Best bike trip routes in Kerala

best bike trip routes in kerala
23 April 2024

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Long story short: Discover best & top bike trip, tour routes & destinations in Kerala and embark on an unforgettable adventure through scenic landscapes and vibrant culture.

The Western Ghats in Kerala, known as the Sahyadri mountains, are rich in natural beauty and biodiversity. Picture a stunning mountain range covered in lush greenery running along the coast of India. The Western Ghats are stunningly beautiful, have various ecosystems, and have a vibrant cultural history. Whether you’re looking for excitement, serenity, or a deeper connection with nature, they provide a truly memorable experience. So how about exploring the Western Ghats by motorcycle? That is what this article is all about, and we are suggesting various best & top bike trip, tour routes & destinations in Kerala to explore nature directly.

Common things to note for motorcycle riders, irrespective of routes

  1. Mobile networks are minimal on most scenic routes, so download offline maps on your mobile device for a smooth journey.
  2. Be aware of potential wildlife activity anywhere on the route, especially in the early morning and late evening, when animals seek water and food.
  3. Pack for all weather conditions, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains.
  4. Always carry your motorcycle’s registration papers, insurance documents, and a valid driver’s license.
  5. Properly service and do necessary checks before the start of your journey. Repair shops and roadside assistance are very limited in hilly areas.
  6. Also, try to have a full petrol tank as petrol pumps are minimal in hilly areas.
  7. Use defensive riding techniques throughout the trip.

Best & top bike trip, tour routes & destinations in Kerala

1. Chalakudy to Valparai

Chalakudi Valparai bike trip route in Kerala
Chalakudi Valparai bike trip route in Kerala

The route from Chalakudy to Valparai is a paradise for photographers and a dream for nature lovers. Each bend in the road reveals a new and breathtaking view, from stunning waterfalls to lush rainforests and vast tea plantations. Get ready for an exhilarating journey full of natural beauty and a hint of excitement.

Distance: 112kms
Time: 3hrs and 36mins (approx)
Best time for the Bike Ride: November to February
Rooms in Valparai: – Checkout this link

Bike route map from Chalakudy to Valparai

Things to note in Chalakudy – Valparai route

  1. Some parts of this road might be narrow, dilapidated and winding. Be cautious while navigating these sections.
  2. This route has an Athirappilly Check Post (Kerala-Tamil Nadu Border). This check post has opening hours as follows – Opening Time: 6:00AM – 7:00AM, Closing Time: 6:00PM
  3. Make sure the checkpost is closed or not before planning your trip and whether two-wheelers are allowed.
  4. Obey what checkpost officials say. Note your details in the register book before leaving the checkpost.

2. Thrissur to Valparai (Via Kollengode – Anamalai route)

Thrissur Valparai bike trip route in kerala
Thrissur Valparai bike trip route in kerala

Driving from Valparai to Kollengode offers a picturesque journey through Tamil Nadu & Kerala. You can enjoy stunning views of tea plantations and waterfalls or opt for a route surrounded by lush forests and breathtaking panoramas. This drive provides a rejuvenating getaway and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

Distance: 146kms
Time: 3hrs and 52mins (approx)
Best time for the Bike Ride: November to February 
Rooms in Valparai: – Checkout this link 

Bike route map from Thrissur to Valparai

Things to note in Thrissur – Valparai route

  1. The route takes you via SH 78, known for its scenic beauty, including hills and tea plantations.
  2. This route has an Anamalai Tiger Reserve entry checkpost. This check post has opening hours as follows.
    Opening Time: 7:00 AM, Closing Time: 6:00 PM
  3. There are restrictions for taking single-use plastics into the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. So keep this in mind.
  4. Make sure the checkpost is closed or not before planning your trip and whether two-wheelers are allowed.
  5. Obey what checkpost officials say. Note your details in the register book before leaving the checkpost.
  6. There are around 40 hairpin curves from Pollachi to Valparai, a breathtaking ride experience.
  7. Be very careful while riding in hairpin curves and narrow roads. Use horns, defensive riding, and hairpin mirrors.

3. Nilambur to Masinagudi

Nilambur Masinagudi bike trip route in kerala
Nilambur Masinagudi bike trip route in kerala

Travelling from Nilambur to Masinagudi takes you on a captivating adventure through the landscapes of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Explore the aromatic spice plantations and lush paddy fields in Nilambur, then venture into the wildlife-filled forests of Mudumalai National Park. This journey provides a unique opportunity to experience southern India’s vibrant and diverse natural beauty.

