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Your Keralan Cycle Challenge takes you from India’s southern plains, through tea gardens and along the Western Ghat to Tamil Nadu, covering nearly 450kms of traditional Indian countryside.
Fondly known as "God's own country" Kerala covers an area of 38,863sq kms and is bordered by Karnataka to the north, Tamil Nadu to the south & east, and the Arabian Sea towards the west. Kerala is famous for its backwaters, stunning beaches, incredible wildlife and tropical greenery.
Your route criss-crosses the Periyar River, at 244kms the longest river in the state of Kerala. The Periyar is often referred to as the Lifeline of Kerala and you will witness its abundant natural eco-system and life on the river first hand as you ride alongside its banks.
Leaving the low lying Keralan Plains you will cycle onwards and upwards to the tea gardens of Munnar at around 1,500m. Here you will stay in some unique eco-lodges living close to rare species of birds and flora as you watch one of India’s oldest industries at work on the plantations.
Your ride will then swoop down through the phenomenal Western Ghats, a hotspot for biodiversity and an area of great natural beauty, making every kilometre cycled even more rewarding. You will carry on as far as the plains of Tamil Nadu state, before journeying back into the state of Kerala at Vandanmedu at 1,090m.
The return journey carries on alongside the Ghat’s mountainous ridges and on towards the Vagamon before reaching Cochin once more. Here you will celebrate the completion of your challenge with a journey down the backwaters of Kerala on one of the famous and spectacular rice boats.