Goa to Kerala – A Laid-Back Tour2023-10-23T10:42:13+00:00

Goa to Kerala Motorcycle Tour

We’ve been organizing Royal Enfield motorcycle tours in South India for 30 years. Based on our long experience, we’ve developed a completely new tour for discerning riders that comprises the best that South India has to offer. India is colorful, enchanting and mysterious, but also jarring and exhausting – a country full of dynamism that’s on its way up! This unique Royal Enfield south India motorcycle tour is as rich in contrasts as the country itself: it delivers a wealth of impressions that unfold at a leisurely pace, with plenty of time to savor the experience. Join us on this fantastic motorcycle tour through South India! Our tour covers the most scenic mountain roads in South India, from tropical sandy beaches near Goa to lush coconut palm and tea plantations in southern Kerala. Discover the aromas and flavors of South India and enjoy the incomparable sound of our Royal Enfields on carefully tailored dream routes. At the helm: our experienced Road Captains – nobody knows South India better!

We’ll spend the first three days of our South India motorbike tour in tropical Goa, taking day trips, enjoying the beautiful beaches and delicious seafood, and relaxing in our resort. Heading south, we’ll ride our Enfields along the coast until we reach the rugged hills of the Western Ghats. We’ll pass through rainforests, tea, coffee and cardamom plantations, and marvel at magnificent palaces of the Maharajas and ancient temple towns. Pushing ever deeper into the colorful mountain landscape, on winding roads through clouds and mist, we’ll encounter numerous famous hill stations from the British colonial era, and visit pilgrimage sites such as Palani. We’ll go wildlife spotting in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, hoping for close encounters. We’ll explore the world of Indian spices at a spice farm and sample the local dishes at dinner – a guaranteed thrill for our taste buds. Splendid colonial-era buildings still shape the face of numerous cities in South India today – we’ll have the opportunity to explore the many relics of this bygone era.

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At our last stop, Fort Cochin, we’ll drift through colorful markets and enchanted alleyways and savor the sensual side of the journey one last time. On this Royal Enfield motorbike tour through South India, we’ll experience Indian culture and joie de vivre up close.

This motorcycle tour through South India focuses on pleasure and adventure – we take plenty of time for sightseeing and relaxation!
Our outstanding range of accommodations guarantees an unforgettable experience in fascinating landscapes and colonial-era hotels.

AT A GLANCE

AT A GLANCE

01.12. – 16.12.2024
Enfield Bullet 500: 3.290€
Enfield Himalayan 411: 3.290€
Pillion 2.790€
Single Room +690€

RE Himalayan only on request, please specify.

16 days / 15 nights / 13 riding days
Overnight stays often in selected colonial heritage resorts and boutique hotels, in Goa beachfront and handpicked mid-range hotels.
16.02. – 03.03.2025
30.11. – 15.12.2025
Enfield Bullet 500: 3.290€
Enfield Himalayan 411: 3.290€
Pillion 2.790€
Single Room +690€

RE Himalayan only on request, please specify.

16 days / 15 nights / 13 riding days
Overnight stays often in selected colonial heritage resorts and boutique hotels, in Goa beachfront and handpicked mid-range hotels.

Kerala Motorcycle Tour Highlights

  • The magnificent colonial-era Fernhill Palace Hotel in Ooty, the queen of hill stations in the Nilgiri Hills
  • The fascinating old town of Cochin
  • A full day for Periyar National Park
  • A full day for Mysore, the residence of the Maharajas
  • Cruising the tropical coast in the saddle of an Enfield Bullet
  • Three nights at Goa’s iconic Agonda Beach
  • Dottabetta – at 2,673 meters South India’s highest mountain; we’ll ride all the way to the summit
  • The tea plantation landscape around Munnar, a hill station in Kerala
  • An overnight stay in Mudumalai National Park in jungle huts, deep in the fores
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From Goa to Kerala Motorcycle Tour in India Itinerary

Day 1: Individual arrival at Goa Airport

Pick-up service at the airport, transfer to Agonda Beach in laid-back South Goa. South Goa and its miles of white beaches bid a perfect welcome to anyone traveling to India for the first time. After arriving at the resort, you’ll meet the guide and crew at the welcome dinner. The day ends with a cool beer at sunset at our hotel, directly at the beach.

