Kochi , India

Village Bike Tour & Birdwatching

Active

(17 reviews)

3h - 4h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

We’ll begin our experience with a warm meet and greet at a beautiful backwater-side home, where you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing drink. I’ll then give you a brief introduction to the trip and what to expect during our adventure.
Then set off on a 25 km cycling adventure through Kerala’s scenic countryside. Ride along quiet backroads, passing wetlands rich in birdlife, traditional fish farms, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets. Continue along the coastal highway to a bustling fishing harbour and witness the morning fish auction.
Visit the unique Fishermen’s Church, designed like a boat, before taking a ferry ride with your bikes to Changaram Wetland for more birdwatching.
End the journey back at the backwater-side home and relax with a delicious local meal by the water.

Available options

Village Bike Tour & Birdwatching

What's included

Bottled water

Binoculars

Use of bicycle

Breakfast for morning trip and Dinner for evening trip. (Kerala style)

Detailed itinerary

Pallithode Wetland is a peaceful place filled with lush greenery and serene backwaters. It is home to many birds, both local and migratory, making it a paradise for bird watchers. The area also offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of fishermen and the local community, adding to its natural charm.

Chellanam is a charming coastal village where the rhythm of life is set by the sea. Most of the locals are fishermen, and the harbor becomes a lively scene as boats return with the day's catch. Here, you can immerse yourself in the essence of beach life, explore age-old fishing traditions, and witness the customs that shape this vibrant seaside community.

Changaram is a well-known spot for birdwatching, where you can see a variety of birds throughout the seasons. Depending on the time of year, you might spot majestic birds like the Brahminy kite, Black kite, Cormorant, Grey-headed swamphen, Lesser whistling duck, Heron, and Egret, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

What's not included

Pickup is not included in this price. But we can arrange pickup for additional charge.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

16 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Our meeting point is a lakeside house located in a local backwater village. I will be waiting there for you with the bikes.

About Kochi

Kochi, known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is a vibrant port city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It's a captivating blend of historical architecture, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique experience.

Top Attractions

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is a historic area known for its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks. It's a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Historical Half day to full day Free to visit most attractions

Mattancherry Palace

Also known as the Dutch Palace, this 16th-century palace is a fine example of colonial architecture and houses a museum with artifacts from the era.

Historical 1-2 hours INR 5 (USD 0.07) for Indians, INR 100 (USD 1.30) for foreigners

Jew Town

A historic area known for its Jewish heritage, vibrant markets, and antique shops. It's a great place to explore the city's multicultural past.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore, shopping expenses vary

Marine Drive

A picturesque promenade along the backwaters, offering stunning views of the sunset and the city's skyline. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Scenic 1-2 hours Free

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

A small but beautiful bird sanctuary located in the heart of the city. It's a peaceful retreat for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Appam with Stew

Appam is a soft, lacy pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, served with a mild and creamy vegetable or meat stew.

Breakfast Vegetarian (if stew is vegetarian), Vegan (if stew is vegan)

Karimeen Pollichathu

A popular Kerala dish made with pearl spot fish, marinated in spices, and fried to perfection.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish

Kerala Parippu Curry

A comforting dal made with yellow lentils, coconut, and spices, served with rice or appam.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian, Vegan

Thalassery Biryani

A fragrant and flavorful biryani made with basmati rice, meat (chicken, mutton, or fish), and a blend of spices.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat (chicken, mutton, or fish)

Popular Activities

Backwater cruises Kayaking Trekking in Munnar Beach relaxation in Kovalam Ayurvedic massages Houseboat stays in Alleppey Exploring Fort Kochi Visiting Mattancherry Palace

Best Time to Visit

October to February

This is the best time to visit Kochi, with pleasant weather and lower humidity. It's ideal for exploring the city's attractions and enjoying outdoor activities.

25°C to 32°C 77°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Malayalam
Widely spoken: English, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kochi is generally safe for travelers, but it's always important to stay vigilant and take common-sense precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Use trusted transportation services, such as app-based cabs or reputable taxi companies.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
• Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Cochin International Airport • 29 km (18 miles) from city center

By train

Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town

By bus

KSRTC Bus Station, Private Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable mode of transport in Kochi. They cover most parts of the city and its suburbs.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Fort Kochi Mattancherry Ernakulam Vypeen Island

Day trips

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

55 km (34 miles) • Full day

Alleppey is famous for its backwaters, houseboat stays, and serene landscapes. It's a perfect day trip for those looking to experience the tranquility of Kerala's waterways.

Munnar

130 km (81 miles) • Full day or overnight

Munnar is a picturesque hill station known for its tea plantations, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes. It's a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Kovalam

16 km (10 miles) • Full day

Kovalam is a popular beach destination known for its beautiful beaches, lighthouse, and Ayurvedic treatment centers. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and sand.

Festivals

Onam • August-September (dates vary based on the Malayalam calendar) Kochi-Muziris Biennale • December to March (biennial, next edition in 2023) Easter Celebrations • March-April (dates vary based on the Christian calendar)

Pro tips

Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets in Fort Kochi early in the morning to see the fishermen at work.
Try local street food, such as banana chips and Kathi rolls, for an authentic culinary experience.
Explore the backwaters of Kochi by taking a ferry or a houseboat tour for a unique and scenic experience.
Learn a few basic phrases in Malayalam to connect with locals and enhance your cultural experience.
Attend a Kathakali performance or a Kalaripayattu demonstration to immerse yourself in Kerala's rich cultural heritage.