India - Kerala

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.

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 ;-)

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.

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!

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.

Jean François Bieler, Montreal, Canada

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

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.

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.

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.