Testimonials:
India - Kerala Cycling Holiday

Lynda and Geoff Potter, Dingwall, Scotland

The organisation of this trip was top quality. The team run by Raju were very capable and they all became our friends during the trip. They were very obliging, supportive, made everything run smoothly and our holiday was most enjoyable. We always felt we were in safe considerate hands with Raju the leader, Jamal the driver, the cyclist guides - Ravi, Shabu and Faizal. The varied routes and itinerary combined excellent cycling with the local culture. We loved every minute and did not want it to stop. All our companion cyclists, we are sure, will agree with these comments.

We are not the youngest of cyclists and before we went on this trip we were a bit apprehensive about the challenging climbs and roads. However encouragement and smiles soon dispelled any doubts we had. The trip became an absolute pleasure. Timely breaks and snacks and fresh water were always available and helped us on our way. On the rest days and the evenings after cycling Raju and Jamal the driver guided and showed us around and enabled us to make the most of the local sites and culture.

Wendy Holland, Whangarei, New Zealand

My fifth redspokes trip and there is a reason why I keep going back to redspokes. The design and execution of all the trips I have been on is excellent and I think very good value. Thank you once again redspokes I came back to NZ after another amazing trip feeling refreshed, fit and in love with life (any cycling). I had never been to India before and this experience just blew my away. India is incredible, the vibrancy, bright colours everywhere, beautiful landscape, food, culture, diversity but most of all the people. The people are just wonderful, so open, engaged, beautiful. I must have smiled 1000 times a day and I stopped and had many talks with people we met along the way. I would go back there in an instance. The tour team looked after us so, so well, all were so warm and kind and couldn't do enough for us. We felt like a family. Raju our tour leader was fantastic, he looked after every detail, always wanting to do more and more for us, every detail organised. Ravi lead the cycling from the back, where I was often at, taking my time, stopping, Ravi always patient, encouraging and very kind, an incredibly good navigator through busy traffic. Shabu, led from the front, he is a great cyclist, always encouraging, his beautiful smile was all we needed. Faizal also rode with us, usually leading in the middle, an absolutely wonderful young man, so excited by life and also an exceptional cyclist and lastly Jamal who drove the van - great driver, very very funny lovely man and he made sure everyone stayed hydrated - not an easy feat in 35 degree temps on some days - coconut water is the ticket so, so good.

To my fellow cyclists, Mark, Jude and Pete, Lynda and Geoff you all were amazing, I loved being with you all, such good company and humour. Thank you everyone once again.

Pete & Judy Burdett, Kettering, UK

We cannot praise the organisation of this trip highly enough. Raju led a team that was so attentive to every detail and went far further and beyond what we anticipated. The itinerary of cycling and culture enabled the four of us to fall in love with India on our first ever visit to the country. The route was varied, often rather challenging in terms of distance and height gained and cycling in heavy traffic occasionally, we expected this but were so pleasantly surprised how supportive the team was. Rest breaks arrived just when needed and snacks and fresh water kept coming. Encouragement ,smiles and praise kept us going when it was tough. Challenging cycling became overwhelmingly a pleasure. Safety in traffic was a top concern and we soon got very confident. The odd steep gravelly or potholed descent was very carefully guided down.

On days off Raju and Jamal the driver went out of their way to enable us to get the most from the day. It was apparent from day one that we were in very safe hands and this immediate first impression was borne out by the whole trip. We are still on cloud nine about what we saw and achieved.

Christian Carthew, Melbourne, Australia

I have been very keen to see India for some time and my expectations were exceeded. The trip was brilliant. Our guide Majid was excellent. He did a great job getting us safely from place to place, also passed on loads of great information along the way. I am missing the food, the colours and the smiles. Cycling is certainly the best way to see a new place.

Thank you Majid, Majesh and redspokes.

