Our South India Coast to Coast cycle tour takes you through the tropical states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Riding along idyllic backcountry roads, we stop overnight at places of historical and scenic significance, allowing plenty of time to explore ancient temples, lush tea plantations, tranquil backwaters, and vibrant historic cities. Discover the sights that make Mountain Bike Kerala’s Coast to Coast ride a truly unique adventure.

“Just to say thank you so much for a fabulous trip, lived certainly up to expectations… organisation, logistics, route and above all fun….a good challenge but with the correct element of a ‘holiday’

James Allan, U.K

Over the years, many have asked if we could create a cycle tour in India for those without an off-road mountain biking background. The challenge? A route that tests your endurance while showcasing India’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. We knew just the journey—cycling from the Bay of Bengal, across the towering Western Ghats, to the palm-fringed beaches of the Arabian Sea.

This epic ride takes you through the heart of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, pedalling along serene backroads, past ancient temples, lush tea plantations, and hidden gems known only to us. We begin in Mahabalipuram, home to stunning UNESCO-listed stone carvings, before cruising to the colonial charm of Pondicherry. As we move inland, the awe-inspiring temples of Chidambaram, Thanjavur, and Madurai reveal centuries of history.

The scenery shifts as we tackle the mighty Western Ghats, riding through the misty hills of Munnar and Kuttikanam, with a well-earned rest day to soak it all in. From here, we descend through spice plantations to the pristine beaches of Marari. The adventure wraps up with a houseboat stay and time to explore the historic streets of Fort Cochin.

This is more than a ride—it’s an unforgettable journey through South India’s soul.

Day 1: Arrive Chennai. Transfer to Mahabalipuram and the poolside restaurant at our hotel. Unwind, relax then join us on a short walk around Mahabalipuram’s world famous rock carved temples.

Day 2: Alamparai-Auroville-Pondicherry: 90KM: Short Transfer to Alamparai Beach then we ride along the stunning scenic coastal and inland to new-age Auroville for a guided tour and then on to the former French colonial capital of Pondicherry. Join the locals on the promenade for an evening stroll.

Day 3: Pondicherry-Chidambaram: 100KM: More serene riding as we continue our journey south to the temple town of Chidambaram. Endless palm fringed paddy fields

provide the backdrop. Take a step back through the ages as we visit the super atmospheric Nataraja Temple at sunset and join the pilgrims in an unforgettable ancient ritual.

Day 4: Chidambaram-Swamimalai: 70KM: We leave the coast and head inland onto the vast lush Tamil plains. Stunning rural scenery reveals a Tamil heartland almost unchanged over centuries taking us to Swamimalai and an overnight stay in our award-winning heritage hotel.

Day 5: Swamimalai-Thanjavur: 45KM: A relaxing morning then it’s a short ride to Thanjavur as we head further inland. Bullock carts and cycles are more common than any other vehicles as we ride to another South Indian gem, Thanjavur, and the World Heritage Brihadeshwara Temple.

Day 6: Thanjavur-Kannadukathan: 101KM: A simply super day on the bike as we ride deeper in to the heart of Tamil Nadu and the famous Chettinadu region abound with mansions and palaces, testimony to the success of the Chettiyars in years gone by. Sample the famed Chettinadu food and explore the now near deserted villages.

Day 7: Kannadukathan-Madurai: 98KM: Idyllic rural riding brings us the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu , Madurai and the unforgettable riot of colour that are the Gopurams of the famed classical Sri Meenakshi temple. Evening guided stroll round the temple complex.

Day 8: Madurai-Thenni: 94KM: Landscapes change, the first signs of an undulating road and the mighty mountains of the Western Ghats beckon on this delight of a ride as we make our way to rural backwater district headquarter capital of Thenni. Scenery simply outrageous.

Day 9: Thenni-Kumily: 89KM: It is time to climb. A gentle warm up for 40km then climbing legs start to whirr as we embark upon the near 1000 meter ascent to Cumbummeddu and the Kerala border. Switch back after switch back gives us the elevation to look back over the vast Tamil plain and see what we have ridden so far . Truly mesmerizing views. As we head into Kerala we ride through tropical jungles and cardamom estates on route to Kumily, the gateway to Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Day 10: Kumily-Kuttikanam: 50KM: Option of an early morning visit and boat ride on Periyar lake with a chance to spot elephants, deer and perhaps, the elusive Tiger in the wildlife reserve. Mid morning hilly ride through Tea-Estates and magical scenery onto our resort at serene Kuttikanam set amongst rolling hills.

Day 11: Kuttikanam-Muttom: 65KM: Another beautiful day in the saddle with the emphasis firmly on descending as tea estates give way to thickly forested plantations and rubber estates as we head down to our stunning riverside retreat on the banks of the Thodupuzha River

Day 12: Muttom-Nedumudy: 90KM: We ride on undulating backroads, through a lush, verdant backdrop scattered with churches new and old which are testimony to the area’s unique strong Christian roots as we reach the renowned backwaters at Nedumudi

Day 13: Nedumudi-Marari Beach/ Nedumudy-Marari Beach-Houseboat 30KM: We pedal to the shores of the Arabian Sea as we complete our C2C at the beautiful Marari Beach. Overnight Marari Beach/Houseboat

Day 14: Marari-Fort Cochin: 45KM: Breakfast on the beach or boat then it’s a gentle ride into historical Fort Cochin. Join us on an evening guided walk through the wealth of historical buildings and spice bazaars or take the chance to embark upon a bit of shopping.

Day 15: Departures/Onward Travel/Extra Nights

Coast To Coast Info Page