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Cycle Kerala

India - Trip code CKB Cycling
Carbon Footprint Leaf Icon
322Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Uncover Kerala's famous backwaters by bike. Take a cycle tour of the state's must-sees from tea plantations to spice trading routes where the air is thick with cardamom. Learn about Kerala's majestic history visiting palaces and cultural sites. Finally, get to know a slower pace of life passing through sleepy villages and sharing a home with locals.

Why we love this trip
  • Explore fragrant plantations - Meander through plantations where tea leaves as well as cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and other spices are harvested.
  • Float through the backwaters - Enjoy a relaxing motorboat journey through the famous Kerala backwaters.
  • Experience Keralan hospitality - Immerse yourself in village life with a homestay at a local house.
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 13

    Lunch: 3

    Dinner: 2

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Assistant Cycle Guide

    Bike Mechanic

    Boat Crew

    Driver(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Bicycle

    Boat

  • i

    Accommodation

    2 nights simple homestay

    8 nights comfortable hotel

    2 nights premium hotel

  • i

    Cycling grade:

    Leisurely and Moderate

  • i

    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join Trip in Kovalam

Our tour of Kerala starts in Kovalam, a small coastal town with palm-backed beaches, a busy fishing harbour and a lighthouse. If you arrive early, you might want to walk along the Vizhinjam harbour and watch the fishing boats at work or relax in one of the cafes that overlook the sandy beach.

There are no activities planned for today, so you're free to arrive at any time. Our tour leader will meet us in the reception area of the hotel at 3pm for a welcome meeting. If you arrive later, they'll catch you up as soon as possible.

If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive into Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), a 40-minute drive from Trivandrum airport to Kovalam hotel.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 2 - Morning cycle ride and afternoon free to relax on the Arabian coast

This morning, we'll try out our bikes and make any necessary adjustments before pedalling off for a test ride through some of the local fishing villages. There's the option to extend your ride up to 32kilometres/19.8miles along an inland village road but the afternoon is free to explore at your own pace.

You might like to walk along the sandy beaches and take on the pounding surf of the Arabian Sea. In the evening, there are plenty of beachside cafes to enjoy the vista of fishing boats sailing out for their evening catch. Kerala is also well known for herbal care and there are lots of places to unwind with an Ayurvedic massage.

Our total cycling distance today is 10 kilometres/6 miles and the route is graded as leisurely (total ascent of 205 metres/673 feet and descent of 175 metres/575feet).

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Drive to Veli Lagoon, visit Anjengo Fort and cycle to Varkala

After breakfast this morning, we'll take the bus to Veli, from where we'll cycle 20kilometres/12.4miles to the estuary which is a leisurely ride. The lagoon is a large lake, separated from the ocean by the narrowest of sand spits, where fishermen can be seen working on their boats and nets or poling across the lake with sand-filled barges.

We'll visit the fishing village of Anjuthengu, where we'll stop by the Anjengo Fort, built by the British East India Company in the 17th century as the first British trading post on the Malabar coast. After our visit, we'll carry on our ride towards Varkala, a temple town renowned throughout the region as a pilgrimage centre for the millions of Hindus who come here to worship at the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple. These days, Varkala is Kerala's most popular backpacker hangout thanks to its beautiful clifftop setting and relaxed vibe.

On arrival, we should have time to relax by the beach or wander amongst the palms and enjoy the sunset before a well-earned dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Our total cycling distance today is 37 kilometres/23 miles and the route is graded leisurely (total ascent of 320 metres/1045 feet and descent of 295 metres/965 feet).

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Cycle through Keralan villages to Kollam

This morning's leisurely ride takes us alongside palm-fringed shores and beautiful blue lagoons, with the chance to spend a little time on Kollam beach. Kollam is surrounded by coconut palms and cashew tree plantations. Its old wooden houses are typical of the Keralan style and its situation at the southern end of the backwaters makes it an ideal spot to begin exploring the network of canals and lagoons. Your accommodation this evening is one of the simpler options in our itinerary.

Our total cycling distance today is 36 kilometres/22 miles and the route is graded as leisurely (total ascent of 300 metres/985 feet and descent of 325 metres/1065 feet). Please note, the last few km of today's cycle will be on a busy road.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Boat trip along the backwaters and cycle to Allepey

After a short drive along the highway this morning, we'll get back on our bikes and cycle further north along coastal roads shaded by palm trees. We'll cross the river by Valiyazeekal bridge where we'll get the chance to stop for refreshments and take in the fantastic view from the bridge. We will continue our ride for about 22kilometres/13.6 miles to the Manarasala Snake Temple.

