The best part about owning a motorcycle is that you can get away for the weekend to one of the several destinations in South India that make for a memorable and soul-cleansing ride. There is nothing more satisfying than finding a good road with little traffic and becoming one with your motorcycle. Here is a roundup of a few places you can take off to and have an amazing ride back and forth.
Munnar (Kerala)
Munnar is well-known for its scenic landscape, tea estates and as a honeymoon destination. The road to Munnar is a glorious ascent into the clouds. Best times to visit are November to February. My personal suggestion is to make the climb early in the morning so that you can watch the scenery come alive and have time for plenty of pictures. Make sure you are wearing your leathers and a helmet with a clear pinlock shield as it may get foggy. Ride solo for the best experience and beware of wet patches on the road. Local sights include Eravikulam National park, Mattupetty surrounded by several scenic lakes and the Masonry Dam.
Coorg (Karnataka)
Coorg is an awesome place to ride in all seasons except for the monsoon season. The roads around Madikeri are in great shape and have two lanes. For the best experience, hit the narrow winding roads going to the smaller towns around Madikeri such as Virajpet. Make sure your brakes and tires are in good shape as you will be hammering the brakes on the downhill runs. Located about five hours from Bangalore, Coorg is a great place to get the most out of your motorcycle. Do not go riding without your helmet and leathers as the drops are a long way down!
Hampi (Karnataka)
Hampi is the place to go to if you want to chill out under the stars. Good roads all around make this a great cruise to shake off the stress. My favourite thing to do at Hampi is to pitch a tent and knock back a beer around a fireplace as I count the stars. Some must-visit attractions in this historic town include the Hampi Bazaar around the majestic Virupaksha temple.
Pondicherry
Pondicherry is a fairly small town that I like to visit whenever I have big decisions to make. The beach and sleepy atmosphere somehow puts things into perspective for me. For the ride to Pondi I prefer a mesh jacket and textile pants as the humidity there makes leathers a savagely sweaty affair. The main attractions in the town include the internationally renowned Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Auroville, the pristine beaches and the French architecture. Make sure you have some of the local food and drinks. Pondi is best visited with a group of close friends.
Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
America has the Vegas Strip, we have the Vizag beach road. The beach road attracts a lot of fast cars and bikes, and you could be one among them! Strike up a conversation with fellow enthusiasts and get into a heated Rossi VS Marquez debate, or just roam around and check out the food stalls at the beach. Vizag is a must-visit for social creatures.
Long rides are the best, but make sure you are in full kit. Fast bikes, empty roads and hairpins have a way of turning holidays into nightmares. Don’t be a moron and go touring wearing shorts and a pair of sunglasses or you will be the subject of a newspaper article very soon!
We would be happy to chat with you regarding the best way to prepare for your ride and on what gear to select. We have a vast selection of everything related to Motorcycling for you to have the best touring experiences. Get in touch with us today!
