Day 1 Arrive at Goa - 50 kms
A marriage of Portuguese and Indian culture, Goa needs little introduction. From its verdant forests, sun-kissed beaches, laid back pace & beers by a shack, you need to experience the land of chill atleast once in your lifetime. Check into your stay for the night, meet the Karma Yatri team, your bike, and other riders on the trip. Get set to start what is going be an epic road trip!
Day 2 Goa - Gokarna - 160 kms
We begin with a ride to the north Karnataka coast, making our way to the legendary OM beach (situated south of Gokarna town). In the past,the beach was only approachable by a longish trek and became a popular getaway for tourists tired of Goa's overcrowded beaches. With a new approach road in place though, this haven is less secluded. But still, it remains a great place to unwind in the lap of nature. Also of note is the village of Gokarna which is a ‘Jyotirlinga', thereby a popular pilgrimage centre.
Day 3 Gokarna - Udipi - 200 kms
Day three takes us to a region in Karnataka famous for the ubiquitous ‘dosa'. Udipi is not only famous for its cuisine but also its temples and though a little inland from coast, it has its own charm. Don't forget to also try out the crispy joy of digging into some Kori Roti (Tulu-Mangalorean cuisine) that originated not far from this town. ‘Kori' means chicken in Tulu.
Day 4 Udipi - Bekal - 138 kms
We continue our journey further down south by entering the northern region of Kerala's coastline. Today's ride takes us to the long unspoiled honey-gold sands of Bekal beach. If the beach gets too laid back and you feel like exploring a bit. Take a walk through the impeccably maintained 17th century fort that still stands here. Bekal fort is among the largest forts in Kerala.
Day 5 Bekal - Calicut - 172 kms
Our destination for today is a coastal city steeped in the rich history of ancient India's trade and influence on the rest of the world. Present day Kozhikode was once known as the ‘City of Spices', an important trade port of the Malabar region. During India's colonization period the port was called ‘Calicut' (an anglicized version of Kozhikode)and also lent its name to the cotton fabric ‘Calico'. Trading of Calico eventually surpassed the port's spice trade, and even influenced British import laws at the time (Calico acts).
Day 6 Calicut - Fort Kochi - 171 kms
Our ride today takes us further south from Calicut to Fort Kochi. Harking back to the time of the Portuguese, Dutch, British, Jewish, and Chinese trader influence on the area. Fort Kochi's vibe seemingly remains framed in time through relics of their architectural styles. The result, is a motley combination of a medieval Portugal, Holland, and English village grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast and topped off with tourist trappings.⣠It is nonetheless a beautiful place to spend time walking about its markets & laid back street culture. An iconic symbol of this area are the fishing nets that were introduced by Chinese explorers in the 14th century. Set against a setting sun, they are as picturesque as our next destination.
Day 7 Fort Kochi - Alleppey - 60 kms
Further down the Malabar coast from Fort Kochi is the town of Alleppey (Alappuzha) and our destination for today. Alleppey is a popular hub of the Kerala backwaters, and moving away from its centre, you enter a vast watery paradigm of greenery. A laid back pace greets you .. One of life in little villages by the banks, stores selling toddy & every now and then Kerala's iconic Kettuvallams passing you by.The slow current gently lulling you into the serenity of God's own country.
Day 8 Alleppey - Varkala - 117 kms
Today's journey is a short ride but long stay. We relax on the pristine shores of one the prettiest beaches in the country. Sit in one of the shacks that dot the Varkala Cliff (a geo-heritage site), and soak in the hues of a mesmerizing sunset – on the Southern coast.
Day 9 Varkala - Kanyakumari - 138 kms
Today's ride fittingly marks our journey's end at India's southernmost tip. Kanyakumari, is a small coastal town with some surreal views, like the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean & the Arabian Sea and a lucky chance to see the sun set and the moon rise (at the same time) over the ‘sangam' of these three water bodies. The town mostly draws pilgrims to the temple of the Virgin Sea Goddess – Kumari Amman and tourists to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. But, the vibe still remains slightly non-commercial.
As the sun sets on Cape Comorin, we bid our adieu to the amazing journey we have just been on and spend the night celebrating the South. Next day departures to home.
Day 10 (by noon)
Tour Ends