After visiting the temple, we'll rejoin our bus for the short drive to our lunch stop. From there we will drive a further 40-minutes to Thottapally. We'll then spend the afternoon exploring Kerala's famous backwaters by motorboat. These boats are a lifeline for the villages, acting as taxis, delivering mail, and even carrying the harvest - it's not unusual to spot pyramids of coconuts or even buffalo being carried in this time-honoured fashion.

We will disembark at our hotel in Alleppey which is 12km away from the town, surrounded by lush greenery and paddy fields. This evening you're free to explore the town or make the most of the hotel's pool.

Our total cycling distance today is 39 kilometres/24 miles and the route is graded leisurely (total ascent of 310 metres/1010 feet and descent of 310 metres/1010 feet).

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Morning cycle through the backwaters villages and sunset canoe

After breakfast, we take a short 10 minute motoboard transfer to Kanjipadam where we'll begin our cycling. Our route takes us through the villages of these myriad backwaters and there'll be plenty of opportunities to interact with the locals and visit churches and temples. We'll take to the waters in a traditional boat made out of Anjili wood, passing by villagers tending to their animals and gardens. This afternoon you'll have the option of heading back back to the village for a walk or a sunset canoe ride through the backwaters.

Our total cycling distance today is 35 kilometres/22 miles and the route is graded is leisurely (total ascent of 225 metres/740 feet and descent of 235 metres/770 feet).

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 7 - Drive and cycle to Erattupetta

Leaving the backwaters behind us, we'll hop between bus and bike. We take a one-and-a-half hours transfer to Pampady where we'll begin cycling to Erattupetta.This area is famous for its rubber plantations, which date back to the early 19th century. Up in the rolling hills, you'll notice the climate is cooler as we cycle in the shade of the rubber trees. Tonight, we'll stay with a host family, where we can watch them cook up a traditional curry, take a walk through the gardens or go for a swim in some natural rock pools.

Planters Homestay, a 55-year old comfortable two-storey family mansion located in a small rural village. All rooms are bright and airy with en-suite facilities, and some (but not all) have air conditioning. The house is surrounded by lush gardens with tropical fruit trees, tall teaks, and lots of bird life.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 33 kilometres/21 miles and the route is graded as moderate (total ascent of 655 metres/2155 feet and descent of 650 metres/2125 feet).

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Homestay

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - Optional cycle rides

This morning, we'll take a stroll through a local plantation and learn about the numerous fruits and medicinal plants. Depending on the season, we might be able to relax in the rock pools before an optional visit to see the outside of Poonjar Palace, the 600-year-old residency of the Maharajah and his family. The palace was built around 1400 AD and is a well-preserved example of traditional Keralan architecture.

Our total cycling distance today is 9 kilometres/5.6 miles and the route is graded as leisurely (total ascent of 266 metres/873 feet and descent of 160 metres/525 feet). There's an optional ride of 32 kilometres/20 miles if you'd like more of a challenge.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Homestay

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 - Drive and cycle to Thekkady to visit plantations

Taking the meandering roads through the high ranges, today we'll drive the steeper sections of road, before transferring to two wheels to continue our journey to Thekkady.

Our cycle route is through a region called Wagamon, where the cooler climate helps us through the seemingly endless tea plantations and rolling hills. We'll pass rubber plantations, and through varied spice gardens. Further on, we might have the opportunity to meet local tea pickers in the plantations and get a feel for how people live in this beautiful region. Thekkady is the spice hub of Kerala and the town has many spice shops - the aroma in the air lets you know why this region is called the cardamom hills.

Our total cycling distance today covers 36 kilometres/22 miles and our route is graded as moderate (total ascent of 1175 metres/3860 feet and descent of 1505 metres/4940 feet). Please note, the last 10 kilometres/6 miles of today's ride is on a busy road.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 10 - Forest walk and explore Thekkady

Today we'll take a well-earned break from our bikes to visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Whilst Periyar is known as one of the 16 tiger reserves in India, it's probably better known for its elephants. Just 40 tigers live in the 923sq kilometre/ 575 square miles park and as they are solitary creatures, seeing them is rare.

