14 Days Motorcycle Tour through South India with Goa

Day 3: Drive into the wilderness of Periyar

After leaving the houseboat, we will leave the rice fields and lagoons behind us and we continue on the bikes and drive towards the gumland Pala and then continue through the picturesque Vagamon until we reach Periyar on mountain roads. Periyar is one of the few remaining wild tigers habitats in India (and around the world) and is part of Project Tiger, a conservation project to protect the Royal Bengal Tigers. Located high in the mountains of the Western Ghats, this protected area covers 777 km², of which a 350 km² forest is part of the core zone known as The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Famous for its picturesque lake and lush flora and fauna, this well-preserved park is run by the Forestry Authority and supported by local tribes and communities that still live on the periphery of the park. Here you can go hiking in the rainforest and boat safaris and visit the spice plantations.

Forest Canopy		B (L) D		150 Km

Day 4: Drive to the Tea Land Munnar

After the morning hike in the Tiger Reserve we set off to our next destination. As the journey runs through the small village streets, the landscape slowly turns into small spice farms – pepper and cardamom farms – tea plantations and finally we drive along the main road towards Munnar. “Welcome to the land of Neelakurinji”, the flower that covers the hills every twelve years”, and the endangered Neelagiri Thar. The hills here are covered with lush plantations with green tea and are located 1600 to 1800 meters above sea level. In the afternoon, visit the Tea Museum to learn some interesting facts about tea plantations and tea production in Munnar, and take a walk through the local bazaar.

Eastend		B (L) D		100 km

Day 5: To the Temple city of Madurai

Today we drive down the mountain roads and leave the forests of Kerala behind us. We continue through the picturesque agricultural landscape of Theni in Tamil Nadu to the great temple city of Madurai. This bustling city in Tamil Nadu was founded in the Sangam period of the pre-Christian period and is famous for its ancient temple – the Meenakshi Temple. Here we visit the temple to admire the beautiful architecture on the banks of the river Vaigai. The night ceremony in the temple with an all-round illuminated lamp is a real feast for the eyes.

Madurai Heritage

B (L) D

160 Km

Day 6: Drive to the village of Pollachi

Our goal today is Pollachi. We drive through the great plains of Tamil Nadu over windy roads, along villages, small temples and wide fields, and can marvel at the mighty western ghats heading south. During the trip we pass Dindigul, a small town, as well as the Palani Hills – a famous pilgrimage destination in southern India, till we reach the picturesque village of Pollachi. Here we stay in a picturesque resort surrounded by quiet palm groves.

Coco Lagoon		B (L) D		180 Km

Day 7: Ride to the Queen of the Hills – Ooty

With a panoramic view of the plains, we drive through Mettupalayam, which is considered by the East India Company to be the gateway to the Nilgiri Mountains. we also see the beautiful mountain town of Coonoor with its picturesque landscapes and tea plantations. Soon we will reach Ooty – a mountain station at an altitude of about 2,200 m in the Nilgiri Hills, which was once considered the summer capital of the East India Company. While we relax in our beautiful accommodation, the fog passes the hills and we can feel the freshness in the air. Ooty is known for its artificial lake, rose garden and Nilgiri tracks and is popular with bird lovers.

Accord		B (L) D		150 km

Day 8: Drive to the historic City of Mysore

We drive downhill over the 12 km long route of the famous 36 hairpin bends to the exit Ooty. Next we pass the wilderness hotspot Mudumalai at the foot of the Nilgiri Hills. The terrain is varied with hills, valleys, gorges, waterways and swamps, moist and dry deciduous forests and bush forests. Therefore, this is an ideal destination for bird watching and wildlife, especially elephants. Further north we reach the historic town of Mysore, the official seat of the Wodeyar Dynasty, the former royal family of Mysore. A visit to the palace and the Chamundi Hills as well as a view of the hectic Mysore markets are part of the tour before we rest for the night.

