Internationale groepsreis Cycle Kerala & Tropical India

Rik

Fietsen door Kerala, prachtige internationale reis. Soms qua verkeer druk en chaotisch, veelal rustige wegen in prachtig land. Hotels redelijk, voedsel overvloedig. Zeer gemotiveerde reisleider en dito crew met volgwagen de gehele route. Internationale groep van 14 personen van wie een ieder de 'Tour de Kerala' goed heeft doorstaan. Aanrader!!!!!

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

India is an eye-opening place and I am very pleased I've been. The people are fantastically friendly I can't count the number of photographs I'm in with my new Indian 'friends'.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I think it would pretty hard to top the climb to Ooty. No number of warnings about how hard it is or how steep it is in places prepares you for just how hard and steep it is. I  commute everyday by bike in London and now that I have experienced Indian traffic particularly in Mysore I feel I can cycle anywhere with confidence!

What did you think of your group leader?

Joseph was great. He was very helpful and well organised. He managed to get us all onto to a train to Varkala when we could no longer cycle because of the country-wide general strike. He was pretty good at pointing out things of interest - especially trees and fruit, etc.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you have reasonable fitness then this holiday should be fine. There's no need to be like Bradley Wiggins. I took out Sterling and changed currency in the towns which is fairly easy to do - avoid changing at the airport as the rates aren't so good - because while there are plenty of ATMs not all of them work (I thought it was a bank issue despite me telling them I was going to be away but it appears it was an ATM issue). I did find an ATM that worked and that was fine. Including tips, etc, I struggled to spend £250 over the two weeks. Despite using DEET throughout the holiday I did get bitten quite a lot - actually while we were on holiday there was an article published on the BBC news website saying that mosquitoes are becoming tolerant to DEET. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21519998. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It is a shame that there was a general strike in our second week which meant that we only had one day's cycling - though it did mean we got to travel by railway. This is definitely a holiday of two halves - the first week is pretty intense with quite hilly terrain, lots of early starts and very little free time. In the second week the cycling is much flatter as you're at the coast but there's less cycling and more free days. Personally I would have preferred a bit more cycling in the second week.

Kerala

All in all this was a fabulous trip ! Food was excellent. Hotels etc excellent. Cycling challenging enough to give you something to think about each day. Local people wonderful ! Just do it !

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Cycling all the way up Ootty !

What did you think of your group leader?

Saafi and his team were EXCELLENT !!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Ladies don't worry you can cycle in Lycra and vests all the time. I packed all sorts of cover up clothes that never came out of my bag !

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I packed mozzy stuff, Imodium, and pain killers - NONE WERE NECESSARY. - fabulous trip !!

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Beautiful and very varied scenery; great cycling, great food and always something to see.  The traffic is not as daunting as it first seems.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching hairpin bend 1 on the Ooty climb and finding out the road still goes up!

What did you think of your group leader?

Safi was good; could have asked a little more what we wanted eg. getting to the beach and then we had to wait and eat hot chips before we could go for a swim!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

From reading some of the other reviews...it's a Moderate-Challenging cycling trip; that means you should be able to ride a bike, some distance, change gears, ride in traffic and, hopefully, not fall off.  The traffic was daunting at first (day 1 returning into Mysore in the dark) but you soon learn that it works, they merge and give way when they need to.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Loved it...I am a sunday cyclist so a bit nervous i wasn't sure if i would manage...Not a problem, challenging at time but really enjoyed it.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Going up 60km down....Great fun !

What did you think of your group leader?

Our crew were excellent

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Book it !

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I was nicely surprised by the food, explosion of flavours...

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

This was a fantatic trip to suit people who enjoy cuture, cycling and great food. Guides were great and support excellent. There are not too many transfers so great continuity.Loved it.  

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing all of the locals coming out, waving and wishing us well.

What did you think of your group leader?

Very patient, kind, sociable and easy going at the same time. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Drink plenty of water, take some salt / hydration nourishment and make sure you are fit enough for the ride.  

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks to Joseph, Abishake and Vippin for great guidance and support.    

