Classic South India Tour2023-03-07T17:21:18+00:00

Classic South India and Goa Motorcycle Tours on Royal Enfields

This 15-day classic South India motorcycle tour promises a true biking adventure unlike anything you’ve experienced: Enjoy eleven riding days of pure freedom on a classic Enfield – on winding roads and relaxed cruising through the deepest tropical landscapes of South India. Country lanes, mountain roads, and the timeless style and riding experience of the Enfield make up the heart of the journey. Hot chicken curries and fresh seafood, 500cc in your single cylinder and 625ml in your ice-cold Kingfisher Lager bottle will wash away the heat of the day! For those desiring an even greater biking adventure we have another south India motorcycle tour – the Goa to Kerala Motorcycle Tour We conduct 3 classic south India motorcycle tours and one Goa to Kerala motorbike tour each year.

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Discover South India and its people, its ancient customs and cultures, and immerse yourself in the countless facets of this country. Explore the sights, scents and flavors of India, cruising through tropical jungles, with your Enfield Bullet laying down its unmistakable beat. Enjoy our carefully selected route – savor the variety and connect with the genuine India! This exciting motorcycle tour will take you through a fascinating slice of South Indian history, to majestic temple complexes and World Heritage Sites dating back to the 6th century. Immerse yourself in the authentic life of India and discover the 1,000 magical temple ruins of the abandoned Hindu metropolis of the Vijayanagara Kingdom near Hampi and Badami.

Our discovery tours will take you to raging rivers for whitewater rafting and rainforest safaris. On the winding roads through the dense jungle of the Western Ghats, you’ll encounter wild animals in pristine nature. We’ll go wildlife spotting in Dandeli National Park and explore the mystical Hindu cave temples at Badami, a medieval place of pilgrimage. Experiencing the striking contrasts of medieval and modern India while strolling through bustling bazaar towns is just as much a part of the program as enjoying fantastic sunsets in the most breathtaking locations.

And when the motorcycle adventure is over, there will still be time to unwind on the white beaches of Goa. Join us for a tropical adventure in a fascinating, exotic environment and a program with plenty of variety that’s been developed by pros.

AT A GLANCE

AT A GLANCE

03.12. – 17.12.2023
Enfield Bullet 500: 2.790€
Enfield Himalayan 411: 2.790€
Pillion 2.290€
Single Room +490€

RE Himalayan only on request, please specify.

15 days / 14 nights / 11 riding days
Overnight stays at beach resorts and handpicked mid-range hotels
04.02. – 18.02.2024
18.02. – 03.03.2024
Enfield Bullet 500: 2.790€
Enfield Himalayan 411: 2.790€
Pillion 2.290€
Single Room +490€

RE Himalayan only on request, please specify.

15 days / 14 nights / 11 riding days
Overnight stays at beach resorts and handpicked mid-range hotels

South India Motorcycle Tours – Highlights

  • Four nights in Goa on the beautiful white sandy beaches of Agonda and Benaulim
  • The winding mountain roads of the Western Ghats with their spectacular nature, the habitat of elephants, big cats and other wildlife
  • The tropical Goan hinterland and its quiet country lanes
  • The coastal town of Malvan with its sandy tropical beaches
  • The magical sunset at the caves of Badami
  • The UNESCO World Heritage Sites and temple complexes of Pattadakal, Mahakuta and Banashankri
  • A day of discovery in the ruins of Hampi, the last Hindu kingdom, with Matunga Hill, the famous monkey temple
  • A jungle excursion in Dandeli Wildlife Park, with rafting or swimming in the Kali River
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The Classic Goa and South India Bike Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Individual arrival at Goa Airport

Pick-up service from the airport. Transfer to Benaulim, located in idyllic South Goa. South Goa and its miles of white beaches is a perfect start to the tour, whether this is your first time in India, or you’re already an old hand. After arriving at the beach resort and taking plenty of time to decompress after the flight, we’ll get to know each other at a welcome dinner with the guide and the crew. The breathtaking sunset on the beach is the perfect setting for a cool beer.

Benaulim Goa

Benaulim beach, Goa
On the road in 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. Today will be all about beaches and bikes, with a warmup run to the nearby coastline and vantage points.

In the evening, it’s time to enjoy the sea, the beach and great food.

Distance covered: approx. 100 km, Benaulim Goa

Day 3: Let’s go to the south east

Our first day trip will take us southeast into Goa’s hilly hinterland, where we’ll reach Netravali Wildlife Park. Netravali is one of India’s major attractions for nature lovers, home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including black panthers. Next, we’ll visit one of Goa’s spice farms and delve into the lore of India’s world-famous spices. At dinner, we have the opportunity to try the local dishes and spices – guaranteed to thrill our taste buds and perhaps present them with a challenge or two!

Distance covered: approx. 120 km, Benaulim Goa

Bridge near Netravali Wildlife Park
On the road to Malvan

Day 4: Let’s go!

Today we’re setting out on our grand tour!

We’ll travel through Goa on narrow, mostly quiet country lanes to the historic Fort Malvan, a rocky island in Maharashtra, north of Goa, enjoying the views of the Arabian Sea. Soon we’ll reach the port city of Malvan, which is famous for its delicious seafood and sweets. We can watch the numerous water sports enthusiasts at the beautiful white sandy beach of Malvan or go for a dip ourselves.

Distance covered: approx. 240 km, Malwan

Day 5: Drive to the city Belgaum

Today we’ll set out onto the Deccan – a vast plateau that covers most of southern India and is surrounded by three mountain ranges stretching across eight Indian states.