Kirsty Seddon, Chester, UK

This trip and redspokes were recommended to me by a friend and the whole experience far exceeded my expectations. The diversity of experiences that were packed into the two weeks astounded me. The team led by Raju were absolutely brilliant. Raju himself was so attentive to every detail of the trip and couldn't have done any more if he tried. He clearly had very high expectations of what he wanted to offer and he worked incredibly hard to maintain those expectations jthroughout. Baba and Keshu were so professional as bike guides and brilliantly skilled as mechanics, again nothing was too much trouble for them. Jamal was a brilliant driver and again so attentive to delivering a high quality experience. As a team, the four of them worked brilliantly together and really made the trip a fantastic experience - thank you to them all!

Sheena Hall, Victoria, Australia

We had a great group and great trip. The guides were very attentive and thoughtful and could not do enough for us.

The cycling was tough but very rewarding, and a great route on small roads with little traffic and spectacular scenery, a perfect way to see the country and experience local culture.

Joanna Reaves, Edinburgh, Scotland

Another great redspokes tour. A smaller group but just as much fun, experiencing the colorful, friendly culture of Kerala and Tamil Nadu together.

Nicky Crosby, Liverpool, England, UK

This holiday was a wonderful introduction to India for me (first time aged 62), enabling me to see people, countryside and places in the unique way that cycling offers. It took a lot of persuading me that I'd cope with the cycling, and in the end I found it every bit (and more) as hard as I'd anticipated, but facilities and staff cater very well for strugglers like me, so I ended up with a decent sense of achievement and had a totally wonderful holiday.

Thorsten Kowalski, Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany

This trip in India is by far the best trip I ever did with redspokes, a real good selection of nice and comfortable hotels at interesting places. Raju is an excellent tour guide and the best tour guide I ever met on a cycling trip. His hospitality already started one day before the trip, when he was picking me up from the airport after my 11 hour flight. It was great to see the redspokes sign at the airport and even handling of my big bike box was pretty easy and well organized with his great support.

Our funny driver Jamal cares for every little detail at the stops and at every occasion. The cycling guides Baba and Keshu are professional cycling guides and Baba is a great mechanics to solve the little things and adjustments on all the bikes. Until today we had no accidents, no one got lost on the way, even when there were many turns on the tour on some days. I really appreciate this tour and would like to do another trip in India with this team. Therefore I would rate the trip with 5 stars out of 5 or 100%.

Andy Pitt, Manchester, England, UK

I had a fantastic time,saw some wonderful places, met lots of interesting and interested people and came back much the richer for the experience. This felt much more like it offered opportunities to do holiday stuff(houseboat cruise,visits to temples,tea plantation)and wasn't as challenging in terms of the rigour of the cycling (some fantastic descents so we did climb quite high) compared with previous trip, so important to read the itinerary and make sure it is what you want/expect. Excellent organisation from the redspokes team.

Annette Meier, London, England, UK

I enjoyed the experience of cycling through the breathtaking scenery of Kerala and Tamil Nadu very much, the tea plantations were spectacular and we were always greeted with warm smiles from young and old. I found the cycling quite tough but very rewarding and the team were always on hand to encourage or help me. Thanks to Raju, Ravi, Sabu and our driver Jamal for a great trip, it was our second tour with redspokes and will not be our last.

Ruth and Phil Dunnell, Surrey, England, UK

This is a great trip and we would heartily recommend it. The crew really looked after us very well. Highlights for us were arriving in Palani, in the middle of festival, to find it packed out with thousands and thousands of pilgrims and Kodaikanal which was super chilled. But the route was the real star: coast, jungle, tea plantations and plenty of hills. We “stumbled upon” so much – temple celebrations, wedding processions, groups of pilgrims …. everyone smiling, waving and calling out. And to top it all the food was fantastic. We are already planning our next trip with redspokes.

Kerstin Sieben & Kolja Stille, Breman, Germany

Many thanks to the redspokes team and the local guides for making this holiday unforgettable! Cycling through beautiful hilly landscapes, lovely people, food to die for- best way to explore Kerala. It was amazing!

Ross Prielipp, Stroud, England, UK

This tour is fantastic. The cycling presents a good challenge in the heat with plenty of climbing but your reward is the breathtaking scenery. The villages, towns, food and culture of Kerala and Tamil Nadu make the trip so interesting and the team of Ravi, Sabu and Jamal led by Raju could not look after you any better. Thanks guys for a memorable tour, highly recommended.

