3 independent reviews for Cycling vacations in Kerala
Reviews for Cycling vacations in Kerala
James Thomas review 26 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Our guides accommodating our request to visit local hotels, restaurants and businesses. Of course the scenery was new and vivid for us as well. Amy and I nearly always travel independent. Based on numerous trips to India, I’ve also been quite concerned about the safety of cycling and have never brought my bicycle on a trip. However, before our journey to Kerala, I researched online and found the website for Responsible Travel. They hooked us up with a local travel company in Cochin, India. Suddenly the possibility of cycling seemed within reach. Someone who has local knowledge and who listens and reads your email closely about your desires, can pave the way for you. Getting all rid of all the logistics of travel in a new location is worth hours and hours of time. We have pretty strong desires about the types of places and the kind of riding and the length of a ride. We travel to immerse ourselves in culture. We often prefer the road less traveled. We try local cuisine, no matter how different it is from ours. We religiously avoid chains and fast food, while frequenting small and local businesses along the road. Promptly, I received an email with an itinerary that was very satisfactory. As I discussed, our travel plans with Thomas, roadblocks that I didn’t know existed were both explained to me and solved for me. I can’t recall working with a Travel service before, and as my work plans (actual reason for my voyage to India) kept changing, Thomas kept up with the changes, solving each problem. I was able to apply my complete focus to the work portion of my trip, and the subsequent immersion into Keralan culture waited for us.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Explain your desires to Thomas the owner and he will guide you in both things you know you want to do and help you avoid problems that you didn't know you would have because of your lack of local knowledge.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely benefited the local population. Cycling is certainly has a relatively low environmental impact, although with a sag wagon, there is some impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The knowledge of the the owner and guides paved the way. See also our more extensive google review.Carol Boothby review 7 Dec 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The cycling around Munnar , which was very challenging on terms of hill and road conditions, but so exciting and interesting.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take plenty changes of cycling clothes as it is quite hard to get things washed and dried. You can buy an indian SIM card for your phone for £5 at the airport, and save on phone bills. Try to avoid using plastic water bottles as these end up littering the roadside and backwaters - most places offer clean filtered water if you ask for it. I took my own saddle .3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The home stays were run by locals , and they really need tourist support. Many were making efforts to reduce environmental impact by cutting down on plastic waste etc. Our local guide company, also tries to avoid plastic waste by providing metal drinking bottles and refilling from a large water store.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely brilliant! Our guides were fantastic, especially Roger who led the cycling. Nothing was too much trouble, we were treated like royalty. The guides thought of everything, and were so accommodating.lindsay innes review 15 Dec 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
From start to finish, we had a ball! Vipin and Rodger were great guides, full of encouragement and knowledge about all things Indian. Deepu was a very safe driver and all 3 had a great rapport with each other. Cycling was challenging at times, but very enjoyable and we were able to go at our own pace. Food and accomodation were first class and no ' delhi belly' for either of us throughout the whole trip. The vacation company are a company I will definitely use again and recommend to others. Please pass on my thanks to the company2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Dont hesitate, book it!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All hotels/camps seemed locally owned and I am happy to support that.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, first class! This is up there in our top 1 or 2 trips of our life and we have travelled a fair bit over the years.Holiday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