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

An amazing experience riding and eating my way through Southern India. The cycling at times was challenging but the group and leader were always there to offer support. The warmth and sincerity from the local people was tremendous and I urge anybody who wants a good mix of cycling to take this incredible journey.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

For me it was an afternoon spent at a local orphanage with such wonderful children. These kids didnt beg or want our money they were just happy to play football,cricket,skip or even learn the "chicken song !" They were highly  articulate and intelligent and despite all the poverty they did not stop smiling.   I also have to mention Tommy who battled up Ooty  and pedelled every painfull step of the way....what an inspiration he was

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader was Joseph Checkov.He was a brilliant leader,always there to help when language was an issue,always found me the best toilet or bush! Joseph chose our meals to make things easier and is responsible for my weight gainas he chose such delicious food! He became a friend and spent time getting to know us and our culture and spent time informing us about his culture and about India. Joseph helped in every possible way and always put our needs first.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do not underestimate the cycling espescially in the first week which does contain some challenging hills..or as Joseph used to say..undulating! Ooty isa 13 km hill with 36 hairpin bends and is very challenging.That said with stops and determination it is there to be beaten. Take a comfy saddle as the trek saddles are male specific and quite uncomfortable Do not take travellers cheques as there are very few opportunities to cash  them 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Superb trip with a mixture of cycling from hills to dramatic downhill sections and long stretches of flat riding.This is not for the faint hearted as some of the main roads are quite scary untill you get used to the fact that anything goes on the roads! That said we all survived and so longas your bell works then you will be fine! The accommodation was of a good standard and we were always made to feel welcome even when we arrived covered in mud,sweat,sun cream and chain oil! I had a fantastic time with a wonderful group and leader. I must also mention Abbi who drove the support vehicle and kept us filled up with waterand finally Romeo (vibin) who cycled well under his ability at the rear to keep us safe. 

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

This was a great trip with an interesting group of people and wonderful support from our leader Joseph who was always there to help in all matters. He was so efficient that we may have become too dependent on him. Abby was also very committed and gave me a lot of snacks and water going up Ooty.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Just meeting the local people throughout the trip who were so open and friendly was incredible. It gave me a new prospective on how it is that total strangers can be so open and friendly without seeking personal gain.  

What did you think of your group leader?

Joseph is the consummate professional in every way. Always there for support and totally on the ball.  

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

You have to be calm and focused when cycling in built-up areas and the highways.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I just felt very at home in Kerala. There was a sense of belonging and familiarity  which is weird because I had never been there before.

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

This was our first lengthy cycling trip and it has inspired us to book another next year.  The long distances, level of difficulty and heat were perfectly manageable ( my husband and I are reasonably fit leisure cyclists in our early 60s ). I did decide however to walk rather than ride up the 37 hairpin bends which was no problem. Everyone was buoyed along by the great group camaraderie and the prospect of a shower and good meal at the end of the day. In my opinion this is the perfect way to see parts of India not on the normal tourist trail. Highly recommended.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The houseboat was unforgettable -  like something out of the days of the Raj.  The visit to the orphanage was sobering and inspiring - wonderful work being achieved . We were lucky to meet the remarkable Swiss lady who has spent her life raising funds to keep the place going.

What did you think of your group leader?

Safi was competent, professional and always attentive to the group's needs and diverse requests Abi with his ready smile was always there to give support , checking the bikes daily and ensuring we had a good supply of water. Vipin did a great job shepherding the stragglers. We always felt we were in safe hands. It was also very thoughtful of the team to arrange a surprise cake and poppers for me on my birthday.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take a plentiful supply of pens to give to the many children who greet you along the route. They love them ! Take a can of insect spray to blast your room before bedtime . Some hotels provided smoke coils , nets and socket inserts , but not all.   In Ooty take the opportunity to travel by train on the small gauge rail from Coonoor ( as featured on a BBC  programme about the old steam engines of southern India). Also an evening at the Kathakali theatre in Cochin is fascinating ( booking made with proprietor of Ann's Residence ).

Is there anything else you would like to add?

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

This is an amazing trip. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Making it to the end of the trip unscathed, the traffic needs your full attention!

What did you think of your group leader?

Joseph was amazing.  I could not have imagined a better group leader.  Joseph invested a lot of time and energy into each of us insuring a great holiday.  He also created a great team with Abi and Romeo. It was a magical combination.  Book the trip just to be able to experience India with Joseph and his team.  Worth it!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just be ready for the traffic.  Pay attention and stay with the group in the city and you are good to go!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't be hesitant to book. Just do it! You won't be disappointed.  This trip will work your mind, body and spirit.  When there, say hi to Joseph and the gang for me! 

