Tour Details

Fort Kochi by Bike

From: £20.50

Duration: 4 hours

Categories: Culture & History, Cycling, Outdoors

Group size: 1 - 12

Cycle through the spice-scented streets of Kochi, a laid-back city that has been luring travellers for over 600-years with its idyllic climate, colonial heritage and lively port. Learn about its Portuguese, English and Dutch connections, see its busy waterfront, stroll through the heart of its old Jew Town and breath in the smell of its spice-scented alleys. With trips to the Dutch Palace and an eye-opening visit to a local laundry, this tour will get you under the skin of this much-loved Indian city.

Highlights

  • Cycle through the spice-scented streets of Kochi.
  • Learn about the Portuguese influence on local art and architecture.
  • Ride through the Chinese fishing nets
  • Witness the early-morning rush at the fish market
  • Stroll through labyrinthine Jew Town.
  • Visit the Dutch Cemetery.
  • Admire the mosaics adorning the Dutch Palace
  • Witness an Indian laundry
Pick up:
Intrepid Kaleeveedu: 10/1511, South Thamaraparambu, (near Police Quarters). Amaravathy Cochin-682001
Drop off:
Intrepid Kaleeveedu: 10/1511, South Thamaraparambu, (near Police Quarters). Amaravathy Cochin-682001  
Included:
Cycles, all entrance fees as indicated, tea & snack break
Not included:
Items of a personal nature,tips or gratuities for your local guide
Tipping:
If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour

Tour Itinerary

Kochi is a laid-back and vibrant city on the tropical Malabar Coast and the best way to discover it is by bike! Join your local guide for this cycling tour of Kochi that will take in the colonial sights and local hotspots, and leave you completely smitten with the city.

Start off from the Intrepid Lodge, heading over to the Museum to learn about the colonial influence old quarters of Fort Kochi. Head onwards to the Dutch Cemetery, the oldest European cemetery in India, whose 104 tombs provide great insight into the lives lead by the Dutch and English migrants.

Continue on towards the coast, cycling through the Chinese fishing nets, and witnessing the early-morning buzz along the waterfront. Pass by the small fish market, a chaotic place in the morning trading rush, before heading into Kochi’s main bazaar. Jump off your bike to explore the streets that are lined with fragrant spice warehouses and colourful stores.

Walk into Jew Town, the heart of the city’s bustling port area and the centre of the Kochi spice trade. Breath in the smell of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric and cloves while walking through this atmospheric area. Admire the frescos adorning the Dutch Palace, and take a moment to sip a cup of coffee, chai or hot chocolate and soak up the atmosphere of this area.

Jump back on your bike to cycle back along the waterfront, heading towards the centre of town. Call into a local laundry to see how the dhobis beat the clothes clean before making the final peddle back to the Intrepid Lodge where this cycling tour of Kochi comes to an end.

Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

40%

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

60%

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

80%

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

100%

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

40%

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

60%

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

80%

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

100%

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

25%

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

50%

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

75%

For those who like to travel in comfort

100%

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon