We ride with the 500 cc Royal Enfield along the south coast of Malabar in Kerala. During this motorbike trip we also grow on the houseboat for a day and sail along the backwaters - an ideal start to acclimatize our diverse journey.
Pricing
| 4 participants: Price per person without a German-speaking travel companion | €3,450.00 $3,775.85 ? |
| 4 participants: Price per person with a German-speaking travel companion | €3,850.00 $4,213.63 ? |
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| Reduced prices with a higher number of participants: | |
| 6 participants: Price per person without a German-speaking travel companion | €3,200.00 $3,502.24 ? |
| 6 participants: Price per person with a German-speaking travel companion | €3,500.00 $3,830.58 ? |
| 8 participants: Price per person without a German-speaking travel companion | €3,000.00 $3,283.35 ? |
| 8 participants: Price per person with a German-speaking travel companion | €3,300.00 $3,611.68 ? |
| 10 participants: Price per person without a German-speaking travel companion | €2,750.00 $3,009.74 ? |
| 10 participants: Price per person with a German-speaking travel companion | €2,950.00 $3,228.63 ? |
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| For the price for the pillion passenger please make a request | |
| For group trips of 11 participants or more, no surcharge for German-speaking tour guides |
Included
| Accommodation and catering (all meals included B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner) |
| 500 CC Royal Enfield Bikes with spare parts and helmets (optional) |
| Escort vehicle |
| English speaking tour guide and support mechanic |
| Refreshments & Mineral Water |
| All activities and entrance fees according to the itinerary |
| City guide with Madurai & Mysore |
| Intergovernmental approval and tolls |
| Gasoline |
| German speaking tour guide (optional) |
| International flight |
| Visa (approx. € 20) |
| Tips |
| unmentioned meals and drinks |
| An extra trip to Hampi (please make an inquiry) |
| Everything not listed under features |
More details
| Number of participants: from 4 persons |
| This tour does not pose any great challenges to the technical riding style. The mostly small village streets are well developed and mostly paved. However, we require a safe and experienced riding style. In India, the most important rule is to ride with your eyes open and react quickly - there are few traffic rules here. Warning: left-hand traffic! |
| Of course, a motorcycle driving licence is necessary – usually the International Driving License, which can be applied for free of charge with the authorities. |
| Larger repair costs in case of self-inflicted debt must be borne by the participants. |
| We recommend taking your own motorcycle clothes as well as your own helmet. |
| Housing : We stay in beautiful and well-kept hotels of the upper category with air conditioning. Laundry services, Wi-Fi and restaurants are available in all units. All meals are included in our itinerary. |
| Arrival: The journey to Trivandrum takes place independently on the first day of travel. Departure is from Goa. Please contact us before booking your flight so that we can arrange the exact dates in advance. Airport transfers are included. |
| Notes on additional costs: For the drinks and snacks not included in the price of the trip, you should calculate about 5-10 € per day. |
| Tip: Talk to your fellow travelers. It has often been proven that one of the group gives a reasonable tip on behalf of the whole group (e.g. for the tour guide and driver). Experience has shown that each traveller will receive a tip of around 60 € for the entire trip. But: Tips are voluntary and please communicate with each other on site how you want to deal with it. |
| Vaccination instructions: There are no vaccination regulations for direct entry from Europe. The Foreign Office recommends checking the standard vaccinations when travelling to India. |
| Language: This offer is usually suitable for English and/or German speaking participants. Please enquire for language options. |
| Mobility: The offer is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please contact us for more information. |
Description
The entire trip is set at a classic pace to maximize the experience of one of the most remarkably diverse countries and its people, and to experience the unique culture and nature of South India.
Day 1: Arrival in Trivandrum & Bike briefing
After the international flight and the transfer, we reach the Heritage Hotel in the colonial city of Trivandrum, the former capital of the province of Travancore and the present capital of Kerala. The city is home to many historical monuments, including the famous Padmanabha Swamy Temple, museums, art galleries and fascinating beaches. After you have settled in at the Hotel, the tour meeting follows with a briefing about the motorcycles. A leisurely evening walk makes the traces of the jetlag disappear.