Michael and Breda Keating, Leixlip, Ireland

Now that the kids are grown, our dream of getting away on a redspokes tour has finally been realised. We worried that at 54 and 60 we might have left it too late to enjoy 600 kms up and down the Cardamon Hills. Not so, 60 is the new 40 and endurance, stamina and climbing ability comes with age!

We enjoyed our Indian odyssey through Kerala and Tamil Nadu so much that we are already planning our next redspokes trip.

Ian Smith, Surry, England, UK

Many people say they'd like to go to India; few do, for fear of what they might see. This trip is a great introduction to a country that never ceases to surprise, delight and occasionally disappoint. In two weeks we experienced so much more than I could possibly have imagined in advance. The wonderful costal scenery, the tea plantations and blue Jacaranda trees, the thrill of an Indian train ride (what an experience), the intenseness of Indian city street life, the relaxing house boats, the delicious food, the smiling people, the ultimate thrill of seeing and hearing wild elephants and, of course, a little bit of cycling too! For me the cycling was incidental; it was what we saw from our saddles that will forever remain in memory. At times the cycling was tough, due mainly to the heat and humidity; coming form the UK's coldest winter for 30 years, it took a while to adjust. The accommodation far exceeded my expectations, even if one hotel did have a lift playing Carpenters songs! You will come home from Kerala with enough stories to bore the neighbours for years, so for that reason alone I recommend this trip.

John and Sara Blyth, Shipley, England, UK

John and I had yet another amazing trip with redspokes. There is no way we could have seen the things we did without the help of a local team. Craig was brilliant, he quietly asserted himself to get things done and ensured that the whole group had a brilliant experience. Thankyou for opening up the world to us. Sara x 

Another great experience thanks to redspokes. The cycling tour provided allowed us to see India as it really is. We had a fantastic time and can't wait until our next trip. John

Ray Knowles, Morwenstowe

This was our first trip with redspokes, and we can say there were only very positive things to say. The trip just got better by the day and big thanks to the support staff and organisers who kept the trip running smoothly. Kerala and Tamil Nadu were very interesting both in culture and scenery, but what made the trip was the friendliness of the people. Experiencing the way the Indian people lived in such a happy go lucky way will always be cherished and we will have long memories of our trip. It was nice to meet our cycling group and we all got along very well.

David Mitchell, Warrington, England UK

Every day's riding was different, so much variety. Most road surfaces surprisingly good and some excellent. The downhills were exhilarating, the 14 hairpins and all the bits in between en route to Palani will be difficult to beat.

Chris Ellerton, Torquay, England, UK

Just a note to let you know how much I enjoyed the Kerala cycling holiday. It was the great combination of some challenging cycling days, and a fascinating opportunity to see the off-the-beaten-track India. The memories of friendly people, beautiful and varied countryside and fantastic food will stay with me a long time. The highlight though has to be relaxing on the luxurious river boats to finish. Thanks again, and hopefuly I'll see you on the Karakoram trip next year.

Yvonne Knowles, Morwenstowe

A fantastic trip with lots of interesting things to see and do along the way. Nothing was too much trouble for the guide and support team. I would recommend this trip to friends and family. Thanks redspokes for a great trip!

Jean François Bieler, Montreal, Canada

I was out of my comfort zone for 2 weeks and I loved every minute of it.

Klaud Simpson, Cambridge, England, UK

My first trip to India and I had no expectations or pre-set idea of what it would be like, eyes open wide you cycle through the tea plantations where you are surrounded by a mix of green, waterfalls, flowers and views that make you glad to be on a bike and free from city life. The nature reserve views made me feel like I could cycle across the canopy of trees. Have you ever heard a wild elephant trumpet while you're on a bike. I have and it was cool. The stunning views gave me a memory, the cycling gave me the feeling of freedom. This was my second trip with redspokes and I'm now planning the third......keep on moving don't stop grooving ;-)

Ian McIntosh, Caterham, England, UK

For me the trip had everything I was looking for. Great weather, challenging cycling, fantastic countryside, but above all, the opportunity to meet and communicate with the local population. Due to the fact that we often travelled on small roads far from the cities, the enthusiastic, excited and welcoming greeting we received from the villagers as we cycled by made me feel very honoured. Coupled with the fact that these people have so few material possessions but were willing to unreservedly give me their love, hospitality and friendship without expecting anything in return made and continues to make me feel very humble.

