Motorcycle trip

Southern India

South India is best visited during the high season, from December to March, which offers significantly more pleasant weather conditions for riding. December and January are the most comfortable months, with mild temperatures (between 20°C and 32°C) and a generally dry climate, particularly in Kerala and the Western Ghats. In December, the monsoon has just ended: the vegetation is at its best, but the roads may still show signs of the rains. In February and March, temperatures start to rise, which is still ideal for enjoying the tea plantations at altitude (up to 2,700 m in the Western Ghats) or the beaches of Goa, but less comfortable in the plains. The period from April to June is very hot, and the monsoon (July to September) is strongly discouraged for motorcycle travel.

Our guaranteed departures in South India follow this climatic pattern: they are concentrated between December and March.

Our motorcycle trips in South India are priced between $3,160 and $3,490 per rider depending on the itinerary chosen (10 to 13 days). The passenger price starts at $2,590.

What is included in the price:

• A Royal Enfield Classic 350 motorcycle and spare parts
• Fuel, parking and tolls where applicable
• Third-party motorcycle insurance
• Airport – hotel – airport transfers as specified in the program
• An English-speaking motorcycle tour leader (on riding days)
• A local team (experienced mechanic, support vehicle driver), with accommodation and meals included
• A support and luggage vehicle
• Standard, Charm or Comfort accommodation depending on the itinerary, in twin or double rooms
• Meals specified in the program (half board or full board depending on the itinerary, water, tea and coffee included on riding days)
• 24/7 telephone assistance from France, with English-speaking staff

What is not included in the price:

• International flights
• Visa fees and International Driving Permit
• Medical expenses and repatriation assistance insurance (mandatory)
• Legal expenses insurance and cancellation insurance (strongly recommended)
• A $708 deposit per motorcycle
• Certain meals (lunches/dinners outside riding days) and all drinks
• Tips, souvenirs and personal expenses
• Entrance fees to attractions, temples, monuments and museums, unless otherwise stated
• Registration fee ($41)

Vintage Rides offers 3 distinct motorcycle itineraries in South India:

The Spice Route

• Type: Motorcycle Ramble
• Intermediate Level
• 12 days, 12 stages
• Approximately 840 miles, including 10% off-road (roads sometimes damaged by the monsoon)
• Rated 4.6/5 (93 reviews)
• From $3,190 per rider, $2,590 per pillion
• The gentlest and most immersive itinerary: the colonial port of Kochi, Kerala’s backwaters, and the tea plantations of the Western Ghats at altitudes of up to 2,200–2,700 m. Comfort accommodation, half board on riding days. Start and finish in Kochi.

The Great Crossing

• Type: Motorcycle Ramble
• Intermediate Level
• 13 days, 13 stages
• Approximately 680 miles, including 5% accessible off-road
• Rated 4.6/5 (99 reviews)
• From $3,490 per rider, $3,090 per pillion
• The most comprehensive itinerary: discover two very different worlds, from lush and colonial Kerala to Tamil Nadu, which is drier, more spiritual and authentic (Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Chettinad, Pondicherry). Comfort accommodation, mixed board depending on the day. Arrival in Kochi, departure from Chennai (different airports).

Goa, Jungle & Ancient Wonders

• Type: Motorcycle Ramble
• Intermediate Level
• 10 days, 10 stages
• Approximately 840 miles, including 5% easy off-road (an optional off-road experience at the end of the trip)
• Rated 4.7/5 (43 reviews)
• From $3,160 per rider, $2,810 per pillion
• The most accessible and shortest itinerary: Goa and its Portuguese heritage, the rock-cut temples of Badami, the archaeological site of Hampi (UNESCO), and Jog Falls. Standard accommodation, full board on riding days. A “Motoverse” variant is available, with 1 extra day to attend the Motoverse motorcycle festival in Goa at $3,290 per rider.

In summary:

• The Spice Route for a gentle immersion in Kerala, combining nature and culture
• The Great Crossing for the most culturally rich itinerary, between two very different regions
• Goa, Jungle & Ancient Wonders for an accessible first introduction to India by motorcycle, combining archaeological sites and beaches

Vintage Rides has chosen Royal Enfield, a mid-sized motorcycle that is simple, robust and characterful, equally suited to the road and light off-road sections. This versatility allows us to offer varied itineraries, from the most accessible to the most culturally focused, while maintaining a consistent riding experience for the group.

Our motorcycle trips in South India use the Royal Enfield Classic 350, with a fleet of up to 10 motorcycles per tour. Two seat heights are available:

• Standard seat height: 805 mm (31.7 inches)
• Lowered seat available: 773 mm (30.4 inches), for smaller riders

All three South India itineraries are classified as Intermediate Level.

We mainly ride on small secondary roads. Several hours of riding are required each day, so a good level of physical fitness is necessary. Riding on manageable off-road sections can be frequent (up to 10% on the Spice Route, particularly on sections damaged by the monsoon). No advanced off-road experience is required, but you must be comfortable riding on the road, with dense and varied local traffic (vehicles, livestock, two-wheelers) and left-hand traffic.

Unsure about your riding level? We recommend taking an off-road training course before your departure: the perfect opportunity to refresh your riding skills and set off with confidence on your next adventure.