Discover Temples, Hill Stations, Beaches & Spice Route
A region of great charm, southern India offers travellers beautiful cities, colonial hill stations, colourful temples, a relaxed lifestyle, attractive scenery and some of the best food in India. Discover the best of the South of India on this motorbike Trip through the southern Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, both with distinctive cultures and contrasting scenery. We start our Motorbike tour from Kerala which is famed for its idyllic backwaters, lush hills, epic surf and pristine beaches. Kerala has been dubbed ‘God’s own country’ and it is easy to see why. Explore the diverse city of Cochin, relaxing cruise on the stunning backwaters of Alleppey, the picturesque Munnar which is surrounded by luscious forest and rolling hills, untouched tea plantations and forests, spot tigers in the jungle and prepare yourself for a tongue-tingling feast as southern India boasts a sensational mix of sweet curries and seafood.
Tamil Nadu is Renowned for its magnificent temples, exquisite Chola bronzes, and unique cuisine; Tamil Nadu has a distinct Dravidian culture and is one of India’s most historic states. In Tamil Nadu, we discover one of India’s grandest temples, Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, experience a taste of Tamil Nadu cuisine in Chettinad, the French influence in Pondicherry and make a fascinating visit to the experimental city of Auroville & finish our South India Motorbike Tour in Chennai with discovering of its colonial heritage. Book the best of Southern India Motorcycle tour and explore the region’s great cultural highlights as well as tease out some of its lesser-known gems.
Book this unforgettable and mesmerising Guided Motorcycle Tour to South India to explore the best of South India covering the two beautiful states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Travel information.
Country & State: India – Kerala & Tamil Nadu (Southern India)
Best Time: October to March
Number of Days: 12 Nights / 13 Days
Number of Riding Days: 11 Days
Accommodation: 3 & 4 Stars
Riding Level Required: Intermediate
Terrain: 90% Tarmac & 10% Gravel
Duration of Ride: Between 4 & 7 Hours a day on Average
Distance Covered on Motorcycle: 1450 kms / 900 Miles
Temperature: During nights & early mornings 8º C to 15º C & in day time 20º C to 30º C
DEPARTURE / RETURN LOCATION | Cochin / Chennai |
Map
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Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Cochin.
Arrive in Cochin, and you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Have the rest of the day to explore your resort, relax and acclimatize to the time change, or alternatively venture out into Cochin to explore at your own pace.
Day 02: Cochin to Alleppey (Ride Day 1 – 70 Km / 3 Hrs Ride)
After leisure breakfast, you will be introduced to your Royal Enfield Motorcycle and the road Captain, who makes you aware of all the rules of driving in India with all the gearing systems of Royal Enfield bike and how to handle the Royal Enfield 500cc Motorcycle in your Motorcycle tour to South India. Get ready for a first-day ride to Alleppey through scenic fisherman village and also enjoy a motorbike ride along the sea. On arrival, board a houseboat for an overnight cruise. Lunch will be served on board as it meanders through the tranquil network of water canals, dotted with busy hamlets and lush green paddy fields. A houseboat ride through these placid waters, with visions of life gliding silently by, is a quintessential South Indian experience. Overnight in Houseboat at Alleppey.
