Tours

South India Grand Motorcycle Tour – Kochi to Chennai

Your Journey at a Glance

Overview

Traverse 1,600 km across Southern India, linking the vibrant heritage of Kerala with the misty hill stations of the Nilgiris, the wildlife-rich forests of Karnataka, and the ancient temple architecture of Tamil Nadu. This grand expedition offers a deep immersion into diverse landscapes, ranging from coastal roads and spice-laden mountains to historic temple cities and serene coastal retreats.

Tour Highlights

Day & Route	Details
Day 1 Arrival Kochi	Activity: Fort Kochi Sightseeing Hotel: Dutch Bungalow Meals: Dinner Arrive in Kochi and check into your hotel to recover from your journey. Spend a relaxed day enjoying your hotel’s amenities, such as a pool. For a gentle introduction to the city, take a slow, evening stroll along the Marine Drive promenade to enjoy the backwater breeze and sunset views, or browse the local cafes and art galleries in the quiet, historic streets of Fort Kochi at your own pace.
Day 2 Kochi to Kozhikode	Activity: 180–200 km (Coastal/Highway Route) Hotel: Chera Rocks Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner Depart Kochi for a scenic drive northwards along the Kerala coast. The journey typically takes 4–5 hours depending on traffic. Upon arrival in the historic city of Kozhikode (Calicut), spend the afternoon visiting the iconic Kozhikode Beach to watch the sunset. Afterward, take a stroll through the historic S.M. Street (Sweet Meat Street) to sample local delicacies, including the famous Kozhikode Halwa. Conclude your day with a visit to the serene Mananchira Square.
Day 3 Kozhikode to Kabini	Activity: 200 Kms (Scenic Wildlife Corridor Drive) Hotel: Jungle Lodges and Resorts- Kabini River Lodge, Jakkalli (N. Begur), Nisna, Karnataka Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner Depart from the coast and journey through winding hill roads and dense forest borders into Karnataka. Arrive at Kabini to unwind by the backwaters and settle in for the evening ahead of your wilderness adventure
Day 4 Free day at Kabini	Activity: Full Day Wilderness Exploration Hotel: Jungle Lodges and Resorts- Kabini River Lodge, Jakkalli (N. Begur), Nisna, Karnataka Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner Enjoy a completely free day to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Kabini. Choose to embark on thrilling morning or evening jeep safaris and boat cruises through Nagarhole National Park to spot majestic wildlife, or simply relax at the lodge overlooking the tranquil river.
Day 5 Kabini to Ooty	Activity: 130 Kms (Scenic Hill Highway Drive) Hotel: Accord Highland Ooty, Doddabetta Road, Ooty Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner Leave the tranquil riverbanks of Kabini behind and journey upwards through lush forest fringes and winding mountain roads. Arrive in the picturesque hill station of Ooty to spend the afternoon taking in the crisp mountain air, rolling eucalyptus trees, and sweeping valley views.
Day 6 Ooty to Pollachi	Activity: 105 Kms (Scenic Ghat Descent) Hotel: Coco Lagoon by Great Mount, Pollachi Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner Descend from the cool, mist-shrouded peaks of the Nilgiri hills through the thrilling hairpin bends of the ghat road. Journey through lush agricultural plains and coconut groves to arrive at Pollachi, where you can spend the afternoon unwinding in a tranquil palm-fringed sanctuary.
Day 7 Pollachi to Kodaikanal	Activity: 160 Kms (Scenic Mountain Ascent) Hotel: Le Poshe, Sivanandi Road, Kodaikanal Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner Depart from the lush green plains of Pollachi and wind your way upwards through dramatic ghat roads, cascading waterfalls, and dense shola forests. Arrive in the "Princess of Hill Stations," Kodaikanal, to spend the afternoon wandering amidst pine trees and enjoying the crisp, misty mountain air.
Day 8 Kodaikanal to Madurai	Activity: 120 Kms (Scenic Descent) Hotel: Heritage Madurai Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner Wind your way down from the misty heights of Kodaikanal through scenic hill roads into the historic temple city of Madurai. Spend the afternoon exploring ancient architectural wonders, bustling vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage.
Day 9 Madurai to Rameshwaram	Activity: 170 Kms (Coastal Highway Drive) Hotel: Daiwik Hotels Rameswaram Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner Journey from the temple city of Madurai across scenic coastal plains and over the engineering marvel of the Pamban Bridge. Arrive in the sacred island town of Rameswaram to spend the afternoon taking in the serene sea breeze and exploring its ancient spiritual landmarks.
Day 10 Free day Rameswaram	Activity: Full Day Island Exploration Hotel: Daiwik Hotels Rameswaram Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner Enjoy a completely free day to discover the coastal charm and deep spiritual heritage of Rameswaram. Spend your time visiting the magnificent Ramanathaswamy Temple with its endless pillared corridors, walking along tranquil shores, or taking a peaceful trip to the ghost town of Dhanushkodi where two seas meet.
Day 11 Rameswaram to Thanjavur	Activity: 220 Kms (Scenic Coastal and Delta Drive) Hotel: Great Trails Riverview Resort Thanjavur Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner Depart from the sacred island of Rameswaram, journeying across the Pamban Bridge and through the lush agricultural plains of the Cauvery Delta. Arrive in the historic capital of the Chola Empire, Thanjavur, to spend the afternoon unwinding by the river and taking in the region's rich cultural heritage.
Day 12 Thanjavur to Pondicherry	Activity: 170 Kms (Scenic Coastal Highway Drive) Hotel: Palais de Mahé Puducherry Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner Journey from the historic plains of Thanjavur northward along the scenic Coromandel Coast. Arrive in the charming French colonial enclave of Puducherry to spend the afternoon strolling through the mustard-yellow villas and vibrant bougainvillea-lined streets of the French Quarter.
Day 13 Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram	Activity: 95 Kms (Scenic Coastal Drive) Hotel: Ideal Beach Resort East Coast Road Devaneri Mahabalipuram Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner Drive north along the picturesque East Coast Road with stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. Arrive in the ancient coastal town of Mahabalipuram to spend the afternoon exploring breathtaking rock-cut temples, monolithic shore temples, and ancient UNESCO World Heritage monuments.
Day 14 Tour Ends	Meals: Breakfast Activity: Transfer to Chennai International Airport After breakfast at your hotel in Mahabalipuram, check out and transfer by vehicle to Chennai International Airport for your onward flight.

Route Map

Approximate mapped route: 1,633 km. This measures the full published Google map route and may include road transfers. Cycling, trekking and paddling distances are listed separately in the itinerary.

Inclusions

Exclusions

Essential Information

Mountain Drives

Days 4 and 5 involve significant mountain driving. Start early and drive cautiously.

Wildlife Travel

The forest sections (Kabini/Bandipur/Mudumalai) often have night travel restrictions. Plan to transit these areas between  6:00 AM and  6:00 PM

Cultural Etiquette

 Dress modestly when visiting major temples like Meenakshi Amman and Ramanathaswamy.

Buffer Time

 Travel times are estimates; always include a 1--2  hour buffer to account for traffic, weather, and meal stops.

Fitness & Difficulty

Be comfortable riding a motorcycle on consecutive days, including hill roads and changing traffic conditions. Daily riding distances are shown in the itinerary.

Support & Safety

An experienced road captain accompanies the motorcycle tour. The listed support vehicle carries luggage and provides ground assistance, drinking water and first aid supplies.