Motorbike
We are ready to make
your life beautiful is tagline
South India Motorbike Tour
11-Day South India Grand Road Trip: Kochi to Chennai
This itinerary covers approximately 1,600 km across Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, focusing on scenic drives, cultural landmarks, and nature.
Day | Route | Distance (Approx.) | Travel Time (Estimated) | Key Activities & Attractions |
Day 1 | Kochi (Kerala) to Kozhikode (Kerala) | 180 km | 4 – 5 hours | Travel Day & Kozhikode Heritage: Depart Kochi early. Upon arrival, visit Kappad Beach (where Vasco da Gama landed) and explore the city center, including Mananchira Square and the local food scene (try the Kozhikodan Biryani). |
Day 2 | Kozhikode (Kerala) to Wayanad (Kerala) | 85 km | 2.5 – 3 hours | Wayanad Hill Exploration: Check into your resort/stay in Wayanad (e.g., Kalpetta/Sultan Bathery). Spend the afternoon visiting the Edakkal Caves (short trek involved) or relaxing amidst the spice and coffee plantations. |
Day 3 | Wayanad (Kerala) – Kabini (Karnataka) | 110 km | 2 – 2.5 hours | Wildlife Safari: Cross the border into Karnataka. Check into a lodge near the Nagarhole/Kabini Forest area. Afternoon/Evening Jungle Safari (jeep or boat) in Nagarhole National Park (Kabini) to spot elephants, deer, and maybe even a leopard or tiger. |
Day 4 | Kabini to Ooty (via Mysore) | 165 km | 4.5 – 5.5 hours | The Nilgiri Climb: Drive from Kabini, passing through Mysore (stop for a quick lunch if time permits). The drive will take you through the scenic Bandipur/Mudumalai National Park area and up the winding hills to Ooty (Udhagamandalam). Evening: Check into your Ooty stay. |
Day 5 | Ooty (Tamil Nadu) – Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu) | 260 km | 7 – 8 hours | Long Scenic Drive Day: This is the longest drive, connecting the “Queen” and “Princess” of Hill Stations. Depart early. The journey is scenic but involves mountain roads. Stop for lunch midway. Evening: Arrive in Kodai. Relax or take a short walk near Kodaikanal Lake. |
Day 6 | Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu) – Madurai (Tamil Nadu) | 115 km | 3.5 – 4 hours | Hill to Temple City: Enjoy a morning activity in Kodai like visiting Coaker’s Walk or Bryant Park. Drive down the ghat road to the plains. Afternoon: Arrive in Madurai. Evening: Visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple (Dravidian architecture masterpiece). |
Day 7 | Madurai (Tamil Nadu) – Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu) | 175 km | 3.5 – 4 hours | Island Pilgrimage: Drive across the mainland to Pamban Island. Key stops: Marvel at the iconic Pamban Bridge (road and rail bridges) over the sea. Afternoon: Visit the sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple and explore the town. |
Day 8 | Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu) – Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu) | 240 km | 4.5 – 5 hours | Chola Grandeur: Morning: Drive to Dhanushkodi (Ghost Town) if time allows. Mid-morning: Drive to Thanjavur (Tanjavoor). Evening: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple) and explore the Thanjavur Palace complex. |
Day 9 | Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu) – Pondicherry (Union Territory) | 170 km | 3.5 – 4 hours | French Colonial Charm: Drive to Pondicherry. Check into your hotel. Afternoon: Explore the French Quarter (White Town) by foot or bicycle, visit Aurobindo Ashram, and enjoy the sunset at Promenade Beach. |
Day 10 | Pondicherry (Union Territory) – Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu) | 95 km | 2 – 2.5 hours | Coastal Heritage: Morning: Visit Auroville (Matrimandir viewing point). Mid-day: Drive along the scenic East Coast Road (ECR) to Mahabalipuram. Afternoon: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Group of Monuments, including the Shore Temple and the Five Rathas. |
Day 11 | Mahabalipuram to Chennai Airport | 55 km | 1.5 – 2 hours | Departure: Depending on your flight time, you can do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Mahabalipuram. Drive directly to Chennai International Airport (MAA) for your flight. Allow extra time for Chennai city traffic. |
Important Notes for your Trip:
- Mountain Drives (Ghats): Day 4 (Kabini to Ooty) and Day 5 (Ooty to Kodai) involve long, winding mountain roads. Drive cautiously and allow for potential delays. The Ooty-Kodai route is particularly long and tiring, so a very early start is recommended.
- Wildlife Checkpoints: The forest sections (Kabini/Bandipur/Mudumalai) often have restrictions on night travel. Ensure you plan your Day 4 travel to pass these checkpoints during daylight hours (typically $6:00 \text{ AM}$ to $6:00 \text{ PM}$).
