“Discover the flavors and colors of South India!”
14 Day Spice Route Guided Motorcycle Tour in South India
Indeco Hotels, Shore Temple Road, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu, India
Royal Enfield Motorcycle Tour in India
The South Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala are steeped in traditional Indian culture and offer breathtaking locations and scenic landscapes. Embarking on a motorcycle tour to South India will be a decision that will have you smiling for a long time to come. Whether you are looking for adventure, seeking the peace and tranquility of the backwaters, or on a gastronomical journey to satiate your palate, you will find it all in this belt of India. Unleash your adventurous spirit as you take on canoeing and kayaking, paragliding, rock climbing, trekking, and other water sports! Those seeking the spiritual world have the option of visiting the famous temples that will not only satisfy the religious cravings but also give a taste of the beautiful architecture of yesteryears.
Key information
- Terrain: asphalt
- Bike: rental bike (Royal Enfield)
- Mileage: 1,400 kilometers / 870 miles
- Daily rides: 100 - 160 kilometers / 62 - 99 miles
- Riding gear: not included: helmets and protections like jackets, gloves, and shoes
- Meals: breakfasts
Highlights
- Starts in Chennai and ends in Cochin
- Traverse through the unique fauna and flora
- Enjoy sights full of plantations of green tea and spices
- Ride along the Spice Route to the backwaters of Kerala
- Experience the best seafood along with the rides
- English-speaking guide on the motorcycle
- 13 nights' accommodation
10 days with instruction
Airport transfer included:
Chennai International Airport
Accommodation
You will stay in a double or twin room at various accommodations such as luxurious, fitted cabins on the houseboats and various hotels including Indeco Hotels Mahabalipuram, Hotel de Lorient, Hotel Chidambara Vilas, Hotel GRT Regency, and Hotel Castle Cooper.
Program
Day 1: Chennai - Mahabalipuram, 100 kilometers / 62 miles
Today is your arrival. You will get a warm welcome by the representative of Indian Rides at Chennai International Airport (MAA). A car drive will get you to Mahabalipuram. There will be an introduction to the Indian Rides team at the hotel. The evening will be at your leisure, where you can discover the local market and the beach. You are free to enjoy Mahabalipuram, known for its beauty, stonework, and temples. Later, you will have dinner followed by an overnight stay at your hotel.
- Riding time: 2 hours
- Accommodation: Indeco Hotels Mahabalipuram
Day 2: Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram, 160 kilometers / 99 miles
You will be riding to one of the oldest cities of India, Kanchipuram, the city of thousand temples, after breakfast. The city has to date preserved its culture, traditions, and history. It is the only city having temples of both Shiva and Vishnu. It is also considered as one of the seven most sacred cities. Temples constructed as far back as the seventh and eighth centuries grace this city, such as the Kamakshi, Kailashnath, Vaikunthaperimal, etc. You will then ride back to Mahabalipuram, a city famous for its rocks and architectural works. You can pay a visit to various temples en route to the hotel. Your overnight and dinner will be at the hotel.
- Riding time: 6 hours
Day 3: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry, 160 kilometers / 99 miles
After breakfast, you will get astride your Bullets to explore amazing landscapes, beautiful roads, and rice fields magnificently aglow on the way to Pondicherry. You will be stopping by en route for some exotic bird watching, coconut palm groves, and a variety of flora and fauna. Arriving in Pondicherry, you will have an evening at leisure to explore the beaches. You will stay overnight at the hotel.
- Riding time: 4 hours
- Accommodation: Hotel de Lorient
Day 4: Pondicherry - Auroville - Pondicherry
Today, you will discover the Asham Aurobindo at Auroville, which is situated 10 kilometers north of Pondicherry. You will then go back to Pondicherry, visit the local markets, and explore the local people. You can pay a visit to the Gandhi statue as well. Overnight will be at the hotel.
Day 5: Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Swamimalai, 150 kilometers / 93 miles
After breakfast, thump your way through the massive layout of rice fields on your way to Swamimalai. Drive past farmers cultivating the fields and stopover for a quick thirst-quenching coconut water on the way. You will have lunch en route and on arrival at Chidambaram, you can pay a visit to the various temples, including Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, famous for its depiction of Bharatnatyam, one of the classical dance forms of India. This temple is perpetually thronged by pilgrims from all over the world and is different because it has Shiva in an idol form rather than the common lingam form. You will have dinner and overnight at the hotel in Swamimalai.
