'Tikka to Ride'
Route and Itinerary
Over the 14 days I travelled from Goa to Varkala, via places such as Mysore, Mudumallai, Kodia, Thekkady and Charing Cross?! Click on the image above for a large, detailed map of the route.
The full itinerary is available on the enduroindia website, but a taster of the trip is below. See 'Tim's Diary' (link to the left) for the regular progress updates I posted while I was away.
Day 1
A day designed to break us all in gently, this rally stage saw us tackle a beautiful and demanding stretch of the western Ghat mountain range on our way to Palolem,
Day 2
We wound our way on and off road all the way over the mountains and back to our night’s stop point at a truly secret cove, looking out to the Arabian sea. Accommodation was in tents and showers and toilets were makeshift!
Day 3
We started off with a short stretch of highway, which by Indian standards is very quiet, we then took some beautiful winding roads up the mountains stopping for lunch at India’s highest waterfall; Jog Falls. Once refreshed we headed on towards our night’s stop, the bustling Indian city of Shimoga.
Day 4
Cautious and progressive were the terms appropriate to this day, as the scenery was awesome but the road conditions changeable. We finished this it with the sun setting behind us as we chased shadows all the way to the beach, where we took much needed rest and recuperation.
Day 5
An early wake up call was tough for some to deal with as the aches and pains of the last few days started to take hold. This was another long and demanding ride as we made our way to Mysore, ancient summer seat of the Raj. Mysore is a city much more used to tourists due to its regal status, proud history and beautiful buildings.
Day 6
Mysore to Masinagudi was a beautiful (and short) day’s riding. It was, however, the day’s destination that made this a special experience. The Jungle Hut guest house was nestled in the Mudumallai tiger reserve and the scenery and wildlife are out of this world.
Day 7
Rest and recuperation at Jungle Hut, this off bike period gave us time to reflect on our surroundings: take a safari drive, trek or visit the fascinating old British hill station of Ooty, with its street names such as Regent’s street and Charing Cross.
Day 8
Rest and recuperation at Jungle Hut. The 2-day rest period was also good for the bikes, as it gave the mechanics a proper chance to service them after their testing ride.
Day 9
We left Mudumallai behind and headed off up the mountain to Ooty, once there we tackled a secret road that Enduro India has special permission to ride. Today saw us finish at Palghat, giving us a springboard into Day 10’s riding – and the climb to Kodaikanal.
Day 10
We were up with the sun to experience some of the friendliest villagers in south India going about their daily business. Kodaikanal was the only American hill station under British rule and still maintains a strong international presence with its famous Kodai school.
Day 11
First we left Kodai and spent 2 hours descending the mountain. Then we hit the wildlife sanctuary of Indira Gandhi and Chinnur. After this stage we hit the tea country and Munnar national park.
Day 12
A nice easy ride through the tea towards the fragrant spice plantations of Thekkady. Nestled in the most amazing tiger reserve in south India was our hotel, and a half-day off to enjoy the surroundings.
Day 13
Today we travelled past one of India’s biggest Arch Dams and tackled the tricky roads of the Idukki wildlife reserve towards our night’s stop at the amazing city of Cochin. Cochin has an incredible past and is truly multi cultural in it’s ethnic history with Arab, Jewish and Western influences clearly visible.
Day 14
Cochin to Varkala was our last day and saw the now famous Enduro India mass ride in to our wonderful stop point right on the beach.
Day 15
Coach pick up and transfer to Goa.
Day 16
Left India for an emotional return journey.