The South

The South
14 Days
Trivandrum
The South
Trivandrum
India
1,600 km

Overview

South India Motorcycle Tour – Temples, Tea Plantations & Tropical Beaches

From steamy jungles to crisp mountain air, this South India motorcycle tour is a sensory feast. Between ancient temples, winding mountain passes, and palm-lined backwaters, the route explores two of India’s most captivating states: Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The journey begins with a relaxed arrival on the cliffs of Varkala before heading to the southernmost tip of the subcontinent. In Madurai, the vibrant Meenakshi Temple inspires awe. Riding into the Western Ghats, the tropical lowlands give way to cooler mountain terrain, with tea plantations, spice gardens, and misty hillscapes along the way to Munnar and Thekkady.

A true highlight is an overnight stay on a traditional houseboat in the tranquil canals of Kerala’s backwaters — a memorable experience in a uniquely peaceful setting.

The tour concludes with pure beach bliss on the shores of the Arabian Sea, complete with Ayurveda treatments, fresh fish curries, and unforgettable sunsets.

This is not a race, but a rich and rewarding journey, designed for travelers with curiosity, a spirit of discovery, and a love for motorcycle adventures off the beaten path.

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At A Glance

Best Travel Time December to February – pleasant temperatures and dry road conditions in South India
Tour Start / End Trivandrum (Kerala) – start and finish directly on the coast
Duration 14 days total – including 8 active riding days
Total Distance Approx. 1,600 km – varied routes through mountain regions, coastal roads, and tropical forests
Daily Rides Between 80 and 260 km per day – adapted to road conditions, climate, and highlights along the way
Road Conditions Almost entirely paved roads – generally easy to ride, but with typical Indian traffic
Motorcycles Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Upon request, Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 or Royal Enfield Bullet 500 (left-side gear shift, electric starter, front disc brake) are also available.
Riding Skills Standard motorcycle experience is sufficient – good concentration, a calm mindset and a sense of humour are important to handle the lively Indian left-hand traffic. Suitable for pillion passengers.
Group Size Minimum 4, maximum 10 riders – space for accompanying persons in the comfortable support vehicle
Accommodation Selected mid-range hotels, charming heritage houses, former colonial villas, and an overnight stay on a houseboat in the backwaters
Included Services Motorcycle rental, fuel, support vehicle, mechanic, all accommodations, breakfast, lunch snack, dinner, drinking water with meals and on the road, all entrance fees, all transfers, full-time tour guide
Highlights Riding through the Western Ghats, boat tour in the backwaters of Kerala, tea plantations in Munnar, temples of Madurai, elephant safari in Periyar National Park, the southernmost point of India in Kanyakumari
Tour Guide From arrival to departure, the entire tour is accompanied and supported by an experienced local, English-speaking guide. Our tour guides ride their own motorcycles and are much more than just road captains — they ensure smooth logistics, share local knowledge, and take care of the group throughout the journey.
Extras Local mechanic in the support vehicle, also available as a replacement rider
Important An Indian visa is required and must be applied for online well in advance (not too early, not too late): indianvisaonline.gov.in. Asia Bike Tours also offers a visa service. Simply send us a short email with the subject “Visa Service India”.

ITinerary

Day Description
Day 1 Arrival in Trivandrum, Kerala, the southernmost metropolis of India. After airport pickup, a relaxed transfer follows to Varkala. The hotel is located on the cliffs above the Arabian Sea – an ideal place to ease into the motorcycle journey through southern India.
Day 2 The day is free for arrival and acclimatization. Time for a walk along the cliff promenade of Varkala, a swim in the warm sea, or simply observing the relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Day 3 Start of the motorcycle journey. After a detailed briefing, there is time to get to know the Royal Enfield motorcycles and an introduction to local traffic conditions. Left-hand traffic and the lively street scene require anticipatory, defensive riding – an ideal first practice stage.
Day 4 The route follows smaller coastal roads southwards to Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin), the geographical endpoint of the Indian subcontinent. Here, the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet. The day concludes with a memorable sunset.
Day 5 Today’s stage heads toward Tamil Nadu, one of the cultural centers of southern India. In Madurai, the spiritual heart of the region, a visit to the Meenakshi Temple is on the program – one of the largest and most impressive temple complexes in the country.
Day 6 The route now leads into the Western Ghats. Numerous hairpin bends take the road up to elevations of over 2,000 meters. The destination is Palani, an important pilgrimage town dominated by its distinctive hilltop temple.
Day 7 A particularly scenic riding day through the green highlands of southern India. The route winds through tea plantations, eucalyptus forests, and cool mountain landscapes to Munnar, a former colonial hill station with a pleasant climate and distinctive charm.
Day 8 Continuation to Thekkady, known for its spice gardens and plantations. Along the way, insights are gained into the cultivation of pepper, cardamom, and tea. The region vividly illustrates why southern India has been famous for its intense aromas for centuries.
Day 9 Break from riding and time to focus on nature. A safari in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is scheduled. A boat trip across the reservoir offers the chance to spot wildlife such as elephants, deer, or, with some luck, even a tiger.
Day 10 The route descends again toward the west coast. Through dense tropical vegetation and jungle roads, the journey continues to Kollam, where the sea is reached again after several days inland.
Day 11 A change of perspective: a houseboat cruise through Kerala’s famous backwaters – an extensive network of canals, lagoons, and rice fields. In the afternoon, return to Varkala. Here, the motorcycle journey comes to an end and it is time to say goodbye to the bikes.
Day 12 The day is dedicated entirely to relaxation. Ayurveda treatments, yoga, or unhurried hours on the beach provide space to unwind. Varkala offers a calm and pleasant setting for recovery.
Day 13 A final full day by the sea. Time for a last walk along the cliffs, some final shopping, or a shared farewell dinner with fresh fish and views of the ocean.
Day 14 Transfer to the airport and return flight. The journey ends with lasting impressions of southern India – shaped by diverse landscapes, cultural encounters, and memorable riding days.

