The Chennai to Goa motorcycle tour is one of the most scenic routes in India. It is a great way to experience the diverse cultures, landscapes, and traditions that exist in this part of the country. Starting from Chennai, the route takes you through Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Kolli hills, Ooty, Masinagudi, Bandipur, Coorg, Bababudangiri, Hampi, Dandeli, and finally ends in Goa. In this blog post, we'll take you through this incredible journey and highlight some of the must-see destinations along the way.
Day 1: Chennai to Mahabalipuram The first leg of your journey will take you from Chennai to Mahabalipuram. The route is relatively straightforward, and you can reach Mahabalipuram in about two hours. Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-cut temples and ancient sculptures. Spend the day exploring the town and its rich cultural heritage.
Day 2: Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry From Mahabalipuram, you will head to the charming town of Pondicherry. The route takes you through scenic coastal roads and picturesque fishing villages. Pondicherry is a former French colony and has a distinct European feel to it. Spend the day exploring the town's many cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.
Day 3: Pondicherry to Kolli hills The next leg of your journey takes you through the scenic Kolli hills. This region is known for its stunning waterfalls, lush green forests, and winding roads. The journey can be challenging, but the stunning views make it all worthwhile.
Day 4: Kolli hills to Ooty From Kolli hills, you will head to the famous hill station of Ooty. The route takes you through the breathtaking Nilgiri hills, and the journey is a treat for motorcycle enthusiasts. Ooty is known for its tea plantations, scenic vistas, and colonial architecture.
Day 5: Ooty to Masinagudi From Ooty, you will head to Masinagudi, a small town located on the edge of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The route takes you through the Nilgiri biosphere reserve, and you can spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and leopards.
Day 6: Masinagudi to Bandipur From Masinagudi, you will head to Bandipur National Park. The route takes you through dense forests, and you can spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. Bandipur is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
Day 7: Bandipur to Coorg From Bandipur, you will head to Coorg, a scenic hill station known for its coffee plantations and misty hills. The route takes you through dense forests and winding roads, and you can stop at some of the viewpoints to take in the stunning vistas.
Day 8: Coorg to Bababudangiri From Coorg, you will head to Bababudangiri, a scenic hill station known for its picturesque trekking trails and coffee plantations. The journey takes you through winding roads and dense forests, and you can stop at some of the viewpoints to take in the stunning vistas.
Day 9: Bababudangiri to Hampi From Bababudangiri, you will head to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples and ruins. The journey takes you through the scenic Western Ghats, and you can stop at some of the viewpoints to take in the stunning vistas.
Day 10: Hampi to Hubli Start your journey from Hampi and head towards Hubli, a major city in Karnataka. The distance between Hampi and Hubli is around 165 km, and you can reach there in about 3-4 hours. En route, you can stop at some of the scenic viewpoints to take in the beautiful landscapes of rural Karnataka. You can also explore the historic city of Hubli, which has a rich cultural and historical heritage.
Day 11: Hubli to Dandeli On the second day of your journey, you will head towards Dandeli. The distance between Hubli and Dandeli is around 74 km, and you can reach there in about 2 hours. Dandeli is a beautiful town located on the banks of the Kali River and is known for its lush green forests, wildlife, and adventure activities. Once you reach Dandeli, you can check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the town.
Places of Interest:
Mahabalipuram:
Shore Temple: an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated by the Bay of Bengal.
Pancha Rathas: a group of five monolithic temples carved out of rock, representing different styles of architecture.
Krishna's Butter Ball: a massive natural rock balanced on a slope, which has been there for over 1200 years.
Pondicherry:
Aurobindo Ashram: a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and his follower, The Mother.
Auroville: an experimental township founded on the principles of human unity and sustainable living.
Promenade Beach: a popular seafront stretch in Pondicherry, ideal for a leisurely stroll.
Kolli Hills:
Agaya Gangai Waterfalls: a scenic waterfall located in the middle of dense forests.
Masila Falls: another stunning waterfall located in Kolli Hills, which is popular among adventure seekers for its trekking trails.
