The steamy heartland of India’s subcontinent – South India, is a 635,780 sq-km melting pot of coastlines, plains, forests, mountain ranges , rolling hills , lakes , creeks, backwaters, food, beaches, waterfalls, ferry crossings, endless sunsets, spirituality, spices & sun.
Let’s begin a list of reasons a motorcycle tour in South India is an experience you should not miss out on ..
#1 THE SCENERY
Jagged mountains, sublime coastlines, tropical forests, fertile farmlands, waterfalls and lagoons- there is a little bit of everything for all tastes.
Surprises around every corner, as you dart across a constantly changing landscape amidst a kaleidoscope of culture and color. Every day presents such a dramatic change in topography and visuals, making the experience exciting and dynamic, with a regularity that only adds to the thrills of road- tripping.
#2 THE FOOD
An epicurean fantasy, the food in South India is a reward for the road tripping soul. Those many hours on the saddle just course by, with the knowledge, of a spectacular meal waiting around the next bend. Served on the ubiquitous banana leaf plate which guarantees a guilt free indulgence, transporting you to gluttonous nirvana.
Experience the same main ingredient (say the Surmai fish) transform, along the coast every 100 km or so, as each region puts its unique twist using an age old (often passed down through generations) recipe.
The street side snacks, the freshly brewed tea, the fresh juices, filter coffee, exotic fruits, Dosa, Parotta, Biryani.
For those who enjoy alcoholic beverages, a host of – drink at your own peril – local brews & ferments, and accompanying snacks & pickles.
#3 A motorcycle tour in South India – THE ROADS
Mountain twisties, high speed expressways, jungle tracks, plantation trails, coastal roads, village by-lanes and so much more. The focus is on exploring the performance of your machine, without the fear of a dramatic change in the chosen road characteristic.
The quality of tarmac is excellent in most parts and the off- roads are challenging making it a true moto experience without the extremes of high altitude or climate change.
A true sense of synchronicity develops between the man, machine & the terrain. The adrenaline pulses, but in measured doses.
#4 THE ARCHITECTURE
The epicenter of Dravidian art – the mastery of man over material is at full display with epics being intricately carved into granite, marble and sandstone. Millennia old temples, cities laid in ruins, monolithic sculpture, houses and public buildings showcasing a living museum of cross cultural influences.
Humble aboriginal structures using natural easily available materials, to palatial mansions with massive teak wood columns, rosewood furniture inlaid with ivory and open courtyards. Ornate palaces filled with gilted excesses to the Gothic influences in colonial architecture.
Forts, Churches, Synagogues and Mosques with various antiquity are scattered across the landscape and the Temple architecture opens up a completely new chapter of explorations and inferences.
Considering a motorcycle tour in South India ? What are the questions on your mind ?
We would love to hear about, what you would like to know when it comes to taking a motorcycle tour in South India or share (with us) an experience you have had when travelling in South India on a motorcycle!
Coming up next, five more reasons to go road tripping in South India. Check out the list here
If you are looking to plan a motorcycle trip to South India , these tips on planning will help.
You can also have a look at some more useful tips and our curated itineraries across the South India region