Distance covered: approx. 70 km

On the roads of south Goa

Day 2: “Warming Up Ride” in South Goa

After breakfast, we’ll get acquainted with our Enfield Bullets, with a briefing on their technology and the finer points of riding in Indian traffic. “Beaches and bikes” are on the program today – time not only to familiarize ourselves with the Enfields, but also to explore the nearby beaches and vantage points on a warm-up ride through Goa.

How about a freshly caught fish for dinner? In the evening, we’ll dine together in an excellent restaurant directly at the beach.

Distance covered: approx. appx. 100 km

Day 3: Agonda to South Goa

Today we’re heading south through Goa and along the coast to breathtaking Paradise Beach at Agonda. Sun, sand, and the gentle sound of waves – that’s life in Goa for you. As the name of the beach implies, it’s truly a slice of paradise. Before we kick back for a cool beer on the beach, we’ll stop off at a sea salt plant and visit Fort Cabo de Rama, the former Portuguese fortress at Agonda, with its great view of the bay and the open sea.

Distance covered: approx. 110 km

Angoda Beach to south Goa border
Kundapura, Udupi

Day 4: Kundapura, Udupi

Cruising down the South Indian coastal highway, we’ll soon leave Goa and reach the state of Karnataka.Traffic is light and the vibe is laid-back. It’s a relaxing ride down HW17 to our destination resort. On the way, we’ll visit Murdeshwar, a pilgrimage site with a 37-meter statue of Shiva – the largest in South India.

A 70-meter high gopuram towers over the site – a 20-story climb, it will reward us with a great view across the expanse of the Indian Ocean. Once we reach the resort, we can unwind in the hotel pool, directly at the beach.

Distance covered: approx.. 240 km

Day 5: Belur

Today we’ll leave the coastal road behind and ride our Royal Enfields motorcycles toward the interior, taking quiet country roads through tiny villages to the lively temple complex of Srineri. Here we can immerse ourselves in the mystical history of South India. Srineri is famous for its 8th-century temples, which are surrounded by roaring waterfalls. After our visit, our route will wind its way uphill through lush and fragrant coffee and spice plantations. In the afternoon, our next adventure awaits: the Chennakeshava Temple of Belur! This temple complex, which is one of the most remarkable monuments of the Hoysala dynasty, was built by King Vishnuvardhana in 1110 to celebrate a victory in battle. The temple is not only unusual for the region, but also unbelievably ornate – there’s so much to discover! We’ll spend the night in a cozy, eco-friendly hotel in the middle of a 27,000 square kilometer coffee and pepper plantation. Surrounded by nature, we’ll enjoy the serene atmosphere as we end the day with a cool drink on the veranda.

Distance covered: approx. 190 km

temple complex of Srineri
By the roadside at Mysore

Day 6: One day in Mysore

We’ll continue our ride across the fertile Deccan highlands to the Tibetan refugee settlement at Bylakuppe, home to around 10,000 Tibetans in exile.

The settlements were provided by the Indian government for Tibetan refugees who came to India in the 1950s and 1960s. A stop at the impressive Golden Temple is also planned. We’ll reach Mysore in the afternoon. The city is renowned for its silk and sandalwood production. We’ll spend the night in a modern, centrally-located hotel, where we can treat ourselves to a frosty brew in the beer garden.

Distance covered: approx. 220 km

Day 7: Free-day

Today we have the full day to experience the splendor of historical India in the oriental garden city of Mysore. We are taken to the most famous sights of Mysore and its surroundings by riksha – traditional and great fun! We’ll visit the renowned, colorful Maharaja Palace, which was the residence of the ruling dynasty of the Kingdom of Mysore until the monarchy was abolished in 1950.