Roger Troughton, Dorking, England, UK

Cycling is such a fantastic way of visiting places like Kerala and Tamil Nadu - allowing you to get closer to the country and its people. This was my third trip with with redspokes so far, so they must be doing something right.

Alastair Macpherson, Dundee, Scotland

Another fantastic trip. Riding through the first village of the trip with everyone waving and shouting hello was a great feeling which continued on throughout the duration of the tour. This direct personal contact with universally friendly people made my first trip to India a wonderful experience. Can't think of a better way to spend my holidays. Thanks again.

Robert Burford, Luton, England, UK

Dermot and team gave their all! The support and help, routes and accommodation were all A+. The area we cycled in was chosen for us to see the very best of culture and scenery in my opinion! Lots to see do and take part in. The cycling group was the best. Hope to meet up with a few on future trips.

Damian King, Glasgow, Scotland

As always your ability to sort out a great tour was spot on. No EFI (again) but I expect they days are well gone.

Mary Howden, Edinburgh, Scotland

I found the support provided to me by the guides and drivers to be excellent. At times I was very slow and they never made me feel it was a problem.

Anne Barry, Peterborough, England, UK

Very good trip. Good fun - great group of people. Beautiful countryside, friendly people and food to die for, especially as I am a vegetarian!

Richard Kitson, West Yorkshire, England, UK

What a fantastic way to spend Christmas Day, cycling through unbelievable tea plantation scenery. The hill side camp site was a stunning venue and well worth the gruelling climb up the drive to get there! The tour was brilliant and considering the difficulties caused by the Kerala/Tamil Nadu dispute, the support team and Ben managed it admirably.

Debbie and Andrew Buxton, Chesterfield, England, UK

The scenery was spectacular and the people were a delight. The trip was very well organised. Ian, Raj and the other leaders were fantastic and it seemed as though we had been in India for months rather than months rather than weeks because of how much we saw and did. Our fellow holiday makers were just great people. This was our 3rd redspokes trip which we have thoroughly enjoyed again and we intend to do more. Bring it on Dermot!

Marie Sadler, Luton, England, UK

This was my second redspokes tour and once again it was a wonderful experience. We had a fantastic group of people who contributed to the great time we all had. The tour was well organised with great guide/drivers/helpers. I was thrilled to have experienced the real India and get the opportunity to visit rural villages and interact with the people. I think the trip exceeded my expectations and I have come away with a great insight to Indian life and the chance to see areas that most people never get to see. Well done redspokes and I look forward to the next trip.

Peter Marsden, Blackpool, England, UK

My first experience of India was outstanding; an astonishing mixture of urban and rural scenery, with gentle warm and friendly people.The cycling was varied (and hilly) and the heat added to the challenge. My fellow cyclists proved helpful and humorous adding to the enjoyment - many thanks to all of them.

Christine Dawson, New Zealand

The cycling was fab, I was cycling with a running injury and whilst I do a bit of cycling do not consider myself a cyclist. I found the terrain in places challenging but nothing I could not handle. I think a 5 was pitched about right. I would certainly recommend your tour and indeed do it again. Thank you so much for an excellent, treasured memories filled holiday.

Rita Gough, Preston, England, UK

I have been on a few redspokes tours, all amazing but I think Kerala was my favourite. Absolutely wonderful place and people - so much to see - I can't wait to go back there.

Donald Gow, Edinburgh, Scotland

Dermot your tour was excellent we really apriciate the fact that we saw life off the beaten track and experiance a taste of the culture.

Debbie Glenwright, Townsville, Australia

Cycling on the Kerala tour was majestic, incorporating some of the most picturesque mountain views and waterways that at times were breath taking. The waterfalls, tea plantations, temples, fishing villages and very manageable climbs made the trip more of a cultural experience than a challenging ride. The overwhelming friendliness of the people and the unique cultural traditions and rituals were amazing. Eating curry now has a whole new meaning!!!