- Temples: When visiting Meenakshi Temple (Madurai) and Ramanathaswamy Temple (Rameswaram), remember to dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) and be prepared to remove footwear.
- Buffer Time: The travel times are estimates and do not account for traffic, weather, or meal stops. Always add a 1-2 hour buffer to your travel estimates, especially in Kerala and during the Madurai/Chennai stretches.
Kochi to Chennai Motorbike Tour
Day 1: The Highland Passage
Route: Kochi (Vyttila) → Vagamon → Kumily → Theni
Distance: ~160 km | Terrain: Mountain passes and winding ghats.
The expedition begins in the hum of Kochi. As you pull away from the city toward Vyttila and head east, the world changes. Within hours, the concrete fades, replaced by the cool, pine-scented air of the high ranges.
Vagamon
The Ride: The climb to Vagamon is a masterclass in cornering. You’ll be navigating narrow, winding roads flanked by meadows and pine forests. From there, the route to Kumily takes you through spice plantations. The highlight is the Kumily Churam—a breathtaking descent into the Cumbum Valley.
Expedition Spot: Stop at the Pandikuzhi Viewpoint in Vagamon for a panoramic look at the hills.
Theni
Evening: As you descend into Theni, stop at the Vaigai Dam. Watching the sun dip behind the Western Ghats from the crest of the dam wall is the perfect way to end your first day in the saddle.
Day 2: The Heartland of Heritage
Route: Theni → Dindigul → Madurai → Thanjavur
Distance: ~250 km | Terrain: Plains, highways, and historical corridors.
Day two trades mist for history. Today is about the deep cultural roots of Tamil Nadu.
Dindigul
The Ride: Leaving the valley, you ride through the plains toward Dindigul. This stretch is open and fast, but keep an eye out for local village traffic. Madurai, your mid-day stop, is a riot of color and history.
Thanjavur
Expedition Spot: In Madurai, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is mandatory. Park the bike securely and wander the complex—it is the living soul of Tamil culture. From there, ride toward Thanjavur. The roads here cut through the fertile Cauvery Delta, characterized by swaying paddy fields.
Evening: Reach Thanjavur by late afternoon. The Brihadeeswara Temple at sunset is, quite simply, an architectural miracle. You’ll want to spend at least two hours here as the temple stone turns golden in the evening light.
Day 3: The Coastal Gateway
Route: Thanjavur → Puducherry → Mahabalipuram → Chennai
Distance: ~330 km | Terrain: Coastal highways and urban entry.
The final day marks the transition to the sea. The dry heat of the interior begins to lift as you approach the coast, replaced by the humid, refreshing air of the Bay of Bengal.
Puducherry
The Ride: Ride toward Puducherry. The roads here are relatively smooth and allow you to maintain a steady, enjoyable pace. Crossing into Puducherry feels like stepping into a different country—the French colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards are a welcome change of pace.
Mahabalipuram
Expedition Spot: After exploring the White Town area, head north to Mahabalipuram. The Shore Temple and the Five Rathas are iconic. Walking the coastal path here is the quintessential end to your journey.
Chennai
The Arrival: From Mahabalipuram, it is a short, picturesque final stretch up the East Coast Road (ECR) toward Chennai. Riding into the capital with the sea on your right is the perfect conclusion.
Goa to Kochi Motorbike Tour
The Ultimate 16-Day South India Road Trip: Goa to Kochi
This itinerary covers 16 days of intense travel, linking beaches, ancient ruins, hill stations, and backwaters across Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Estimated driving times are based on normal traffic and are approximate—always start early for long drives.
