[bullet_chacha]

Hi everyone!

After the successful completion of The Big One I'm all set to ride coastal India this year, in the month of September. And as usual, I need your help!

I would have 15-18 days on hand and would prefer to start my journey from Chennai where I would arrive by Chennai Rajdhani with my bike, Dominar, as luggage. Since I've been to Chennai, it would just be a night halt and. So I Here's a plan below:

Day 1-2: Delhi-Chennai by Chennai Rajdhani.

Collect bike and spend the night at, maybe, Triplicane.


Day 3: Chennai-Pondi via ECR.

Q: Google maps says its a short ride of about 3 hours. Is there anything else that you think I should not miss? I don't mind taking a detour and I would be interested in History, architecture and natural formations (caves, waterfalls etc.)

Day 4: Pondicherry and around

Q 1: Need recommentions on budget accommodation (500-100, strictly).

Q 2: Need recommendations for places of interests. Once again, architecture, nature, caves, waterfalls, scenic routes etc)

Day 5: Pondicherry - Madurai

Q 1: Can I leave by 5ish from Pondy and reach Madurai by 10 and then proceed for a half day city tour?

Q 2: Need suggestions on places of interest (architecture, nature, natural formations, waterfalls etc). Would wish not to enter the temples which do not allow DSLRs inside the premises.

Q 3: Need suggestions on places to stay. (500-1000)

Day 6: Madurai - Rameswaram

Day 7: Rameswaram and around

Q 1: Do i Really need to spend more than one and a half day here? The distance between Madurai and Rameswaram as per google maps is 171km. Can this be done in the other half day?

Q 2: I'm clueless about what to see and how to go about it. Please help!

Q 3: Need recommendations on hotels. (500-1000)

Day 8: Rameswaram - Kanyakumari

Via Thoothkudi, Tiruchendur, Manapad, Uvari. Below is the route on maps:

[bullet_chacha]

Day 9: Kanyakumari and Around

Q 1: Need suggestions on places of interest.

Q 2: Need suggestions on places to stay


Day 10: Kanyakumari - Kochi


Day 11: Kochi and around

Q 1: Need suggestions on places to stay

Q 2: Need suggestions on places of interest. Would be much interested in experiencing backwaters.


Day 12: Kochi - Mangaluru

Through SH 54 via Kozhikode, Vadakara, Kannur and Kasargod.

Q 1: Do I need to spend a day exploring the places around? Or can I just be here for a night halt?


Day 13: Mangaluru - Gokarna - Palolem

Start from Mangaluru at around 5. Reach Gokarna and spend some time clicking pictures at the OM beach and then proceed to Palolem.

Q 1: Do I need to stay here and explore places around?

Q 2: If yes, what is there to explore?


Day 14: Palolem - Dudhsagar falls - Arambol


Day 15: Arambol


Day 16: Arambol - Ganpatipule via MSH 4


Day 17: Ganpatipule - Shrivardhan via MSH4


Day 18: Shrivardhan - Ahemdabad

Day 19: Ahemdabad - Jaipur/Delhi


While I have asked specific questions, here are a few general ones more:

1. Least interested in temples. Should I skip Madurai completely and save a day?

2. Is the plan too rushed up?

3. I'm pretty ok to skip the Eastern coast completely, ship my bike to KK and ride along the west coast...worth it?

4. Is there any specific place that I'm missin upon. I don't mind taking a detour for a cave, or maybe waterfall.

5. Can someone guide me to Jog falls?

[ashkamath]

Hey bullet_chacha. Let me throw some light on your ride itinerary between Mangalore and Goa.

Day 13: Mangaluru - Gokarna - Palolem

Start from Mangaluru at around 5. Reach Gokarna and spend some time clicking pictures at the OM beach and then proceed to Palolem.

Q 1: Do I need to stay here and explore places around?

Q 2: If yes, what is there to explore?


