Welcome to our club!

join@indialovestoride.in

Western Ghats Motorcycle Adventure: Kerala, the Nilgiris and Mysore

This 12-day India motorcycle expedition takes you through the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse regions in India. You start in Kochi and ride through the hills and coast of Kerala into the Nilgiris, covering about 1,200 km over ten riding days, at an easy pace of around 100 km a day.

Along the way: tea plantations around Munnar, a boat safari at Periyar, a night on a houseboat in the Alleppey backwaters, the cliffs of Varkala beach, the coffee and spice estates of Wayanad, the Nilgiri Hills at Ooty and the forests of Bandipur National Park. The best months are November to February, when the weather is pleasant.

Rated Easy, with a low fitness requirement, this is the gentlest of ILTR’s four tours. It suits riders who want winding mountain roads and wildlife without extreme altitude. ILTR designs and leads the tour, with stays in boutique hotels, homestays and lodges.

Riding from abroad? Read our guide to riding a motorcycle in India as a foreigner.

Riding from abroad? See our motorcycle tours in India for foreign riders.

Region of country	Southern India
Period	November – February (best for pleasant weather)
Duration	12 Days / 11 Nights
Riding Days	10 Days
Accommodation	Boutique Hotels / Homestays
Motorbike	Royal Enfield Classic 500 / Himalayan
Level of Difficulty	Easy
Max. Altitude Reached	2240 mtr
Max. Sleeping Altitude	2240 mtr
Average Daily Distance	100 kms
Total Distance	Approx. 1200 km
Fitness Level	Low

Highlights

Ride through UNESCO-listed Western Ghats mountain range
Explore Kerala’s serene backwaters and wildlife-rich forests
Discover ancient temples, coffee estates, and spice plantations
Visit wildlife sanctuaries like Periyar and Bandipur National Parks
Relax at pristine beaches on India’s western coast

Day 1 – Arrival in Kochi (Cochin)

Upon arrival at Kochi International Airport, meet your ILTR representative and
transfer to your hotel. Explore the historic city of Kochi, known for its colonial architecture, spice
markets, and the famous Chinese fishing nets. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2 – Kochi to Munnar (1600m, 140km, 5hrs)

Ride through lush landscapes as you ascend into the hills of Munnar, known for its tea plantations
and cool mountain air. Explore the town and enjoy scenic views of the Western Ghats. Dinner and
overnight stay at a boutique hotel.

Day 3 – Munnar to Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary) (120km, 4hrs)

Head toward Thekkady, home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Take a boat safari in the afternoon to spot elephants, deer, and other wildlife. Dinner and overnight stay at a forest lodge.

Day 4 – Thekkady to Vagamon (70km, 3hrs)

A shorter ride today as you journey to Vagamon, a lesser-known hill station surrounded by pine
forests and tea estates. Spend the afternoon trekking or paragliding for a bird’s-eye view of the
Western Ghats. Dinner and overnight stay at a homestay.

Day 5 – Vagamon to Alleppey (80km, 3hrs)

Ride downhill to the famous backwaters of Kerala in Alleppey. Enjoy a peaceful houseboat cruise
through the canals and lagoons. Dinner and overnight stay on the houseboat.

Day 6 – Alleppey to Varkala Beach (130km, 4hrs)

Ride along the coastal roads to Varkala, a scenic beach town known for its cliffs and calm waters.
Relax by the beach and visit the nearby Janardhanaswamy Temple. Dinner and overnight stay at a beach resort.

Day 7 – Varkala to Wayanad (140km, 6hrs)

Head north to the Wayanad region, a land of misty hills, coffee plantations, and spice estates. Wayanad is known for its waterfalls, caves, and rich biodiversity. Dinner and overnight stay at a hilltop resort.

Day 8 – Wayanad Wildlife Safari

Spend the day exploring Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants, leopards, and bison.
Optional activities include a visit to Edakkal Caves or Chembra Peak. Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.

Day 9 – Wayanad to Ooty (2240m, 130km, 5hrs)

Ascend further into the Nilgiri Hills as you make your way to Ooty, one of the most popular hill stations in South India. Explore the botanical gardens, ride the toy train, and enjoy panoramic views of the Ghats. Dinner and overnight stay at a colonial-era hotel.

Day 10 – Ooty to Bandipur National Park (100km, 4hrs)

Ride through dense forests as you approach Bandipur National Park, a sanctuary known for its tigers and wildlife diversity. Enjoy an evening safari to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Dinner and
overnight stay at a forest lodge.

Day 11 – Bandipur to Mysore (90km, 3hrs)

Ride toward the royal city of Mysore, famous for its palaces, vibrant markets, and silk industry. Visit the Mysore Palace and Chamundi Hill. Dinner and overnight stay at a heritage hotel.

Day 12 – Mysore to Bangalore and Departure (150km, 4hrs)

On the final day, ride to Bangalore, India’s Silicon Valley. Depending on your flight schedule, you can explore Bangalore before heading to the airport for your departure.

This 12-day Western Ghats Motorcycle Adventure offers international riders a blend of thrilling roads, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes. It’s the perfect way to experience the diverse beauty of South India, from misty mountains to serene beaches.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for the Western Ghats tour?

The best months are November to February, when the weather is pleasant.

How much riding is there?

The tour is 12 days and 11 nights with 10 riding days, about 1,200 km in total at around 100 km a day. It is rated easy, with a low fitness requirement.

Do I need permits or a visa?

ILTR arranges all internal permits for its tours. Foreign guests need to send us a passport copy and visa at least one month before arrival. For licence rules, read our guide to riding a motorcycle in India as a foreigner.

Can someone join without riding?

Yes. Guests who don’t ride can join as a pillion or in the backup vehicle.

How much does it cost?

From approximately US$ 1,500. The price is approximate because tours can be customised.

Included

Ground transfers from Kochi International Airport to Bangalore
Royal Enfield Classic 500 with fuel
Accommodation in boutique hotels, homestays, and houseboats
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at select local restaurants
English-speaking guide and mechanic with spare parts
Support vehicle for luggage and emergency riders
Support vehicle (if riders suffer from a sore @$$, they may jump into our backup jeep to relax!!)
Wildlife safaris and guided tours

Not Included

International flights and visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal expenses and tips for the crew
Damage to the motorcycle during the ride
Alcoholic beverages

Approx. cost: from US$ 1,500

For More Information

There are no events.