Overnight stay: Udaisamudra
Day 2: Ride to the Backwaters & Houseboat Cruise in Alleppey -154 km
In the early morning we start along the coast of the Arabian Sea and ride through farming villages until we reach the Backwaters near Allepey. We ride over long bridges that lead us over the wide sea estuaries. Here we climb into one ofthe famous houseboat to spend the rest of the day enjoying the unspoiled ecosystem. In doing so, we experience the simple life of the locals. Did you know that a houseboat is a revised model of The Kettuvallam (in the Malayalam language, Kettu means “tied with ropes” and vallam “boat”) that used to transport rice and spices from Kuttanad to Kochi Harbour? It is an enchanting and relaxing experience to relax at the deck and take an unforgettable journey through the backwaters.
Overnight stay: Houseboat
Day 3: Ride into the wilderness of Periyar -150 km
After leaving the houseboat, we will leave the rice fields and lagoons behind us and we continue on the bikes and ride towards the gumland Pala and then continue through the picturesque Vagamon until we reach Periyar on mountain roads. Periyar is one of the few remaining wild tigers habitats in India (and around the world) and is part of Project Tiger, a conservation project to protect the Royal Bengal Tigers. Located high in the mountains of the Western Ghats, this protected area covers 777 km², of which a 350 km² forest is part of the core zone known as The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Famous for its picturesque lake and lush flora and fauna, this well-preserved park is run by the Forestry Authority and supported by local tribes and communities that still live on the periphery of the park. Here you can go hiking in the rainforest and boat safaris and visit the spice plantations.
Overnight stay: Forest Canopy
Day 4: Ride to Tea Land Munnar - 100 km
After the morning hike in the Tiger Reserve we set off to our next destination. As the journey runs through the small village streets, the landscape slowly turns into small spice farms – pepper and cardamom farms – tea plantations and finally we ride along the main road towards Munnar. “Welcome to the land of Neelakurinji”, the flower that covers the hills every twelve years”, and the endangered Neelagiri Thar. The hills here are covered with lush plantations with green tea and are located 1600 to 1800 meters above sea level. In the afternoon, visit the Tea Museum to learn some interesting facts about tea plantations and tea production in Munnar, and take a walk through the local bazaar.
Overnight stay: Olive Brooke
Day 5: To the temple city of Madurai - 160 km
Today we ride down the mountain roads and leave the forests of Kerala behind us. We continue through the picturesque agricultural landscape of Theni in Tamil Nadu to the great temple city of Madurai. This bustling city in Tamil Nadu was founded in the Sangam period of the pre-Christian period and is famous for its ancient temple – the Meenakshi Temple. Here we visit the temple to admire the beautiful architecture on the banks of the river Vaigai. The night ceremony in the temple with an all-round illuminated lamp is a real feast for the eyes.
Overnight stay: Madurai Heritage
Day 6: Ride to the village of Pollachi - 180 km
Our goal today is Pollachi. We ride through the great plains of Tamil Nadu over windy roads, along villages, small temples and wide fields, and can marvel at the mighty western ghats heading south. During the trip we pass Dindigul, a small town, as well as the Palani Hills – a famous pilgrimage destination in southern India, till we reach the picturesque village of Pollachi. Here we stay in a picturesque resort surrounded by quiet palm groves.
Overnight stay: Coco Lagoon
Day 7: Ride to the Queen of the Hills – Ooty - 150 km
With a panoramic view of the plains, we ride through Mettupalayam, which is considered by the East India Company to be the gateway to the Nilgiri Mountains. we also see the beautiful mountain town of Coonoor with its picturesque landscapes and tea plantations. Soon we will reach Ooty – a mountain station at an altitude of about 2,200 m in the Nilgiri Hills, which was once considered the summer capital of the East India Company. While we relax in our beautiful accommodation, the fog passes the hills and we can feel the freshness in the air. Ooty is known for its artificial lake, rose garden and Nilgiri tracks and is popular with bird lovers.