Arapaleeswarar Temple: a historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated atop the Kolli Hills.
Ooty:
Ooty Lake: a serene lake surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for boating and picnicking.
Doddabetta Peak: the highest point in Ooty, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Nilgiri mountains.
Botanical Garden: a well-maintained garden with a wide variety of flora and fauna, including a fossilized tree trunk that is over 20 million years old.
Masinagudi:
Mudumalai National Park: a wildlife sanctuary known for its tiger reserve and diverse flora and fauna.
Theppakadu Elephant Camp: a popular tourist attraction where you can watch elephants being trained and taken care of by their mahouts.
Moyar River: a picturesque river that flows through Masinagudi, ideal for nature walks and bird watching.
Coorg:
Abbey Falls: a beautiful waterfall located amidst coffee plantations and dense forests.
Dubare Elephant Camp: an elephant training camp situated on the banks of the Cauvery River, where you can participate in various activities like bathing and feeding the elephants.
Nisargadhama: an island formed by the Cauvery River, which has a beautiful bamboo forest, deer park, and a hanging bridge.
Bababudangiri:
Baba Budangiri: a beautiful mountain peak located in the Western Ghats, known for its scenic beauty and religious significance.
Manikyadhara Falls: a picturesque waterfall located in the Baba Budangiri range, ideal for trekking and photography.
Kavikal Gandi Viewpoint: a vantage point that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Hampi:
Hampi Bazaar: a bustling market street lined with shops selling souvenirs and handicrafts.
Virupaksha Temple: a historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is still in use and attracts a large number of devotees.
Vithala Temple: another ancient temple with intricate carvings and a famous stone chariot.
Dandeli:
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary: a beautiful sanctuary known for its diverse flora and fauna, ideal for jungle safaris and bird watching.
Kavala Caves: a series of limestone caves located in the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, which have beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.
Syntheri Rocks: a stunning natural formation consisting of tall granite cliffs and a beautiful waterfall.
Choosing the right Motorcycle:
The best motorcycle to explore Southern India would depend on various factors such as your personal preference, budget, and the type of terrain you will be riding on. However, some of the most popular motorcycles for touring in India are:
1. Royal Enfield Himalayan: This adventure-touring motorcycle is designed to tackle any kind of terrain, making it an excellent choice for exploring Southern India's diverse landscape.
2. KTM Duke 390: This sporty motorcycle offers a comfortable riding position and excellent handling, making it ideal for both city riding and long-distance touring.
3. BMW G 310 GS: This versatile motorcycle offers excellent performance both on and off-road, making it an ideal choice for touring through Southern India's diverse terrain.
4. Kawasaki Versys 650: This adventure-touring motorcycle offers excellent comfort, performance, and handling, making it an excellent choice for riders looking to explore Southern India's winding roads.
5. Honda CB500X: This versatile motorcycle offers excellent performance on both highways and winding mountain roads, making it an ideal choice for touring through Southern India's diverse landscape.
Ultimately, the best motorcycle for exploring Southern India would depend on your personal preferences, riding style, and the type of adventure you are seeking. It's always recommended to test ride a few bikes before making a final decision.
Days required for Exploring these regions:
How many days required to Explore Southern India on a Motorcycle
Exploring Southern India on a motorcycle can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, and the duration of your trip would depend on various factors such as your itinerary, pace, and the number of places you plan to visit.
Here's a rough estimate of the number of days required to explore some popular destinations on a motorcycle:
Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry: 2-3 days
Kolli Hills and Ooty: 4-5 days
Masinagudi, Bandipur, and Coorg: 4-5 days
Bababudangiri, Hampi, and Dandeli: 5-6 days
Goa: 3-4 days
Overall, you would need at least 18-20 days to explore all these places, assuming you spend around 2-3 days in each location. However, this is just a rough estimate, and the actual duration of your trip would depend on your itinerary, pace, and the number of places you plan to visit. It's always a good idea to plan your trip in advance, taking into account factors such as travel time, rest days, and other contingencies that may arise during the trip.
