SOUTH INDIA MOTORCYCLE TOUR

ARRIVAL DAY – CHENNAI

Chennai is a historical city, home to India's oldest prison, cricket ground and railway station. It's also home to the expansive Royal Enfield factory, which produces nearly 1 million bikes per year. Our hotel is just 15 minutes from the airport.

DAY 2. CHENNAI > PUDUCHERRY

Today we ride to Puducherry, an old french colonial settlement. The French influence is seen everywhere with stylish architecture, gourmet food, and boutique hotels strewn throughout this seaside city.

DAY 3. PUDUCHERRY > MADURAI

We're off to Madurai, home to one of the most impressive temple complexes in the world. Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the oldest temples in India at over 2500 years old. It is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and was nominated to be the seventh wonder of the world. We will have a guided tour of the temple by a local historian.

DAY 4. MADURAI > Alappuzha houseboats

Today we ride to Kerala, which means "land of coconuts" in the local Malayalam language.It's home to some of the most beautiful tropical landscapes in the world, golden beaches, rolling hills growing tea and spice, and a 900km canal system known as backwaters. We will stay on a luxury houseboat to absorb the ambiance, blue skies and life on the water. Kerala also has the highest consumption of alcohol in India, so expect a few drinks at sunset.

DAY 5. Alappuzha > MUNNAR

Today we leave the houseboats and head to Munnar via Kochi. This ride is truly mind-blowing. You will see hundreds of plants, trees and fauna change throughout this ride (over 25% of India's plant species are in the state of Kerala). Munnar was once a hill station for British Raj Elite. Now it serves as one of the most picturesque towns in India.

DAY 6. MUNNAR free day

There is so much to see and do in Munnar. There are many tea estates, factories and plantations to visit. The same goes for spice plantations, some of which are over 1000 years old. You can also visit the Eravikulam National Park, Lakkam Waterfalls, or chill out in our idyllic hotel.

DAY 7. MUNNAR > ooty

We'll hit the road towards Ooty today, famed for its botanical gardens, steam railway line, and indigenous tribes.

DAY 8. ooty > MYSORE

This morning we will get up early and head to the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. We have a guided tour in a 6-seater jeep, giving us perfect views of the extensive wildlife. Expect to see tigers, leopards, elephants, eagles, wild boar, monkeys and everything in between. Afterward, we will have a short ride to Mysore, known as "the city of palaces."

DAY 9. MYSORE > JOG FALLS

After a quick tour of the Mysore Palace we will head to Jog Falls. Our ride will take us through many small villages, some of which are the last known places to speak Sanskrit (considered the mother of all languages). After climbing over many mountains and hill stations, we will arrive at Jog Falls. This is India's second-largest waterfall and drops an impressive 253 m (830 ft).

DAY 10. JOG FALLS > HAMPI (UNESCO SITE)

Why not save the best for last? The ancient village of Hampi is one of the most incredible places we have ever visited. It has many temple complexes from the notorious Vijayanagara Empire. One Hindu temple dates back to the 7th century. At another site a perfectly preserved stone chariot guards a temple. We will have dinner in a laid back restaurant with views over the river and ancient sites.

DAY 11. HAMPI FREE DAY

There's no point rushing our experience at Hampi. That's why we have another free day here. You'll have time to explore all of the sites and can also go to the Daroji Bear Sanctuary to see the Indian sloth bear. Tonight we have arranged a live music experience in one of the old ruins; this is a highlight for many guests – make sure your camera is charged.

DAY 12. HAMPI > GOA

Today we have a big ride to Goa, a golden sand beach, cold drink, and a big farewell dinner awaits.

DAY 13. DEPARTURE DAY

Thanks for coming along with Giant Leap on this epic motorcycle adventure. We will see you soon!