We'll set out on a walk in search of other wildlife such as wild boar, giant Malabar, porcupine and flying squirrels. The park itself hosts a variety of habitats with open grasslands and semi-even and tropical forests. The ecosystem in the jungle is diverse - trees grow up to 40 metres/131 feet high, creating a canopy that blocks the sun, meaning species such as ferns, orchids and airplants flourish.

No cycling today.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 11 - Cycle descent to Kuttikanam and drive to Kochi

This morning, we'll take the stunning cycling route down the winding roads of Kuttikanam where we can enjoy a freewheel ride of nearly 20 kilometres/12 miles. We will visit a tea factory en route before continuing our journey by bus (a 3-hour drive) to bustling Kochi, a port city on India's Malabar Coast. Also known as Cochin, it's been a port since 1341, when it was used by Arab, Chinese and European merchants. Built across several islands with criss-crossing waterways, the city has a relaxed feel that speaks to artists and artisans from across the globe.

Our total cycling distance today is 30 kilometres/18.6 miles and the route is graded as moderate (total ascent of 540 metres/1772 feet and descent of 1524 metres/5000 feet).

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 12 - Cycling tour of Kochi and evening boat cruise

Today after breakfast, we'll drive through the old town of Fort Cochin which will take approximately 40-minutes. From there, we'll begin our cycle through the old town of Fort Cochin and Mattanchery. Kochi was founded on trade, originally with the arrival of the Chinese, Arabs and Phoenicians in the 2 millennium BC. Its links to Europe strengthened in the 16th century, with the arrival of the Portuguese, closely followed by the Dutch and the English. This has produced an eclectic mix of styles and influences. You can find both the oldest European church and the oldest synagogue in India amongst its winding streets and elsewhere Chinese fishing nets vie for space alongside Portuguese houses and Dutch palaces. After spending the day touring the town, we'll take transfer back to the hotel before a sunset cruise around the surrounding islands.

Our total cycling distance today is 10 kilometres/6 miles and our route is graded as leisurely.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 13 - Tour ends in Kochi

Our tour of Kerala ends at our hotel in Kochi.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Cochin International Airport (COK).

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

India

Climate

There is considerable variation between the different regions of India but, in general, the climate is tropical. Summer temperatures on the plains are very hot, but cooled by the South-West Monsoon, which lasts from June- September. During these months it can be very wet and therefore very humid. The temperature can be incredibly hot between June to September, especially in places such as Delhi and the north of India. During this time, it is not uncommon to experience thunderstorms and rain. It is recommended to wear light, breathable and loose clothes to keep cool. One benefit of travelling during the summer months is less crowds around the major sights. At altitude, temperatures can become quite cool at night even in the summer and may drop below freezing between December and February so warm clothing is necessary. In the winter, northern and mid India can be very cool, with cold evenings, so warm clothing, including plenty of layers, are essential. The south of India remains warm and sunny during the winter months.

Time difference to GMT

+5

Plugs

3 Pin Round

Religion

Catholicism, Hindu, Islam and Sikhism

Language

Hindi and English.

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

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 tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Kochi - Kathakali dancing GBP 6.50
Mancombu - Shares Sunset Canoe Ride - 850 INR

The prices stated are based on a minimum of 4 participants. Please be aware that the optional excursions can run with fewer people but the price may be higher. Likewise, a slightly reduced price may be applicable where the participation is 7 or more. In India these excursions are generally run via our agent in the country. Local companies may offer similar excursions at a cheaper price. Should you want to use these companies please be aware that a lower price may mean that not all costs are included (entrance fees etc.) or services will not operate at the same safety and quality standards.

Clothing

Bear 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. When cycling: quick drying cycle tops, padded cycle shorts and cycling gloves are strongly recommended as they will protect you from sunburn and may also help protect your hands if you fall. Bring 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.

Footwear

If you are not bringing cycle shoes then try to bring stiff-soled shoes as these are better for cycling - transmitting your energy into the pedals more efficiently. This becomes more relevant and recommended the more demanding the grade and distances to cover. SPD cycle shoes are not well suited to tours that combine sightseeing with cycling.
Comfortable shoes, trainers, sandals or flip flops are useful when not on the bike, particularly for walking in the national park and around Wagamon.

Luggage: On tour

We recommend you bring a daypack and one main piece of luggage (total allowance: 44lb/20kg) which will be transported between hotels while you cycle. Check the bike details section to see if a pannier or handlebar bag is provided on the bike. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.

