Raised by a family of great travellers, Sophie’s taste for discovering new countries and cultures is part of her DNA. When she designs a new tour, she thinks first about the pleasure and goosebumps it will bring the riders.
All roads lead to Hampi… on this short yet demanding 680-mile itinerary that takes in the wonders of Karnataka state! Starting in Goa, you travel along narrow and secret roads in an unspoilt world. Leaving behind the Western Ghats, India’s most ancient mountain range, head to the wonderful Badami cave temples. No time to lose: you continue along the route to Hampi, where the “city of victory” awaits! Ride amid the famous balanced rocks, and explore the exuberant interiors of its temples. This intense journey takes you from rice fields to nature reserves – in a tremendous playground of mountains, jungle and wild beaches. An original motorcycle trip in Southern India for curious, adventurous bikers.
You’re greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Make the most of this first day to explore Panjim’s old town: a fascinating blend of cultures and influences, with a prominent Portuguese legacy. Strolling down its colourful alleyways will really give you a feel for Goa’s atmosphere.
Your first day on the road: get to know your Royal Enfield and let the adventure begin. We leave Old Panjim and cruise eastwards through Goa state. We catch our first glimpse of the Western Ghats, the mountain range that will be in view throughout our itinerary. We push deeper into the thick, endless forest and stop for the night near an immense dam.
We leave the Western Ghats and discover another side to Karnataka’s roads: rolling farmlands. By the end of the day, we reach Badami archaeological site, a wonderful example of traditional craftsmanship. These sculpted cave-temples look over the river and even if “old stones” aren’t really your cup of tea, you’re sure to be awe-struck by the artistry involved in creating this religious architecture.
We start the day visiting the Badami caves, and then head for another ancient wonder: Hampi. An outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Site, the capital of the last Hindu Vijayanagara Empire, the “City of the Victory”, is a vast archaeological complex, which extends over an unusual terrain amidst hundreds of rice paddies and banana plantations. Hampi will reveal its full charm to you the following day.
We get up early to watch the sunrise: an extremely spiritual experience at this unique site. The wealthy princes of the Vijayanagara Empire built temples and palaces, which were greatly admired by the travellers who visited between the 14th and 16th centuries.
Still dazzled by Hampi’s delights from the day before, we hit the road again, this time in search of some natural beauty! We cover more than 125 miles over the Deccan plateau on easy, smooth roads and arrive at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary by the end of the day. The ochre hues of the plains and rocks surrounding Hampi give way to stunning blues and greens of the forests and rivers covering this region.
Today, your Royal Enfield will take you through non-stop nature! We start by exploring the natural park with its perfect zigzag tracks, inviting you for adventure... Ruins, temples and forts pepper the route as we venture deeper and deeper into the jungle. After a ferry ride across the lagoon, we round off the day at Jog Falls, the second highest waterfall in India!
You have the option to start your day with an unforgettable off-road experience! Then, we get back on route for a water-themed day, following the Sharavati river from the Jog Falls until it flows into the Arabian Sea. A downhill ride with incredible tracks! Finally, we let ourselves get carried away by the sound of the palms blowing in the breeze and birds, relaxing on the Konkan coast.
This may be a short stretch on our bikes, but you’ll experience the most beautiful and wildest part of the Goan coast. We stop at a deserted beach, then at a small, roadside ruin, Cabo de Rama, an old Portuguese fort perched on an imposing cliff surrounded by wilderness. It’s the perfect place to look out onto the coast for one last time before heading back to the starting city.
You’re transferred to Goa international airport according to your flight schedules. This is where our services end.
Take a short break and relax in traditional Portuguese Goa. Stay for two nights in a beachfront resort with swimming pool, gym and spa in the south. Alternatively, discover the old Portuguese heritage and have a traditional meal with an old Goan family.
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