We look forward to welcoming you soon on our South India Coast To Coast cycle tour. Riding from the Bay of Bengal over the mighty mountains of the Western Ghats to the palm fringed beaches of the Arabian Sea. The tour takes in the tropical South Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. We pedal on idyllic back country roads and overnight in outstanding hand-picked accommodation.
South India Coast To Coast Info
WHO SHOULD COME?
The tour is suited to enthusiastic cycle tourists with a keen sense of adventure and ready for a challenge. Riders should be of a good cycling fitness. Some stages; especially in the mountains are quite challenging with big climbs and some long days in the saddle. Stage distances vary day to day with the maximum being just over 100km.
FLIGHTS
Tours start in Chennai and finish in Cochin so an open jaw ticket would work best. Both Chennai and Cochin are well served by international carriers with Emirates amongst others offering well priced deals. Check airlines for luggage allowance and what their policy is regarding cycles.
INDIA VISA
Most nationalities including U.K citizens can apply for an E-Visa with a 30 day stay-limit
For the E-Visa Link
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
For UK citizens, those visiting India on multiple occasions or for require for a longer duration then a 6 month tourist visa could be worth considering but they are more expensive.
http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/uk/
MEDICAL
Get in touch with your GP well in advance of your departure for latest information on vaccinations and any other medical considerations.
For additional information please visit: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
INSURANCE
Get insured. It is a condition of our trips that you are adequately insured. Policies must cover cycling and the potential risks of a mountain bike holiday. If your usual insurance doesn’t cover cycling as a primary part of your holiday or travel then consider specialist coverage such as
https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/cycling-insurance/
We need a copy of your insurance ready for us on arrival or send us on a copy via e-mail prior to the trip.
ACCOMMODATION
All our accommodation has been hand-picked to be just about the best there is. Boutique hideaways, plantation stays, converted palaces and luxury hotels all feature in our tour. All rooms are based on twin or double occupancy. Single rooms are available on request. If you are a single person and have not requested an “own room” option we will endeavour to match you up with a compatible room-mate for the duration of the trip.
CLIMATE
Our tours are schedules when the south India climate is at its best with daily sunshine almost guaranteed. Temperatures will be up to 30c during the day while nights maintain a balmy air. Temperatures drop considerably in the mountains where evenings and nights can be cool.
FOOD
South Indian food is a highlight of any trip and simply does not get any better than the hidden eateries that we have discovered over our last 20 years of India riding experience. If you fancy a break from Indian food then there is a wide choice of western food to keep your taste buds happy.
VEHICLE SUPPORT
We have full vehicle support for the duration of the tour. Riders who are tired or just wish for a quick break from the cycling will be able to take time out in the support vehicle.
BIKES
The roads are in good condition by Indian standards with the majority of the roads being recently metalled and smooth. We would recommend you bring a hard tail mountain bike or touring bike with fast rolling tyres or you can rent one of our fleet of Scott Hardtail bikes.
RENTING A BIKE
Please bring your own pedals and consider bringing your own seat if you have a saddle that you are comfortable with. Bikes are available in S/M/L/XL and are priced at £140 for the tour duration. Please contact us for availability.
BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE/BIKE KIT
As ever make sure your bikes are in tip-top condition before bringing them out. If you are unsure a part will survive the trip then replace or get it serviced by a bike shop. Performance bike parts are hard to obtain in India but we do have small stocks of spare parts.
Let us know before you come about what bike you are bringing out and if there is anything specific to your bike that we might not have spares for.
BRING ALONG
Spare Mech Hanger
Spare sets of brake pads
2 Tubes
Spare spokes specific to your wheels
If you have any doubt on what you need to bring out with you as spares then just let us know.
CYCLE WEAR
Best to ride in touring attire so ride shorts are best. Exposed lycra cycling britches without over- shorts can bring attention.
We would also recommend bringing both long sleeve and short sleeve tops, temps can vary day by day but rarely cold or cool.
We would also recommend shoes that you can also walk on so non-exposed cleats and non- aggressive tread patterns works best; so comfortable for photo stops, the odd walk out to view points and tackling the odd tricky sections if you don’t fancy riding them.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
•All accommodation
•All scheduled transfers
•Breakfasts/Lunches.
•Tour leader, guide costs.
•All scheduled entry fees
•Vehicle support
NOT INCLUDED
•Flights
•Personal travel insurance
•Evening meals, snacks, soft drinks etc
•Personal expenses
•Tips, gratuities
NON RIDE KIT TO BRING ALONG
Head torch in case of power cuts
A set of warm clothes for nights spent in mountains
Light waterproof
Mix of long sleeve and short sleeve riding tops in case of sunburn
Universal electric plug
Mosquito Repellent
High factor sun-cream
Sunglasses
Lip salve
Sandals/flip flops
Swim Wear
FINANCES
ATM’s are available in all our destinations. Visa is the most widely accepted. Food items, snacks, gift items are all well priced so expect to pay £5 for an evening meal or just over £2 for an alcoholic drink.
Airport exchange rates are usually very poor so if you are exchanging money here then just change small amounts. There are money changing facilities at our 1st night destination in Mahabbalapuram.
LOCAL TIME
India’s Timezone: (GMT +05:30)
ELECTRICITY
India’s Electricity: 230/240 volts AC, 50 Hz. 2 pin type.
There are recharging facilities at all the hotels, the electricity supply is not 100% reliable but it is usually only off for short periods of time.
LOCAL EXPENSES, KITTY AND TIPS
We use a kitty system to be collected at the start of the trip of 2000Rs per person for hotel, restaurant tips, evening meals, energy snacks, and other non included expense etc We will keep a log so anyone feels the need to see were it’s going then please feel free to ask.
Our Mountain Bike Kerala team do not expect tips but our riding guides, drivers and local staff would greatly appreciate them if the service is excellent. For a rough guide then consider from £50 to cover riding guides and back up team and £1-£2 per day for hotels staff etc if the service, food has been great.
SHOP
We have a great range of MTB clothing available including long sleeve and short sleeve tops, t-shirts, buffs, shorts and socks available for sale.
All our great looking ride gear is designed and made by our in-house Greenfrogindia team and is available both on tour and from our online shop so you can buy anytime before or after the trip. Look out for these and our great range of cycle-recycle products including sleek looking wallets, purses and ride-pouches made from reclaimed innertubes.