Equipment

It is compulsory to wear a cycling helmet on all Explore cycling holidays. As we cannot guarantee the quality or structural integrity of locally hired cycling helmets, it is a requirement that you bring your own helmet with you. Most insurance providers require helmets to be worn whilst cycling, so in the event of an accident, it is likely that any insurance claim will be invalidated if you are not wearing a helmet.

Cycle glasses to protect against dust, pollen and the sun, padded cycle gloves and a water bottle or water delivery system (e.g. camelback or platypus) are also useful. You may choose to bring your own gel seat cover for added comfort. A pannier is not provided so you may like to bring a small rucksack to wear while cycling. Other items to consider bringing are a sunhat and sun cream, torch, earplugs and insect repellent. Please carry some or all of your cycling equipment e.g. helmet as part of your hand luggage.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline
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, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Accordingly, you should allow GBP45, approx. 3'800 Indian Rupees for group tipping.
For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.

India

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£8
Dinner price
£10
Beer price
£3
Water price
£0.5
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Indian Rupee Recently new 500 and 2000 rupee notes have been bought in to circulation and as the old notes are no longer accepted there have been some cash flow issues. You don't need to worry about being given old notes as it's very easy to tell the difference, the new notes are pristine in comparison with most Indian money which is fairly tatty.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
GBP/US$ are the best currency to change into local currency.
Where To Exchange
The Indian rupee is a restricted currency and it is best not to obtain in the UK as rates are very poor. You can either change money at the airport on arrival or in major towns during the tour. Your Tour Leader will advise you on the best places in each town. Both GBP and USD cash are easy to exchange at the airport and at hotels however you will be restricted to changing £60 cash at a time and it's not possible to change money at these locations using a credit or debit card.
ATM Availability
ATMs are available in most large cities in India but they are very limited elsewhere so please do not rely on this.
Credit Card Acceptance
Very rarely, only in the larger outlets.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Bicycle, Boat

Accommodation notes

Accommodation in India is as varied as the country itself and standards might not always meet those back home.
Service can be slow, especially when travelling with a group and a number of hotels in India don't serve alcohol due to complicated licencing laws or for religious reasons. Hot water is not always available at small properties and with a group staying, you might find the water is cooler if you're showering last. Hotels also don't usually have heating, so it can become chilly in the winter months, however, blankets will always be provided.
Due to the growth in tourism in India, it's not always possible to stay at our listed accommodation and an alternative will be found.
We've graded the majority of hotels on this trip as 'comfortable'. Most have a good level of service and extra amenities like a restaurant, bar, garden, or swimming pool. Generally, rooms will be comfortable with en-suite facilities.
We'll also spend two nights at a 'simple' homestay. Planters Homestay is a spacious and comfortable two storey family mansion located in a small rural village. All rooms are bright and airy with en-suite facilities, and some (but not all) have air conditioning. The house is surrounded by lush gardens with tropical fruit trees, tall teaks, and lots of bird life.

India

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information


India: Holders of passports endorsed British citizen, as well as Australian, New Zealand and US passport holders may be eligible for the e-Tourist Visa to enter India.

The visa can be applied for through the official Indian government visa website only - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . Please check all eligibility criteria that can be found on the website but important points are listed below -

You must be arriving into one of 29 selected entry points which can be found via the official Indian Government website link above. However, you can exit from any of the authorised immigration check posts in India.

Passports must have at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in India and at least two blank pages for stamping. Visa applications will take approximately 4 days to process.
There are different validity visas and the costs are as follows:

30-day validity (travelling between April and June) - $10
30-day validity (travelling between July and March) - $25
1-year validity - $40
5-year validity- $80

Those applying for a 30 day electronic visa can only apply within 30 days of arrival for your visa to be valid. Furthermore double entry is permitted and you can only obtain two 30-day visas in a calendar year.

Please note these costs are subject to frequent change so you should check on the official Indian government visa website mentioned above. Biometric data will be collected on arrival in India.

If you are not eligible for the e-Tourist Visa, please refer to VFS Global to apply for your Indian visa - https://www.vfsglobal.com/india/uk/how_to_apply.html

Whilst the online form offers a relatively quick way to apply for a visa, some applicants have reported difficulty in completing the form. If you do require assistance, then you may consider applying through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. They can complete the online visa on your behalf for a service fee + the visa cost. See www.travcour.com


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.

India

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

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Airport Transfers
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