From idea to dream trip: How our India tour came to life

When the idea of a bike and boat tour in India first came up, Jacob wasn't immediately convinced. Today, it's one of the projects he's especially proud of. As director of the Island Hopping office in Konstanz, he followed the route's development over several years, from the first conversations with local partners to the exploratory trips and, finally, the pilot tour with guests.

In this blog, Jacob takes us behind the scenes and shares how an initial vision grew into an extraordinary journey through North and South India, and why the country left such a lasting impression on him:

View Tour: Colours of India

Why I was skeptical at first

The first time I heard about the idea of a bike and boat tour in India, my initial reaction was: can this really work?

The original plan centered on the backwaters of Kerala, a fascinating region of tropical landscapes and traditional houseboats. But that was exactly what made me hesitate. Kerala is undeniably beautiful. But can a single region capture the full fascination of India? To find out, we set off for India ourselves in November 2023.

An exploratory trip that changed everything

Together with my colleague Sil, I explored the backwaters, hotels, routes and possible highlights. Within just a few days, one thing was clear: the region is stunning. The cycling is enjoyable, the scenery is one of a kind, and the houseboats offer a wonderful way to experience India from a completely different perspective.

At the same time, we realized we were only seeing a small slice of the country. India is a land of contrasts. A land full of colors, cultures, scents, landscapes and encounters. And it was exactly this diversity that we wanted to show our guests.

By the end of the trip, we had reached one key conclusion: Kerala alone wouldn't do this fascinating country justice. If we were going to create an India tour, we'd do it properly. We decided to combine the cultural highlights of North India with the natural experiences of the South. What started as a travel idea suddenly became a much bigger project.

A year of planning for two extraordinary weeks

What followed was a year of intensive preparation. We visited hotels, tested routes, checked transport options and had countless conversations with partners. Step by step, a journey took shape that shows India from two completely different sides.

In the North, guests experience some of India's most famous cultural sites: the "Pink City" of Jaipur with its rose-colored facades and iconic Palace of the Winds, the majestic Amber Fort, and the world-famous Taj Mahal in Agra. Nights are spent in carefully selected, comfortable hotels that offer a pleasant retreat after all the impressions of the day.

In the South, the scenery changes completely. Tropical landscapes, endless tea plantations, Kerala's famous backwaters and three nights aboard a traditional houseboat bring an entirely different, slower-paced perspective on India.

We've already had great experiences with this concept on our Vietnam tour. It combines a high level of travel comfort with the chance to discover the enormous diversity of a country, and that's exactly what makes this India tour so special too.

Once the program was finally in place, we invited some of our regular guests to a pilot tour in November 2025. And I'll admit it: I was nervous. Would the complex logistics work? Would the combination of North and South India come together? Would our guests be thrilled?

The moment of truth

Six guests from Germany, Canada and England joined us on this first trip. Within just a few days, it became clear how valuable a pilot tour really is. The on-the-ground organization worked beautifully. At the same time, we received feedback from our guests every day and gathered valuable insights.

For instance, we found that the program was originally a little too ambitious. The days were too full, and there was too little time to catch our breath.

Together we developed improvements: the tour was extended to 14 days, extra rest days were added, and the route was reversed. Today, the journey begins in the North with the great cultural highlights and ends in a relaxed way in the South, with cycling, nature and life aboard the houseboat. Exactly as our guests recommended.

The moments that stay with you

Of course, there are sights you never forget. Sunrise at the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly one of them. But for me, even more moving was our visit to Mehtab Bagh the evening before. From this peaceful garden, we watched the setting sun bathe the Taj Mahal in warm golden tones.

In Jaipur, I was captivated not only by the imposing palaces but also by the encounters with local artisans. Especially fascinating was a traditional textile printing workshop, where fabrics are still printed by hand with wooden stamps.

Keoladeo National Park offered a completely different experience. This is where our first bike ride took place, accompanied by an ornithologist who introduced us to the diverse birdlife. On the car-free paths, we encountered monkeys, exotic birds and a surprising sense of calm in the middle of India.

Three nights on the houseboat

One of the highlights of the trip is the three nights aboard a traditional houseboat in Kerala. In fact, there are a few similarities with our ships in Europe: comfortable cabins, a cozy lounge, outdoor seating and excellent onboard cuisine.

And yet, life on board feels completely different. Before long, you notice that the whole experience is something else entirely. As the houseboat glides slowly through the canals of the backwaters, rice fields, small villages and flocks of ducks drift past. Giant fruit bats hang upside down in the trees, and as soon as dusk falls, countless fireflies begin to glow. It's these quiet moments that touch many guests the most.

Encounters you can't plan for

When you ask our pilot participants about their fondest memories, many don't start by talking about palaces or landscapes at all. They talk about encounters. About curious schoolchildren who warmly welcomed the group, about conversations with locals, or about a wedding party that spontaneously wanted photos with our guests. It's exactly these unplanned encounters that make India so special.

What cycling in India feels like

Cycling in India is surprisingly good. Most routes follow quiet back roads through villages, rice fields and rural farming regions. Along the way, you'll meet tuk-tuks, mopeds, schoolchildren, water buffalo, cows and camel carts, often more of them than cars. The stages are mostly flat and not technically demanding, but they do require confidence on the bike.

When it comes to the bikes themselves, it also helps to set off with the right expectations. We're in India, not in Europe. The e-bikes come from local manufacturers and don't necessarily match the standards many guests know from Bosch or Shimano systems. They're technically reliable, sturdy and perfectly suited to the demands of the trip, but they're as much a part of the authentic character of this adventure as the encounters with the local people.

Who is this trip for?

This trip is for the curious. For cyclists who feel confident on the bike and are eager to get to know a country in depth. India isn't a classic cycling destination. It's a country that surprises, challenges and delights. Those who are ready to embrace new impressions and occasionally step out of their comfort zone will be rewarded with extraordinary experiences.

If you'd rather experience India only through the window of a tour bus, this might not be the right trip for you. But if you want to take the country in with all your senses, you'll quickly discover the bike as one of the most beautiful ways to get around.

My personal takeaway

Yes, I was skeptical at first. Today, I'm proud of this trip and grateful that I got to be part of its development. India surprised me again and again: through the contrasts between North and South, through the openness of its people, through the diversity of its cuisine, and through the many small encounters that happen all on their own along the way.

India will never be a mass-market product for us. And that's exactly what makes this trip so special. Those who embrace it experience far more than a bike and boat tour. They experience a country full of contrasts, hospitality and moments that linger long after the return home.

Ready for your own adventure?

After reading this blog, are you ready for your own bike and boat adventure? We'd be happy to advise you personally, with no obligation and with all the information you need to plan your own Boat Bike Tour.

Simply send an email to info@boatbiketours.com or give us a call: +1 800 228 5474. We look forward to hearing from you!

View Tour: Colours of India