In the old town of Mysore, we can marvel at handicrafts and shoot colorful pictures at the fascinating flower market in the main bazaar – this discovery tour is a feast for the senses!

Mysore siteseeing by riksha
Mysore to Masenagudi road

Day 8: Mysore to Masenagudi

Onward to new adventures! After a 40-kilometer ride eastward, we’ll visit the quiet and elegant temple of Somanathapura. The breathtaking outer walls of the temple are particularly worthy of our attention – they are decorated with countless figures of gods that are among the most beautiful examples of Indian sculpture.

In the afternoon, we’ll reach the state of Tamil Nadu and Mudumalai National Park at the foot of South India’s highest mountain. We’ll spend the night at a resort in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by the sounds of wild animals.

Distance covered: approx. 170 km

Day 9: Arrival in Ooty

We’re aiming high today: an ascent to the summit of Dottabetta, at 2,620 meters. There we’ll visit Ooty, a famous hill station established by the British during colonial times – a place for them to escape the stifling summer heat of the plains. The town includes an administration building, country houses, churches, parks, and last but not least, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which we will also visit. The road to Ooty is legendary for its 36 hairpin bends, winding through a lush landscape on its way to Fernhill Palace. This palace is a great example of colonial architecture in South India. We’ll spend the night there, soaking up the atmosphere of a bygone era in South India.

Distance covered: approx. 60 km

view of Ooty
Road to Palani

Day 10: Ride to Palani

We advise being well-rested for this day’s adventures: We’ll cross the Tamil Nadu plateau today. A number of rivers rise here and flow eastward through the rainy highlands. We’ll drift along to the holy city of Palani, one of the main Hindu pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu, and spend the night at the Ganpat Grand Hotel.

Distance covered: approx. 240 km

Day 11: Ride to the Royal Hill Station

In the morning, we’ll leave the Enfields parked and hike into the Palani Hills, an area of great biodiversity for many years thanks to its remoteness. We’ll have a fantastic view of the famous holy city with its hills and lakes, with the soft morning light hitting the rising mist. Our destination today is the queen of hill stations – Kodaikanal. The town is located on a plateau at around 2,200 meters, surrounded by the wooded countryside of the Palani Hills. We’ll spend the night in a modern country resort on a green hillside.

Distance covered: approx. 60 km

Royal Hill Station
Arrival at Kerala

Day 12: Arrival in Kerala

Leaving the Palani Hills behind, we’ll descend on winding roads through woodlands that open up into a broad, flowering valley. We’ll pass through two busy towns, reach the state of Kerala, and soon start climbing again to the center of the tea plantations in Munnar.We’ll spend the night high above the valley at a resort belonging to a private tea plantation owner.

Distance covered: approx. 160 km

Day 13: Arrival in Kumily

We’re approaching another highlight of our motorcycle tour through South India – on the way to Kumily, we’ll ride through rolling and fragrant tea and cardamom plantations until we reach numerous spice farms via quiet, winding roads. It’s a route guaranteed to warm the heart of any rider! In the early afternoon, we’ll reach Kumily, the spice town bordering on Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. We’ll spend the night in a hotel with a casual atmosphere.

Distance covered: approx. 150 km

Roadside at Kumily
Exploring spice farms

Day 14: Exploring

Today we have the opportunity to visit one of the many spice farms and/or go wildlife spotting in Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Have you ever seen an elephant, tiger or panther in the wild? We might just get lucky!

Now that we’re familiar with numerous spices, we really should experience them first-hand: A group dinner with dishes featuring a range of new spices will wrap up our eventful day.