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

As our first visit to India, this gave us a real taste to see more of this lively, colourful and friendly country.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Visiting the orphanage the night before the "Ooty ascent", and talking to the older children about their plans for careers in professions such as doctors and barristers-a long way from their current circumstances. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Vish was calm, knowledgeable and ever helpful, ensuring a perfect trip from start to finish.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Wear a cycle helmet!!  Indian driving is a totally new experience, although in my experience you seem to have more chance of falling foul of the occasional pot hole than you do of falling foul of their driving style!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Lots of unexpected experience "extra's" to the trip, such as 45 minutes sat watching a full grown male Royal Bengal Tiger, and seeing no other tourists for the first week -it was a bit of a jolt when we arrived in Cochin after 7 days in Tamil Nadu state, to suddenly find ourselves in an international tourist destination.

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Stunning scenery, delicious and plentiful food, great company, amazingly cheap shopping, friendly local people and exhilarating cycling - what's not to like?

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The downhill bike ride after the ardours of cycling up to Ooty was breathtaking in all senses. The scenery took my breath away - majestic Eucalyptus trees for miles around looked like an impressionist painting - and swerving around huge potholes and maniac lorry drivers on the downhill ride was a big adrenalin rush, much like skiing a slalom course at speed! And you cycle through all temperatures, from the chill of Ooty at the start to the tropical steamy heat of Kerala as we crossed the border from Tamil Nadu.  

What did you think of your group leader?

Joseph was excellent; he was extremely well organised, friendly and capable, and dealt really well with the impact of a 2-day national strike on our holiday, having to reorganise our plans at very short notice. He was the rear rider for the uphill ride to Ooty, and I was at the back of the group with 3 other women, struggling with the effort, but he helped keep our spirits up and got us to our final destination on 2 wheels despite our protestations!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The second week's cycling was a little disappointing compared to the first, as it was much less strenuous, so it felt a little anti-climactic. Some of our group had extended their stay to recover at the final hotel, but actually didn't need extra recovery time and regretted their decision.  The cycling, apart from the Ooty day, was much easier than the similarly-graded Exodus tour to Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama - so if you're a lycra lout, you might be frustrated by the lack of challenge.  

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The snacks we were served at the plentiful breaks en route were delicious and very enjoyable but packed with calories - fried banana fritters, chocolate bars and puff pastry pies, for example! I would have preferred more fresh fruit and less fried food, but when I suggested this to Joseph, he acted on it straight away and started offering us bananas, oranges and fruit platters.

Great trip , recommended - 9th cycling trip

I've done 9 cycling trips to date (not all Exodus), and this definitely rates as one of the best. I took my girlfriend (her first cycling holiday), and it was a good introduction for her to this format of holiday I believe its organised by the same person that does the 'Back Roads of Sri Lanka' trip (done 2 years ago), maps you get everyday are certainly exactly the same format The distances cycled on busy roads is very limited , so no-one had an issue in that regard. Some of us found the busy roads quite exciting, speeds are generally slow, so risk of injury is actually very low

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were lot of notable moments, the Backwaters, and the high speed descent down Ooty

What did you think of your group leader?

Safi was excellent, all the good stuff, very sociable, helpful, etc

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Install (free) Strava on your phone (or similar), good to see your route, speed, elevation, etc Not essential, but I found a cateye useful on previous trips (only need distance, 20 pound job should do the trick) , esp where you get good maps such as on this trip. On some trips we've had everyone install Whatsapp, good to share pics, mssg group re restaurant to meet up at, etc

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Distances are fairly short, so this is a good trip for first timers. Bikes aren't top of the range (400-500 GBP equiv), but they're plenty good enough and are kept in very good working condition. They carry spare wheels in the van, so a puncture can be a mere 30 second wheel swap. As tour companies use local reps more and more (almost exclusively now), would be good to see local reps providing more local background, history, politics, etc. I use a variety of companies and this is a general trend, so you may wish to take a travel guide.

