.


     Primarily tarmac (smooth and broken) with tree cover along significant part of the route. Some sections of the route pass through forested sections, where there is a chance of spotting wildlife.

    Short sections of off-road trail. Terrain is undulating. Most uphill sections are short, and usually followed by a downhill section. There will be a 5minute halt every hour to ensure that everyone remains hydrated and for eating some fruit/snacks.


    •  The advertised price is net payable. The cost is for a minimum of 6 people. 
    • The advertised price is for double occupancy (twin-sharing) and single supplement is USD 1040. 
    • September 15 is the closing date to book and pay 100% of the amount for the November 15, 2025 tour. 
    • November 17 is the closing date to book and pay 100% of the amount for the January 17, 2026 tour. 
    • Payment fees, such as credit card surcharge, bank fees, payment portal fees, forex conversion charges etc. will be applicable in addition at actuals.
    • The vendor will make all efforts to book rooms at the hotels stated above. However, in case of non-availability or significant price variations, the vendor reserves the right to provide alternate accommodation of a similar standard.
    • In an effort to reduce plastic waste, we will provide only 20 litre bottles of water which guests can refill from, rather than individual 500ml/1L bottles. All guests should therefore carry their own water bottles.
    • Checkin-checkout times as per individual hotel policy. Early checkin or late checkout at discretion of the hotel, and may incur additional charges.
    • Any trail can be cancelled or modified based on weather conditions and upon risk assessments by our staff.
    • All participants will fill up the vendor's Application Form and Accident Waiver and Release of Liability form before inclusion in any activity.
    • Payment of 100% of the tour cost advertised is required 60 days in advance before bookings can be confirmed.
    • Participants must arrange their own medical and travel insurance and ensure it covers the activities stated.


    • Cancellation/Reschedule more than 30 days in advance: 75% refund or carry-forward of paid amount.
    • Cancellation/Reschedule within 16 – 30 days: 50% refund or carry-forward of paid amount.
    • Cancellation/Reschedule within 15 days or less: No refund or carry-forward of paid amount.
    • Cancellation of tour by vendor : Full refund less payment/exchange rate fees.


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