Distance covered: approx. 0-40 km

Day 15: Exploring the „Backwaters“

We leave the mountain region and approach the famous and highly popular “Backwaters,” which are a vast network of waterways in the hinterland. Here, we will take a lunch break – or perhaps even a mini-cruise? There is so much to experience in the “Backwaters”! After another 40 kilometers on our Enfield motorcycles through South India, we reach Cochin. Our hotel today is a special highlight of this unforgettable motorcycle tour through South India, as it is located right in the heart of the historic peninsula known as “The Fort” and has remained true to the colonial style. We conclude this magnificent and unforgettable motorcycle tour through South India, return our Enfield motorcycles, and gather one last time for the “Farewell Dinner” featuring traditional Indian dishes!

Distance covered: approx. 150 km

Kearala Backwaters
View of traditional fishing boats in Kochi, Kerala

Day 16: End of the Journey in Cochin

The journey ends after breakfast at the hotel. For those who wish, you can extend your stay individually and explore the impressive old port and trading city of Cochin. Cochin is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in India and holds great historical significance. Here, you can observe local fishermen fishing and selling their catch on-site, visit numerous impressive churches, including the oldest church in India built by Europeans, or simply stroll through the old town past colonial-era houses. Additionally, the hotel pool invites you to relax in an oriental atmosphere.

Cochin

Don’t Miss Out On a Wonderful Experience

Book your Tour Now – Goa to Kerala Laid-Back Tour

We can accommodate only 14 motorbikes on this tour.

Since our tours get filled up fast, please book our Goa to Kerala motorbike Tour now to avoid disappointment.

Our Next available tours are as follows:

2024
01.12. – 16.12

2025
16.02. – 03.03.
30.11. – 15.12.

Book Now

Included Services

  • All airport transfers
  • All accommodations in double/twin rooms, mostly with en-suite bathroom. Mid range option and guesthouses.
  • Breakfast, lunch snack, dinner (without beverages)
  • Drinking water in the service vehicle
  • Rental motorcycle Enfield Bullet 500 cc with comprehensive insurance with a retention of EUR/US$ 500, motorcycle touring kit, electronic starter Bullets
  • Seats in the service vehicle for pillions
  • Warming Up day tour with introduction of Indian traffic and the Royal Enfield Bullets
  • Experienced English speaking tour guide on own motorcycle
  • Experienced motorcycle mechanic (who can ride your bike in case of need)
  • All road and bridge tolls, entrance admission fees for sights for the entire program

Excluded Services

  • International flights from/to South India, domestic flights
  • All beverages (beside drinking water which is always carried in the service vehicle)
  • Optional tips for guide and mechanic, souvenirs, shopping
  • Video and filming fees (at few sights)
  • India tourist e-visa (around € 65)
  • travel rescission costs and repatriation insurance

Questions & Answers

What’s the time difference?2019-12-18T06:28:18+00:00

Indian standard time is 5.5 hours ahead of GMT.

What’s a typical day on the road like?2019-12-18T06:22:49+00:00

A travel day normally begins at 8 am with breakfast. Around 9 am, after a short briefing by the road captain, it’s time for the day’s riding, the mileage of which can vary quite a bit. Plenty of time will be available for lunch and coffee breaks, of course. Depending on the day’s mileage, we’ll reach the destination hotel between 3 and 4 pm.
Since our tours vary considerably, we may also hit the road at 8 am on high-mileage days – which is also nice, because then we have the whole day ahead of us.

Should I bring Indian rupees to India, or are US dollars preferable?2019-12-18T06:29:18+00:00

You are not allowed to bring Indian currency into the country or take it out. You may bring the equivalent of up to US$ 5,000 in foreign currency into the country without prior notice. We recommend bringing euros in €50 and €100 notes. Please make a note of the daily exchange rate to avoid getting a bad rate at the airport. American Express Traveler’s Cheques are no longer in common use and will cause unnecessary hassles. Credit cards (Maestro, Visa and MasterCard) with PINs can be used for cash advances from ATMs in many towns.
You will need the equivalent of around €100 to €150 for drinks, lunch and tips per week.

