The South

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14 Days

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Trivandrum

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The South

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Trivandrum

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India

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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, we explore two of India’s most captivating states: Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The journey begins with a relaxed arrival on the cliffs of Varkala, then heads to the southernmost tip of the subcontinent. In Madurai, the vibrant Meenakshi Temple invites awe and wonder. Riding into the Western Ghats, we leave the tropical lowlands behind, climbing into cooler mountain terrain filled with tea plantations, spice gardens, and misty hillscapes en route to Munnar and Thekkady.

A true highlight: spending a night on a traditional houseboat in the tranquil canals of Kerala’s backwaters – a once-in-a-lifetime experience to tick off your bucket list.

We end the tour 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 ride. 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 Bullet 500 (left-side gear shift, electric starter, front disc brake) – a classic with character
Riding Skill	Standard motorcycle experience is sufficient – good concentration and a calm mindset are important to handle lively Indian left-hand traffic
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, half board with a light lunch snack (drinks not included), drinking water with meals and during the rides, entrance fees and permits, continuous tour support
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 experienced and competent local and/or international English-speaking guide, who is more than just a road captain
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, the southern capital of Kerala. Airport pickup and relaxed transfer to your clifftop hotel in Varkala – welcome to tropical South India!
Day 2	A free day to acclimatize: explore the palm-fringed coastline, enjoy a swim in the Arabian Sea, or stroll along Varkala’s scenic cliff promenade.
Day 3	The motorcycle adventure begins! Introduction to your Royal Enfield, a warm-up ride to get used to Indian traffic and left-hand driving – a real initiation experience.
Day 4	We cruise along small coastal roads to the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent: Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin), where three oceans meet – sunset included!
Day 5	A tropical riding day into Tamil Nadu with a cultural highlight: visit the stunning Meenakshi Temple in Madurai – one of South India's largest and most colorful sacred sites.
Day 6	Twisties galore! We ascend the serpentine roads of the Western Ghats to over 2,000 m – destination: the pilgrim town of Palani with its hilltop temple and panoramic views.
Day 7	A dream for motorcycle lovers: we ride through tea estates, eucalyptus forests and lush highlands toward Munnar – colonial charm meets mountain serenity.
Day 8	The spice trail calls! Ride to Thekkady with stops at local pepper, cardamom, and tea plantations. South India smells – and tastes – intense and unforgettable.
Day 9	Bike break and nature immersion: Safari in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. A boat cruise on the reservoir – with some luck we spot wild elephants, deer, or even a tiger.
Day 10	Back in the saddle, we descend through tropical jungle roads toward the west coast. Near Kollam, we reach the sea again – salty breeze, sun on your face.
Day 11	A highlight beyond the road: houseboat cruise through Kerala’s legendary backwaters – a labyrinth of canals, rice fields and palms. Return to Varkala – time to say goodbye to the bikes.
Day 12	Wellness & waves: Ayurveda massage, yoga, or simply relaxing on the beach – this day is yours. Varkala is perfect for unwinding.
Day 13	A final day by the ocean – take a walk, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a fresh fish farewell dinner by the sea.
Day 14	Transfer to the airport and flight home – filled with curves, stories and unforgettable memories from South India.