Most of India still lives in small villages in the countryside and nowhere is the countryside more picturesque than in South India. This cycling trip of South India includes popular as well as off-the-beaten track destinations in the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
During this cycling trip you will ride through lovely countryside, discover quaint little villages and see some stunning monuments.
Arrive in Chennai and then undertake a short train journey to the temple town of Madurai. Starting from Madurai, ride through the lush green plantations and countryside to Chettinadu, Dindigul, Palani, Pollachi, Coimbatore, Coonoor and Ooty (including the heritage toy train ride in Nilgiri Hills). From Ooty you will be driven to Mysore for a short city tour, following which you will be dropped at Bangalore airport.
Per person on twin share: US$ 3150 (We offer discount if more than 2 people traveling together)
Guided with support vehicle
Included
11 DAYS (Approx. 650 KM)
Daily for minimum 2 people in JAN to APR | SEP to DEC
CHENNAI / BANGALORE
CHECK OUT THE ITINERARY, INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS & OTHER DETAILS BELOW
Arrive in Chennai and transfer to hotel. Situated on the eastern coast of India, Chennai used to be one of the bastions of the British Empire. Today, it is a microcosm of ancient traditions and cultures co-existing with modern day industry and commerce.
Morning train to Madurai and transfer to hotel. All activities in this city are centered around Sri Meenakshi Temple, one of the most stunning living temples in the country. Visit the temple later in the day for evening ceremony.
Explore Madurai on bicycles, visiting the Tirumalai Palace, banana and vegetable markets, bamboo bazaar and dhobi ghat (washermen’s enclave). You will also visit some small-scale textile and brass industries to watch locals make metal pots on furnace and spinning yarns. Cycling 20-25 km
After breakfast, cycle to Chettinadu, a region that stretches roughly 80 square kilometers and comprises seventy six villages. Rich in cultural heritage, cuisine, art and architecture this region is a delight to visit. Cycling 90-95 KM
Explore the villages around Chettinadu. The central theme of Chettinad culture is worship and every Chettinad village has at least one temple, while some have four or even five. Cycling 30-40 KM
Cycle to Dindigul, a small town surrounded by hills. The place is known for its fort, temples and waterfalls. It also has a history which dates back to 7th century. Cycling 120-125 KM (can part drive)
Visit the Dindigul Fort, the cultural heritage of this place. It is believed to be first built by the Nayakas of Madurai, later rebuilt by Haider Ali, and finally captured by the British in 1790. After visiting the fort, explore the town and see artisans, potters, schools and temples. Cycling 50-60 KM
Cycle to Palani. The view within the town is dominated by the two hills, Sivagiri and Sakthigiri, on the former of which lies the Palani Murugan Temple. Visit this temple which attracts more than 7 million pilgrims each year. Cycling 60-70 KM
Cycle to Pollachi. This is a quaint town in Tamil Nadu, at the border of God’s own country, Kerala. Pollachi also lies on the cusp of the Annamalai hills and the plains of Coimbatore. Cycling 60-70 KM
Explore the region around Pollachi today - the monkey falls, the lovely Aliyar Dam. Experience the handloom village. Cycling 40-50 KM
Cycle to Coimbatore. Located on the banks of Noyyal River and surrounded by the Western Ghats, it is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu after Chennai. Cycling 70-80 KM
Cycle to Conoor, a beautiful hill station known for its production of Nilgiri tea. From Conoor train station, board the Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train to Ooty for an hour and a half long journey. Cycling 60-70 KM
Explore Ooty on bicycles. This hill station was established by the British in the early part of the 19th century and even today an indefinable touch of the Raj still lingers. Visit the Botanical Gardens and the nearby hills and plantations. Cycling 50-60 KM
This morning you will be driven to Mysore (4 hour drive) where you will visit the lovely Mysore Palace. Continue to Bangalore airport for your flight.
For booking or other queries, please write to us at: contact@periplustravel.com
Daily cycling ranges between 50 to 80 kilometers. If you wish to cycle less, you may hop on to the support vehicle for a part of the journey.
For booking or other queries, please write to us at: contact@periplustravel.com
In South India 100% of the roads are asphalt, however, the surface conditions vary each year. The surface may not be 100% smooth in villages and interior country roads. The terrain on this tour will be quite diverse – cycling in culturally rich towns, in the periphery of wildlife reserves, mountains of Western Ghats, plantations and finally the Nigiri Hills of Ooty. You will come across numerous small settlements with little bazaars and white-washed houses.
January to mid-April and mid-September to December is the best time to cycle in South India. The average day temperature range between 20-30 degree Celsius. The days are generally sunny and pleasant but can sometimes be hot. Please bring a sun hat, sun cream and sunglasses. A light windproof/fleece may be necessary in the evenings when visiting hill stations or wildlife reserves. The remaining months are hot and humid and unsuitable for cycling. For detailed travel kit recommendations, please refer to our FAQ section.
A SUPPLEMENT, AS CHARGED BY HOTELS, WILL BE APPLICABLE ON TOURS BETWEEN DEC 20 TO JAN 10
ABOVE PRICES ARE VALID TILL APRIL 30, 2025
+ Accommodation on twin-share basis in good quality hotels
+ 13 Breakfast
+ Airport arrival and departure transfers with our representative
+ An accompanying support vehicle
+ An accompanying cycling guide on cycling days
+ Bicycle Rental and Spares
+ Train fare from Chennai to Madurai in AC Chair Car
+ Toy train fare from Coonoor to Ooty
+ Entrance fee to monuments in itinerary
+ Bottled water during cycling
+ All currently applicable taxes
- Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, telephone calls, drinks, etc
- Any other meals than those mentioned above
- International airfare
- Any insurance coverage
- Camera charges at monuments
- Any extra expenses incurred for reasons beyond our control such as emergency evacuation, natural calamity, etc
Your Ultimate Guide to Cycling Adventures Across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal & Bhutan