CYCLING THROUGH KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Brilliant, absolutely love love LOVED it!  First time I've ever done an Exodus holiday, a group holiday or a cycling holiday and I can't wait to do all three again!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Completing the ascent up Ooty- was amazed just to finish, the cake at the top was a pleasant bonus! :) The fantastic descent back down Ooty!  Occasionally it pays to carry a bit of extra weight- free-wheeling on a bike is one of them! I found cycling is a fantastic way to see a country; you experience so much more of the local culture and in a very natural, laid-back way rather than something that is "put on" just for the tourists.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent.  I think Vishnu's love for his local area really helped inspire an enthusiasm for learning about and experiencing a new culture that I've never truly had as a tourist before.  In terms of the cycling, I always felt well looked-after (despite the sometimes crazy traffic, road surfaces and wildlife you share the road with) and very safe.  Thanks to Vish and his team!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Surprisingly few issues with the food (or the ill-effects thereof if you know what I mean!!) and as a vegetarian (Pescetarian by the coast, admittedly!) I felt extremely well-catered for. My own gel saddle turned out to be an essential rather than a luxury. 100 denier tights are an excellent anti-mosquito method, recommended to men and women alike!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I'm not a particularly experienced cyclist (usually cycle about 15miles a week... if the weather is nice!) but I didn't find the schedule too strenuous.  It was certainly a challenge at times, and occasionally I thought I might not finish (the bus is always an available cheaty-option!) but the interesting surroundings and the "group psychology" always got me through.  I found it very well paced, and appreciated that we were usually on a lunch-stop in the shade for the hottest part of the day.  My only concern is that my next cycling holiday won't live up to the standard set by this one- lovely people (locals and fellow cyclists) great food, high standard of accommodation, amazing cycling... I still miss it!

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

This was my first group cycling holiday and I really enjoyed the experience of cycling with others and having very experienced guides with us at all times.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The trip was very varied with lots of cycling but mixed with cultural experiences and plenty of delicious food. A fantastic way to see Indian life and soak in all the sensory explosions of colour, taste, noise and aromas. Getting to the top of Ooty hill up 36 hairpin bends was an inspirational moment even if it did take over 4 hours while others took 2 hours but kindly waited for us with tea and cake at the top! 

What did you think of your group leader?

The group leader was very calm and efficient and we had excellent support from both him and his co leader and our lovely support driver who was always there with a seat in the bus, water and snacks to keep you going.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I would advise anyone with a fairly good level of fitness to join this trip, and go with the flow and start ringing your bell as soon as you hit any town traffic, keep your eyes open and enjoy the amazing scenery which I can only describe as vibrant.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We all kept together for meals at lunch and supper which was fun and the houseboat party on the backwaters was also entertaining especially with a chance to wear Indian dress and dance Bollywood style!

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Despite being badged as a moderate/challenging trip, avid cyclists be prepared to rest on your handlebars and enjoy the scenery and the novel traffic conditions. Local changes and conditions mean that this a trip for adventurous leisure cyclists. This is a trip of contrasts; an emotional rollercoaster of experiences. A memorable trip with unforgettable people, places, sights and smells; but not something that I can easily sum up in a snappy summary.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Joseph, who was the group leader, took us to a Syrian Catholic church. There is no real reason why this unassuming building should have had such an impact, but Joseph found himself quizzed by a hundred questions, which he answered for us. These question-answer sessions were typical of our access into what was for many of us an unfamiliar world. Our travels by bike in India certainly opened up the question of its rich faith history, which as a group we were mostly ignorant about. Temples, churches, mosques, shrines, festivals, ceremonial food, clothes and even bodily markings constituted many of the reference points on our journey; but we barely scratched the surface.

What did you think of your group leader?

Cycling with Joseph was like meditation. The traffic conditions in Kerala are novel, and are a complete contrast to the segregated cycling lanes of Europe. Sticking close to Joseph made it possible to understand how to move through traffic in a new way, at a constant and calm pace. The way that Joseph cycles is much like his skill as a leader. We trusted him and he provided help, and support and answered endless questions. An exceptional and skilled leader.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This seems to be a longstanding exodus trip and local cycling conditions change all the time; check to see what recent changes have been made. Trip notes will suggest what you are doing in terms of basic distance; but it is harder to anticipate your preference for long rest times, and mostly flat, unsurfaced roads.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Cycling on varied terrain across some quite different parts of India, from cool hills and eucalyptus forests, to tea plantations, bamboo and coconut palms as well as National Parks. Accommodation excellent (on the premium trip) and the staff incredibly helpful and caring. Sometimes the traffic was a little much, but I just got in the bus!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The long downhill from Ooty was the most varied of days with amazing scenery. I also enjoyed the quality of the food, I don't think we ate the same dishes twice. We saw a wild elephant in the National Park and had time to relax as well as cycle. People were really friendly and kind.