What kind of food and drinks will we be having in India?2019-12-18T06:29:54+00:00

Western food is generally not available, so we’ll be having simple, often vegetarian meals as well as regional specialties throughout the tour. Hearty breakfasts will not always be available. We can promise you a wide range of cuisine, with a special emphasis on local specialties. In general, a lot of curry is served in India, and little meat – chicken being the most common non-vegetarian food – but plenty of vegetables, legumes and rice. Indian cuisine is generally well-spiced, easily digestible and not overly hot. Vegetarians will have no problems in India.
Indian beer is not always up to international standards. The most common brands are Kingfisher, Castle and San Miguel. The local Chang beer is quite effective but requires a bit of getting used to. Wine – when it’s available – is even more of an acquired taste than Chang. Mineral water and beverages such as Coca Cola can be purchased anywhere and must be carried individually.

On which side do you ride in India?2022-04-14T10:40:16+00:00

Indians drive on the left. The flexible and generally considerate driving style of the locals makes it easy to adjust to riding on the “wrong side” and coping with traffic conditions that initially seem chaotic. The behavior of pedestrians and cyclists, and the frequent presence of animals on the road call for considerably more attention, however. Extreme caution is required around children.
Further information on traffic and riding can be found here and here.

What are the specs of the bikes?2019-12-18T06:23:59+00:00

Technical specifications: Single-cylinder four-stroke, 499 cc, 16 kW (28 bhp) at 4,600 rpm, 178 kg, 80 cm seat height, 123 kph max.

Our Enfields were manufactured from 2013 to 2017 and are well-maintained. Naturally, some of them bear the minor battle scars typical of touring motorcycles. Technically, they are all in top shape and perfectly suited to the planned tours. They’re tremendous fun to ride, and their handling is safe and predictable after a brief familiarization period. Our average speeds on the tour range from 40 to 60 kph, depending on the road conditions and traffic.

What additional clothing should I pack?2019-12-18T06:25:01+00:00

Whatever you need for temperatures between 15° and 30°C, including swimwear.
Rugged clothing is advisable. Formal evening attire will definitely not be required.
A flashlight – ideally a headband-mounted one – can be very handy. A Leatherman tool or Swiss army knife can be useful. Sunglasses are absolutely essential. A personal drinking bottle is also a good idea.
You should keep medication (diarrhea and cold meds, vitamins, etc.) and other personal items (sun blocker, insect repellant) within reach.
Sun protection – including a hat and sunscreen (which is often unavailable or extremely expensive in our destination countries) and SPF 30+ lip balm against chapped lips – is a must-have.

How much is the deposit for the bike?2019-12-18T06:24:00+00:00

Riders must make a deposit of USD/EUR 500.00 in cash for their bikes. The deposit will be refunded when the bike is returned in good condition. The deposit corresponds to the comprehensive insurance deductible for damage to the rented bike and damage or injuries to third parties caused by the rider.
(The deductible is payable in such cases!)

Important note: The deductible also applies to damage or injury to third parties. In practice, the rider is initially liable for the full damages. The costs are later refunded by the insurance company, minus the deductible.

Do I need to buy an Indian SIM card for my phone?2019-12-18T06:30:59+00:00

European SIM cards now work almost everywhere in India. You’ll need patience if you want a local SIM card, as the registration takes a minimum of three days, and in some regions it is not possible at all.

Where can I stow my bags?2019-12-18T06:24:02+00:00

Your baggage will be carried by the support vehicle. Please don’t pack too much – remember: less is more. From time to time, we’ll have to carry our baggage over short distances to the hotel. Baggage is not insured, so please be sure to purchase your own baggage insurance for the trip if necessary. Your personal items for the day are best kept in the saddlebags or your daypack. Tank bags – including magnetic ones – can be used on the Enfields, but we don’t provide them.

Will I need maps?2019-12-18T06:31:37+00:00

Simple street maps are often available locally. The best road maps are available from the German publishers Reise Know How and Nelles. These are only available in specialized bookstores or online.