- Riding time: 4 hours
Day 6: Swamimalai - Darasuram - Swamimalai
After breakfast, you will be heading to Darasuram on motorbikes while exploring all new routes to reach the destination and interact with the locals to share their culture. You will enjoy a visit to the exceptional Airavatesvara Temple. Before the end of the day, you will return to Swamimalai and have an evening at leisure.
Day 7: Swamimalai - Thanjavur - Chettinad, 150 kilometers / 93 miles
After breakfast, you will be heading to Thanjavur on motorbikes while exploring all new routes to reach the destination and interact with the locals to share their culture. The route runs parallel to the Cauvery River, offering glimpses of the human activities alongside its banks. The exceptional Brihadeshwar Temple registered with UNESCO World Heritage is a sight to behold. Mesmerising sights around the temple including vast corridors, big halls, courtyards, and a tower of arsenal await you. Before the end of the day, you will reach Chettinadu and have an evening at leisure.
- Riding time: 4 hours
- Accommodation: Hotel Chidambara Villas
Day 8: Chettinad - Madurai, 100 kilometers / 62 miles
After breakfast, get ready for today’s ride to Madurai. The city is also known as the 'Athens of the East'. A visit to the famous Meenakshi Temple would remain in your memories forever. The temple is covered with carvings of Hindu Gods, which is rare to watch because of its beautiful architecture. You will later stay overnight at the hotel.
- Riding time: 3 hours
- Accommodation: Hotel GRT Regency
Day 9: Madurai - Munnar, 160 kilometers / 99 miles
After breakfast, the next ride begins in the jungles of Kerala. The route is flanked by mountains on both sides. Riding along mountains covered with tea plantations and twinkling landscapes will leave you mesmerized. Munnar, at a height of 1,600 meters, is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams, the Mudrapuzha, Nallathani, and Kundala. This hill used to be the summer resort for the British in the South of India. Your overnight will be at the hotel.
- Riding time: 5 hours
- Accommodation: Hotel Castle Cooper
Day 10: Munnar - Thekkady, 120 kilometers / 75 miles
After breakfast, get set to take on the high altitudes on a ride to the village of Thekkady on this motorcycle tour. The route offers varied vegetation along its sides and is interspersed with the alternating forests of coconut palms and tea plantation, a beautiful sight to behold. You can admire the rubber plants on the way and reach Thekkady by the end of the day. Your overnight will be at the hotel.
- Riding time: 4 hours
Day 11: Thekkady
After breakfast, there is an option of taking a relaxing massage in the afternoon in this holy land of the south. The Ayurvedic massage is a very natural way to relax both mind and body and will rejuvenate you in readiness to take on the next ride.
Day 12: Thekkady - Alleppey (backwater), 150 kilometers / 93 miles
After breakfast, you will be leaving for Alleppey to stay at the luxurious and fitted cabins on the houseboats which will give you a chance to experience the sea life very closely. The experience of the magical night will be unique, unforgettable, and memorable for a long time. This would be the last time you ride your Bullets on this motorcycle tour, so make the most of it.
- Riding time: 5 hours
Day 13: Alleppey - Cochin, 80 kilometers / 50 miles
After breakfast, you will be departing for Cochin by bus. You will visit the old city, which was captured by first the Dutch, then the Portuguese, and finally the British. The visit to the city also includes visiting the spice market, antique stone at Jews street, and the Saint Francois Church where the remains of Vasco Da Gama lie buried. Later, you will have dinner and overnight at the hotel.
- Riding time: 2 hours
Day 14: Cochin
Today is your departure as per flight schedule.
Location
This motorcycle tour will take place around South Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. You will explore various locations such as Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Pondicherry, Auroville, Chidambaram, Swamimalai, Darasuram, Thanjavur, Chettinad, Madurai, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Cochin.
Food
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
Besides motorcycle tour, you will also have an option to enjoy an Ayurvedic massage in Thekkady.
What's included
- Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycle rental with a mechanic
- Unlimited kilometres and fuel
- English-speaking guide on the motorcycle
- Assistance vehicle with a driver for your baggage
- Service of local guides at the monuments
- 24 / 7 assistance by Indian Rides team
- Taxes
- Domestic transports
- 13 nights' accommodation
- Breakfasts
What's not included
- International roundtrip airfare
- Lunch and dinner
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses such as drinks and other personal expenses
- Tips (no obligation)
- Entrance fees relating to camera / video sites
How to get there
Recommended Airports
MAA
Chennai International Airport
40 km
Transfer included
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Chennai International Airport (MAA). Transfer from and to the airport is included. Indian Rides will pick you up from the airport.
Airport: Chennai International Airport
Airport transfer included: Chennai International Airport
No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 50% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.
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