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Motorcycle Trip in South India, The Great Crossing
Motorcycle trip Southern India

The Great Crossing

Itinerary Extensions Price Reviews
Motorcycle Ramble
Duration
13 D
Tour Type
Tour Leader
Accomodation
Comfort
Level
Intermediate
Meal Plan
Half-Board
Vintage Rides → Destinations → India → Southern India → The Great Crossing
Alex
Your motorcycle expert
Alex
In 2006, after travelling 20,000 km by motorbike in India, Alex founded Vintage Rides. Since then, he has been developing our concept in more than 20 countries.
On the agenda
From the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal, between nature and culture, this exceptional South India motorcycle tour combines the Keralan way of life with rich Tamil culture.
The Great Crossing

Motorcycle Trip in South India

13 stages - 684 Miles
Arrival in Fort Cochin Stage 1/13
Arrival in Fort Cochin
Namaste, welcome to India! You are greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Fort Cochin. Enjoy this free half-day to start familiarizing yourself with the city and stroll among the colorful stalls of the historic city.
Fort Cochin Stage 2/13 12.4 miles
Fort Cochin
Today, a free visit of the city of Kochi, an unusual blend of medieval Portugal, Holland, and the English countryside, with the tropical Malabar coast as a backdrop. We also get acquainted with our new rides before starting our India motorcycle tour.
Fort Cochin - Kumily Stage 3/13 112 miles
Fort Cochin - Kumily
First day of riding. We start our journey between the ocean and the northern part of the Backwaters, a labyrinthine network of lakes and canals. The region is renowned for its wildlife but especially for spice cultivation, a major resource of Kerala.
Kumily - Munnar Stage 4/13 78 miles
Kumily - Munnar
This morning we visit a spice garden. Then we head north on beautiful hill roads crossing forests offering great biodiversity. We reach the Munnar region, a large tea and spice trading center, surrounded by the highest mountains in South India, culminating at 8858 feet altitude.
Munnar - Munnar Stage 5/13 43 miles
Munnar - Munnar
You will delight in this day, all around Munnar, amidst abundant tea plantations and the most generous nature. Visit a tea factory today, or tomorrow morning. The tea museum in Munnar is also worth a quick detour.
Munnar - Kodaikanal Stage 6/13 106 miles
Munnar - Kodaikanal
We pass from Kerala to Tamil Nadu, the eastern slope of the Western Ghats. The less humid climate and cultivated countryside contrast with the Keralan forest. Then we still delight in many mountain roads, before briefly descending into the Tamil plain, to then climb back up into the Kodaikanal region, into the welcome coolness of the Palani Hills.
Kodaikanal - Madurai Stage 7/13 93 miles
Kodaikanal - Madurai
Our route descends towards the great plain of Coimbatore, offering some beautiful viewpoints. But before that, we treat ourselves to a last breath of these forests where coffee, pepper, cardamom grow… Then through the coconut plantations and cultivated fields of the plains, we reach the Madurai region, a major South Indian pilgrimage site.
Madurai - Chettinad Stage 8/13 59 miles
Madurai - Chettinad
The morning is spent visiting the famous Meenakshi temple in Madurai, and immersing ourselves in the atmosphere around the sanctuary. Easy and pleasant roads then take us to Chettinad, a region famous for the many luxurious residences of the Chettiar community.
Chettinad - Tanjore Stage 9/13 93 miles
Chettinad - Tanjore
Early morning departure through the Chettinad countryside, where we make a few stops to admire other splendid achievements of the Chettiars, and the astonishing small fort of Thirumayam. Then we weave along small roads throughout the stage, between cotton crops, coconut trees, rice paddies... Arrival in Tanjore, where in the afternoon we will visit the grand and sublime Brihadesvara temple, over 1000 years old. Overnight at the hotel.
Tanjore - South Pondicherry Stage 10/13 115 miles
Tanjore - South Pondicherry
Last stage of this South India motorcycle tour, a magnificent small road to Kumbakonam. The route continues northeast, and we arrive on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. We stop and sleep 6.2 miles South of Pondicherry to avoid the congested road leading into town, but also to enjoy the beach (and a beautiful swimming pool).
Pondicherry Stage 11/13
Pondicherry
We reach Pondicherry by private vehicle, the former French trading post, a persistent enclave of French culture and architecture, which gives the old town an absolutely unique character in India. The charming "White Town" has retained a certain atmosphere from the time of the French East India Company, contrasting with a typically Indian environment and way of life. It's good to walk around, the food is good, what better way to offer you a smooth transition back to France?!
Pondicherry - Chennai Stage 12/13
Pondicherry - Chennai
Relaxing morning, then we will have lunch in the utopian "city" of Auroville, a typical New-Age project from the sixties. From there, departure for the big city of Chennai. En route, stop at Mahabalipuram, to visit its famous rock-cut temples. Arrival in Chennai at the end of the day. Overnight at the hotel.
Chennai Stage 13/13
Chennai
Lunch in Chennai, then transfer to the international airport according to your flight schedule.
Price
From $3490,00 / rider
The price includes The price does not include

