Delhi to Kathmandu cycling

There are plenty of options to stay, in popular tourist places like Goa, Varkala, Gokarna, Kochi,... you can find clean and cheap hostels. Palolem is studded with coconut beach huts. In bigger cities like Kozhikode, Mangalore,...you have different options of hotels and guesthouses.

Alappuzha is famous for the houseboats and it's a nice experience to overnight on one. It doesn't have to cost alot, if you can share a boat with some friends, go to the harbour and you will find many boats. It's a good way to test your negotiating skills.

What to eat?

Vegetarian meals are the norm in the south and the food is very distinct from the northern dishes.

Most common food you will find is dosa, idli, vada, biryani and thali. Typically, a southern Indian thali is bottomless, all-you-can-eat. Just keep asking for more rice and curries until you can go no further. Tradionally it is served on banana leaves. Eat the food with your hands like the locals, it really tastes better when you do!

When to go?

November, december and january are considered to be the best months to visit this region. It will be warm and almost no rain. Around July time the anual monsson season starts with very tough seas, high winds, and plenty of rain. This can last right through to the begining of the November tourist season.

I did the ride beginning of January but waited untill after 15th so i wouldn't be in highest tourist season (and prices).

How to navigate?

To navigate i used good old Google Maps on my phone. You don't need to be connected to the internet, just download the maps you need in advance when on WIFI.

Where to get a SIM card?

You can buy prepaid SIM cards in both India. I choose for Airtel, you can get one at the airport or at one of the many phone shops. Make sure you have 2 color passport photographs, your passport and your Indian visum with you. I didn't really understand but they also needed contact details of a hotel or friend for verification and activation of my number.

Make sure roaming is activated once you enter a different state. Using 3G and roaming is cheap, i got 1GB for about 250 Indian Rupees (appr. 3 euro) and i lasted me over a month.

How safe is it?

The south of India is considered safer than the north, people are more educated and literacy rate is higher. I felt the people were more friendly here and the roads were bit more safe than in the north. You will know how it feels to be famous, ie constant attention. When I stopped there would quickly gather a crowd of people (usually only men) just staring. They were never too close and didn't touch me, just stared. The worse thing happened to me was a slap on the but, this would especially happen in bigger cities.