From Chaos to Calm: Cycling Through the Backwaters of Kerala — A Journey of Reconnection

 

Introduction

If you’re craving offbeat travel experiences that reconnect you with nature and yourself, this story might just inspire your next trip. Travelling through the lush landscapes of Kerala, India, on a cycle wasn’t something I had planned—but it turned out to be the most transformative experience of my life.

This blog will walk you through my real travel story, the highs and lows, the places you must see, and how slowing down your pace can completely change the way you travel.

Why I Chose Kerala for a Solo Cycling Trip

I was burnt out. Months of working remotely from a cramped Mumbai apartment had me yearning for space—mental and physical. While scrolling through Instagram travel reels, I stumbled upon a picture of a narrow road surrounded by emerald green water—Alleppey’s backwaters.

That was it.

With a backpack, a GoPro, and a rented hybrid cycle, I flew into Kochi and planned to ride down to Alleppey, weaving through village roads, paddy fields, and canoe-filled canals.

The Route: Kochi to Alleppey – More Than Just a Scenic Ride

The journey began in Fort Kochi, where colonial buildings, art cafés, and slow sea breezes create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in India.

• Day 1: Fort Kochi to Mararikulam
  I pedaled past coconut groves and quiet coastal stretches. A chai shop uncle in Arthunkal offered free tea when he found out I was cycling solo. “You’ll find yourself on this road,” he said. I smiled, not realizing yet how true those words would become.

• Day 2: Mararikulam to Alleppey
  The early morning mist hung low over the roads. Children waved from school buses. Boats floated in near silence along the canals. My cycle was barely making a sound. It felt like I had stepped into a postcard.

A Homestay That Felt Like Home

In Alleppey, I stayed with a local family in their traditional wooden houseboat-turned-homestay. They welcomed me with open arms and the best fish curry I’ve ever had. Over dinner, I learned about the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the importance of coconut in daily life, and how monsoons shape everything in Kerala.

It wasn’t just about staying there. It was about being part of something bigger—a culture deeply tied to nature and community.

The Unexpected Realization

On the third day, I left the cycle parked by a palm tree and took a canoe tour deep into the narrowest canals. It was here, as the boatman paddled silently through the waters, that I felt something shift. The quiet was complete—not just external but internal.

For the first time in months, I wasn’t thinking about emails, deadlines, or WhatsApp groups. Just the splash of water, the rustle of palm leaves, and the faraway sound of a temple bell.

That moment—unfiltered and free—was my definition of travel.

Must-Visit Spots Along This Route

If you’re inspired to recreate this journey, don’t miss:

• Fort Kochi’s Chinese Fishing Nets at sunset

• Arthunkal Church, a beautiful sea-facing pilgrimage site

• Marari Beach, uncrowded and pristine

• Alleppey’s Backwaters, especially via canoe or kayak

• Kuttanad Paddy Fields, one of the few places in the world where farming happens below sea level

Practical Tips for a Cycling Trip Through Kerala

• Best time to travel: October to March (pleasant weather, no monsoon)

• Renting a cycle: Choose a hybrid or touring bike with good suspension

• Local food: Try appam with stew, fish curry meals, and banana chips

• Stay options: Book village homestays via local eco-tourism platforms

• Navigation: Google Maps works well, but locals are even better guides

Conclusion: Why You Should Consider Travelling Slow

In a world obsessed with fast everything, slow travel lets you reclaim your time and senses. Cycling through Kerala wasn’t just about the destination—it was about noticing the way light hits the water, how strangers become friends, and how silence can be the loudest voice within.

If you’re seeking authentic travel stories, solo travel inspiration, or unique travel routes in India, consider ditching the car for a cycle and the hotel for a homestay. You might just find more than beautiful landscapes—you might find yourself.