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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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This tour is graded Easy
Short rides, up to about 4 hours (or 45 kilometres) per day, mainly on flat or gently undulating terrain. You don’t have to be a regular cyclist but you should be reasonably fit and active. Easy grade trips are ideal if you simply want to explore a region by bike at a relaxed pace.
Back to topPlease note: water will be available for you to buy every day on the bus.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Kochi - Kathakali dancing £2.50.
Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topLocal Staff: Accordingly you should allow approx. £25 for gratuities for local staff.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Indian Rupee.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: US$ or GBP.
Where to Exchange: Most major towns – your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: ATM’s are available in Kovalam, Kochi, Varkala, Kollam, Thekkady.
Credit Card Acceptance: Very rarely, only in the larger outlets.
Travellers Cheques: Kovalam and Kochi.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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| UK | India | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £1.00 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £0.80 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £1.50 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £2.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £6.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £8.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Single entry visas are required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN citizens – other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Indian Visa: It is no longer possible to obtain an Indian visa directly from the Indian Embassy. You must either apply for a visa through your travel agent or through the Explore Visa Service. Alternatively, you can go through to VFS global http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk (the company who the Embassy has outsourced its visa service to) online, by post or at the centre after prior appointment. If you are applying through visa swift then please do not pay for your visa through the on line Indian application, please send your payment into Visa swift so that they can submit the payment to the Visa Centre when they take your passport.
You must hold a valid passport to enter India. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date you
Back to topNothing compulsory but we recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. You may wish to immunise against meningitis.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Our bikes are serviced frequently: spokes, tyres, gear and brake mechanisms are checked over and tested thoroughly by experienced mechanics before each tour begins.
We strongly recommend that you wear a helmet whilst cycling. We do not provide helmets locally; by bringing your own you can ensure a good fit and that it hasn’t been damaged.
Your tour leader will give a full safety briefing at the start of the tour, along with instructions on how to deal with any minor mechanical problems you may have along the way. Puncture repair kits will be provided locally, when and where necessary during the trip.
Back to topBike hire is included on all Explore cycling trips: you don’t need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a support vehicle, spare parts and take care of day to day bike maintenance. All you need bring is your own helmet. If you prefer to use your own saddle or pedals please bring them too, as they can be fitted to your bike for the duration of the tour.
Back to top| Bike Details | Equipment Provided |
| Bike type: | Mountain |
| Bike model: | Trek |
| Number of gears: | 21-24 |
| Brakes: | V-Brakes |
| Suspension: | Front |
| Frame range: | 16"-21" |
| Panniers/Bike bag type provided: | Bike bag |
| Water bottle holder provided: | Yes |
| Water bottle provided: | No |
| Adjustable handlebars: | No |
| Female saddle provided: | No |
| Gel saddles provided: | Yes |
| Option to fit own saddle: | Yes |
| Option to fit own pedals: | Yes |
There is considerable variation between the different regions of India but, generally speaking, the climate is tropical. In the coastal south the temperature never falls below 20°C, often rising to 33°C even in winter months. November to February are the most pleasant months of the year. October and March are warmer still and summer, April to September, is very hot. India's southwest monsoon falls between June to August. Rain tends to fall more in the afternoon and evening. By September the high temperatures are still there but rainfall is lower, so it tends to be humid with some rain. The Western Ghats wet season is May to October. Kerala is strongly affected by the monsoon, but does not have the extended dry season.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topOne main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
Back to topBear in mind that the area is tropical with high humidity. Lightweights are needed all year round with some warmer clothes (ie fleece and long trousers) for the cooler winter evenings (November to March) in Wagamon. Bring cycling gear such as gloves and shorts and a swimming costume for the beaches. Whilst cycling in shorts is acceptable and expected, please note that for visits to temples and city sightseeing, tight fitting sleeveless t-shirts, brief or tight shorts and miniskirts should be avoided, since they attract unwelcome attention.
Back to topComfortable shoes for walking in the National Park and around Wagamon, trainers for cycling and sandals for other sightseeing.
Back to topTake a cycle helmet, a torch, sunglasses, sunhat, sunscreen, insect repellent and binoculars for wildlife viewing. Please consider carrying all or some of your cycling equipment, e.g. helmet, as part of your hand luggage.
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topArea: 3,288,000 sq. km.
Population: India 1 billion; Kerala 35 Million
Language: Malayalam, English.
Religion: Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist.
Local time: GMT + 5.5.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v AC 50 Hz. Type C and D plugs.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topRecommended Maps: India 2, South Neller Verlag 1:150,000.
Recommended Books: ‘The God of Small Things’ by Arundhati Roy (Flamingo), ‘South India’, C.Niven (Lonely Planet). ‘On an Indian Pilgrimage’ by Geoffrey Moorhouse.
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