Day 14: Palolem - Dudhsagar falls - Arambol
Not possible. Palolem and Arambol are in Goa while Dudhsagar is in Karnataka. And it is about 70 kms. But it is not the water falls point. You need to hire a Jeep and again travel.further and b then walk /trek and all that stuff. Again Govt has placed some restrictions to trek to Dudhsagar as it is unsafe. So you need to check it out. Then back to Arambol in North Goa. It will be very hectic the whole one day Palolem to Dudhsagar to Arambol. I think you will be rushed too much. Further Palolem,Patnem and Agonda, Cola beaches (all near Palolem) need minimum a day or two just to explore them. Arambol, Mandrem and other places in North Goa needs another 2-3 days minimum to just go around and explore. Goa needs more time.


Day 15: Arambol


Day 16: Arambol - Ganpatipule via MSH 4
From Arambol you can take the coastal road(not NH) the internal village roads to Maharashtra via Keri and passing Teracol river. You can ride through Savantwadi vengurla into Malwan district of Maharashtra. You can stay in Malwan at Tarkarli or Devbaug do some Scuba diving (very affordable compared to Goa) snorkeling etc. Then there are forts along the Maharashtra coast and you can reach Ganapatipule without touching the NH at all by only riding through internal village roads. The whole Konkan stretch is awesome and you might want to take your ride slow here.



While I have asked specific questions, here are a few general ones more:

1. Least interested in temples. Should I skip Madurai completely and save a day?
Nope. Madurai Meenaxi temple is one the most wonderful temple you will see in your life. Do not miss Madurai Meenakshi temple. It is worth a day and more.

2. Is the plan too rushed up?
Yup. Your plan is too rushed up. This more looks like an IronButt ride. Just Mangalore to Goa and in/around Goa need say 3-4 full days at bare minimum.

3. I'm pretty ok to skip the Eastern coast completely, ship my bike to KK and ride along the west coast...worth it?
No idea about east coast.

4. Is there any specific place that I'm missin upon. I don't mind taking a detour for a cave, or maybe waterfall.
You can visit Murudeshwar the beach temple town 150 kms from Mangalore towards Gokarna. That is an awesome place. Then there is YANA an amazing black crystalline limestone rock hills which is close to Gokarna ( Both Gokarna &Yana are about 32 kms from Kumta but in opposite directions. YANA is on east side while Gokarna is on West side of NH) Gokarna needs a day to explore. It is an awesome place.

5. Can someone guide me to Jog falls?
On the way from Mangalore to Gokarna at Honnavar town (about 175 Kms from Mangalore) you get the diversion to Jog Falls. It is about 50-60 Kms from Honnavar. You can come back by the same road to Honnavar or there is another interior village road that joins Jog to Kumta which is the next town after Honnavar towards Gokarna.
But the preferred route is Honnavar to Jog and back same road to join NH.

Hope that helps.

[SoumenD]

Originally Posted by bullet_chacha

Day 3: Chennai-Pondi via ECR.

Add mahabalipuram here. Its almost on the way and won't take too long. Old architecture worth a visit.

Originally Posted by bullet_chacha

Day 4: Pondicherry and around

Here you can add Pijavaram & Karaikal as well. Short rides(100-120kms one way) from pondicherry and nice little beach towns on the way as well.


I did this circuit(Bangalore-Chennai-Pondi-Karaikal- thindivanam-Krishnagiri-Bangalore) back in 2010, so suggested a few pointers.

Originally Posted by bullet_chacha

Day 9: Kanyakumari and Around

Q 1: Need suggestions on places of interest.

Vivekanand Memorial is a must visit while in Kanyakumari.

Originally Posted by bullet_chacha

Day 10: Kanyakumari - Kochi
Day 11: Kochi and around
Q 1: Need suggestions on places to stay

Q 2: Need suggestions on places of interest. Would be much interested in experiencing backwaters.

Don't miss Allepey while in Kochi. Its around 200kms I guess. Take a house-boat ride on the backwaters there and u can stay in them as well. I had a wonderful time in the house-boat. Food also is awesome.

Loads of backwater resorts on the entrire stretch between Allepey and Kochi. I put up at one midway named Kondai-lip. Was a lovely experience and not too expensive. You can look it up online.

Originally Posted by bullet_chacha

Day 12: Kochi - Mangaluru

Q 1: Do I need to spend a day exploring the places around? Or can I just be here for a night halt?

While heading upwards Suratkhal, Murudeshwar etc can be interesting visits.

