Saffron Road Motorcycle Tours

Saffron Road to South India 2005/2006

28th December 2005 to 19th January 2006

South South India – a land of swaying palm trees, dark skins, flashing smiles, cool hills, tropical backwaters and more festivals than you could possibly imagine. South India is also extraordinarily diverse in terms of landscape, culture, people and character. As with many tropical and sub-tropical regions, the pace is pretty laid back.

There are two differences which strike visitors who have previously visited the north of India – the prevalence of a predominantly Hindu culture and the number of tongue-twisting, impossibly long names of both people and places (some of which have mercifully been shortened to something a little more manageable)!

Because conquering armies largely came from countries to the north and west of the sub-continent their religious and cultural influences never spread very far south, this area of India was left virtually untouched by the ravages and changes that affected the northern half of the country. The South has retained its original Dravidian culture with Hindu temples, hundreds of years old, still standing in their full glory. Religious rock carvings are marred only by the effects of the climate, and rural life is much the same as it was a century ago.

It is also a land of religious tolerance. As the south opened up to sea trade from the west, missionaries joined the exodus to this new Promised Land. Their advent and fervour resulted in South India having a significant number of small Christian and Jewish communities. In fact, it is home to the oldest churches and synagogues in the sub-continent.

For centuries the entire Malabar Coast was the focal point of the spice trade, with the Portuguese, Dutch, French and British fighting over trade routes and territories. Madras and Pondicherry on the east coast were the hubs of both the British East India Company and the French East India Company. Famous explorers and traders including Magellan and even the fabled Sinbad are all known to have had links with the Malabar Coast, and memories of childhood adventure stories fire the imagination.

During this ride we will cover a lot of ground and investigate many of these wonderful and varied places. We will encounter tropical and temperate forests, cool mountains and steamy coastal fringes; we will visit fishing villages, spice plantations and coconut groves; we’ll enjoy balmy waters and expansive beaches; view wildlife and colourful festivals; walk through bustling, modern cities and ancient temples. We’ll cruise the backwaters of Kerala on traditional rice boats, get pampered in an ayurvedic health resort, look out across the plains from lofty heights and spend time getting to know the beautiful people and diverse cultures of this very special region.

Detailed Day-to-Day Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Chennai (formally, Madras). Depending on time, possible city tour. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is the forth-largest city in India, which has grown from the coalition of several coastal villages. Madras was first occupied by the Portuguese, then the Dutch, then the British and finally, in the 18th century, by the French. The European influence is still very much in evidence in its broader streets and many French colonial buildings.

Day 2 – In Chennai.
There are so many things to see in Madras it would take longer than we have available, but today we will try to get around to some of the major attractions such as Fort St George, St Andrew’s Church, the Museum, the film studios and of course, the Enfield factory. If time permits we will also try to get to the fascinating, St Thomas’ Mount, where the apostle took refuge from his persecutors and was eventually murdered. However, time is tight as we have to pick up the bikes and get in some practice before heading out tomorrow!

Day 3 – Chennai to Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry (175kms – 4hrs)
Today will require an early start to our amazing tour as en route we will visit the amazing Shore Temple and rock carvings at Mahabalipuram (keep practicing this one as there is no shorter version!). Pondicherry, our destination for today, is a charming little coastal town with a lovely ambience. Originally a French colony, it still has several enduring remnants of this era, including its cuisine. If we can find it (and afford it!), we will have a meal in a restaurant called "Le Club" on Dumas Street, which is purported to serve the best French Onion soup in the universe!! Failing that, or maybe as well, another restaurant, “Satsanga" on Saffren Street (how appropriate), serves crème caramel described by a friend as, “a real organism of the mouth!”

Day 4 – Pondicherry to Trichy (230kms – 5hrs)
A reasonably early start has us on the road to Trichy, which is actually a shortened form of Tiruchirappalli. Now, which version of the name would you rather use?! There’s lots of temple viewing options today, but we should still make it to Tanjore in time for lunch before we ride on to Trichy, situated on the banks of the River Cavery.

Day 5 – Trichy to Madurai – Madurai (160kms – 3hrs)
New Year’s Eve! As it is only a short ride today we can have a leisurely start before exploring Trichy and then have a late lunch. After lunch we will ride to Madurai, en route visiting Srirangam. Surrounded by the waters of the River Kaveri on one side and its tributary Kollidan on the other, this 600acre island-town is enclosed within the seven walls of the gigantic Sri Ranganathaswami Temple. With its 21 gopurams (pyramidical towers), this is the biggest temple complex in India. Party tonight – not every day you get to celebrate in India!

Day 6 – In Madurai
Happy New Year!!! After a late breakfast there we will spend the day seeing the sights of this 2500 year old city. Situated on the banks of the Vaigai Maduri River, the city is believed to have been built by the Pandyan king, Kulasekara. While there is much to see in Madurai, the city’s main attraction is probably the 2000 year old Meenakshi Temple, a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. Situated in the heart of the old town, the temple is known for its amazing hall of 1000 pillars – each unique in design.