  • A Royal Enfield motorcycle and spare parts.

  • Gasoline, parking, any tolls.

  • Third-party motorcycle insurance.

  • Mandatory insurance: insurance covering medical expenses on site. Repatriation assistance, which covers you in case of 2-wheel accidents (large displacement).

  • Legal insurance and cancellation insurance highly recommended.

  • The international driving permit.

Important
Documents requested :
International motorcycle license if necessary
Motorcycle Driving License
Currently valid passport for the Motorcycle Trip
Valid Visa, if required
This ride includes long stages far from first aid. Primary assistance to reach the nearest medical center is mainly provided by our support vehicle, as means such as helicopters or ambulances are very rare. Limited telephone networks can make contact with emergency services difficult. As with any adventure itinerary, the difficulty of the route depends on weather conditions, both during and before the trip.
Reviews on this trip
4.8/5 · 16 review
My first guided tour of my…

My first guided tour of my live time. I prefer to travel on my own...

Thomas Karl Georg
14 Mar. 2025

The Great Crossing
Beautiful discovery of Kerala in…

Beautiful discovery of Kerala in exceptional conditions, because the direction signs are non-existent, the guides...

Daniel
13 Mar. 2025

The Great Crossing
It was a great trip and…

It was a great trip and we saw an India i never expected to see.

Frank
05 Mar. 2025

The Great Crossing
I got a real kick out of it;

It was a real eye-opener. Discovering India through its way of life, nature and landscapes....

yannick
03 Mar. 2025

The Great Crossing
Very good approach to India…

Very good approach to India on two wheels, for the atmosphere, the landscapes, the smells...

CORINNE
02 Mar. 2025

The Great Crossing
An incredible trip that went beyond…

An incredible trip that went beyond my expectations. Discovering a magnificent region off the beaten...

Isabelle
08 May 2024

The Great Crossing
It would be nice to have…

It would be nice to have a more international group of travellers. For tours ending...

Sonja
24 Mar. 2024

The Great Crossing
Our on ground experience was exceptional…

Our on ground experience was exceptional Due to Deepak But the admin needs work To...

John
21 Dec. 2023

The Great Crossing
One of the best things I…

One of the best things I have ever done in 37 years of my life,...

Ilaria
21 Dec. 2023

The Great Crossing
I think there is still a…

I think there is still a little way to go to make the non-French speakers...

Andrew
24 Mar. 2023

The Great Crossing
See all reviews (16)
From
$3490 / Rider
$3090 / pillion
From 06 Jan. 2027 to 18 Jan. 2027
3 registered • 7 motorcycles available
OPTION
From 20 Jan. 2027 to 01 Feb. 2027
3 registered • 7 motorcycles available
OPTION
50% deposit
Cancellation and postponement with conditions
PRIVATIZE
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