Cycling in Kerala

We are an old couple planning to spend a month in Kerala starting in Kochi.

If we buy some bikes and just head off into the country, are we likely to find simple accomodation in the villages we pass through, or do we need to prebook and/or use conventional hotels?

Tony

Tony sounds like an interesting plan but would you mind sharing some details like
a) which month are you planning to go? - which would define the heat and humidity element.
b) what would you define as simple accommmodation? - which defines which small towns you will have to head to.
c) what distance you intend to cover in a day and on a stretch how much would be possible? in relation to the above.
d) past experience cycling in India or other developing countries- there are no designated cycling lanes and cycling almost always has to be done on the road, with no mercy from some of the most arrogant drivers - bus drivers you would see.
e) are you planning to head north from kochi or south? - hilly terrain can hamper smooth cycling as well relative closeness of small towns.
f) what are your interests and what would you like to see in Kerala? so that the above answers can be vetted against this to shape up a rather workable route.

Homestays are available across Kerala and addresses and contact numbers can be conveniently had at this website:

http://www.keralatourism.org/index.p...1&source=accom

For example, in the Kochi-Ernakulam area, where you are starting from, some of the people you can contact are:
V M Ipe 0484-2532035
Leela Thomas 0484-2310365
Raju Varghese 0484-2542757
M D Asok 0484-2442599
J B Vivera 0484-2536484
viverajoe@yahoo.co.uk
Sudhir Menon 0484-2371999
malinient@hotmail.com
vilasini Vasudev 0484-2318566
Usha Satheesan 0484-2216116
Radhakrishnam 0484-2422009
Hassan K K 0484-2394785
abusumaya@yahoo.com
G D Joseph 0484-2462732
M B Salimkumar 0484-2302050
Tomy Joseph 0484-2462732
Farms Joseph George 0484-2424008 : geeboy100@hotmail.com
Farmstay:-
The Pimenta,
Haritha Farms,
Kadalikad Post,
686670
0485-2260216
9447302347
harithafarms@hotmail.com www.harithafarms.com/
geocities

Mr.Joseph George 0484-2424008

Hi Sudheer

Thank you for asking lots of questions - I shall thank you even more if you have answers!

a) We shall arive on 20 Jan

b) I guess simple accomodation for us means at least clean with own room, costing an average of say Rs1000 a night for a double

c) Average 50Km, have done 100Km with easy going. On the other hand, in hilly country 20 to 30Km can be enough!

d) Last January we cycled for 3 weeks in the West of Cuba, staying in casas particulares (licenced private houses) that we found on route. (see my website) One good thing about Cuba is no traffic outside towns, and we'd prefer to cycle on tracks or byeways with less traffic, if such exist

e) I thought we'd head East, aiming to cover Munnar and wild life sanctuaries nearby, and then the backwaters

f) Wildlife and meeting ordinary people in villages, trekking and cycling off the beaten track. Don't mind if we don't travel very far, or don't get to the more hyped tourist attractions

I like your site!

Cheers

Tony

Bicycling is relatively easy in Kerala. I did it around the same time in '05. Started in Kozikhode and rode all the way down to Kanyakumari, and then up to Chennai.

It was very pleasant, people are very friendly--the dangerous part is having to wave to so many people while rolling down the road. You'll find places to take a break for food and drink every 10 miles or so.

An invaluable place for cycle-touring info for S. India is www.mrpumpy.net.

Getting off of the main-roads will make you a bit of a curiousity: http://giantcamera.net/?p=16

Anyways it sounds like a completely reasonable and laidback trip.

cheers,

Tak

Tnog's input is excellant, and you would be getting a real insight reviewing many of their experience.

Jan would probably be the best month to do this, so you got the spot right there.

If you can average 50 kms a day, then quite easily you can plan for the night stop the previous day. You should find quite decent accomodation for about 6-800 rupees and if enquired you can quote that is the range you are looking for.

You can decide from Kochi, on which broad direction which you choose which is a fair looking town and where you can take a room the next night. Feel free to visit the tourism help desk in the city to find out if there are any local festivals in the route as well as for some suggestions on the route.

Roads would be flat and hence, you can take a shot at a 50km radius. You should try to stay there an extra night and use the day in between to explore the region. From there you can plan out on the next night's stay with the hotel manager or so, who would be typically be helpful with such logistics.

I would love to munch upon from the small road side shops of those towns, but as you would be always on the road. I am not actively suggesting it. The village eateries in Kerala can be one of the cleanliest and mostly home like food. Hence, follow your heart there.

Cuba on cycle is generally considered more easier than India, But Kerala can be quite similar with regards to ease of terrain as well as openess of people.

Not too sure if you are aware of the terrain you are planning to cover. You can have a fair idea by the beloe link.
http://www.wikimapia.org/#y=9806504&...1&z=10&l=0&m=a
On the left is Kochi, on the right is top corner is Munnar and down south (left) on the coast is Alleppey.

Should be a cake walk, just have to be laid back and let it really soak into you.

Many thanks to all.

One more question. Will we find it easy to buy reasonable bikes - say 6 speed mountain or hybrid - in Kochi, and will we be able to sell them at the end?

Cheers

Tony

I am not too good with the details of cycles, but Kochi being one of the most commercial cities in south, for sure you would have a good range available. You should get a good one for about 100-120 pounds, where as the local basic versions without gears come around 20-25 pounds.

Selling maybe a bit tough, but if you can make some local freinds you might be able to do it in the town you leave at.

Mountain bikes are available but don't expect the latest bearing, crank and gearing technology or ultra lightweight bikes!!

Here's a look at a selection from Hero Cycles India sorry but the specifications links don't seem to work!!

Here's another one Avon Bicycles

Bicycles India

Hope that is of some help!

Thanks - I think we'd better learn to cycle without gears!

It's a small point... but have you experienced Indian traffic?

Mr pumpy says it's not such a big deal when your actually on a bike Nick and Mr pumpy should know!!

Gears are available just not the latest trick ones from Shimao that's all!! If you're a bit handy you could bring them with you and do it yourself!!

Be prepared for those buses on Kerala roads. You are likely to get pushed to the shoulder of the road quite often - and sometime those shoulders may not exist as well. It might shock you the first few times, but you will soon get the hang of it.

Mr Pumpy! Do you have a link?

Mr Nicky says he still gets home from an hours driving accross Chennai boiling with adrenaline

Its like those moments when you ever-so-nearly had an accident --- except for the whole trip!

Nick - with love