Best time to visit Southern India on a Motorcycle
The best time to visit Southern India on a motorcycle would depend on the region you plan to visit and your personal preferences. Southern India experiences a tropical climate with high humidity and temperatures throughout the year. However, the weather varies across different regions of Southern India. Here's a rough guide on the best time to visit some popular destinations:
Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry: October to March is the best time to visit these coastal towns when the weather is pleasant, and humidity is low.
Kolli Hills and Ooty: The best time to visit Kolli Hills and Ooty is from September to May when the weather is pleasant, and the landscape is lush and green.
Masinagudi, Bandipur, and Coorg: The best time to visit these destinations is from October to May when the weather is pleasant, and the wildlife is active.
Bababudangiri, Hampi, and Dandeli: The best time to visit these destinations is from October to February when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Goa: The best time to visit Goa is from November to February when the weather is pleasant and conducive to outdoor activities.
Overall, the best time to visit Southern India on a motorcycle is during the winter months from October to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. However, if you prefer warmer temperatures and don't mind the humidity, you can visit Southern India during the rest of the year as well. It's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before planning your trip to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
Exploring Southern India on a motorcycle can be a thrilling and exciting experience. However, as with any type of travel, it's important to take necessary precautions and be aware of potential risks to ensure your safety.
Overall, Southern India is a safe destination for motorcycle travel, and the locals are friendly and welcoming to tourists. However, it's always a good idea to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially when riding through unfamiliar areas.
Here are some tips to ensure your safety while exploring Southern India on a motorcycle:
Wear appropriate safety gear: Always wear a helmet, gloves, and other protective gear while riding a motorcycle.
Follow traffic rules: Obey traffic rules and signals, and avoid speeding or reckless driving.
Be aware of road conditions: Be aware of road conditions and potential hazards such as potholes, speed breakers, and animals on the road.
Plan your route: Plan your route in advance, and avoid riding at night or in remote areas alone.
Stay hydrated: Stay hydrated and carry sufficient water and snacks with you while riding.
Secure your belongings: Secure your belongings and valuables, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or expensive items with you while riding.
Overall, with proper planning and precautions, exploring Southern India on a motorcycle can be a safe and enjoyable experience.
Do we required any special permission to visit Southern India on a motorcycle
In general, you do not require any special permission to visit Southern India on a motorcycle. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
International Driver's Permit: If you're an international traveler, you may need to obtain an International Driver's Permit (IDP) before arriving in India. This permit will allow you to legally drive a motorcycle in India.
State Permits: Some states in Southern India may require permits for visitors traveling on motorcycles. For example, if you plan to visit areas like Hampi or Bandipur National Park, you may need to obtain permits from the local authorities.
Pollution Check Certificates: In some states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, you may need to obtain a Pollution Check Certificate for your motorcycle before entering the state.
COVID-19 Restrictions: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there may be certain travel restrictions or guidelines in place that you need to follow. Be sure to check with local authorities or your travel advisor before planning your trip.
Overall, while you don't need any special permission to visit Southern India on a motorcycle, it's important to be aware of any permits or certifications that may be required in certain areas. It's always a good idea to do your research and plan your trip accordingly to avoid any potential hassles or delays.
In conclusion, a motorcycle tour of Southern India can be a thrilling and unforgettable experience for adventure-seekers and nature lovers. With its diverse landscapes, rich history and culture, and welcoming people, Southern India offers a unique and immersive travel experience.
From the coastal towns of Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry to the lush green hills of Kolli and Ooty, and the wildlife sanctuaries of Masinagudi and Bandipur, there's something for everyone in Southern India. You can also explore the coffee plantations and ancient temples of Coorg, the stunning mountain range of Bababudangiri, the historic ruins of Hampi, and the lush forests of Dandeli.
The best time to visit Southern India on a motorcycle is from October to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. However, with proper planning and precautions, you can also enjoy exploring Southern India during the rest of the year.
Overall, a motorcycle tour of Southern India is a great way to explore the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.