Welcome to India...
This is the first time that Dorothy has organised a tour to India but having crossed the country on my world tour I always thought it would be a place I would return back to someday. Now, over a decade on, it's time to get trip off the ground, so for 2025 there's going to be a recce run of a southern route, riding around 1400 miles, over 12 days, on a one way tour from Chennai to Goa.
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The bikes are all Royal Enfields. The accommodation is hotel on a twin share basis. The price is a little cheaper with it being the first time the tour's been run, so expect some adventure along the way. The tour would suit someone has travelled on two wheels a little bit, especially someone who has travelled with me, so knows and understands the way the tours are conducted and what to expect. If the tour proves successful we shall run it again.
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The highlights will be the temples and tea plantations, not to mention the coast. We won't touch on any deserts, but there'll be some fantastic back road riding, plus a huge insight into India's past, from colonial Pondicherry to the temples of Hampi.
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FLIGHTS AND DATES
We will fly out on Saturday 1st February on the 14.10 flight out of Heathrow. Destination Chennai on a direct flight, getting us there 6am Sunday morning. Collection from the airport to a hotel near to the motorcycle rental place. Motorcycle collection Monday morning. Depart south for Pondicherry. Flights are NOT included. Details of the nominated flight will be shared for people to make their own booking. Return flight currently £640 in and out of Chennai.
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BIKES
Bikes would be a mix of Classic 350s, Himalayan 411s and 411 Scrams. There would be no luggage car so luggage would need to be carried. A 40-litre dry bag would be sufficient, with strapping points and racks on all bikes. Bikes would be ridden from Chennai, across country over 12 days and dropped off in Goa on Friday 14th February. An internal flight back to Goa (£50) ahead of return flight on Saturday 15th.
RIDING GEAR
You will need basic riding gear relating to helmet, gloves, and then some light motorcycle clothing: Kevlar jeans, jacket etc. Daytime temperatures should be between 22 and 32 degrees Celsius.
ROUTE
The route will swing south from Chennai to the coastal old colonial town of Pondicherry. From there we'll head south west to the Kolli Hills and across country through the hills towards the high-altitude town of Coonoor and Ooty. We'll begin our journey North, flanking out towards the temple strewn town of Hampi, then to the coast as head for final destination of Goa. This will be a coast to coast ride, with a route map to follow.
PAPERWORK
Travel insurance will be required, covering you for riding a motorcycle over 125cc in a foreign country. Riders will all need to acquire an India tourist visa prior to travel. The cost is £127 (not the cheapest visa in the world). Riders will also need an International Driving Permit, available from the Post Office. There is plenty of time to get that all in place.
TYPE OF RIDING
Riding will be predominantly Tarmac. There may be some dirt road - it is India after all - and where possible the route will avoid main roads and urban area. This being a recce run it'll ridden on a 'take it as we find it' approach, with enough flexibility built into to allow for route changes etc. Riding distances per day won't be more than 150 miles and often closer to 120 miles per day. I do intend there to be a day off the bikes and enough time to stop and see, rather than just ride.
During the trip we will ride as a group. I will be supported by a second rider, acting as second guide and tail rider. Obviously there will be some flexibility in that system to take into account the changing nature of any motorcycle tour through a foreign country.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation will be hotels throughout on a twin share basis. There maybe some options for single rooms as we go.
PRICES:
£1895 350 Classic.£1945 Himalayan£1995 Interceptor 650(those prices include the insurance cover)
PAYMENT
A deposit of £250 is required to your place. Final payment due by the end of January. Once final payment made then a refund can only be offered if a replacement rider can be found.
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Please contact me to book on the tour.