India conjures up a specific mood board: majestic temples, bustling markets, colourful spices, ladies draped in bright saris, sizzling street food. mad, packed roads  full of  scooters and motorcycles  in between larger vehicles, sometimes alongside wandering animals.

This was my first visit to India and I wasn't entirely sure about the cycling part .. however this was Kerala   — and Kerala feels like a world away from other areas of India . A tropical destination – a magical stretch of golden beaches, rugged headlands, and a peaceful network of lush lagoons and canals known as the backwaters – A canopy of swaying palm trees, edged by laid-back coastal towns and villages. Gentler. The roads? Somewhat quieter (and cleaner).

Cycle the Coast of Kerala trip — fuelled by legs and electrolytes — was run by Exodus Adventure Travels, who we work closely with at Travel Counsellors

In humid Kerala, a coconut tree grows in every backyard. The state – bordering the Arabian Sea, northwest of Sri Lanka, and among India’s most literate – is a fascinating blend of Hindu, Muslim and Christian traditions. And viewed from two wheels? You couldn’t ask for a better route. The roads are (mostly) flat and well-paved.

You’d be crazy not to cycle through Kerala.Our brilliant , friendly tour leader Safi – a Kerala native, educated in Tourism Administration and English Literature, and born to ride (he’s a state champion cyclist) “You can get to one place from another on the main roads ” he said. “But when you’re cycling, you pass through villages where buses can’t go. You get real cultural experiences, with real people. You see the real India.”Exodus’ cycling trips in India range from eight to fourteen days and are paced for a balanced experience.

The days feature a morning ride, leaving afternoons for walking tours and relaxation time. Our itinerary? A Level 2 (Easy and Moderate) southbound ride from Kochi – a multi-cultural port city, known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” and epicentre of the global spice trade for centuries – to Varkala, known for its sweeping beaches and dramatic red cliffs. With a one-day river cruise in between nearly 200 kilometres, with rides ranging from 16 to 54 kilometres Exodus provides sleek Proformance ACL-02 bikes equipped with hydraulic brakes and 27 gears (e-bikes are also available for an additional cost); travellers bring their own helmets, which are mandatory.

Safi &his team had a knack for balancing fun with focus, offering pro tips for cycling safely in India: buses and tuk-tuks take priority, use your bells, ride as a team, single file , watch for potholes.

We rode past temples and locals playing cricket. We visited historical landmarks, like Saint Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India, and Dhobi Khana in Fort Kochi, an 18th-century public laundry, established around 1720 by the Dutch, that, today, still provides traditional hand-wash and ironing services. We visited Jew Town, filled with antique shops, and the Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568, today adorned with hand-painted tiles from China and Belgian chandeliers. We even hopped aboard local ferry at one point, bikes in tow.. we navigated city traffic. colourfully painted buses, speedy scooters, and beeping tuk tuks  – in some cases, barely missing us.

In Alleppey, — past artisans weaving coconut husk, fishermen sorting their catch, In Karunagappally, we rode into a temple festival, locals dressed for the occasion ,  incense, coconuts — and an elephant draped in embroidered cloth. Out guide Safi made sure we saw his Kerala.

In Pazhaveedu, that meant crashing a wedding.We were invited in,  complete with Cycling gear Inside were  hundreds of guests, music, colour, and a huge welcome...

One night, we stayed at a family-run homestay on the river. we ate homemade curry, fresh tuna, mango pickle, and cabbage, the evening quickly turned into a karaoke party.

With us all draped in saris, dancing — The homestay was however so many memories made .. Homestays channel tourism money directly into local hands — supporting families, small businesses, and preserving traditional ways of life.

Each day brought new surprises, like when Safi suggested we take a local train, instead of our minibus, to complete the final stretch , a coastal town known for its Yoga retreats, dramatic red cliffs and seaside restaurants.

The highlight for me was the river cruise woven into the trip — a day off the bikes, drifting along the tranquil Pampa River on a fully staffed houseboat, with meals and an overnight stay on board,  Waking to the songs from the riverside temples and stunning sunrise ..some thing that will never leave me .

Exodus Cycling tours suit reasonably fit cyclists of varied abilities, with daily rides of three to five hours and no major climbs —with the exception of  a final-day push in Varkala.

Restaurants are carefully vetted for food safety (no one got ill ), and not all Indian food is hot — there are lots of mild & tasty options, along with beautifully fresh seafood, vegetables...

Each Exodus booking contributes to local community projects

 Cycling in India ..?? Not crazy but a wonderful way to see local life and experience so much more rather than from  inside a bus...

Best time to go: November to March for drier, more comfortable weather.

Expect humidity: Kerala is tropical: pack light, breathable clothing that dries quickly.

Stay local where you can Homestays offer the most authentic experience and keep your spend in the community

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Between the heat and activity, water and electrolytes are essential.

Be flexible with transport: Trains, ferries and tuk‑tuks are part of the adventure and often more memorable than private transfers.

Pack smart for cycling: A good helmet, high‑SPF sunscreen, padded shorts and fingerless gloves will make a big difference to comfort.

Embrace the unexpected: Festivals, invitations, roadside stops: these unplanned encounters often become the real highlights.

Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples, cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes where required.

Slow down: Kerala rewards a gentler pace, whether you are on two wheels or drifting along the backwaters

If you are curious about India but nervous about tackling it alone,or with family or friends ,  a guided cycling trip in Kerala might be exactly the right balance of structure, support and authentic local experience.