From Rajasthan to South India: Margot’s Adventure Story

From the ochre dust of Rajasthan to the lush green roads of South India, Margot experienced her very first india motorbike tour on the legendary lands she had long dreamed of. An intense, sensory and deeply human journey she now shares back at the Lyon office, still immersed in the unforgettable energy of India.

Margot, tell us a bit about yourself.

I’ve been a travel advisor at Vintage Rides for two years. I love to travel and discover the world, especially on a motorcycle.

⁠How did you get into motorcycles?

My uncle was a motocross instructor, so I spent hours riding with my brother on the track. My first real motorcycle tour was in Vietnam. It was an amazing experience and I felt so free!

Why ride a motorcycle in India?

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Vietnam, Thailand, Bali, Australia, Egypt, and other countries. But India is where Vintage Rides started. I wanted to see what the brand was all about and explore the country in an authentic way, away from the usual tourist spots. I wanted to form my own opinion. India fascinated and intimidated me at the same time.

What are the roads like?

On a north India motorbike tour, Rajasthan offers beautiful roads with a few easy dirt sections. We avoid the main highways, but it can still feel quite chaotic, which keeps you constantly focused. Cows and people are everywhere, women in colorful saris, men in turbans, desert landscapes and traditional villages. This is real rural India.

A south India motorbike tour is a completely different experience, with twisty mountain roads and endless hairpin turns. You ride through tea and spice plantations, the scent of cardamom lingering in the air. I especially loved the backwaters near Cochin, where life is organized around the water — a fascinating world between land and sea. Reaching your hotel by boat with your motorcycle is simply great fun.

⁠What about the hotels?

The places to stay are authentic. They aren’t showy, but they always have charm. Think old palaces, Havelis, or country forts. They can feel magical; you might wonder if you’re really allowed to be there! It feels like you’re in the world of the Maharajas. In South India, we stayed in lovely hotels surrounded by nature. The vibe was relaxing and cozy, perfect for cooling off by the pool after a day on the Western Ghats roads.

⁠What experience stood out the most?

The amazing hospitality of the people and all the spontaneous meetings. Whenever we stopped, we’d chat and laugh, even without speaking the same language. It was all about the looks and kindness. One late morning, our group stopped at a roadside stall to try a local snack. Right away, a guy came over to help us communicate with the cook, who didn’t speak English. He sat with us and told us about his life. He wound up staying and talking for twenty minutes. So friendly, curious, and talkative!

⁠So, you had many encounters?

Yes, everywhere. The kindness and curiosity of the local people make a motorcycle trip in India unforgettable. People love to know where you’re from and share a chai. You might find yourself surrounded by a whole family with wide eyes. It’s striking, but never scary!

What about motorcycles?

I got to try two models. In Rajasthan, we had the Himalayan 450s. They’re easy to handle and comfortable, great for all kinds of roads. The Classic 350s are more old-fashioned and perfect for the small roads in Kerala. They blend in and make that classic sound we all love, making you feel like a real local on the road.

Any funny stories?

Learning to eat with your fingers without dropping everything. As our guide Rajeev showed us amidst laughter, you have to raise your hand to the sky, not to the ground. And that Indian head wobble is still a mystery to me. Is it yes, no, maybe, or all of the above?

⁠Having traveled in Asia, what’s so special about traveling in India?

India hits all your senses at once: colors, smells, sounds, heat, and movement. It’s impossible to just watch. Time is different too: slower, more flexible, sometimes confusing. And the meetings are constant, surprising, sometimes unsettling, but always meaningful. You never come back quite the same. I had ideas in my head that just disappeared. I learned that India is amazing. I felt things so intensely that my home in Lyon seems quiet, too quiet.

Do you have other travel plans in India?

Yes! Discovering Ladakh on a Himalaya motorbike tour is definitely a dream — hopefully a future adventure on two wheels.

Any advice for other riders?

Be open to the unexpected, trust the team. The guides, mechanics, and drivers take great care of you. Enjoy every moment on the road, every meeting, and every view. India is intense but amazing. You will visit again!