Part 1: Goa & Karnataka (Coastal & Historical)
Day | Route | Estimated Drive Time | Key Activities & Notes |
Day 1 | Goa to Anjuna (North Goa) | 1 hour | Arrive in Goa, check into accommodation in Anjuna. Spend the afternoon exploring Anjuna Beach, relax, and enjoy the famous sunset. |
Day 2 | Anjuna to Gokarna | 3.5 – 4 hours | Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast in Goa. Drive: Head south along the scenic NH66 highway into Karnataka. Afternoon: Check into Gokarna. Visit the Mahabaleshwar Temple, or head straight to Kudle Beach or Om Beach to relax. |
Day 3 | Gokarna to Hampi | 6.5 – 7.5 hours | Long Drive: This is a major transition day, moving from the coast inland to the rocky, historical terrain. Start early (before 8 AM). Afternoon/Evening: Arrive in Hampi. Check in and explore the Tungabhadra riverbanks near Virupaksha Temple as the sun sets. |
Day 4 | Site Seeing Hampi | N/A (Local travel) | Full Day Exploration of UNESCO Site: Divide the day into two main sectors: 1. Sacred Centre: Visit Virupaksha Temple, Hemakuta Hill, and Hampi Bazaar. 2. Royal Centre: Explore the Vittala Temple (Stone Chariot), King’s Balance, Queen’s Bath, and Lotus Mahal in the Zenana Enclosure. |
Day 5 | Hampi to Shimoga (Shivamogga) | 5 – 6 hours | Drive: Head towards the Western Ghats region. This is a scenic route. Afternoon: Arrive in Shimoga. This is primarily a rest stop before tackling the long day of sightseeing and driving tomorrow. |
Day 6 | Shimoga to Kundapura (via Jog & Murdeshwar) | 7 – 8 hours total | The Big Sightseeing Day (Start Very Early!): 1. Jog Falls: Drive ~2 hours from Shimoga to view the magnificent Jog Falls (India’s second-highest plunge waterfall). Spend 1-2 hours. 2. Murdeshwar: Drive ~2.5 hours to Murdeshwar. Visit the towering Shiva statue and Murdeshwar Temple on the coast. Spend 1-2 hours. 3. Kundapura: Drive ~1 hour further south to reach your night halt in Kundapura. |
Day 7 | Kundapura to Chikmagalur | 4 – 5 hours | Drive: Leave the coast and head inland, ascending into the Western Ghats and Karnataka’s coffee heartland. Afternoon: Arrive in Chikmagalur. Check in and relax amidst the coffee estates, perhaps visiting a local viewpoint like Mullayanagiri or Baba Budangiri (time permitting). |
Day 8 | Chikmagalur to Mysore | 4.5 – 5.5 hours | Drive: A pleasant drive descending from the hills into the cultural city of Mysore. Afternoon: Arrive in Mysore. If it’s Sunday, plan to see the Mysore Palace lit up in the evening (must-see!). Otherwise, visit the Chamundi Hills for a panoramic view of the city. |
Part 2: Tamil Nadu & Kerala (Hills, Plantations, & Backwaters)
Day | Route | Estimated Drive Time | Key Activities & Notes |
Day 9 | Mysore to Ooty / Coonoor | 5 – 6 hours | Scenic Hill Drive: The drive involves passing through Bandipur/Mudumalai National Park (forest section, watch for wildlife) before climbing the challenging 36 hairpin bends into the Nilgiri hills. Settle in Coonoor (less crowded than Ooty). |
Day 10 | Coonoor to Valparai | 5 – 6 hours | Tea Route: This is a beautiful route through the hills. You will travel via Coimbatore. The final stretch to Valparai (often involves the Aliyar Dam and the 40 hairpin bends) is breathtaking, surrounded by tea and coffee plantations. |
Day 11 | Valparai to Kodaikanal | 5 – 6 hours | Hill Transfer: Travel through lush, winding roads. This day connects two major hill stations. Afternoon: Arrive in Kodaikanal. Visit Coaker’s Walk for a scenic view before sunset or relax by Kodaikanal Lake. |
Day 12 | Kodaikanal to Munnar | 6 – 7 hours | Toughest Drive Day: This border-crossing route (Tamil Nadu to Kerala) is winding and slow but immensely rewarding, passing through spectacular mountain scenery. Evening: Arrive in Munnar, the famous tea plantation town. |
Day 13 | Munnar to Thekkady (Periyar) | 3 – 4 hours | Short Scenic Drive: A much easier drive through spice plantations. Afternoon: Arrive in Thekkady. Go for a spice plantation tour or book a boating trip on Periyar Lake for the evening or early morning to spot wildlife. |
Day 14 | Thekkady to Kovalam | 6 – 7 hours | Long Drive to the Coast: Drive from the high altitude hills down to the beautiful southern coast of Kerala near Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). Afternoon: Arrive in Kovalam. Spend the evening relaxing on Lighthouse Beach. |
Day 15 | Kovalam to Alleppey (Alappuzha) | 4 – 5 hours | Backwater Route: Drive north along the coast to Alleppey. Afternoon: Check into a houseboat or a backwater resort. Enjoy a serene afternoon cruise through the famous Kerala backwaters. |
Day 16 | Alleppey to Kochi Airport (COK) | 2 – 2.5 hours | Final Drive: Drive from Alleppey to Cochin International Airport (COK). Allow extra time for potential traffic on this busy route before your flight. |
Important Road Trip Tips:
- Early Starts: On days with 6+ hours of driving (Day 3, 6, 12, 14), aim to start before 7:30 AM to complete the main journey before the afternoon heat and rush hour.
- Hill Station Driving: The roads around Coonoor, Valparai, Kodaikanal, and Munnar are mountainous with many hairpin bends. Drive slowly, especially in the dark or fog.
- Booking: Pre-book accommodation, especially the houseboat stay in Alleppey, which is crucial for Day 15.
- Fuel and Food: Check your fuel tank frequently in the Ghat sections. While main highways have facilities, they can be sparse on the smaller mountain roads.