ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 10-DAY BEST OF INDIA MOTORCYCLE TOUR
10-DAY BEST OF INDIA MOTORCYCLE TOUR. Welcome to the colors, flavors, and scents of India. The planet’s second-most populous country is a mouthful. Get ready to be overwhelmed by impressions in every way. We ride scenic paved roads of varying quality, through Deep Forest and round many hairpin bends.
There is no better bike to take in the real India than the Indian-built Royal Enfield. With roots in the British Colonial era, these bikes are left foot gear change and known by every Indian. Our route is approximately 1,100 kilometers long but packed with extraordinary experiences. Bring non-riding partners/family for an amazing cultural experience either as a pillion rider or passenger in our support vehicle on our unique 10-DAY BEST OF INDIA MOTORCYCLE TOUR.
50%
DIFFICULTY
5%
OFF-ROAD
65%
COMFORT
100%
FUN FACTOR
POI: AMAZING ACCOMMODATION
Includes high-end accommodation ranging from boutique and luxury hotels to jungle and rainforest resorts, beach hideaways to eco-lodges.
POI: WILDLIFE
Not only along the route will we meet wild animals, but we will also visit several sanctuaries, reserves, and private estates that care for wildlife.
POI: FLAVORS OF INDIA
We will dine well on this trip. India’s cuisine is world-famous and we will try many different flavors and typical dishes.
10-DAY BEST OF INDIA MOTORCYCLE TOUR
ITINERARY
DAY 1
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!
DAY 2
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.
DAY 3
Thattekad – Valparai (150 kilometers / 94 miles)
It is a beautiful ride today as you head up into the Western Ghats. Your route takes you through the Sholayar forest road, and ride through tea plantations to Valparai. Ending 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, and 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.
DAY 4
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, around the city of Coimbatore all on good roads, before you start climbing up into the Nilgiri Hills, hairpin bends aplenty, to a height of 2,000 meters and your overnight stop in Ooty, ‘Queen of the Hill Stations.
DAY 5
Ooty – Masinagudi (80 kilometers / 50 miles)
See Ooty by motorcycle or on foot. Ride up to the 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 and 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 takes a stroll through the property. In the evening, there is the option of a Jeep safari in the jungle or just relaxing by the pool viewing all the wildlife wandering through the reserve forest.
DAY 6
Masinagudi – rest day
By popular demand, you will stay an extra day in Masinagudi, 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.
DAY 7
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 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 don´t expect them to want to move. Be in awe when passing dams and hydro projects before reaching our riverside resort for a relaxed evening back in Kerala.
DAY 8
Silent Valley – Munnar (202 kilometers / 126 miles)
A great full day’s ride takes us down through the western ghats, and more hair pin bends, and around the big city of Coimbatore, 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, as we cross the border back into Kerala. After riding through the sandalwood forests of Marayoor, and a spot of lunch, we continue climbing through 1 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 arrive in the paradise resort of Windemere Estates.
DAY 9
Munnar – Fort Cochin (140 kilometers / 87 miles)
A final day’s ride takes us down through the western ghats. You will pass through plantation country onto the beautiful tropical plains of Kerala. All before finding the states’ best, and only highway wizz. This highway will take you to the ferry ride over the estuary, to your final stop, and the historic town of Fort Cochin
DAY 10
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 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.
10-DAY BEST OF INDIA MOTORCYCLE TOUR DETAILS
INCLUDED
Price Match Guarantee
Small group sizes (Min 5 / Max 10)
Professional Multilingual Tour Leader
9 Nights accommodation in shared room (Upgrades available)
All Breakfasts
Base model Motorcycle Rental (Bullet, Himalayan, Classic)
Fuel and Road Tolls
Mandatory 3rd Party Liability Insurance
Motorcycle Damage and Theft Liability Reduction Insurance
Group Activities and Entry Fees
Pre-tour Preparation Guide and Briefing
Transfers to/from Cochin International Airport (COK)
Support Vehicle & Driver
Motolombia Apparel Gift
All taxes
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare
Upgrades
Lunches, Dinners and Drinks
Personal paperwork, permits and visas
Travel and evacuation insurance with cancellation coverage (Available from Global Rescue)
Tips to staff
Any inclusion not specified
Temperatures can vary between 12 to 40°C (53.6 F to 104°F). It is recommended to ride with ventilated riding gear. A pullover rain suit is a good idea to carry against cooler gusts of temperatures and possible short rain showers that can occur anytime.
Personal items are recommended such as sunscreen, lip balm, antiseptic cream, anti-diarrhea medicine, and broad-spectrum antibiotics. (Regarding antibiotics, participants must contact their doctor for a relevant prescription.) Given that temperatures can range from morning to evening, long-sleeve clothes and jackets are recommended in addition to sunglasses and sun hats.
10-DAY BEST OF INDIA MOTORCYCLE TOUR comprises 95% paved touring with just a couple sections of light gravel roads. 7 riding days mainly on secondary backroads through rural Indian villages. Many interesting activities and sites to experience including sanctuaries, reserves, and private estates.
India is considered a safe place with friendly inhabitants. However, it is recommended that participants are aware of their surroundings and guard their valuables. Exploring areas in pairs or as a group is advisable to avoid unforeseen dangers.
30%
DIFFICULTY
5%
OFF-ROAD
85%
COMFORT
100%
FUN FACTOR
10-DAY BEST OF INDIA MOTORCYCLE TOUR ITINERARY
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.