What did you think of your group leader?

Vishnu was great, really informative and made sure we knew what was happening each day. He was also a good first aider, and when I came off my bike on the last afternoon, he patched me up (it wasn't serious!) Our driver Ashok was so caring, and he prayed in the bus every day for our safety, which I appreciated a lot. Sheebu the mechanic looked after the bikes and made it a trouble free trip - he even sourced me a peaked hat for the downpour that threatened to wash my contact lenses from my eyes.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

There's quite a lot of traffic on some segments, so be prepared for that. India has changed a lot and continues to morph, so what used to be backwater is now densely populated.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks very much, we'll definitely use Exodus again, and we particularly liked the Premium trip option.

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Varied cycle tour of delights of South India. Starting in bustling town of Mysore visiting its historic and religious sites. Then travelling undulating roads of wild-life park avoiding odd elephant staying in superb wild life lodges. Then climbing challenging hill to Ooty old hill town exploring its old railway and gardens and staying in luxury hotel. Freewheeling down into Kerala spending time in Hindi Temple town of Guruvayour. Onto old colonial centre at Cochin via some local ferries with time to explore and enjoy. Then the relaxation after rather hot ride to Backwaters and homestead and real Ayurvedic massage. Cruise on backwater in tradition house boat with all trimings - lovely lounge deck welocoming crew and excellent cuisine. then the final push to coast and seaside resort complete with fantastic seafood restaurants and shops. Excellent balanced trip. Cycling generally moderate except hill climb challenge. Plenty of scope to see sites and wildlife. Plenty of chances to taste local food. Extremely good guide - helpful, knowledgible but not controlling. Smiling support team.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching to top of hill to Ooty

What did you think of your group leader?

Brillant. Calm. Organsied. Kept group together. Knowledgible. Trustworthy. Knew exactly which food places to eat in which sites to see. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Enoy !!! Use a covered water bottle on bike. Keep on open mind about food and trust leader judgement where and what is safe to eat. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Roads a bit of challenge at times weaving though tuctucks. Was surprised how much fellow holiday mates drank - the place was so beautiful and trip inspirational WHY  didthey feel need to drink so much ALCOHOL. I knew before taking holiday that I would probably find I may have liked to do a bit more cycling - would be nice if exodus organised some cycle trips which had more challenging cycling that wasnt off road or up the cols of the alps.

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

A wonderful trip despite having a fall.  A wonderful way to see the country and to meet the people. Everyone we met was friendly and kind. The ooty climb was tough - but then I was not as experienced a cyclist as others in the group who all completed it . I did complete it pushing my bike up from hair pin bend number 8 to number 1 and that was enough of an achievment for me. The descent the following day is fabulous. The food on most days was excellent. Amazing to always have vegetarian choices.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I loved meeting people everywhere. That was my reason for doing a cycling trip. I had previously done a trip with Exodus in Africa and felt disconnected being in a truck travelling through places a lot of the time. I wanted to connect more with the people and the country. Sadly the day after Ooty Hill I had a fall having almost completed the descent. I had a nasty gash and fractured my elbow. I didn't cry until they told me that I couldn't cycle anymore. Following the rest of the group in the support vehicle was tough. The people and culture was inspirational, different religions can live together with tolerance and respect for one another.  I loved the trip to the orphanage. I had a fantastic time chatting with the girls, helping to make chapattis. That was a lovely place 

What did you think of your group leader?