Day 7 – Madurai to Periyar (150kms – 3-4hrs)
Although today only entails a short ride, we will start early to give us adequate time to enjoy our destination, Periyar, a hill station famous for its wildlife sanctuary and spice production (mainly pepper and cardamom). Situated around an artificial lake, the wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 777 square kilometres and is a good place to see waterbirds, wild elephant, bison and deer. Although the sanctuary is a declared tiger reserve, we’ll be lucky if we get to see one of these illusive cats. In the afternoon we will visit the spice plantations and spice market.

Day 8 – Periyar to Allepey (150kms – 3-4hrs)
Another short ride day today, which will leave time to fit in other activities. First up we’ll go boating on the lake and then after breakfast we’ll take a walk through the forest. Our ride today will take us through one of the richest districts of Kerala. We’ll ride the country roads adjacent to the famous backwaters – known as the ‘Venice of the East’ and we'll finish in Allepey on the coast of Kerala.

Day 9 – Rice Boat Backwaters Cruise
These wonderful vessels, kettuvallam, are either converted cargo boats or replicas of the real thing which were constructed without the use of a single nail. Most are fitted with sail-like wicker awnings and outrigger decks where we can laze the day away. We might stop along the way to visit backwater villages and, if we are lucky, be invited to visit the families of our boat crew.

Day 10 – Allepey to Kovalam (160kms – 3-4hrs)
Today we ride along the other side of the backwaters and end up in Kovalam. Many of the villages around the backwaters are connected by waterways and can only be reached by boat.

Day 11 – In Kovalam
The beach at Kovalam is one of India’s most spectacular. Here the boundless blue of the Arabian Sea meets a shoreline of fine white sand fringed by coconut palms. A massive rocky promontory, which acts as a breakwater, has created a beautiful bay of calm waters. It is in this idyllic spot where we can indulge ourselves, swimming, sunbathing, sailing or partaking in the luxury of herbal therapeutic massages. Because of the harsh rays of the tropical sun, beach life tends to start late and continues well into the night.

Day 12 – Kovalam to Cochin (230kms – 4-5hrs)
After breakfast ride to Cochin (Kochi), the commercial capital of Kerala and one of the most interesting towns in South India. A trading port since Roman times, it was on the main trading route between Europe and China. Some of the things we can explore include Fort Kochi, the original town and the famous Chinese cantilevered fishing nets erected between 1350 and 1450 by traders from the court of the great Mongolian Emperor, Kublai Khan. We can also see the Dutch Palace, St Francis’ Church and the oldest Jewish Synagogue in the Commonwealth. In the evening we’ll take in a performance of the colourful Kathakali dance, one of the traditional dance forms of Kerala. In the past the dance, which depicts scenes from the Mahabharata & Ramayana, was originally only performed at temples on festival occasions.

Day 13 – Cochin to Paralikad (110kms – 2-3hrs)
Today we can start late for our ride to Paralikad. En route we will visit the Kunnathoor Kota Elephant Camp where we’ll have the opportunity to see more than 40 of the temple elephants. After checking into the ayurvedic resort we’ll visit the Karala Kalamandalam, the School of Performing Arts.

Day 14 – In Parlikad (110kms – 2-3hrs)
Today offers a chance for some total relaxation spent in and around the resort. Those who wish can indulge themselves in one or more therapeutic ayurvedic (holistic medicine) treatments.

Day 15 – In Parlikad to Vythri (180kms – 4-5hrs)
This morning’s ride will culminate with our arrival at Vythri, one of the natural rainforests of Kerala. This beautiful emerald forest is afire with scented blossom, hundreds of species of tree fern, mosses and flowering plants. The forest is also full of natural springs, waterfalls, flamboyant butterflies and birds. In the afternoon you are free to trek the forest, go boating or visit one of the tribal villages.

Day 16 – Vythri to Ooty (150kms – 3hrs)
Today you may need to pull out your warm clothes, as temperatures can be quite chilly in the hills, especially at night. We are heading for the old British hill station of Ooty (now officially known as Udhaamandalam – yeah, right – let’s call it that!). Some of the places worth visiting include Ooty Lake, St Stephen’s Church and, if we can get permission, the old Billiard Hall.

Day 17 – In and around Ooty
While suffering in recent years from an influx of tourism (resulting in some inappropriate and unsightly building development), Ooty still retains some of the charm of yesteryear with its very colonial English and Australian architecture. It is interesting to see the juxtaposition of modern hotels, colonial bungalows, maharajah’s summer palaces, stone churches and the odd ‘English’ boarding school. Today you are free to just relax - wander around town, check out the Botanical Gardens, visit the old Christian cemetery, walk to Charing Cross (yes really!), shop in the bazaar or meander along the surrounding hill, meadow and forest tracks.

