Kerala, often called God’s Own Country, is a dream destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. With its winding roads, lush green hills, serene backwaters, and vibrant towns, a Kerala motorcycle tour combines adventure, culture, and scenic beauty like no other.
This guide will take you through the best bike ride routes in India's Kerala, top attractions, vegan-friendly local food, cultural etiquette, safety tips, and immersive experiences, helping riders plan the perfect trip.
The best months to tour Kerala are from October to March, offering comfortable weather ideal for long motorcycle journeys. During this period, the temperatures are pleasant, roads are safer, and you can enjoy the full beauty of Kerala’s landscapes. The monsoon season from June to September turns Kerala into a lush, green paradise. While this offers breathtaking scenery, some hilly routes can become slippery and challenging. Experienced riders seeking adventure may still enjoy monsoon tours, but careful planning and cautious riding are essential.
Kerala has a variety of routes that offer different experiences. Here are some of the best bike ride routes in Kerala:
This route is perfect for hill station lovers. Journey through vast tea estates, aromatic spice gardens, and serene mist-covered valleys. Stop at Mattupetty Dam for a relaxing break or explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you may spot elephants, tigers, and exotic birds. The winding roads, cool climate, and scenic landscapes make this ride memorable.
A coastal route combining culture and relaxation. Begin your journey in Fort Kochi, discovering historic colonial buildings, bustling spice markets, and vibrant street art.
The Best Time to Visit Kerala
The best months to tour Kerala are from October to March, offering comfortable weather ideal for long motorcycle journeys. During this period, the temperatures are pleasant, roads are safer, and you can enjoy the full beauty of Kerala’s landscapes. The monsoon season from June to September turns Kerala into a lush, green paradise. While this offers breathtaking scenery, some hilly routes can become slippery and challenging. Experienced riders seeking adventure may still enjoy monsoon tours, but careful planning and cautious riding are essential.
Top Motorcycle Routes in Kerala
Kerala has a variety of routes that offer different experiences. Here are some of the best bike ride routes in Kerala:
1. Munnar to Thekkady
This route is perfect for hill station lovers. Journey through vast tea estates, aromatic spice gardens, and serene mist-covered valleys. Stop at Mattupetty Dam for a relaxing break or explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you may spot elephants, tigers, and exotic birds. The winding roads, cool climate, and scenic landscapes make this ride memorable.
2. Kochi to Varkala
A coastal route combining culture and relaxation. Begin your journey in Fort Kochi, discovering historic colonial buildings, bustling spice markets, and vibrant street art.
Ride along the coastline towards Varkala Beach, known for its cliffs, calm waters, and spectacular sunsets. This route offers a mix of adventure and peaceful beachside moments.
Perfect for adventure seekers, Wayanad offers forest trails, waterfalls, and ancient ruins. Explore Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Waterfalls, and Banasura Sagar Dam while enjoying challenging yet rewarding roads through the hills.
Known as the Niagara of India, this route offers majestic waterfalls, rivers, and dense greenery. Stop to enjoy the waterfalls, take photographs, and experience rural Kerala villages along the route.
A peaceful ride through Kerala’s iconic backwaters and traditional villages. You can stop to explore houseboats, enjoy canoe rides, and experience the tranquillity of the waterways.
Kerala is full of destinations that every rider should experience during a Kerala motorcycle tour:
3. Wayanad Circuit
Perfect for adventure seekers, Wayanad offers forest trails, waterfalls, and ancient ruins. Explore Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Waterfalls, and Banasura Sagar Dam while enjoying challenging yet rewarding roads through the hills.
4. Athirappilly Waterfalls Loop
Known as the Niagara of India, this route offers majestic waterfalls, rivers, and dense greenery. Stop to enjoy the waterfalls, take photographs, and experience rural Kerala villages along the route.
5. Alleppey to Kumarakom Backwaters
A peaceful ride through Kerala’s iconic backwaters and traditional villages. You can stop to explore houseboats, enjoy canoe rides, and experience the tranquillity of the waterways.
The Best Places to Visit in Kerala
Kerala is full of destinations that every rider should experience during a Kerala motorcycle tour:
- Munnar tea gardens: Ideal for photography, sunrise rides, and leisurely walks among green plantations.
- Periyar wildlife sanctuary: Enjoy wildlife spotting on guided tours through dense forests.
- Alleppey backwaters: Experience Kerala’s unique houseboat culture and serene canals.
- Varkala and Kovalam beaches: Relax, swim, or enjoy local beachside cafes.
- Fort Kochi: Explore cultural streets, art galleries, and colonial architecture.
- Athirappilly and Soochipara waterfalls: Rejuvenate in the natural pools while taking in the verdant surroundings.
