The South India Motorcycle Tour is a guided ride through coastal roads, hill towns and cultural landmarks across southern India. Riders from the USA, UK, Europe and Australia join this journey for smooth terrain, warm weather and a well-supported motorbike experience. This South India motorcycle tour is ideal for riders who want a safe and comfortable journey with scenic variety.
The route includes the East Coast Road, Tamil Nadu’s temple towns, the Western Ghats and Kerala’s peaceful countryside. You ride a Royal Enfield on highways, winding hill roads and quiet village routes. Each day offers simple riding conditions and new landscapes. Many guests choose this South India motorcycle tour for its culture, food and relaxed pace.
The tour includes full support with a road captain, a support vehicle and certified guides. Safety planning, first-aid support and responsible travel practices are part of every day. This South India motorcycle tour is suitable for all skill levels and is managed with comfort in mind.
Most international riders arrive through Chennai or Kochi Airport before the tour. Prices are offered in INR, USD, EUR, GBP and AUD for guests from different regions. This South India motorcycle tour offers calm riding days, cultural visits and varied scenery across southern India.
HIGHLIGHTS:
⭐ Ride along the scenic East Coast Road
⭐ Explore Pondicherry’s French quarters and coastal lanes
⭐ Visit UNESCO-listed Dravidian temples
⭐ Enjoy the hill towns of Kodaikanal and Munnar
⭐ Cruise Kerala’s backwaters on a houseboat
⭐ Experience spices, cuisine and wildlife in Thekkady
⭐ Discover heritage lanes and cafes in 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).
(Curated by Into Wild Himalaya Expeditions)
Every rider must bring certified riding gear suited for mixed terrain and varying Himalayan weather.
Full-face ISI/DOT/ECE certified helmet (with clear & tinted visors)
Riding jacket (CE Level 2 armor; detachable thermal & rain liners)
Riding pants (with knee & hip protection)
Riding gloves (waterproof, insulated preferred)
Riding boots (ankle-length, waterproof, sturdy sole)
Balaclava / neck warmer (for cold passes)
Riding goggles (for dust & wind protection if using an open-face helmet)
The weather can shift drastically from sunny plains to freezing high passes — layer up smartly.
Quick-dry base layers (2–3 sets)
Thermal innerwear (top & bottom)
Fleece jacket / down jacket (mid-layer warmth)
Light rain jacket / poncho (for off-bike use)
Convertible trekking pants (1–2 pairs)
T-shirts (3–4 quick-dry options)
Casual evening wear (1–2 sets)
Warm cap / beanie
Cotton scarf / buff (for dust & sun protection)
Socks (3–4 pairs, including 1 woolen pair)
Sneakers or sandals (for evening walks or camp use)
These ensure your comfort and bike safety during long Himalayan rides.
Riding rain covers (for self & luggage)
Elastic bungee cords / Rok straps
Magnetic tank bag / saddle bags / waterproof duffel
Toolkit (basic multi-tool, Allen keys, tire pressure gauge)
Cloth or microfiber wipes (for helmet visor & bike)
Spare gloves / face shield
Into Wild Himalaya Expeditions provides a medical support kit, but each rider should carry personal essentials.
Personal medicines (as prescribed)
Diamox / Acetazolamide (for altitude prevention – only under medical advice)
Painkillers / anti-inflammatory tablets
Band-aids / antiseptic cream
Rehydration salts (ORS)
Cold & cough tablets
Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
Sunscreen (SPF 50+) & lip balm (UV protection)
Keep all documents waterproofed in a zip pouch or travel wallet.
Driving license (valid motorcycle license)
International driving permit (for foreign riders)
Passport & visa copies
2–3 passport-sized photos
Travel insurance copy (covering motorbike activities)
Emergency contact details
Cash (₹10,000–₹15,000 small denominations) — ATMs are rare in high-altitude regions.
Electricity can be limited in remote valleys — plan power backup smartly.
Phone & camera chargers
Power bank (≥10,000 mAh)
GoPro / action camera + spare batteries
Headlamp / torch (with extra cells)
Universal plug adapter
These small things often make long rides much easier.
Earplugs (for wind or snoring roommates )
Energy bars / trail mix / chocolates
Small hydration pack or bottle
Microfiber towel
Notebook or travel diary
Compact binoculars / camera lens
Small foldable daypack
Pack light but smart — every extra kilo matters at 5,000 m.
Waterproof everything using dry bags or garbage liners.
Avoid cotton; choose moisture-wicking fabrics.
Break in your riding boots before the trip.
Carry copies of all important documents (paper + digital).
For details on our cancellation policy, please refer to the following link:
https://iwhexpeditions.com/cancellation_policy/
