Fort Kochi by Bike
Kochi, India
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
With Portuguese, English, Dutch, and Chinese influences, Kochi is unlike anywhere else. Join this Kochi tour to cycle the coast once known for it's stranglehold on the spice trade. Old habits die hard - the smell of cinnamon and clove still spike the air.
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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 and witness the early-morning rush at the fish market
- Stroll through labyrinthine Jew Town
- Visit the Dutch Cemetery and admire the mosaics adorning the Dutch Palace
- Witness the traditional Indian laundry practice
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Schedule details
- Duration: 4 hours
- Meeting point:
Outside Kashi Art Café on Burger Street, Fort Kochi 682001
- Starting time: 8.00 AM
- Ending point:
Near Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi 682001
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, bicycle rental, all entrance fees as indicated, tea and snack break.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, tips / gratuities for your local guide
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 Kochi bike tour that will take in the colonial sights and local hotspots, and leave you completely smitten with the city.
Start off from Fort Kochi heading over to the iconic 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.
From here you will go take a truly historic ride into the spice traders area of Bazaar Road, where you will see old streets that are lined with fragrant spice warehouses and colourful stores. Breathe in the smell of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric, and cloves while walking through this atmospheric area. We will stop for a tea or a coffee at a local tea shop and take a moment to talk about the history of Kochi.
We will then proceed towards Jew Town where you can take a moment to admire the frescos adorning the Dutch Palace, and see some of the amazing antique shops in the area. We’ll peek inside to see one of the famous snake boats, before exploring more parts of Mattenchery (the Muslim area) and Palace Road (the Hindu area). In the Hindu area you will see a few temples, as well as vegetable and fruit markets. If you wish, we can stop for some refreshments here, a chance to really take in all the scenery around us.
You will then get back on your bike to cycle back along Kochi's 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 towards the heart of Fort Kochi. Before ending this Kochi bike tour, we will go around some of the famous churches in the area, as well as visit the Dutch Cemetery. As the oldest European cemetery in India, the 104 tombs here provide great insight into the lives lead by the Dutch and English migrants in India.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, bicycle rental, all entrance fees as indicated, tea and snack break.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, tips / gratuities for your local guide
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively. Children below 6 years old are not permitted to join the tour.
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Local contact
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