Day 03: Alleppey to Thekkady (Ride Day 2 – 140 Km / 5 Hrs Ride)
After breakfast start a picturesque ride to Thekkady. Today we ride past rubber and pineapple plantations. This ride will introduce you to the enchanting beauty of Thekkady’s pristine nature and wilderness. Thekkady is the gateway to Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, perched high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, one of the lushest jungles in India. On arrival, check in at the hotel & relax. Late afternoon enjoy a spice plantation tour to see how produce like cinnamon, pepper and nutmeg is grown and harvested before being processed for sale. In the evening you’ll watch a Kalaripayatu Performance, which is one of the most ancient forms of martial art there is. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Day 04: Thekkady to Munnar (Ride Day 3 – 100 Km / 4 Hrs Ride)
Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Later, get ready to ride higher into the mountains and enter the Tea plantation region of Munnar. The lush scenic hill station of Munnar is one of the most beautiful places in India and not just Kerala. En route, stop at the waterfalls and enjoy the natural beauty. The twisty roads, the cloudy skies and the amazing views accompany you on your ride. On arrival at the hill town, check into the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 05: Munnar
Wake up to the bliss of Munnar. Feast on a delicious breakfast and get ready. Proceed for a local sightseeing tour of Munnar. The first stop is the Tea Museum, where you learn about the processing of the favourite brew of India. Later, proceed to the beautiful Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Kundala Lake. In the afternoon visit the Eravikulam National Park. The high-attitude sanctuary is known for the Nilgiri Tahr and the Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 06: Munnar to Kodaikanal (Ride Day 4 – 180 Km / 6 Hrs Ride)
After having a delicious breakfast you will ride towards the Kodaikanal. Enjoy the exquisite landscapes on your way to Kodaikanal. The mesmerizing views will accompany you on your route. It will take you to reach Kodaikanal 6 hours from Munnar. Upon your arrival, check in hotel and relax. Evening visit the Kodaikanal Lake, spread over an area of 60 acres and surrounded by wooded slopes. The attractive walk around the lake takes between one and a half hours. Later visit Cocker’s Walk, Bryant’s Park, Green Valley View & Pillar Rocks. Overnight stay at Kodaikanal.
Day 07: Kodaikanal to Madurai (Ride Day 5- 130 Km / 5 Hrs Ride)
After breakfast start a ride for one of India’s oldest cities, Madurai. The city is also known as Athens of the East. As an important place of worship and commerce, it encapsulates the complex historical tapestry of South India. On arrival, check-in hotel and relax. Afternoon explore UNESCO World Heritage Meenakshi Temple. While exploring the temple, imagine being a guest at the biggest wedding on Earth. Keep that in mind as you walk, in awe, around a Hindu temple fizzing with colour, 33 million carvings, ornately decorated pillars, elaborate shrines and 14 spectacular towers – the tallest rising to 170ft. The Meenakshi Temple, in the Tamil Nadu city of Madurai, is a celebration of the love and marriage of Meenakshi (the incarnation of the Hindu goddess Parvati) and Sundareshvara (Shiva in Hinduism). Overnight in Madurai.
Day 08: Madurai to Chettinad (Ride Day 6 – 110 Km / 4 Hrs Ride)
After breakfast start the ride to Chettinad. Chettinad, the ancestral homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars, a prosperous merchant class who ventured overseas to do business in South and Southeast Asia in the 19th and early 20th centuries, is renowned for its impressive mansions and rich and distinctive cuisine. On arrival, check-in at the hotel and relax. Afternoon enjoy a bullock cart ride through the village. Visit antique shops in Karaikudi and learn about their artworks, and watch weavers at work here. Visit a 17th-century fort in Thirumayam. The handmade tile unit at Athangudi is an interesting learning experience as is the visit to a school in Kanadukathan, where you can interact with village children – definitely a fascinating experience. Overnight in Chettinad.
Day 09: Chettinad to Kumbakonam via Thanjavur (Ride Day 7 – 150 Km / 4-5 Hrs Ride)
After breakfast start a ride to Thanjavur through the countryside, where we take a few breaks to admire other splendid achievements of Chettiar and the amazing little fort of Thirumayam. We ride on little roads throughout this stage between cotton fields, coconut trees, and rice paddies. En route explore Brihadeshwara temple-dedicated to Lord Shiva which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is over 1,000 years old, an architectural masterpiece that you’ll spend your day exploring. The temple is one of the tallest in the world and the world’s first complete granite temple. Later ride continues to Kumbakonam. On arrival, check-in at the hotel and relax. Later enjoy a leisurely walk through the old town. Overnight in Kumbakonam.
