The Big Crossing

It is our only tour that crosses southern India from coast to coast: 13 days with 9 days of riding, from Kochi in Kerala to Chennai, through the tea plantations of Munnar, Kodaikanal, the temple of Madurai, the palaces of Chettinad, Thanjavur and Pondicherry. The Spice Route is a loop around Kerala from Kochi, in 12 days with 10 days of riding. Goa, Jungle & Antique Wonders runs from Goa to Hampi in 10 days.

The tour is rated Intermediate: regular riding is enough, and it works very well two-up. The roads are good, with about 5% of easy tracks and a few poorly maintained stretches in Kerala. We ride about 711 miles (1,145 km) over 9 riding days, 43 to 115 miles (70 to 185 km) a day, which means 3 to 4 hours in the saddle. Some stages are far from medical help: the support vehicle follows the group.

Yes, in India you ride on the left, as in the UK and Ireland. The first miles need a little attention, then you soon get used to it by following the tour leader. Kerala is densely populated: on some stretches the traffic is heavy, with buses, lorries and tuk-tuks. Tamil Nadu, more rural, has quieter roads.

A Royal Enfield Classic 350, serviced by our mechanic, who follows the group with the spare parts. Its seat is low (805 mm) and a lowered seat is available. If your height makes you hesitate, either way, talk to your travel advisor before booking.

Yes, this is one of our best tours for two-up riding: good roads, 3 to 4 hour stages, and the luggage travels in the support vehicle. The tour costs £2,690 (€2,990) per rider and £2,290 (€2,590) per pillion.

An English-speaking motorcycle tour leader, a mechanic and the driver of the support vehicle, which carries your luggage and the spare parts. The group is limited to 10 motorcycles (12 participants with pillions).

£2,690 (€2,990) per rider and £2,290 (€2,590) per pillion. The price includes the motorcycle, fuel, the team, accommodation, full board from day 3 to day 10, breakfast on days 2, 11, 12 and 13, and airport transfers. You pay for your flights, the visa, meals on day 1, lunches and dinners on days 2, 11, 12 and 13, drinks, entrance fees to temples and monuments, tips and a €600 deposit per motorcycle.

Yes, you need a visa. Most nationalities can apply online for an e-Visa on the official website indianvisaonline.gov.in: check the conditions for your nationality there. All the steps are in our India documents guide. An international driving permit is required, in addition to your motorcycle licence. For vaccinations and health, see our India health tips.

You arrive at Kochi airport, where our team meets you on day 1, and you leave from Chennai airport on day 13, after lunch, according to your flight times. So book an outbound flight to Kochi and a return flight from Chennai. On days 11 and 12, we travel to Pondicherry and then Chennai by private vehicle. To arrive earlier or stay on, ask your travel advisor about the options.

Departures run from January to March. It is fairly hot, especially on the plains of Tamil Nadu, with a chance of showers, and cooler at altitude in Munnar and Kodaikanal: bring a warm layer and rain gear. We stay in charming or comfortable hotels and guesthouses, including a night in the former French trading post of Pondicherry.