SOUTHERN SPICE MOTORCYCLE TOUR

Ooty to Valparai

The cool air changes as we climb down from the Nilgiris and ride towards Coimbatore. And after a great local meal at Pollachi, the flower capital of Tamil Nadu, we turn towards Sethumadai to catch sights of some real village sights, and then start our climb towards Valparai. Once we pass the Aliar Dam, a green carpet of tea plantations appears and becomes a great backdrop for our journey towards the small hill station in Valparai. The quaint accommodation at Valparai allows us to soak in the colonial legacy of this land.

Valparai – Exploration Day

You have the whole day to yourself to explore the many attractions of Valparai and catch some local delicacies at the various restaurant options that will be made available to you.

Valparai to Kodaikanal 

Embark on a journey towards Kodai, passing through the holy town of Palani and the Palani range with its seven hills. Traverse narrow and scenic mountain roads, marveling at the voluminous waterfalls and captivating spice gardens that adorn the hillsides. The twisties and hairpin bends add excitement as you reach Kodai in time for a late lunch. Enjoy the misty evening and cool breeze, creating a perfect atmosphere for a fun-filled evening in this stunning hill paradise.

Kodaikanal to Rameshwaram

We depart early from Kodai, bidding farewell to the picturesque lake in the heart of the town. Descending from the Kodai hills, we ride on the long highway towards Madurai, renowned for the ancient Madurai Meenakshi Temple.

Rameshwaram to Karaikudi

We leave the temple town of Rameshwaram in the morning and head towards Dhanushkodi, locally known as Arichal Munai, meaning “End of the Land.” This is the closest point to Sri Lanka—just about 20 kilometers away—and is also believed to be the mythological site of the “Ram Setu.”

The ride is spectacular, taking us along a narrow strip of land flanked by the ocean on both sides—one of India’s many natural wonders and a road trip experience not to be missed. After soaking in the surreal beauty of Dhanushkodi, we ride back to our hotel in Rameshwaram and then set off on a 150-kilometer journey toward Karaikudi.

Karaikudi lies in the heart of the Chettinad region, renowned for its rich culinary heritage. The area is especially famous for its bold use of spices, offering delightful options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Chettinad is also known for its wealthy merchant history, reflected in the grandeur of the Karaikudi mansions. These architectural marvels, though smaller in scale than royal palaces, possess all the charm, elegance, and opulence of a bygone era.

We end our day with an overnight stay at a resort inspired by Chettinad architecture and tradition.

Karaikudi to Yercaud

Today we move from Karaikudi and ride to the heart of Tamil Nadu towards the northern part of the state. You can see the heartland of Tamil Nadu which is filled with paddy fields and other cultivation land. This probably will be the warmest day of riding as this area is quite warm throughout the year. We will see some wonderful coconut plantations and have savor the very unique red coconut water to keep ourselves cool. From Salem we turn towards Yercaud which is a hill station with beautiful winding roads to climb up. We stay at our resort in Yercaud surrounded by coffee plantations and a beautiful lake.

Yercaud to Kolli Hills & back

Gear up for the most challenging and thrilling day of the tour as you conquer the 72 breathtaking hairpin bends leading to Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai. Revel in the sheer excitement of riding on one of India’s most enjoyable mountain roads. After the exhilarating journey to the top and back, return to Yercaud, conquering another 30 hairpin bends along the way. This day promises to satisfy the true-blue riders in the group.

Yercaud to Bengaluru

As the sun rises, we bid a fond farewell to the serene hill station of Yercaud. Our journey takes us through the captivating town of Salem, where bustling streets and vibrant markets paint a vivid picture of Tamil Nadu’s daily life. After crossing the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border, we’ll ride to Dharmapuri. Here, we’ll pause to savour an early lunch at the renowned Murugan’s Idli Shop in Krishnagiri. Revitalized and with contented hearts, we resume our journey towards Bangalore, where the buzz of urban life will gradually envelop us.

It’s now time to bid adieu to our fellow riders, who we’re sure will become lifelong friends. Though we part ways, we will all carry with us the joy of having embarked on an unforgettable motorcycle tour through the enchanting landscapes of South India.