Day 10: Kumbakonam to Pondicherry via Chidambaram (Ride Day 8 – 150 Km / 5 Hrs Ride)
After breakfast start a ride to explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site Darasuram temple- renowned for its delicate stone sculptures. Later we ride on the scenic road to Pondicherry. On arrival, check-in at the hotel and relax. Late afternoon explore Pondicherry, which was under French rule until 1954, and the European style of the town extends from beautiful colonial architecture right down to the uniforms of the police. Enjoy a walking tour to see local temples, the French Quarter and the spiritual community of Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Overnight in Pondicherry.
Day 11: Pondicherry to Auroville and return to Pondicherry (Ride Day 9)
Enjoy a yummy breakfast at the hotel and leave to explore the French culture of Pondicherry City. Visit Aurobindo Ashram to witness a stunning amalgam of yoga and modern science. From there we visit Auroville and explore the environment of modern-day harmonious living of both men and women. Explore local temples and spend your night comfortably at the hotel.
Day 12: Pondicherry to – Mahabalipuram (Ride Day 10 – 110 Km / 4 Hrs Ride)
After breakfast start the ride to Mahabalipuram. Today is the last day of riding Royal Enfield Bike in your Motorcycle tour to South India. On arrival in Mahabalipuram, bid farewell to your crew members, check in the hotel and relax. Later explore the 7th-century erstwhile port city of Mahabalipuram is famous for its historical stone carvings and rock-cut shore temples. Stop at the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna’s Butterball, and the Five Rathas. Don’t forget to leave time to enjoy the stunning views of the town and the sea from the lighthouse on the hill. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
Day 13: Mahabalipuram to Chennai (Ride Day 11 – 70 Km / 2 Hrs Ride)
After breakfast, as per your flight schedule, we drive you to Chennai International Airport to board your flight home.
Please note that we reserve the right to remain adaptable to unforeseen circumstances and weather conditions that may arise while on tour; the daily schedule may be adjusted accordingly. The client’s tour remains paramount; we will ensure the tour meets your fullest expectations.
Prices (USD)
2 people / 1 vehicle / 1 shared room: From $2,300.00 per person
1 person / 1 vehicle / 1 single room: From $3,250.00 per person
1 person / 1 vehicle / 1 shared room: From $2,800.00 per person
1 person / in support vehicle / 1 shared room: From $2,200.00 per person
Currency Converter (use this useful tool to convert currency values quickly)
Tour Dates:
Tour | Date from | Date to | Booking deadline |
Wonders Of South India | 16-Oct-24 | 28-Oct-24 | 16-Sep-24 |
If the above dates don’t suit you or want to book the same itinerary as a private tour for you and your friends or want to customise the Trip for you and your group of Friends. Just Plan Your Tour with us because We are tailor-made experts and our professional Team is always dedicated to designing your Motorbike Holiday especially for you as per your requirements in terms of Date, Duration and Budget with Prompt reply.
WHAT TO BRING ON RIDE
Find below the detailed list of items that are required in the Tour for the safety & comfort level. We do not provide any of these, so we highly suggest to our all Riders to bring all of the required items mentioned below:
CLOTHING & OTHER ESSENTIALS
- DRIVING LICENSE (Rider): Full and valid for 500cc motorcycle
- TRAVEL INSURANCE: Must cover riding 500 cc motorcycles
- Sunscreen/sunblock UV 30/40
- Lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Fleece/underjacket
- Kidney belt
- Warm clothes
- Strong pair of Jeans
- Thermos for Hot and Cold
- Sun Hat / Cap
- Ear Plugs
- Your regular medicine (if any)
BIKE GEAR
- Riding Jacket + Pants + Boots
- Helmet
- Bike gloves
- Goggles/sunglasses
- Snood/Dust mask
- Water resistant backpack
- Knee and elbow guards
(if your riding gear doesn’t include proper padding OR if you choose not to wear one, especially on warm days)
The above information should be taken as a guide only as things can change. If you have any questions, please contact us.
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