A rare opportunity is you’re for the taking with this hands-on experience in North Wayanad’s legendary hilly and verdure-rich landscapes. These indigenous tribal lands in Kerala hold the promise of many immersive cultural delights. The area is justly famed for its myth and legend imbued Banasura hill range, its waterfalls, lakes and wildlife sanctuaries—and coffee, tea, pepper, cardamom, and vanilla spice plantations. Riding through this gorgeous countryside is an unforgettable experience.
Your day begins with a picturesque drive to a small town in the gorgeous North Wayanad region. The 6-hr ride kicks off on smooth tarmac winding through dense forest terrain through three beautiful wildlife sanctuaries, joyously filled with birdsong and teeming with wildlife.
Your journey takes you along a spectacular landscape spread against the backdrop of rolling hills. You are advised not to linger too long here as it forms part of the Wayanad elephant corridor.
The paved track slides into a gravel and dirt trail, skirting past emerald fields of paddy drowsing under the sun. At the river, where the track ends, you’ll load your bikes on a bamboo raft or a traditional country boat, depending on the trail route.
When you’ve crossed over to the other side, you’ll pick up the trail which now follows a firm mud-packed route cutting through a swatch of dry deciduous forest. This again is an area favoured by elephants. No lingering here either. Relief comes as you rejoin the tarmac, cruising along quiet backcountry roads until you reach a twin bridge. From here, you’ll be on the final leg of the ride. Now you’ll follow the track to a sandy trail hugging the broken riverbank—a scenic and satisfying challenge to end the ride.
Your vehicle will be waiting nearby, but before you head back there’s another indulgence to savour. You will crowd into a popular local eatery for an unforgettable Kerala ela-sadya—a traditional meal Traditional Kerala cuisine, featuring dishes like appam, stew, puttu, and fish curry, served on banana leaves. After indulging in the flavours and textures of culinary delights of the region, settle into your drive back and let the day’s adventure gently lull you into a well-deserved nap.
This cycling trail can be adjusted to a moderate level of difficulty depending on your chosen start and end points.