Southern India is a land of contrasts, ornately carved Hindu Temples dating back hundreds of years, historic trading streets lined with colonial mansions, thick forests full of singing birds and elephants, plantations growing a wide variety of spices and teas, coastal regions where fisherman cast their nets daily. Our new Royal Odyssey brings this all to play, as we cycle across the southern tip, enjoying the many sights while relaxing in the elegance of the regions finest lodges, hotels and resorts, many built in former colonial mansions and historic properties.

Our odyssey begins with a week of explorations in Tamil Nadu, renowned for its ancient temple complexes and colorful villages. We will explore the fanciful archtectural styles of the golden roofed Chidambaram temple complex and the 17th century Adikumbheshvara Temple in Kumbakonam. Walk the colonial squares and alleys of Pondicherry and enjoy sunset from atop the 16th century Rock Fort of Trichy. We enjoy demostrations of traditional dance and delight with the local cuisine.

The second leg focus more on nature and the environment, taking us first through the Munnar Hills, where the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary affords us viewing opportunities of local fauna and where tea & spice planations cover the green rolling hills. From here we descend to the Kerala Backwaters, a vast interconnected network of lakes and rivers that covers a long stretch of western Kerala. We'll enjoy a night floating these waterways on our houseboats. Then finish our trip pedaling along the coast, enjoying lunch with local fisherman and exploring the old trading seaports.

Itinerary (day-by-day)

Day 1 - Start your trip with a traditional Indian greeting of flower garlands, then transfer to our hotel on the beach. In the afternoon, we enjoy a warm up ride around the local villages visiting the Mahabalipuram Temple and local granite carving areas. Finish the day out with your first taste of the southern India cuisine full of the flavorful spices and herbs from the region. 12 mi / 20 km

Day 2 - We ride to Kancheepuram in the morning to visit the Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, with its ornate carvings, then after lunch continue our ride through Tamil Nadu to the historic colonial town of Pondicherry, where we relax in an elegant hotel that was once the governors mansion. 40 mi / 65 km

Day 3 - This morning after breakfast we will explore the old town sections of Pondicherry by bicycle, visiting the vegetable and flower markets, Arabindo Ashram and the quaint streets of the French Colonial section. Then after lunch head to for the short ride to Chidanbaram and the Nataraja Temple, renowned for its incredible ornately carved gates and buildings. Finish the day's ride in Swamimalai. 62 mi / 100 km

Day 4 - No need to pack today, as we ride a loop exploring the region around Swamimlai. Our ride takes us to the vilages of Kumbakonam, home to the 17th century Adikumbheshvara Temple; Darasuram; Gangaikonda Cholapuram, known for its temple sculptures; and Thiruvarur, where we can watch the daily lives, explore more ornate Hindu temple complexes and enjoy the sights and smells of the region. 40 mi / 65 km (dinner on your own)

Day 5 - After breakfast we bike to Tanjore, where we explore another example of traditional Hindu temple carvings at the Brihadeeswara Temple. The continue our day's cycling to Trichy (also known as Tiruchirapalli), nestled under the imposing Rock Fort. You have time to explore the markets and Sri Rangam Temple, before we head up to Rock Fort to watch sunset behind the surrounding hill country. 81 mi / 130 km

Day 6 - The renowned temple city of Madurai is our goal today, a short drivee away. Enroute we will visit the villages of Chettinad and Karaihudi. After checking into our hotel, we will head out by bike to explore the city, its colorful markets and the colorful murals of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. At dinner we will enjoy a special Chettinad Menu, with delicious dishes from the region, then if luck smiles we will have the opportunity to witness the Night Ceremony at the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. 12 mi / 20 km

Day 7 - We switch regions today, giving the bikes a rest and travel by van up into the Munnar Hills. This region is known for its spices and teas, we will be passing many plantations as we work our way to our delightful lodge perched up in the hills. If time allows, we may set out to ride through some of the tea plantations near our lodge.

Day 8 - The ride today takes us through the hill country enroute to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to numerous species of singing birds, elephants and much more. After arrival, we will check into our hotel, then head out in the early evening by boat to search out wildlife viewing opportunities. Back at the hotel, we will enjoy Kathakali Dance performance, then retire early. 68 mi / 110 km

Day 9 - Dawn comes early, as we will awake for a sunirse boat trip to search out more wildlife sightings. Remounting our bikes, we will explore some of the local tea and rubber plantations, visiting with the workers and enjoying lunch with tea pluckers at their quarters. A bit more cycling in early afternoon, then we load up and drive to Nedumudi, where we board our Houseboats for the evenings. These unique floating houses have all the ammenities of a nice hotel, combined with rather a ecclectic architecture of bamboo and wood and an ever changing view out the window, as we float the Backwaters of Kerala. 36 mi / 62 km

Day 10 - Waking up to the songbirds of the Backwaters, we will enjoy breakfast on deck then disembark for a ride along the coastal regions of Kerala. We visit coir making shops and fishing villages. Enjoy lunch with the local fishermen, then continue along the coast to Kochi, a historic colonial trading post. We again bed down in a colonial mansion that has been reborn as a elegant hotel. Perhaps after dinner a stroll through the old streets. 44 mi / 70 km(dinner on your own)

Day 11 - After breakfast, we set out for our last ride of the Royal Odyssey, a trip down the coast towards Trivandrum. Along the way we will visit historic Alleppey, fishing villages and coir making areas. After checking in, we have the balance of the day free for last minute souviner shopping, exploring the town or just relaxing. 44 mi / 70 km

Day 12 - After breakfast, it is time for fond farewells and a transfer to Trivandrum Airport for your flights home or onward to more adventures in India.

Note: Because we cover a relatively large region on this tour, some days will employ both cycling and vehicle shuttles. Mileages listed are the suggested cycling distance, with maybe shortened or lengthened to meet the group's desires.

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