Motorcycle Tours – Kerala & Western Ghats

Arrive at Cochin

Arrive Cochin Airport. Met on arrival at the airport and immediate transfer to your hotel in Fort Cochin (01 hr)

Cochin (Kochi) is spread across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the Backwaters. The city was founded in 1341 when a flood created a natural safe port, which became the principal harbour for Malabar Coast’s spice trade. Cochin was on the main trade route between Europe and China. The rulers invited people of various religions to settle here, attracting the Jews and the Christians who built places of worship and their own communities.

This afternoon you will be handed over your 500 CC Royal Enfield Bullet and also meet up with your driver who will accompany you in the car with your luggage and also will assist in your route.

You will proceed for a test ride through Fort Cochin and Mattancherry with a local guide .  During the course, you will also visit the monuments at Fort Cochin and Mattancherry  - The St  Francis  Church,  the oldest European Church in India ,where Vasco de Gama the first European traveller to India was originally buried here.  Dutch Palace at Mattancherry (Friday closed) is renowned  for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana.  The Jewish Synagogue ( Saturday closed) at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town.  

Overnight at Fort Cochin

From Cochin to Valparai

After early breakfast, you will start with your ride to Valparai – 155 kms from Cochin , passing through 88 kms of beautiful rainforest of the western ghats. The first 70 kms upto Athirappally waterfalls are through the national highway (45 kms) and state road (25 kms) up to the check post. From there on, you will come across thick deciduous forests on both sides with no signs of human life. There will be very few vehicles you might see in your three and more hours of ride through the forest. At times, you can even expect a gaur or an elephant blocking your way.  You will also ride past two dams – Perngalkuthu and Sholayar. When you get closer to Valparai, the forest cover will disappear and you will start seeing Coffee and Tea Plantations. 

Valparai is a small hill town located 3,500 feet above sea level on the Anamalai mountain range.  You will stay in a estate bungalow of the British Era in the midst of Tea plantations. 

Overnight at Valpari

From Valparai to Pollachi

Today will be another day of exotic ride, a 64 km descent to Pollachi covering 40 hairpin bends. You will ride through the Indira Gandhi Wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary is almost 1000 sq.km in size and the place is rich in flora and fauna. Be alert  along your drive, you are sure to sight a lot of animals/birds.

You will stop at Aliyar dam and also visit the monkey falls.

You will stay at a treasure trove of cultural heritage , majestic bungalow built in the early 1900’s amidst hundreds of acres of farmland. Experience the quintessence of village charm and the warmth and hospitality of the people.  

Rest of the day, take a stroll through the village, its market, the temples and rituals , the local shops.. 

Overnight at Pollachi.

From Pollachi to Camp at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

An early ride through the reserve forest and villages via the small town of Udumalpet to Chinnar wildlife sanctuary (80 kms). 

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique protected area located in the rain shadow region in the eastern slope of Western Ghats, adjoining Tamilnadu. The forest types comprise thorny scrub forests, dry deciduous forests, high altitude sholas and wet montane grasslands. Apart from this, this area is noted for its archaeological importance too. The Dolmens, built between first and fifth century CE are one of the major attractions among them. Herds of Asiatic Elephants, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Tiger, the elusive Leopard, the legendary ‘white bison of Manjampatti’, and the colourful bird and butterfly life makes Chinnar a must see destination in the wildlife map of Western Ghats. on arrival at Chinnar Forest office , you will leave the bikes in the custody of your driver and meet up with your naturalist and eco guides who will accompany you during your trek and camping.

After a short briefing, you will be guided for a trek through the dry deciduous thorny scrub forests of Chinnar. Trek starts from Champakkad tribal settlement. A two hour long trek will end at Vasyappara. 

Camp in a traditional thatched hut on a ledge at the top of this hill – an ideal place for wildlife viewing and star gazing. Simple vegetarian food is cooked and served by your hosts. Stay overnight in the hut.

From Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary to Kailasappara via Munnar

Walk around your camp early in the morning with your naturalist. After breakfast, trek back to Champakkad. Take a dip in the river Pampar to cool your body. You will reach your base station by around 1000 hrs.

