I have 3-4 weeks in December - January this year to take an independent cycle tour. Given that I don't want to ride in the extreme cold, I think my options are central-south India, Thailand/Malaysia/Indonesia/Vietnam, Southern Africa or somewhere below Mexico. But, I have not found a ride that sounds terribly exciting/worthwhile. The Himalayas would be great, but too cold. Central Argentina-Chile looks good, but I've heard that the roads are no picnic and some have been disappointed.

Some of my other constraints are that I want to be able to end up in a relatively fun and lively tourist type place where I can relax completely for 4-5 days with other independent tourists.

I guess right now I'm thinking India, down to the south or to Goa. But I don't know if there are any well known loops or routes.

Can someone provide some ideas?

think sri lanka , beautifull country, very friendly people and fanatstic rides

Are there mountains there, where it is cool?

it is a small island and if I want to plan things , then : you can go around the coast, there are no highways in Sri Lanka, just a good main road that goes around the island along the coast with beautifull scenery full of people and shops, temples etc ...the other thing to do is the inlands : very serious mountains , jungles and very important buddhist sites. Jan is a good time to go - enjoy. after cycling , visitors also go to the close by Maldives Islands (no cycling there ) if you want to relax and enjoy beaches, snorkling, diving etc