These destinations combine adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration, ensuring a well-rounded Kerala experience.
Kerala is known for its rich cuisine. Motorcycle travellers looking for vegan options can enjoy a variety of Kerala traditional food:
Most local restaurants are vegan-friendly and can suggest alternatives for traditional Kerala dishes, making it easy to enjoy authentic flavours on your trip.
Kerala has a rich cultural heritage. Observing local customs ensures respect and a smoother journey:
Following these practices enhances your travel experience and helps you connect with locals.
Motorcycle touring in Kerala is exciting but requires caution:
By following these safety measures, you can enjoy a safe and memorable Kerala motorcycle tour.
Apart from riding, Kerala offers numerous experiences that enhance your journey:
These activities complement your motorcycle adventure and provide a deeper understanding of Kerala’s culture.
Kerala is a top destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, offering scenic routes, cultural experiences, and delicious vegan food. By exploring the best bike ride routes in Kerala during the best time to visit Kerala, riders can enjoy adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories across God’s Own Country.
Kerala Traditional Food for Vegan Riders
Kerala is known for its rich cuisine. Motorcycle travellers looking for vegan options can enjoy a variety of Kerala traditional food:
- Appam with vegetable stew: Soft rice pancakes paired with coconut-based vegetable curry.
- Puttu and Kadala curry: Soft steamed rice rolls paired with chickpea curry, making a hearty and nutritious breakfast.
- Sambar with rice: A classic lentil and vegetable stew.
- Avial: Mixed vegetables cooked with coconut, lightly spiced, and tangy.
- Banana chips and tapioca: Easy-to-carry snacks for bikers.
Most local restaurants are vegan-friendly and can suggest alternatives for traditional Kerala dishes, making it easy to enjoy authentic flavours on your trip.
Local Traditions and Riding Etiquette
Kerala has a rich cultural heritage. Observing local customs ensures respect and a smoother journey:
- Wear modest clothing, especially when visiting temples or cultural landmarks.
- Remove shoes before entering religious or traditional spaces.
- Avoid excessive honking in villages, as it is considered rude.
- Ask permission before taking photographs of locals or ceremonies.
- Be aware of local festivals, as some roads may be crowded or closed.
Following these practices enhances your travel experience and helps you connect with locals.
Risks and Safety Tips for Motorcycle Tours in Kerala
Motorcycle touring in Kerala is exciting but requires caution:
- Hill roads can be narrow and slippery, especially during early morning or rainy conditions.
- Livestock and stray animals may appear suddenly on rural roads.
- Carry rain gear, a first-aid kit, and extra fuel for long stretches.
- Use GPS or offline maps as some remote areas have weak network coverage.
- Keep your bike well-maintained by regularly checking brakes, tires, and lights.
- Take rest stops to avoid fatigue during long rides.
By following these safety measures, you can enjoy a safe and memorable Kerala motorcycle tour.
What to Do in Kerala Beyond Riding
Apart from riding, Kerala offers numerous experiences that enhance your journey:
- Ayurvedic treatments: Relax with traditional massages and wellness therapies.
- Cultural performances: Watch Kathakali, Theyyam, or folk dance performances.
- Water activities: Kayaking, canoeing, or surfing along coastal routes.
- Photography tours: Capture waterfalls, forests, wildlife, and backwaters.
- Local markets: Shop for spices, handmade crafts, and souvenirs unique to Kerala.
These activities complement your motorcycle adventure and provide a deeper understanding of Kerala’s culture.
Final Thoughts
Kerala is a top destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, offering scenic routes, cultural experiences, and delicious vegan food. By exploring the best bike ride routes in Kerala during the best time to visit Kerala, riders can enjoy adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories across God’s Own Country.
FAQs
1. When is the best time to ride in Kerala?
The months from October to March offer pleasant weather and safer roads, perfect for long rides.
Top routes include Munnar to Thekkady, Kochi to Varkala, Wayanad Circuit, Athirappilly Waterfalls Loop, and Alleppey to Kumarakom Backwaters.
Yes, Kerala has plenty of vegan options such as Appam with vegetable stew, Puttu with Kadala curry, Sambar, and Avial, widely available in local eateries.
2. Which routes are must-ride in Kerala?
Top routes include Munnar to Thekkady, Kochi to Varkala, Wayanad Circuit, Athirappilly Waterfalls Loop, and Alleppey to Kumarakom Backwaters.
3. Can I find vegan food easily while touring Kerala?
Yes, Kerala has plenty of vegan options such as Appam with vegetable stew, Puttu with Kadala curry, Sambar, and Avial, widely available in local eateries.