Originally Posted by bullet_chacha

Day 13: Mangaluru - Gokarna - Palolem

Start from Mangaluru at around 5. Reach Gokarna and spend some time clicking pictures at the OM beach and then proceed to Palolem.

I find Kudle beach better as its less crowded and cleaner, though my last visit was way back in 2012 I guess, not sure how it is now. An overnight stay there along with massage would be nice.

Originally Posted by bullet_chacha

Day 14: Palolem - Dudhsagar falls - Arambol


Day 15: Arambol

I doubt you can do Dudhsagar on bike. Others might suggest the way here. I know you can do it via train+trek.

Originally Posted by bullet_chacha

[b]Day 16: Arambol - Ganpatipule via MSH 4[/B

Day 17: Ganpatipule - Shrivardhan via MSH4


[b]Day 18: Shrivardhan - Ahemdabad

Wow, you visit goa and dont stay at all? Thats a crime.

Originally Posted by bullet_chacha

While I have asked specific questions, here are a few general ones more:


2. Is the plan too rushed up?

Its way too rushed mate, unless you want to set some saddlesore kinda record.

Originally Posted by bullet_chacha

5. Can someone guide me to Jog falls?

Among places in your itenary its closest to Gokarna I guess.

Have a wonderful trip

[kozhissery]

Please do see my inline comments in Ans:Bold Italics

Originally Posted by bullet_chacha

Hi everyone!

After the successful completion of The Big One I'm all set to ride coastal India this year, in the month of September. And as usual, I need your help!

I would have 15-18 days on hand and would prefer to start my journey from Chennai where I would arrive by Chennai Rajdhani with my bike, Dominar, as luggage. Since I've been to Chennai, it would just be a night halt and. So I Here's a plan below:

Day 1-2: Delhi-Chennai by Chennai Rajdhani.

Collect bike and spend the night at, maybe, Triplicane.


Day 3: Chennai-Pondi via ECR.

Q: Google maps says its a short ride of about 3 hours. Is there anything else that you think I should not miss? I don't mind taking a detour and I would be interested in History, architecture and natural formations (caves, waterfalls etc.)

Day 4: Pondicherry and around

Q 1: Need recommentions on budget accommodation (500-100, strictly).

Q 2: Need recommendations for places of interests. Once again, architecture, nature, caves, waterfalls, scenic routes etc)

Day 5: Pondicherry - Madurai

Q 1: Can I leave by 5ish from Pondy and reach Madurai by 10 and then proceed for a half day city tour?
Ans: Would be very hectic

Q 2: Need suggestions on places of interest (architecture, nature, natural formations, waterfalls etc). Would wish not to enter the temples which do not allow DSLRs inside the premises.

Ans: Don't miss Meenakshi Temple

Q 3: Need suggestions on places to stay. (500-1000)

Ans: Personally feel that you should drive via Tajore and Srirangam. Tanjore is something which you should not miss. May be add Chidambaram too (cameras not allowed, still good architecture)

Day 6: Madurai - Rameswaram
Ans: Will take below 4 hours

Day 7: Rameswaram and around
Ans: Start early from Madurai and reach Rameswaram before 10. Park bike and head to Railway station and take 11:15 train to Pamban bridge. Enjoy train journey (lasts about 15 minutes). Return back in bus (if lucky you might get train). Relax in hotel till 4:30/5:00 pm (or visit other places like Abdul Kalams residence etc) and then head to Dhanushkodi.
Next morning visit the temple (not for praying but for architecture and the bath in 22 wells - the taste of water is different even-though all wells are near by) and you should be out by 8am and drive to Kanyakumari.

Q 1: Do i Really need to spend more than one and a half day here? The distance between Madurai and Rameswaram as per google maps is 171km. Can this be done in the other half day?

Q 2: I'm clueless about what to see and how to go about it. Please help!

