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, 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.