Day 18 – Ooty to Mysore (175kms – 4hrs)After a late breakfast we’ll commence our ride to Mysore, the old capital of the now non-existent, Mysore state. En route we’ll stop to visit an elephant breeding centre where there will be the option of an elephant ride (always fun).

Day 19 – In Mysore
A favourite of travellers to South India, Mysore retains much of its old ambience as it seeks to promote its heritage rather than replace it. It is a small city known for its silk and sandalwood manufacture. But as Lonely Planet will tell you, despite its sandalwood industry and incense production, don’t expect it to smell any more fragrant than the next town! There’s a lot to see and do in Mysore, but our organised sightseeing will probably be restricted to a visit to the famous, and very grand, Mysore Palace (unfortunately there is no photography allowed in the palace).

Day 20 – Mysore to Bangalore (150kms – 3-4hrs)
Sadly this is our last day on the bikes as after spending some time in Bangalore we are catching the train to take us back to Madras. Don’t forget to take that last-minute photograph of you and ‘your’ bike – you know, that photo you have been meaning to take for the last three weeks!

Day 21 – Bangalore to Chennai (by train). On arrival transfer to hotel.
The morning is free to relax around the hotel or do some more exploring or shopping. In the afternoon (1640) we will board the train for the five-hour trip back to Chennai.

Day 22 – Leave Chennai for onward destination

General Information

Departure Date:
The South India tour starts and finishes in Madras (Chennai), the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The tour will start on Thursday 28th December 2005 and finish on Thursday 19th January 2006.

Tour Prices:
Please contact us direct. Cost variations occur depending on whether it is for a rider, pillion or accompanying passenger, if airfares are included or if there are any stop-overs required en route. Contacting us direct also gives us the opportunity to talk to you personally about your individual requirements.

Arrangements can be made for a limited number of non-riders to accompany the tour using a private vehicle. Although possible, it is not recommended for non-riders to use the support bus. While being air-conditioned and very comfortable (perfect for pillions or riders to use from time to time), our support vehicle follows the group and is therefore always last to arrive at a destination. This can be annoying for passengers as they can miss out on socialising, exploring and much-needed breaks.

Price includes:

	Group transfers to/from airport and hotel
	Accommodation throughout the tour on a Twin-Share basis (Single supplement TBA)
	All meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch and dinner - except on some rest days)
	Air-conditioned support vehicle with driver and staff (for luggage transport and assistance)
	Full motorbike rental for the duration of the tour
	Experienced mechanics
	All fuel and oil costs
	Repairs, maintenance and spare parts
	Motorcycle Damage Insurance
	Basic emergency first-aid equipment and some medicines
	English-speaking local guide
	Entrance fees to selected monuments and attractions
	Lonely Planet travel guidebook (Australian and New Zealand members only).

Price excludes:

	Travel insurance policy covering use of motorcycle (approx. Aus$155)
	Visa
	International Driving Permit (currently $AUD20.00)
	Vaccinations and personal medication including known allergy antidotes
	Items of a personal nature such as postage, laundry or souvenirs
	Personal consumptions such as bottled water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
..	Tips for hotel staff and porters etc. There will be a collection for our road crew (mechanics, bus drivers and guides) at the end of the trip.

Accommodation
The accommodation on this tour is unashamedly up-market with the use of quality hotels, beach resorts, health spas and private cottages. However, in some more remote locations, there maybe the odd night where we have to use something a little more “rustic”.

Driving Licences and Travel Insurance
Riders must have a valid and unrestricted international rider’s licence. Travel insurance is mandatory and, if on a bike at all, must cover riding motorcycles. For non-Australian participants, or those not purchasing insurance through this office, please check the rider clause carefully and any clause relating to medical evacuation before you purchase or use any existing insurance (such as that provided by some credit card companies).

Further
More detailed information and a handy check-list will be mailed to you after we receive your completed booking form and deposit ($UAD500.00pp). Australian and New Zealand residents will also receive a Lonely Planet guide book, plus visa and travel insurance applications forms. Prior to departure you will receive maps, a list of hotels and other important contact numbers.

The Bikes
On all our Indian tours we use the Royal Enfield Bullet – single-cylinder, 500cc with left-hand brake and right-hand gearbox (one up, three down). Yes – really, but you do get used to the configuration pretty quickly! You may have also heard horror stories about the virtual lack of front brake – untrue. The bikes we use are all fitted with efficient front disc brakes. In addition to being delightfully authentic, these wonderful old bikes are comfortable, well-balanced, manoeuvrable and perfect for Indian traffic and road conditions. The pillion seat is roomy and quite comfortable with the foot pegs set so knee height is below hip height – a great thing when travelling any distance.

Please Note:
This is a “best-fit” itinerary and may need to be changed from time to time due to amended timetables, weather and road conditions, political expediency and/or on advice from our local ground agent.

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