Overnight stay: Accord
Day 8: Ride to the historic city of Mysore - 265 km
We ride downhill over the 12 km long route of the famous 36 hairpin bends to the exit Ooty. Next we pass the wilderness hotspot Mudumalai at the foot of the Nilgiri Hills. The terrain is varied with hills, valleys, gorges, waterways and swamps, moist and dry deciduous forests and bush forests. Therefore, this is an ideal destination for bird watching and wildlife, especially elephants. Further north we reach the historic town of Mysore, the official seat of the Wodeyar Dynasty, the former royal family of Mysore. A visit to the palace and the Chamundi Hills as well as a view of the hectic Mysore markets are part of the tour before we rest for the night.
Overnight stay: Southern Star
Day 9: Ride to the coffee town of Chickamagaluru - 175 km
Today we ride through country roads shaded by the trees and the occasional banyan and coconut groves. We experience the beauty and unique culture of rural southern India up close. We stop in the historic city of Hassan to admire the complex architecture of the 12th century temples Hoysaleswara and Chennakesava in Halibedu and Belur respectively. After the well-deserved cultural break, we ride to Chikamangalur, the coffee capital of Karnataka, to reach the Taj Resort, which is located on the gentle slopes of the Sahyadri Mountains and surrounded by flower-adorned gardens. This part of the country is also known as the land of coffee.
Overnight stay: Taj
Day 10: Ride through the rainforest to Kundapura - 175 km
Today it goes windingly uphill through the lush green rainforest of Agumbe, home of the King Cobras, and through the countryside of Koppa, a small town surrounded by the Western Ghats and located at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level. It is also known as the Kashmir of Karnataka, because of its mild weather and the fascinating landscape. The trip ends in the town of Kundapura, which is surrounded by water from three sides. To the north is the Panchagangavali River, to the east is the Kalaghar River, and to the west is kodi backwater and the Arabian Sea. The south is the only side connected to the main land mass. We spend the rest of the day visiting the coffee, tea and spice plantations.
Overnight stay: Meridian
Day 11: Ride to quiet Gokarna - 140 km
The next day we ride along the coastal road, which smells strongly of sea and sand. On the way we visit the Murudeshwar Temple in Honnavar with the huge statue of Lord Shiva and cross the Sharawati River. We ride along the hilly roads to reach the coastal roads back towards Gokarna, a small and remote holy city with four of India’s most remote and pristine beaches. The main attractions of Gokarna are actually the beaches where people relax for months and enjoy the sun. our trip ends today in a picturesque resort. A delicious dinner is planned in a special restaurant.
Overnight stay: Sanskriti
Day 12: Ride to South Goa - 130 km
Again we ride along picturesque cliffs that descend to the beautiful beaches. This country is also known as the “Mango” belt for the delicious “Alphonso” mangoes that grow here in abundance. They pass Through Karwar, an old port for maritime trade frequented by Arabs, Dutch, Portuguese, French and later Britons. It is historically significant. The picturesque Fort Sadashivgad is located on the Kali River, where Karwar is located. From here we ride towards the beautiful beaches of South Goa.
Overnight stay: Caravela
Day 13: Ride to North Goa - 100 km
Today is the last day of our tour and also the last day on which we can admire the beauty of Goa. The trip leads to the northern parts of Goa. On the way we also visit the villages in the interior of Goa, temples, churches and historic bungalows. We can also take a break to visit Bom Jesus Cathedral, an expression of Portuguese sovereignty for 400 years of colonial rule. Of course you also could enjoy just at the beach today.
Overnight stay: Caravela
Day 14: Departure
This day marks the end of the 14-day motorcycle tour through southern India. Hopefully you will return with timeless memories of the unforgettable motorcycle tour through the unique south Of India.
2 Days Hampi Extension
We will take the long way to Hampi to explore the ruins and temples of Unesco Vlade Cultural Heritage (8 hours). Hampi was once the thriving capital of the Vijayanagar Empire and was rich in wealth, military skills and culture. The Pampati Swami Temple, the Queen’s Bath, the Lotus Mahal, the King’s Balance and the musical columns of the Vittala Temple are reminiscent of past splendour. Other major attractions include the temple complex of Lord Virupaksha, Ugra Narasimha, Matanga Hill and the Vittala Temple Complex. But not only culturally Hampi has a lot to offer, but also scenically, the area is unique with the millions of rocks that seem to have been scattered as if by God’s hand.