Country roads will take us high up into the hills of the Western Ghats – a unique natural spectacle on fantastic, winding roads! The Western Ghats region has numerous wildlife sanctuaries that are home to wild elephants, big cats, Indian bison and a wide variety of birds and reptiles. We’ll ride past rushing rivers, roaring waterfalls, lush rainforests and rugged landscapes to the old trading town of Belgaum at the foot of the Sahyadri Mountains, where we’ll spend the night.

Distance covered: approx. 150 km, Belgaum

Roadside shop near the Goa Belgaum border
The cave temples of Badami

Day 6: The cave temples of Badami

A very special highlight awaits us today! We’ll ride narrow country lanes through the fertile farmland of Karnataka to the sacred cave temples of Badami. The town of Badami was once the capital of the early Chalukyas and was founded in 540 AD. Here we’ll enjoy a special spectacle just before sunset, when the rocky region around this magical place is embraced by the sun and shimmers in golden colors.

Distance covered: approx. 150 km, Badami

Day 7: The UNESO world culture heritage in South India

After breakfast, it’s time for an excursion. Today we’ll not only visit Badami’s ancient temple complex, but also explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of South India – Pattadakal, Mahakuta and Banashankri! The impressive sites include several Hindu and Jain temples, as well as Buddhist caves. These important places of worship for Hindus date back to the 6th and 7th century AD – and there’s a lot to discover!

Distance covered: approx. 100 km, Badami

On the way to UNESO world culture heritage in South India
rocky region around Hampi

Day 8: The rock region in the last Hindu kingdom

We’ll take quiet country roads to the rocky region around Hampi – the capital of the last Hindu kingdom.

This famous World Heritage Site is sure to impress – the magical ruins of this city are spread over 26 square kilometers amidst enormous boulders and patches of vegetation. The remains of palaces and gates tell a mysterious tale.

Just before sunset, we’ll hike to Matunga Hill, the famous monkey temple, for a breathtaking view of this enchanted city.

Distance covered: approx. 160 km, Hampi

Day 9: The exotic life in India

Our discovery tour continues! We’ll take the whole day today to explore the temples, the old bazaar and the palace ruins. We have the chance to immerse ourselves in a mysterious world and get to know not only the fascinating history of India, but also the people behind it – the exotic life and India’s exciting culture.

In the evening, it’s time for a bit of poolside relaxation with a beer – a long ride awaits us tomorrow.

Distance covered: approx. 50 km, Hampi

Old bazaar at Hampi
Bridge on Kali river

Day 10: Off to the jungle!

Today we’ll head even deeper into the jungles of the Western Ghats. Our ride will follow the raging Kali River to the authentic village of Ganeshgudi in Dandeli Wildlife Park. Ganeshgudi is surrounded by fantastic natural beauty and is a must for every adventurer and explorer! You can look forward to the next morning, because the view of this place early in the day is simply breathtaking. The mist rising from the Kali River creates an enchanted atmosphere.

Distance covered: approx. 260 km, Ganeshgudi

Day 11: A free day

Today we’re going to leave our bikes and go on an excursion into the jungle for some wildlife spotting and a jeep safari. Here we can experience India’s wildlife up close – elephants, panthers, jackals, cobras, crocodiles and other wild creatures!

And if you still haven’t had your fill of adventure, you can try whitewater rafting, or go for a swim in the wild waters of the Kali River. Either way, it’s a seriously refreshing experience!

Ganeshgudi

View of Kali river

Day 12: Let’s hit the road!

On we go – 200 km of the finest bike cruising await us!

We’re going to ride through Anshi Wildlife and Tiger National Park – on the most beautiful roads of South India – past wild animals and exotic plants, through dense forests with breathtaking views. We’ll glide down to the Malabar Coast on winding roads, passing coconut palms and the thatched houses of the fishing villages along the seaside. How about a freshly caught fish for dinner? In the evening, we’ll dine together in an excellent restaurant at Kundle Beach and relax by the seaside hotel pool.

Distance covered: approx. 200 km, Gokarana Kundle Beach

Day 13: Ride to Agonda Beach

Our morning walk takes us to the Gokarna temple complex, which includes one of the oldest and most revered places of worship in India. This temple site is believed to contain the original image of Lord Shiva’s lingam (an abstract representation of the deity).

In the late morning, we’ll take the coastal highway back to South Goa, where we’ll settle into our final accommodation at the picturesque bay of Agonda Beach. Sun, sand, and the gentle sound of waves – it’s a slice of paradise.

Distance covered: approx. 110 km, Agonda Beach

Agonda Beach, Goa
Palolem beach, Goa

Day 14: Farewell Dinner

Our plans for today: a full day of relaxation and fun in the sun on Agonda Beach! You can also catch a boat to go dolphin watching, or take a trip to the busy, renowned beach of Palolem, famous for its tranquil waters and vibrant nightlife.

We’ll wrap up this unforgettable motorcycle tour through South India by getting together for a farewell dinner with traditional Indian dishes! And finally – one last beer on the beach, watching the sunset.

Agonda Beach

Day 15: Departures

Individual departures – it’s time to look back and savor an unforgettable travel experience.

Don’t Miss Out On a Wonderful Experience

Book your Tour Now – Classic South India Motorcycle Tour

We can accommodate only 14 motorbikes on this tour.

Since our tours get filled up fast, please book our Classic Goa and South India Motorcycle Tour now to avoid disappointment.

Our Next available tours are as follows:

2023
03.12. – 17.12.

2024
04.02. – 18.02.
18.02. – 03.03.

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

Question & Answers

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.

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

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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’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.

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

Indian standard time is 5.5 hours ahead of GMT.

Tour Concept by RC Vinod

About RC Vinod