Francis is a biker always venturing out on the road to uncover new routes with as much passion as he has telling stories. He is an enthusiast and knows our itineraries like the back of his hand.
A unique crossing that links two mythical cities: Fort Kochi and Pondicherry. Some 1,120km (695 miles) away from the mainstream routes, this itinerary is a discovery of the riches of Southern India. Aboard your Royal Enfield, savour constant diversity. From Kerala’s tea plantations to the jungle of Tamil Nadu, we’ll reveal our secret roads and boutique hotels. Admire the distinctive architecture of multi-coloured Tamil temples and the palaces of the Chettinad region. This motorcycle trip through Southern India ends with a bang in Chennai!
Period
January to March
Duration
13 days incl. 9 days' riding
Level
Intermediate
English-speaking tour leader
Accommodation
Comfort or Boutique
From
2890€/pilot
You’re met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Fort Kochi. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Unguided tour of Fort Kochi, a quirky mix of medieval Portugal, Holland and English countryside, with the tropical coast of Malabar as your backdrop. We also acquaint ourselves with our bikes. Free time.
Your first day in the saddle. Ride through backwaters – a maze of lakes and canals – then take the winding road that climbs into the hills of Periyar, amid lush vegetation.
We visit a spice garden, then head straight north on beautiful mountain roads, through verdant tea plantations. We gain altitude to reach Munnar, which is surrounded by the tallest mountains in Southern India (reaching 2,600m/8,530ft).
Cross the state border into Tamil Nadu. The less humid climate and the farmed countryside contrasts with the forests of Kerala. Then the road climbs in spectacular style to Kodaikanal, in the Palani Mountains.
The road drops down to the large plain of Coimbatore, offering superb vantage-points. We ride through coconut plantations and wheat fields before reaching Madurai, a key Hindu pilgrimage site. Tour of Meenakshi temple and the bazaar.
A short and sweet stage. The route runs through typical small villages, where curious residents happily chat with passing travellers; and winds between the granite-needle formations characteristic of Tamil Nadu.
You’ve got the morning to relax. In the afternoon, we’ll head out to visit the surrounding villages and discover a culture unique in India. Visit to the fort in Thirumayam.
An early start, riding through the Chettiar countryside amid cotton and rice fields and irrigation ponds. Arrive in Tanjore. We’ll visit the great temple of Brihadesvara, more than 1,000 years old, and take a walk in the old town.
Your last bike stage, on a wonderful litte road as far as Kumbakonam. The route then continues east, to the coastal village of Tharangambadi, a former Danish trading post.
An early transfer by private vehicle to Pondicherry. We tour the city, and discover its coastline - a stretch of paradise. We sleep 10 miles north of town, on the shores of the Gulf of Bengal, and savour our eco-resort's exceptional setting.
Free morning and relaxation. After lunch, we depart by private vehicle for Chennai, capital of Tamil Nadu. En route, we stop off at Mahabalipuram to visit its famous temples, carved from the rock. Arrive in Chennai in early evening.
Lunch in Chennai, then transfer to the international airport based on your flight-departure time.
“Well organized, excellent tour lead with support crew.”
“A wonderful and memorable experience. The 12 day tour that my wife (pillion) and I went on in Madhya Pradesh was very well planned, with interesting and sometimes challenging rides and sight-seeing during the day and comfortable, culturally fascinating places to stay in at night. Our tour leader was experienced, organised, had a fun personality and managed to respond to each member of the tour as an individual. We highly recommend Vintage Rides to anyone with a sense of adventure and competent motorcycle skills. Laurie and Jennie McAdam”
“Firstly, the airport experience on arrival was a little disjointed but of no great consequence. From thereon in wonderful people to deal with and our tour leader/support staff were excellent. The bikes were in good mechanical condition and we were fortunate that our group had a good skill set as there were some challenging roads. Notwithstanding though this trip would be suitable for most capable riders. No alcohol in the high altitudes is recommended. A very professional outfit all round.”
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