Vishnu was our group leader and he was fantastic, He gave us a pep talk each day letting us know what to expect. He looked after me really well when he found me after my fall and sorted out medical care calmly with no panic or stress. I felt well looked after and didn't have to worry about where to go etc. He looked after everyones requirements and even helped one of the group source a birthday cake for his wife's birthday. Even harder he helped us locate a very hard to find birthday card for us to give her also. I think we found the only card to be found in Allepelly. Vishnu did join me on the support vehicle when he could so that I did not feel so left out.  Rintu was the his assistant who looked after the bikes. He was very attentive servicing the bikes and adjusting any with gear issues. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go along with an open heart and mind and enjoy all that India offers you It is beautiful. Do take care on the descent from Ooty. I was unlucky going downhill and around a bend. I am so glad I had a helmet on. So be aware accidents can happen and it can spoil your trip of a lifetime. Be cautious. The traffic can be daunting but it's not too bad if you are sensible. Be wary of where you have a massage, if you have one. Different people within the group had variable experiences from very good to very bad.  We went on a premium departure and the standard of hotels thoughout was good, however I didn't feel that the houseboat was of higher standard as we all said to one another  the following day that the bedding etc was not good, there was no shower curtain and it would not of been possible to of had any less space in the cabin than we did have.  I certainly don't feel like that aspect of the trip had been upgraded as promised in the trip notes and so felt a bit let down by that. As previous people have said we all paid into a kitty for snacks, tea, tips at the start. I certainly did not get the  same value out of the kitty as others in the group but it did make the tea stops less complicated so go with it .  Treat the people around you with the respect that they show you and enjoy.  

Is there anything else you would like to add?

 The trip was lovely. I was just so frustrated by not being able to join in after my fall. The weather in November was good . We saw one tropical storm when we were at Fort Cochin. Take a half empty suitcase and buy pashminas, and more pashminas :) Be prepared for early morning starts to ensure you are not cycling throughout the hottest part of the day. I wish when cycling it was easier to stop more often to take in the sights, to experience the surroundings and to take photos whenver wanted. (All typed with my left hand!!) 

A melting pot of humanity

Even with my partner coming off her bike on Day 6, this trip delivered its promises on experiencing a country in a unique way and providing some challenging riding (but achievable even with little practice beforehand).

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I can't define it as being just one day or event, but... Cycling through the back roads and seeing grand houses and then a shack just down the road - the contrast in lifestyles is very apparent due to the developing economy in India. Cycling up Ooty and being defeated after completing 30 of the 36 hairpins. My excuse: Cycling in circles waiting for my girlfriend to catch up as we ascended the mountain, so in theory I must of made it to the top already! ;) And as much as the descent was marred by Loo coming off the bike the following day, we have both said that the descent was an amazing day as we travelled past tea plantations, through the eucalyptus forest and winding down the mountain. As I prefer mountain biking when at home in the UK, I found a new appreciation for what road cyclists must enjoy when descending roads such as this.

What did you think of your group leader?

Vishnu was a great guide - my first time on a holiday such as this so I didn't know what to expect. He was very informative and had good knowledge of the the local history, plants and wildlife. He was clear with setting expectations for the ride each day and the pace of the ride each day suited the group well I believe. Importantly, as there was an incident with my girlfriend falling off her bike, I would like to say that Vishnu handled the situation like a professional and there was no fuss or confusion. He dealt with the hospital staff and being transferred efficently. It is times like these that you count your blessings that you were travelling with a guide who takes the stress away from such an incident. Thank you Vishnu! 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you haven't ridden a bike for some time and you want to reach the top of Ooty, find a steep hill and ride up and down it at least every weekend for a good few months before. The guides Vishnu and Rintu seemed to think that we had put more effort in by pushing the bikes up the hill in the end - I'm not quite so sure! We didn't get caught out by any rain, but one evening whilst at the hotel in Cochin Fort there was a monsoon shower which knocked down trees and electric/cable lines. Be prepared for rain by taking some form of waterproof jacket so you can still get out and about to see the sights. Take a decent zoom lens for capturing wildlife and scenery if you want to ensure you get some nice photos to keep.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I had never travelled to anywhere such as India, nor travelled from place-to-place each day. I went with an open-mind and was not disappointed. The Indian people are ever so friendly and I very much enjoyed cycling along to find a motorbike by the side of me with a smiling face asking my name, where I'm from, where I'm going and a cheery "Enjoy your stay in India!" as they accelerated off after an exchange. Our group was made up of fantastic people. 8 people in total, smaller than other groups I guess as it was premium departure. As Loo stated in her review, I don't believe our houseboat was upgraded, but I really couldn't fault the hotels. They really are worth the extra money if you are considering the upgrade.