Q 3: Need recommendations on hotels. (500-1000)

Day 8: Rameswaram - Kanyakumari

Via Thoothkudi, Tiruchendur, Manapad, Uvari. Below is the route on maps:

Ans: Got a good temple in Tiruchendur (want to see architecture else give it a miss), rest driving is destination

Originally Posted by bullet_chacha

Day 9: Kanyakumari and Around

Q 1: Need suggestions on places of interest.
Ans: You don't need full day to spend here. If you reach here sometime in evening (before 6, which would be possible if you start by 8am from Rameswaram), you can see the sunset. So spend this day to see Sunrise and visit Vivekananda Rock. You should be free by 11 am and can head to Trivandrum (visit the Palace and take break somewhere near varkala which is nearer to Kochi by 120 kms or so)

Q 2: Need suggestions on places to stay


Day 10: Kanyakumari - Kochi
Ans: Day time travel will tire you like hell. Around 300 kilometers of pure torture. Got time, take it easy - visit Padmanabhapuram_Palace.
Not great but see-able. If not start very early and reach Alleppy (do a boat cruise or take Tourist Cruise - I don't know much about it than it exists).

Day 11: Kochi and around

Q 1: Need suggestions on places to stay

Q 2: Need suggestions on places of interest. Would be much interested in experiencing backwaters.

Ans: Nothing much to see except visit Fort Kochi and sunset cruise

Day 12: Kochi - Mangaluru

Through SH 54 via Kozhikode, Vadakara, Kannur and Kasargod.

Q 1: Do I need to spend a day exploring the places around? Or can I just be here for a night halt?

Ans: Hell of a drive. Take break at Cannanore (fort) and Bekal Fort.

Day 13: Mangaluru - Gokarna - Palolem

Start from Mangaluru at around 5. Reach Gokarna and spend some time clicking pictures at the OM beach and then proceed to Palolem.

Q 1: Do I need to stay here and explore places around?

Q 2: If yes, what is there to explore?


Day 14: Palolem - Dudhsagar falls - Arambol


Day 15: Arambol


Day 16: Arambol - Ganpatipule via MSH 4


Day 17: Ganpatipule - Shrivardhan via MSH4


Day 18: Shrivardhan - Ahemdabad

Day 19: Ahemdabad - Jaipur/Delhi


While I have asked specific questions, here are a few general ones more:

1. Least interested in temples. Should I skip Madurai completely and save a day?

2. Is the plan too rushed up?
It all depends on what you are looking for, if it is casual ride this will be ok. Else if you want to see Architecture/Landscape this is too tight as Sea Coast is best seen during Early Morning or at Sunset time.

3. I'm pretty ok to skip the Eastern coast completely, ship my bike to KK and ride along the west coast...worth it?

4. Is there any specific place that I'm missin upon. I don't mind taking a detour for a cave, or maybe waterfall.

5. Can someone guide me to Jog falls?

[Who_are_you]

Day 13: Mangaluru - Gokarna - Palolem

Start from Mangaluru at around 5. Reach Gokarna and spend some time clicking pictures at the OM beach and then proceed to Palolem.

Q 1: Do I need to stay here and explore places around?

Q 2: If yes, what is there to explore?

Yes. Uttara Kannada district has many places to explore.

Places to visit: Murudeshwar Temple, Jog falls, Paradise beach, Maravanthe beach

Day 14: Palolem - Dudhsagar falls - Arambol

Instead of Palolem, I would suggest staying at Agonda beach. Its 5 Km from Palolem with less crowd and very clean. You can also book boat ride for Dolphin watching and trip to Honeymoon beach.

As mentioned above Dudhsagar falls is closed and tour operator may get you in trouble with Forrest officials.

Day 15: Arambol

Arambol is too commercialised now with a lot of drugs going around. Better to check out Ashwem beach.

Day 16: Arambol - Ganpatipule via MSH 4

You can easily reach Dapoli instead of Stay at Ganpatiphule.

Day 17: Ganpatipule - Shrivardhan via MSH4

Day 18: Shrivardhan - Ahemdabad


Day 19: Ahemdabad - Jaipur/Delhi

You can consider Scuba diving in Tarkali and visit to Guhaghar and Hedvi beach.

Day 18 is a very ambitious plan as Roads in Coastal MH are not in good shape. You have to cross Mumbai during daytime and bikes are not allowed on Baroda - Ahmedabad expressway.

I would suggest to break journey in Baroda and take Baroda - Halol - Godhra -- Udaipur - Jaipur- Delhi route instead.