About this trip.
Cochin, the Ghats and the backwaters
The tour begins and ends in Cochin, once a major spice port on the Arabian Sea, and from there pushes east into the Western Ghats — the mountain chain running down the southwestern flank of India and a UNESCO-recognised biodiversity site. This is Kerala, where Hindi gets you nowhere and even English is patchier than in much of India; Malayalam is the working language, and it lends the trip a sense of being properly far from home. The weather sits at a steady 23 to 25 degrees in the cooler months, which is the honest appeal of going in February or November — a workable antidote to the British winter.
Seven days in the saddle
Daily mileage works out at around 60km, with a couple of hillier days at the start as the route climbs into the Ghats towards the tea estates around Munnar. The plantations are the visual signature of the upland section — contoured rows of bushes following the hillsides like slow green topography lines, with frequent stops for chai and a breather. Bikes are mountain bikes, which is sensible: surfaces alternate between tarmac and rougher tracks, and conditions vary.
From Munnar the route descends towards the backwaters, where one night is spent on a kettuvallam, the traditional rice barge converted into a houseboat. The final leg returns to Cochin via the Old Beach Road, which runs along the Malabar coast through fishing villages and palm groves. Total distance over the week is roughly 240 miles. It is graded moderately challenging — fine for any regular rider, not a sportive.
Bookings, dates and what's included
The trip starts in Thattekad, reached by transfer from Cochin International Airport, and finishes in Cochin itself. Flights are booked independently, though the operator will help if asked. The price is £1,595 per person sharing, with a single-room supplement of £345; current departures run February and December 2026, then February and November 2027.
Accommodation, lunches, a cycling guide, support vehicle and baggage transfer are all included. Breakfast comes with the room throughout, with dinner included on some nights but not others — a deliberate choice, since eating out in Kerala is genuinely part of the point. Budget around £40 for meals you arrange yourself, which goes a long way at INR600 to 800 a head: vegetables and fish cooked with pepper, turmeric, cardamom and ginger, tempered with coconut milk and yoghurt, and masala dosas as good as you'll find anywhere.
It suits regular cyclists who want a warm-weather riding week with some genuine cultural substance to it, rather than a beach holiday with a bike thrown in. The hotels are described as friendly and characterful — a guesthouse in Munnar, the houseboat on the backwaters, a mix of small properties along the way — which is more or less what you'd hope for on a trip like this.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