Dates & RATES

November 29, 2026
December 12, 2026
14 Days

Rider: 3.290 €

Pillion-Rider: 2.790 €S

Single Room Supplement: 490 €

‍

January 17, 2027
January 30, 2027
14 Days

Rider: 3.290 €

Co-Rider: 2.790 €

Single Room Supplement: 490 €

‍

November 28, 2027
December 11, 2027
14 Days

Rider: 3.480 €

Pillion-Rider: 2.980 €

Single Room Supplement: 490 €

December 20, 2027
January 2, 2028
14 Days

Rider: 3.480 €

Pillion-Rider: 2.980 €

Single Room Supplement: 490 €

Questions about this tour? Message us on WhatsApp
Deposit: €300 on booking (€400 if a domestic flight is included), balance due 6 weeks before the tour starts. Cancellation fees: up to 60 days before departure 30%, 60–30 days 50%, 30–15 days 80%, after that 100%. Full details in our Terms & Conditions.

Map

Gallery

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More questions? See our General FAQ
Do I need an international driving license?
How many kilometers do we cover per day?
What clothing and gear should I bring for the tour?
Can a local SIM card be purchased in India?
Do I need a visa? Passport, entry requirements and driving license for India
Can I bring antiques from India?
Can I take pictures freely in India?
Can I fly my drone in India?
Do messengers work in India?
Cash, Cards & Payments — What You Should Know
What vaccinations are recommended for India?
What are typical souvenirs from India?
What clothes for India?
Which motorcycles will we be riding on this tour?
What cultural etiquette should be observed in India?
Can I smoke anywhere in India, and what about e-cigarettes?
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Discover it with your own eyes

What people are saying

Cher Shankar.
J'ai le plaisir de te dire que mon voyage au Népal a été un vrai régal. C'est vrai que tout était fait pour avoir un beau voyage à moto enfield. La météo nous a été favorable, les lieux que tu as choisi pour nous héberger sont accueillants et propre et partout la nourriture est merveilleusement présentées et colorées, on y mange tellement bien.
Les routes sont comme je le recherchai terribles et caillouteuses. Les changements paysages et de climats sont grandioses, quel beau souvenir.
Ce voyage sans toi n'aurai pas eu la même saveur. Tu es joyeux et communicatif. Tu nous emmène dans des endroits encore authentiques vers une population accueillante. Chaque matin on pouvait t'entendre nous décrire le déroulement de la journée avec carte géographique. Aux arrêts tu as souvent une anecdote ou une histoire pour compléter ce qu'on regarde. Le soir aussi tu as de quoi nous en apprendre plus sur ce pays le Népal. Mon voyage prochain sera aussi avec toi en 2025. A bientôt

2025-02-06

Dear Heinrich.

A happy New year.
Last year I tried Edelweise Bike-Tour in NZ.
And Japanese one in Spain&Portugal.
I realized your tour is the best.
I hope everything is fine with you.

Kazuo Yamashita

2012-10-01

Dearest Heinrich:
Steve and I wanted to “THANK YOU” for such a wonderful trip through Shangri-La, China! We had such an incredible time – our heads are still spinning from all of the wonderful culture we experienced. As I mentioned to you many times, I only wish we would have had helmet cameras to capture all of the sights, sounds, animals and cultural dress we saw as we traveled through all of the different villages. It was a once in a lifetime experience and you and your crew made the trip so easy – we could have never experienced that on our own. All of the stories about your travels were so interesting and your knowledge of the area was very captivating. You are PERFECT at what you do. It’s very clear you love your job or can you even call it a job? We really enjoyed the fact you were right with us on the whole trip from breakfast to late evenings sharing a glass of wine.
We watched “Seven Years in Tibet” (as you recommended) and that kind of put it all together about the Tibetan culture and what happened to them. They are such a happy, warm group of people. I feel like we saw terrain from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to Baja Mexico. The bikes were perfect for the trip. Being on a dirt bike made it a lot easier navigating on some of the roads.
I only hope we can make it on another one of your trips in the near future – we would love to go to India. It says a lot for your business when you have repeat customers come back and do other trips as well. You are always welcome to come visit us in California – we could do our own little trip through Baja.
We wish you all the best in your travels! If ever you write a book – please put us on the list. I believe this was the best way to see the country – on the freedom of a motorcycle.
THANK YOU FOR AN ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME……..
Sincerely,

Shelly & Steve Morefield
shelly & steve, L.A

2011-08-26