Biking Adventures: A Ten-Day Father-Son Journey from Bangalore to Chengannur
Updated: Jun 13
Covering nearly 650 kilometers over 10 exhilarating days, we rode into the coastal routes of Kerala, uncovering stories and experiences that soared beyond the typical tourist paths. This journey was about more than just the miles we pedaled; it was about the incredible people we met, the breathtaking landscapes we encountered, and the vibrant spirit of communal harmony that cycling brought to life. Embarking on a long-distance cycling adventure with my 10-year-old son, Danyl Mathew Philip, was a challenge I embraced with open arms!. Of course Danyl's regular training since the last four years under Dr. Maxwell Trevor, a ten-time Cycling National Champion from 1981-1992, was a confidence booster.
My first solo cycling adventure was in 2012, from Hyderabad to Mumbai, covering approximately 449 kilometers in just 3 days. At 26, unmarried and with fewer responsibilities, I had just left my first job and decided to surprise my parents, who were living in Mumbai then. Here's a quick glimpse of my mother's reaction back in 2012:
Fast forward fourteen years, and I found myself in the midst of a job change. I longed for a cycling trip to my hometown in Chengannur, Kerala, where my parents settled down since 2018.
With a mix of excitement and apprehension, I decided to drive from Hyderabad to Bangalore with Danyl in our car on April 9th. We packed our cycles, luggage, and essentials into the car. We completed our planned tasks and caught up with friends over the next two days in Bangalore.
Day I - Bangalore to Channapatna (61kms)
Our journey kicked off in Bangalore, heading first to Channapatna - the city of toys. The early days were filled with excitement and a few challenges. On the very first day, Danyl’s cycle developed a technical glitch. Thankfully, Mr. Vikas, owner of the Cycle City store, along with the technician Irfan, came to our rescue, fixing the bike well beyond their working hours. Their kindness and enthusiasm set the stage for the journey ahead. We stayed at the Queens Suite Room in Channapatna, a delightful hotel among the limited options available.
Day II - Channapatna to Srirangapatna (64 kms)
Danyl celebrated his 11th birthday during the trip, from Channapatna to Srirangapatna. His makeshift birthday cake was a Lotte ChocoPie chocolate cookie! We stayed at the Young Islands resort, a charming property with a stream running behind it. Though we missed out on the swimming pool, we enjoyed playing cricket and table tennis. In the evening, we visited the Payana Car Museum.
Celebrating Danyl's birthday remotely seemed the toughest part for Lincy (my wife), which was the first for her.
Day III - Srirangapatna to Kabini (70 kms)
We then cycled towards Kabini, where we stayed at Kabini Farm Stay. Staying in a tent house was initially exciting, though it wasn't well-maintained. Nevertheless, it was a unique experience, and the property's location was stunning. Danyl had a blast on the trampoline.
Day IV - Kabini to Thottilpalam via Nagarhole Tiger Reserve and Mananthavady(87 kms)
We started off from Kabini early, around 5:10 am on April 15th, aiming to cycle to Mananthavady. Little did we know this would be one of the best days of our trip.
We reached the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve by around 7:15 am. Unfortunately, cycling was not allowed inside the forest area. The Tiger Reserve security asked us to return, but that was never an option. Instead, we hitched a ride on a Kerala-bound truck, which took us to the Bavali checkpost, marking the Kerala border. This unexpected twist allowed us to experience the reserve from a different perspective and appreciate its natural beauty without disturbing the wildlife.
Since the 28-kilometer ride from Nagarhole Tiger Reserve to Bavali check-post was covered in a truck, we decided to push our ride a little further to Thottilpalam, where we intended to meet our Hyderabad friend's parents. I underestimated the route and assumed the ride from Mananthavady to Thottilpalam (38 kms) to be primarily downhill. Almost 26 km was flat with minor climbs, which frustrated us a little bit.
Then came the 12 km of Wayanad hairpin downhill. And boy, did Danyl nail it! It was his first experience of a major downhill. In a car, he used to suffer from motion sickness, but this ended up being Danyl's favorite part of the trip.
Day V - Rest Day at Thottilpalam
Since Day IV extended a little more than anticipated, we decided to extend our stay and enjoy the superb hospitality of Sumi's parents and sister. We savored a home-cooked sadhya, watched a Malayalam movie in the evening at a local theater (Vaazha 2), and indulged in more delicious food!
Day VI - Thottilpalam to Kozhikode Beach (58 kms)
Crossing into Kerala, the landscape transformed dramatically. From Mananthavady to Thottilpalam, there was a steep elevation drop from around 950 meters to ZERO mean sea level. Then, to Kozhikode Beach, the coastal breeze and the vibrant local life energized us. Kozhikode Beach was a refreshing stop where we soaked in the sea air and experienced the vibrancy of the beach. In some ways, I found the city to be more vibrant than Kochi.
