Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Kochi

Your motorcycle adventure in South India begins at Cochin International Airport. After the welcome, you are taken to Fort Kochi, a historic quarter set between the sea and lagoons. You will have time to settle into your hotel before enjoying this first day at leisure. It's the perfect opportunity to recover from the journey, begin to soak up the atmosphere of Kerala, and look ahead to the riding days to come. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2

Day 2 - Kochi - 90 km

You spend this day discovering Kochi, a port city shaped by Indian, Arab and European influences. On foot, you explore lanes lined with mosques, ancient churches and Portuguese colonial homes. The synagogue in Jew Town, St. Francis Church and the waterfront dotted with Chinese fishing nets illustrate this mixed heritage. You also get acquainted with your Royal Enfields, the first concrete step of your motorcycle journey in India. In the evening, you can attend a kathakali performance, the emblematic theatrical art of Kerala. Overnight at the same hotel.

Day 3

Day 3 - Kochi – Periyar - 180 km

You leave Kochi early in the morning and set off by motorcycle to reach Periyar. The road gradually moves away from the coast and crosses the backwaters region, with canals, lakes and tropical vegetation. The route then becomes more hilly as you approach the Periyar hills. Spice plantations line the way, signaling entry into wilder terrain. This first long motorcycle stage lets you fully settle into the rhythm of the trip. Check-in and overnight stay at a hotel in the Periyar district.

Day 4

Day 4 - Periyar – Munnar - 90 km

The day begins with a visit to a spice garden, a true sensory immersion in the heart of local cultures. You then head to Munnar, nestled in the Western Ghats. The driving becomes more technical on winding mountain roads lined with tea plantations as far as the eye can see. Upon arrival in Munnar, you discover one of the main centres of the tea trade in South India. A walk through the plantations allows you to fully appreciate this landscape shaped since the late 19th century. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5

Day 5 - Munnar — Elephant Valley - 220 km

From Munnar, you set off on a long stage that takes you to Elephant Valley. The route runs along the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats before climbing up toward the Kodaikanal region and the Palani hills. Driving alternates between mountain curves and more open stretches, offering a varied view of the landscape. The Elephant Valley eco-lodge appears at the end of the day, nestled on the banks of a river, close to a nature reserve and a farm. You enjoy a dinner prepared with local organic produce, in keeping with the lodge's responsible ethos. Overnight at the eco-lodge.

Day 6

Day 6 - Elephant Valley – Madurai - 120 km

You leave Elephant Valley to reach Madurai via a paved road crossing the Coimbatore plain. The landscapes open up widely, dotted with coconut groves and agricultural fields. Madurai, a major center of Hindu pilgrimage, marks an important cultural stop on the journey. You visit the Meenakshi Temple, a prime example of Dravidian architecture, whose sculpted façades testify to exceptional craftsmanship. Overnight at the hotel in Madurai.

Day 7

Day 7 - Madurai – Chettinad - 100 km

You set off for Chettinad, a region known for its architectural and cultural identity. The route passes through traditional villages and gently rolling terrain, offering a smooth and immersive drive. Upon arrival, you settle into a comfortable hotel in the heart of a territory shaped by the mercantile history of the Chettiars. Overnight stay.

Day 8

Day 8 - Chettinad - 50 km

This day is dedicated to exploring Chettinad by motorcycle. You set out to discover the surrounding villages, renowned for their mansions that blend Indian and Western influences. Riding is more relaxed, leaving room for observation and exchanges. You also visit the Tirumayam Fort, which dominates the surrounding countryside. Return and overnight at the same hotel.

Day 9

Day 9 - Chettinad – Tanjore - 140 km

You leave Chettinad for Tanjore, crossing countryside punctuated by rice paddies, cotton plantations and irrigation tanks. In Tanjore, you visit the Brihadesvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the power of the Chola dynasty. A stroll through the old town completes this cultural immersion before settling into the hotel for the night.

Day 10

Day 10 - Tanjore — South of Pondicherry - 220 km

The day begins with a drive through Kumbakonam, followed by a visit to the Darasuram Temple, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You then continue your route toward the Bay of Bengal coastline. The road leads to Tranquebar, a former European trading post with a discreet charm, where you can enjoy a tranquil coastal atmosphere after a day full of discoveries. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11

Day 11 - Pondicherry - 30 km

A transfer takes you to Pondicherry, a former French colony with a distinctive identity. You discover its orderly neighbourhoods, its seafront boulevards and its way of life, which contrasts with the rest of Tamil Nadu. At the end of the day, you make your way to your eco-resort on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, away from the urban hustle and bustle. Overnight there.

Day 12

Day 12 - Pondicherry – Chennai - 140 km

The morning is left free to enjoy the surroundings. After lunch, a private transfer takes you to Chennai, with a stop at Mahabalipuram. There you will discover the Pallava temples carved in stone, dedicated to the major deities of Hinduism. Arrival in Chennai late in the day and check-in at the hotel.

Day 13

Day 13 - Chennai -

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy one last moment in Chennai before your transfer to the international airport. Your motorcycle journey in South India comes to an end, enriched by a gradual immersion in jungle, mountains, temples and coastline.

Tamil temples and the jungles of Tamil Nadu.

Follow Tamil Nadu's sacred routes through temples and jungle.

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