Southern Star		B (L) D		265 km

Day 9: Drive to the coffee town of Chickamagaluru

Today we drive through country roads shaded by the trees and the occasional banyan and coconut groves. We experience the beauty and unique culture of rural southern India up close. We stop in the historic city of Hassan to admire the complex architecture of the 12th century temples Hoysaleswara and Chennakesava in Halibedu and Belur respectively. After the well-deserved cultural break, we drive to Chikamangalur, the coffee capital of Karnataka, to reach the Taj Resort, which is located on the gentle slopes of the Sahyadri Mountains and surrounded by flower-adorned gardens. This part of the country is also known as the land of coffee.

Linger at Belur		B (L) D		175 Km

Day 10: Drive through the rainforest to Kundapura

Today it goes windingly uphill through the lush green rainforest of Agumbe, home of the King Cobras, and through the countryside of Koppa, a small town surrounded by the Western Ghats and located at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level. It is also known as the Kashmir of Karnataka, because of its mild weather and the fascinating landscape. The trip ends in the town of Kundapura, which is surrounded by water from three sides. To the north is the Panchagangavali River, to the east is the Kalaghar River, and to the west is kodi backwater and the Arabian Sea. The south is the only side connected to the main land mass. We spend the rest of the day visiting the coffee, tea and spice plantations.

UVA Meridian

B (L) D

175 Kms

Day 11: Drive to the quiet Gokarna

The next day we drive along the coastal road, which smells strongly of sea and sand. On the way we visit the Murudeshwar Temple in Honnavar with the huge statue of Lord Shiva and cross the Sharawati River. We drive along the hilly roads to reach the coastal roads back towards Gokarna, a small and remote holy city with four of India’s most remote and pristine beaches. The main attractions of Gokarna are actually the beaches where people relax for months and enjoy the sun. our trip ends today in a picturesque resort. A delicious dinner is planned in a special restaurant.

Stonewood		B (L) D		140 Km

Day 12: Drive to South Goa

Again we drive along picturesque cliffs that descend to the beautiful beaches. This country is also known as the “Mango” belt for the delicious “Alphonso” mangoes that grow here in abundance. They pass Through Karwar, an old port for maritime trade frequented by Arabs, Dutch, Portuguese, French and later Britons. It is historically significant. The picturesque Fort Sadashivgad is located on the Kali River, where Karwar is located. From here we drive towards the beautiful beaches of South Goa.

Agonda Paradise

B (L) D

130 Km

Day 13: Drive to North-Goa

Today is the last day of our tour and also the last day on which we can admire the beauty of Goa. The trip leads to the northern parts of Goa. On the way we also visit the villages in the interior of Goa, temples, churches and historic bungalows. We can also take a break to visit Bom Jesus Cathedral, an expression of Portuguese sovereignty for 400 years of colonial rule. Of course you also could enjoy just at the beach today.

Casa Anjuna		B		100 Km

Day 14: Departure

This day marks the end of the 14-day motorcycle tour through southern India. Hopefully you will return with timeless memories of the unforgettable motorcycle tour through the unique south Of India.

2 Days Hampi Extension

We will take the long way to Hampi to explore the ruins and temples of Unesco Vlade Cultural Heritage (8 hours). Hampi was once the thriving capital of the Vijayanagar Empire and was rich in wealth, military skills and culture. The Pampati Swami Temple, the Queen’s Bath, the Lotus Mahal, the King’s Balance and the musical columns of the Vittala Temple are reminiscent of past splendour. Other major attractions include the temple complex of Lord Virupaksha, Ugra Narasimha, Matanga Hill and the Vittala Temple Complex. But not only culturally Hampi has a lot to offer, but also scenically, the area is unique with the millions of rocks that seem to have been scattered as if by God’s hand.

How to get there The journey to Trivandrum takes place independently on the first day of travel. Departure is from Goa. Please contact us before booking your flight so that we can arrange the exact dates in advance. Airport transfers are included.

