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Ride through South India’s vibrant coastline, lush Western Ghats, and heritage towns on this guided motorcycle expedition. Starting from Mahabalipuram and ending in Kochi, the journey winds through Pondicherry, Kodaikanal, Munnar, and more. Expect scenic hill climbs, colonial charm, spice plantations, and backwaters—perfectly curated for bikers with a taste for culture and curves. Ideal for those with basic riding skills and a thirst for exploration.
HIGHLIGHTS:
⭐ Ride along the scenic East Coast Road (ECR)
⭐ Explore colonial towns and French quarters in Pondicherry
⭐ Visit UNESCO-listed Dravidian temples in Thanjavur and Madurai
⭐ Enjoy cool pine-scented slopes in Kodaikanal and Munnar
⭐ Cruise Kerala’s tranquil backwaters on a traditional houseboat
⭐ Experience Thekkady’s spices, cuisine, and wildlife
⭐ Discover heritage-rich lanes and cafes of Fort Kochi
Arrive at Chennai Airport or Railway Station and transfer (approx. 1.5 hours) to Mahabalipuram. Check into a serene beachside resort. Explore the iconic Shore Temple, the rock-cut Five Rathas, and the intricate Arjuna’s Penance – all UNESCO heritage sites that reflect Tamil Nadu’s ancient maritime and sculptural legacy.
🏍️ Riding Distance: 100 km / 62 miles
🏔️ Altitude: 15 m / 49 ft
📈 Altitude Gain: 15 m / 49 ft
Cruise along the scenic East Coast Road (ECR), hugging the Bay of Bengal. Optionally stop at the ruins of Alamparai Fort en route. On arrival, explore the experimental township of Auroville and the golden Matrimandir. Wander through Pondicherry’s quaint French Quarter and end your day with sunset views at Rock Beach.
🏍️Distance: 200 km
⏱️ Ride Duration: 5 hours
📈 Altitude Gain: +30 m
A longer yet scenic ride today as we head inland. Optionally stop at the sacred Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram en route. Once in Thanjavur, marvel at the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and explore the historic Thanjavur Palace complex.
🏍️ Distance: 200 km
⏱️ Ride Duration: 5 hours
📈 Altitude Gain: +70 m
Cruise through the scenic Tamil countryside to reach the temple town of Madurai. Explore the grand Meenakshi Amman Temple and the 17th-century Thirumalai Nayak Palace.
🏍️Distance: 150 km
⏱️ Ride Duration: 4.5 hours
📈 Altitude Gain: +1,900 m
Begin the climb into the misty hills of the Western Ghats. In Kodaikanal, enjoy sweeping views from Coaker’s Walk, Pillar Rocks, and Green Valley View
🏍️Distance: 150 km
⏱️ Ride Duration: 5 hours
📉 Altitude Loss: -300 m
Ride through winding roads lined with forests and tea plantations. Stop optionally at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary before arriving in lush green Munnar.
🗻 Altitude: 1,500 m / 4,921 ft
🥾 Trek Function: Optional hike to Echo Point or Top Station
Explore Eravikulam National Park, spot endemic Nilgiri Tahr, dive into local tea heritage at the Tea Museum, and enjoy views of Mattupetty Dam surrounded by mist‑clad hills.
🏍️Travel Distance: 90 km / 56 miles
⏱️ Ride Time: 3 hours
📉 Altitude Loss: −300 m
Cruise through fragrant spice plantations en route to Thekkady, then head out on a jeep safari into Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Optional evening performance of Kathakali or Kalaripayattu showcases Kerala’s cultural richness.
🏍️Travel Distance: 150 km / 93 miles
⏱️ Ride Time: 4.5 hours
📉 Altitude Loss: −900 m
Descend from hill country into Kerala’s lush backwaters. Ride past rubber estates and villages, arriving at Alleppey for a relaxing houseboat cruise through emerald canals.
🏍️Travel Distance: 60 km / 37 miles
⏱️ Ride Time: 2 hours
📉 Altitude Loss: −20 m
Option for a serene canoe ride before riding to Kochi. Explore Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets, and the historic Jew Town.
⏱️ Leisure Time: Full day
Discover Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis Church, and stroll along Marine Drive. Optional Kathakali performance in the evening adds cultural flair.
Transfer (approx. 30–45 mins) to Cochin International Airport for your onward journey, enriched with unforgettable South India motorbike memories.
Arrival Chennai International Airport (MAA)
Departure From Cochin International Airport (COK)
A Royal Enfield 500cc with full mechanical assistance and spare parts.
Ground transfersas planned in the private vehicle program.
An English-speaking tour leader
An expert mechanic of Royal Enfield motorbikes.
Fuel for the whole trip.
Team:mechanic, support vehicle driver, English-speaking tour leader, assistants…
A support vehicle:to carry extra fuel, spare parts, your luggage, mineral water etc.
Lodging:The Best hotel in the area, Swiss tents for camping with attached separate toilets (twin sharing a room basis).
If you wish to stay in a single room (extra charges apply). Please inform your travel advisor before you register for the programme.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Tea/snacks, Dinner.
Domestic Flight – Leh – Delhi.
Inner line permit fees.
First Aid kit with Oxygen Canister (In case of high altitude sickness).
Compulsory insurances – such as repatriation assistance which covers you in case of a motorbike accident in India – legal assistance.
Visa fees.
International Flights.
Other insurances (not compulsory)for flight delays, baggage claim, cancellation of trip.
A reimbursable security deposit of 200 Euros for the motorbike. In case the bike is damaged, the amount required to fix the damages shall be deducted at the end of the journey.
International Airport Taxes.
Tips.
Drinks and personal expenses.
Entry fee for various monuments such as temples etc.(at your convenience, these excursions are not compulsory at all).
For details on our cancellation policy, please refer to the following link:
https://iwhexpeditions.com/cancellation_policy/
