Arrival in Cochin

Upon arrival in Cochin, we will transfer you to your beach hotel in Cherai. This hotel is nestled among acres of palm trees with uninterrupted views across the Indian Ocean into the sunset. There, you can unwind after the long flight and enjoy some rest by the pool. Then, you will have an introductory meeting to get to know each other and your bikes. Hopefully with time for a short ride. You will finish off with a welcome dinner and free beers!

 Cherai – Thattekad (120 kilometers / 75 miles)

After breakfast, you are ready to roll! It is a relaxing first day’s ride past the airport and into the forest. Your first stop is Thattekad Bird Sanctuary where you can take a leisurely afternoon row on the river or relax by the pool on the banks and marvel at the beautiful array of birds flying past.

Thattekad – Valparai (150 kilometers / 94 miles)

It is a beautiful ride today as you head up into the Western Ghats. You will ride through the Sholayar forest road, and through tea plantations to Valparai and your lovely accommodation for the night. Built around the old tea manager’s house, bison and wild boar can be seen roaming through the surrounding organic tea plantation. The views are splendid over the valleys. At midnight, you can take the four-wheel-drive support jeep around the tea estates and forests of the area looking for wildlife. Panthers, lion-tailed macaques, elephants, Nilgiri tahr, and civet cats to name a few.

Valparai – Ooty (250 kilometers / 156 miles)

It will be another amazing day as you ride down into the plains of Tamil Nadu round 40 hairpin bends (all numbered so you can count down to the bottom!) Head off across the plains of Tamil Nadu. Then, around the city of Coimbatore all on good roads, before climbing up into the Nilgiri Hills. To challenge you, expect hairpin bends aplenty. You will ride upwards to a height of 2,000 meters and your overnight stop in Ooty. Queen of the Hill Stations.

Ooty – Masinagudi (80 kilometers / 50 miles)

See Ooty by motorcycle or on foot. Ride up to Dodabetta Peak for fantastic views of the surrounding plains. Or Avalanche Point, where there was snow and an avalanche many years ago! Visit the botanical gardens, English-style public (i.e. private) schools, churches, tea gardens, and shops. (Or sleep in!).

You will then take a mountain ride down a steep ghat road before reaching Masinagudi and the tiger reserve of Mudumalai. You will stay with an eccentric family in a fantastic resort in the jungle. Spotted are deer and wild boar abound, and also the odd wild elephant taking a stroll through the property. In the evening, there is the option of a Jeep safari in the jungle. Alternatively, just relax by the pool viewing all the wildlife wandering through the reserve forest.

Masinagudi – rest day

By popular demand, you will stay an extra day in Masinagudi. Thus, allowing the option of early morning safaris in the wildlife sanctuaries of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and Bandipur. For those who want something completely different. There is also the option of putting the bike gear back on and racing quad bikes on a specially designed track within the property. This is included in the price and is a rare opportunity for some motorsport Indian jungle style.

Masinagudi – Silent Valley (108 kilometers / 68 miles)

Today is hairpin bend day. In a little more than five hours, you will climb and then descend 2,000 meters. Passing through 117 hairpin bends (all numbered) in three different stretches. You will climb to Ooty and above, on different roads from day six. Then, you will slowly descend on a deserted forest road where wild elephants are known to sit on the road and not want to move. Be in awe, when passing dams and hydro projects before reaching our riverside resort for a relaxed evening back in Kerala.

Silent Valley – Munnar (202 kilometers / 126 miles)

A great full day’s ride takes us down through the western ghats, and more hairpin bends, and around the big city of Coimbatore. All, before crossing the flat plains of Tamil Nadu, where vast wind farms leave windmills dotted through the horizon of colorful villages.

We then start our ascent towards Munnar. Passing through Chinnar wildlife sanctuary where Elephants sometimes make an appearance. Especially, as we cross the border back into Kerala. After riding through the sandalwood forests of Marayoor. We will enjoy a spot of lunch. Following this, we will continue climbing through one of South India’s most beautiful roads into the world’s largest tea estate. Passing by Eravikulam National Park and the famous Tea Town of Munnar we´ll arrive in the paradise resort of Windemere Estates.

Munnar – Fort Cochin (140 kilometers / 87 miles)

A final day’s ride, takes us down through the western ghats, through plantation country onto the beautiful tropical plains of Kerala. All before finding the states’ best, and the only highway wizz. This highway will take you to the ferry ride over the estuary, to your final stop, and to the historic town of Fort Cochin.

 Departure from Cochin

Our staff will make sure you get transferred to the airport in time for your flight. An option to extend your stay is available and we are happy to help make arrangements with hotels etc.

OBS

The itinerary for your 10-DAY BEST OF INDIA MOTORCYCLE TOUR may change without further notice due to weather, road- or any other condition that the operator or its guides feel will jeopardize the safety of the group or material.