You will say good bye to your naturalist and eco guides and will climb on your bikes to start the picturesque ride to Kailasappara. The 100 kms ride is a feast to the eye , through the winding roads of panoramic western ghat hills covered with Tea and cardamom plantations and occasional view of waterfalls and streams . 

At Munnar , stop at the Tea Museum for a visit.

Roads are narrow when riding from Munnar to Chinnakanal (22 kms). 

Kailasapara is a hamlet set in the stunningly beautiful upper reaches of the Western Ghat mountain range in the Vandanmedu area. Numerous rivers snake through picturesque valleys past vast stretches of thick forests and plantations. Rugged mountains and dense forests cover a major portion of the countryside in and around Vandanmedu making this area special. 

You will stay at a plantation bungalow Set on a hillock amidst tea plantations. If you are still not tired, take a heart-stopping jeep safari to a hillock through a dirt path strewn with rocks. The jeep rocks, sways to the right and then to the left and then leaps in the air to land with a bone crunching thud. 

Overnight at Kailasappara

From Kailasappara to Periyar

At a comfortable time, start your ride to Periyar (55 kms)

Thekkady
Periyar is South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, encompassing an area of 777 sq km. Set on the attractive man-made Periyar Lake; it attracts over 300,000 visitors a year. Though the sanctuary was made a part of Project Tiger in 1973, it is better known for its elephants. 

Evening Boat ride in Lake Periyar, and see the wildlife around the lake as you cruise along its banks. Apart from elephants, bison, sambar, wild boar, langur, otter and flying squirrel are common. There are also 246 species of birds and 112 species of butterfly.

Later witness Kalaripayattu Performance (martial arts) at a local theatre. 

Overnight at Periyar

From Periyar to Nedumudy backwaters

In the morning start your ride to the Backwaters (130 kms) .After a descent for 70 kms , you will pass through rubber plantations , rivers , small towns and finally through backwaters and paddy fields.  A slow ride through the paddy fields , you will see people working on the fields ,  sowing the seeds, getting rid of weeds, diverting water channels  , the most fascinating obviously is that of the ducks, quacking together in high decibels and moving across the backwaters in large numbers  , shepherded by men on small boats. One can also catch men playing on the backwater; some diving down to collect lime shells from the depths and others fishing with their nets and traditional cane basket.

You will stay at a backwater homestead

This 100 year old wooden mansion situated on the bank of the holy river Pamba, you will feel the serenity, peace and joy, which has been long lost to the frenetic pace of the times that we live in. This is a golden opportunity to experience closeness with Nature. The home is just on the bank of the river with a clear view of the village life across and also once sit and relax watching the fishermen , boats , people cruising along.

Half past six when the sun set beneath the banks , you set off in punted canoe with your lone oarsmen, on a slower pace cruising through the darkness watching the far way lights. Somewhere in the middle of the lake, your oarsmen will serve you a glass of wine. On a clear sky, sip the wine gazing at the stars or watch the people still on the bank , some taking a bath, some fishing , some washing their utensils and some waving at you.  

Overnight at Nedumudy

From Nedumudy backwaters to Marari via Alleppey

You will start your ride in the morning towards Alleppey (10 km).

The bazaars of Mullackal Road provide a delightful morning browsing. Here you’ll find everything from fine gold jewellery to umbrella emporiums and coir products. Visit the Mullackal Temple from inside.  

Later you will visit the house of Mr Tomy & Mrs Elsamma  who will await to welcome you. You will experience the Keralan hospitality with a sumptuous Kerala lunch with the family.

Later drive to Marari beach (15 kms)

Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more. It is an authentic experience of the world of Kerala's traditional fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. The resort sprawls across 55 acres of lawns, far-flung lotus ponds and whispering coconut groves, all threaded through with stone- flagged pathways. A windbreak of palms runs the length of the property, a protective cover that reduces even the gustiest sea winds to mere caresses. And beyond is a milk-and-azure ocean, fringed by a beach more ochre than yellow, a sand-meets-sea combination you're not likely to find anywhere else.  

Your eight days of exhilarating motor biking comes to an end and you will hand over your bikes to the representative this evening.  

Overnight at Marari

Marari

Full day relax at the beach. 

Overnight at Marari

Departure from Cochin

In time transfer to Cochin airport by car (90 km, 2.5 hrs ) to connect flight back home