Day VII - Kozhikode Beach to Ponnani (69 kms)
Our journey continued to Ponnani, where luck introduced us to Siraj and Mubashir from the Kondinhi Cycling Club. Over breakfast, they connected us to Sandesh, founder of the Karma Cycling Club in Ponnani. Sandesh took us around the city before settling us into a fine hotel. He then, in turn, introduced us to Anu at Kodungallur, founder of the SN Puram Cycling Club. This network of cyclists welcomed us warmly, showing the true spirit of communal harmony through their shared passion for cycling.
Day VIII - Ponnani to Kodungallur, SN Puram (92 kms)
Just before reaching Kodungallur, we stopped for a refreshing coconut water. A random person standing there started interacting with us. He turned out to be an adventurer. In 2019, before COVID, he embarked on a two-and-a-half-month low-cost trip from Kerala to Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, and several other neighboring countries. He gifted us a book he wrote in Malayalam as an expression of appreciation.
At Kodungallur, we were warmly received by 4-5 cyclists, including Mr. Anu, the founder of the SN Puram cycling club. After a brief chat, we went for lunch at a nearby hotel, followed by a visit to Anu's house. Around 5 pm, Sandhya and her 14-year-old daughter came over to meet us. Sandhya, along with her two daughters, was planning a cycling trip from Kodungallur to Kasargod and wanted to gather tips for riding with kids. She eventually completed the trip. Kudos to her!
Later, 6-7 riders joined us for an evening ride to Azhikode Munakkal Beach.
Staying at Basheerikka’s house was a highlight. The hospitality was overwhelming. That evening, another 10-15 people came to meet Danyl and me, all strangers until that day but connected by cycling.
Day IX - Kodungallur to Cherthala via Kochi (57 kms)
The next morning, Basheerikka prepared a nutritious breakfast for Danyl before dropping us off for a small ferry ride to Mumnambam in Kochi District. This ferry ride was a peaceful moment, allowing us to add another experience to the journey so far. From the moment we stepped into Kodungallur until we left, we didn't spend a single penny.
On our route to Cherthala, we took a quick detour to my uncle's house in Ernakulam, where we joined in for an unannounced breakfast.
At Cherthala, we stayed at the Marari Bethsaida Homestay. The people were warm, and the stay was pleasant. In the evening, we went to the beach.
Day 10 - Chertala to Chengannur (75 kms)
Knowing Danyl loves mangoes, the owner of the homestay plucked some fresh mangoes for him for the journey. Danyl had egg and milk, and we set off to our final destination - HOME @ Chengannur.
Though I was as excited for the final stretch as Danyl, we kept reminding ourselves to be cautious and not let our guard down. We took the Alappuzha route to Chengannur. Nearing home, I called mom to collect a courier from Amazon, which would be arriving anytime. Her reaction upon our arrival was priceless.
The 'Real' Kerala Story - Warmth Beyond Words
What struck me most during this incredible journey was how people from different religions, castes, and creeds came together, all united by one true passion: cycling. This shared love created a bond that transcended social divisions, embodying the essence of communal harmony.
Lessons from the Road
This trip was more than a physical challenge. It was a lesson in patience, resilience, and connection. Danyl proved to be a fantastic partner, enduring the long rides and my occasional "atrocities and tortures" with a smile. The kindness of strangers, the beauty of Kerala’s coastal routes, and the spirit of cycling communities made every kilometer worthwhile.
Practical Tips for Similar Cycling Adventures
Prepare for technical issues: Carry basic tools and know local bike shops along your route.
Be flexible: Sometimes, plans change, like when cycling was not allowed in Nagarhole. Adapt and find alternative ways to continue.
Connect with local cycling groups: They can offer support, companionship, and local knowledge.
Respect local customs and environment: This fosters goodwill and enriches your experience.
Stay hydrated and nourished: Especially important for young riders like Danyl.
Embracing the Real Kerala Story
This journey was a vivid reminder that travel is about people and stories. The cycling adventures we shared brought us closer to the heart of Kerala, beyond the usual tourist spots. It revealed a community united by passion and respect, showing how cycling can foster communal harmony in a diverse society.
For anyone considering a similar trip, I encourage you to embrace the unexpected, connect with locals, and let the journey teach you more than just the route. Cycling is not just a sport or hobby; it’s a bridge that connects cultures, generations, and hearts.
Felicitations and Recognitions
Ten-year-old, father pedals 650 Km from Bengaluru to Chengannur | Kerala Stories | Onmanorama - https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2026/05/01/father-son-cycle-650km-chengannur.amp.html
Comments