Do I need a driving license?2019-12-18T06:24:05+00:00

All riders must have a valid motorcycle driving license issued in their home country. An international driving license is also required. Be sure to contact the relevant authorities in your home country well in advance for more information on obtaining an international driving license.

What are the import regulations for India?2019-12-18T06:32:08+00:00

Up to 200 cigarettes and 2 liters of alcohol may be imported duty-free. All international cigarette and spirits brands are available in India. Customs checks of arriving tourists have become considerably less strict in recent years.

What do I need in the way of documents?2019-12-18T06:24:09+00:00

You will need your passport, national driving license, international driving license and flight ticket. Please be sure to make photocopies of all of your important travel documents and carry them separately. They can be invaluable in an emergency.

What kind of bikes will we ride?2019-12-18T06:24:12+00:00

We ride 500cc Royal Enfield Bullets manufactured from 2014 to 2017 that feature electric starters, 5-speed gearboxes with the gearshift on the left, front disk brakes, roomy and rugged leather saddlebags, crashbars, 19” tires and twin horns.

What’s the Classic Bike Adventure travel team like?2022-04-14T10:41:11+00:00

Our European tour guides are skilled motorcyclists and inveterate travelers who love India. They’re resilient in the face of stress and know the history and culture of the regions they cover. Our Indian mechanics are experienced Enfield specialists who all speak English and are happy to help with any technical problem, great or small.
A stand-in rider is always available. More information on our travel concept is available here.

How big are the groups? What’s the minimum number of participants?2019-12-18T06:24:15+00:00

Groups generally consist of 8 to 14 riders and 2 to 6 passengers. The minimum number of participants is 6 riders.

Do pillion passengers have a guaranteed seat in the support vehicle?2019-12-18T06:24:16+00:00

Yes, all passengers have a guaranteed seat. In bad weather or challenging riding conditions, they can switch to the support vehicle at any time – and back to the bike when conditions improve.

What should I keep in mind when riding with a passenger?2019-12-18T06:24:20+00:00

Riding two-up is almost always possible. In difficult terrain or on rough tracks, every passenger has a guaranteed seat in the support vehicle to keep things relaxed for both rider and pillion.

Are beer or other alcoholic beverages available everywhere?2019-12-12T04:25:36+00:00

Not all hotels in Kerala and Karnataka allow you to order beer or other alcoholic beverages and consume it in the restaurant or garden. In those cases, we’ll buy alcoholic beverages as a group and enjoy them in our rooms or private verandas.

Do I need travel insurance and travel health insurance?2019-12-18T06:24:21+00:00

We always recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover costs incurred if you need to cancel the trip due to illness or other reasons. When shopping for travel health insurance, make sure the policy covers the potentially high cost of medical evacuation to your home country. Both forms of insurance can save you a lot of money in an emergency and we recommend them unreservedly. In many countries, your national motoring organization can provide the coverage you need.

What do I need to bring along for a motorcycle tour?2020-01-06T11:30:46+00:00

You will definitely want to bring your riding suit with protectors and a helmet. You will also need motorcycle boots or lighter riding shoes and gloves. While your gear should be breathable in hot climates, you need to be ready for anything at high altitudes and in the Himalayas. We recommend winter gloves, warm socks, liners for jackets and trousers, a scarf and face protection. Rain gear is a good idea if your riding suit is not waterproof.
Please note that we do not hire out clothing. We believe that your own riding gear will fit best and thus give you the best protection. If you forget anything, we’ll find a solution, however. We often have spare gear with us, or we can point you in the direction of a shop.

Do I need a visa for India?2019-12-18T06:33:21+00:00

Visitors to India need a tourist visa, which you must obtain in advance.
Visas are not issued on arrival.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of your stay.
The e-Tourist Visa costs around 20 to 80 euros and you can apply for it online.
Important note: The terms for the e-Tourist Visa can be found here: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html
The visa application itself can be found here: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/info1.jsp

Tour Concept by RC Vinod

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