Do I need an adapter in India?

Yes, an adapter is necessary, as in India most of the plugs are used. More information here.

What is the climate in Southern India?

The climate is subtropical. In July/August is monsoon season, which manifests itself in short showers. The best time to travel is October to March.

In the south of the country, the sun’s irradiation is particularly intense due to its proximity to the equator. In order to avoid unpleasant and long-term dangerous sunburns, care must be taken to ensure good sun protection and adequate fluid absorption.
Dangerous currents continue to lead to bathing accidents on the coasts. Warnings on the beaches are essential.

What language is spoken in India?

The official national languages are English and Hindi. In Kerala, however, Malayalam is spoken. In addition, there are numerous regional national languages, all of which differ in words and writing, and there are also over a hundred dialects.

Is there a time difference?

Yes, there are: India versus Germany (CET) + 4.5 hours, during European daylight saving time it is + 3.5 hours.

Notes on money/currency:

The local currency rupee may not be entered or exported. Travellers wishing to import more than 5000 € cash or traveller’s cheques must indicate this on the currency declaration form you receive upon your entry. We recommend taking euros or dollars with you. It is easily possible to exchange money in hotels or banks and bureaux de change, with the exchange rate being uniform. It is recommended to keep the receipt to ensure a return at the airport. International credit cards are accepted by most hotels in major cities and tourist centres.

Notes on “additional costs” and tipping:

For the drinks and snacks not included in the price of the trip, you should calculate about 5-10 € per day.

Tips are a voluntary service, which everyone should decide for themselves. Please note, however, that tipping is common in many cultures and is an important part of income due to the relatively low wage level. As a rule of thumb, 5-10% of the invoice amount is appropriate. India is a travel country where a tip is expected for each service. Be it the luggage carrier, the service staff in the restaurant and hotel, for the toilet or the rickshaw ride.

Here is a detailed orientation. Menus often include a surcharge indicated as a service batch. However, the waiters usually see little of this. An additional tip of 5-10% is appropriate. Porters, drivers and guides also expect tipping. For racks 20-30 Rs per bag is attached, for maids 20-30 Rs per day. Your tour guide will be happy to advise you.

Tip: Talk to your fellow travelers. It has often been proven that one of the group gives a reasonable tip on behalf of the whole group (e.g. for the tour guide and driver). Experience has shown that each traveller will receive a tip of around 60 € for the entire trip. But: Tips are voluntary and please communicate with each other on site how you want to deal with it.

What equipment should you think of?

• Passport
• Printing of the electronic tourist visa (e-TV)
• Cash/EC card/credit card
• Photocopies of the most important documents (keep separate from originals). Send a copy via PDF to your own email in advance
• Day backpack (approx. 25l volume if possible with integrated rain cover)
• Motorcycle clothing and helmet
• light and airy clothing (short trousers, T-shirts, shirts, sandals)
• Long trousers and sweater/jacket (for the evening and/or rooms with air conditioning)
• Handkerchiefs (possibly also wet handkerchiefs for body hygiene)
• Photo equipment
• Field cutter/remote glass if necessary
• bathing suits, bath towel
• Sun protection and headgear (cap, hat or headscarf, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Travel pharmacy, first aid kit, possibly personal medications, insect repellent
• Due to different socket types, we recommend taking an international adapter set with you

Vaccination instructions:

There are no vaccination regulations for direct entry from Europe. The Foreign Office recommends checking the standard vaccinations when travelling to India. These include vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, mumps, measles, rubella and influenza, as well as pneumococci.

Vaccinations against hepatitis A and typhoid, long-term stays or special hazards are also recommended for travel vaccinations against hepatitis B, rabies, meningococcal meningitis ACWY and Japanese encephalitis.

Please keep in mind that vaccination regulations may change in the short term. In addition to the family doctor, individual information is also provided by the health offices or tropical institutes.

For more information, visit www.auswaertiges-amt.de or www.crm.de