Distance: 72kms
Time: 2hrs and 18mins (approx)
Best time for the Bike Ride: November to February 
Rooms in Masinagudi: – Checkout this link

Bike route map from Nilambur to Masinagudi

Things to note in Nilambur – Masinagudi route

  1. The route takes you via Gudalur, known for its scenic beauty, including hills and curves.
  2. This route has a Mudumalai Tiger Reserve Forest Check Post. This check post has opening hours as follows – Opening Time: 6:00AM, Closing Time: 8:30PM
  3. Make sure the checkpost is closed or not before planning your trip and whether two-wheelers are allowed.
  4. Obey what checkpost officials say. Note your details in the register book before leaving the checkpost.
  5. There are a few hairpin curves from the Nilambur – Masinagudi route, which is a breathtaking ride experience.
  6. Be very careful while riding in hairpin curves and narrow roads. Use horns, defensive riding, and hairpin mirrors.

4. Wayanad to Masinagudi

Wayanad Masinagudi bike trip route in kerala
Wayanad Masinagudi bike trip route in kerala

The journey from Wayanad to Masinagudi is a truly enriching experience, revealing the stunning landscapes of three South Indian states. It’s a road trip combining lush green hills, rich cultural diversity, and the excitement of a possible wildlife sighting in Bandipur National Park.

Distance: 108km
Time: 2hrs 58mins (approx)
Best time for the Bike Ride: November to February 
Rooms in Masinagudi: – Checkout this link 

Bike route map from Wayanad to Masinagudi

Things to note in Wayanad – Masinagudi route

  1. The route takes you via Muthanga, known for its forests and plantations.
  2. This route has a Moolehole Check post and Bandipur Check post. Both check posts have opening hours as follows – Opening Time: 6:00 AM, Closing Time: 9:00 PM
  3. Make sure the checkpost is closed or not before planning your trip and whether two-wheelers are allowed.
  4. Obey what checkpost officials say. Note your details in the register book before leaving the checkpost

5. Munnar to Vattavada

Munnar Vattavada bike trip route in kerala
Munnar Vattavada bike trip route in kerala

Experience a picturesque journey from Munnar to Vattavada, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Western Ghats. Watch as the lush tea plantations give way to colourful vegetable fields, showcasing the diverse landscape of this region. Embrace the cool mountain air as you travel through this scenic route.

Distance: 43.6km
Time: 1hr 38mins (approx)
Best time for the Bike Ride: November to February 
Rooms in Vattavada: – Checkout this link 

Bike route map from Munnar to Vattavada

Things to note in Munnar – Vattavada route

  1. The route takes you via a scenic route with rolling hills, tea plantations, and stunning views.
  2. This route has a forest check post, Pampadum Chola. This check post has opening hours as follows: Opening Time: 6:00 AM,Closing Time: 6:00 PM
  3. Make sure the checkpost is closed or not before planning your trip and whether two-wheelers are allowed.
  4. In Vattavada, you can expect a colder climate than in Munnar. So prepare your trip with this in mind.
  5. Obey what checkpost officials say. Note your details in the register book before leaving the checkpost.

6. Wayanad to Coorg

Wayanad Coorg route
Wayanad Coorg route

The road from Wayanad to Coorg offers a breathtaking sight for those who appreciate nature. The gradual shift from Wayanad’s aromatic spice and coffee farms to Coorg’s renowned coffee plantations is remarkable. The vibrant green landscapes, picturesque waterfalls, and chance encounters with wildlife make this trip memorable.

Distance: 43.6km
Time: 1hr 38mins (approx)
Best time for the Bike Ride: November to February 
Rooms in Coorg: – Checkout this link 

Bike route map from Wayanad to Coorg

Things to note in Wayanad – Coorg route

  1. The route takes you via the Tholpatty—Kutta—Coorg road, a scenic route with rolling hills, a chance to spot wildlife and stunning views.
  2. You might encounter check posts along the route, especially at the Kerala-Karnataka border.
  3. Officials at the checkpost may check your vehicle documents, and it is recommended that you provide valid proof of identification.

7. Iritty to Coorg

Iritty Coorg route
Iritty Coorg route

Exploring the Iritty to Coorg route is an enchanting experience as you travel through the landscapes of two unique states. From the lush rubber plantations and fertile paddy fields of Kerala to the dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and the picturesque coffee plantations of Coorg in Karnataka, this journey offers a stunning contrast to nature’s beauty. Take in the breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and witness the varied agricultural traditions of the area along the way.

Distance: 72.3km
Time: 1hr 58mins (approx)
Best time for the Bike Ride: November to February 
Rooms in Coorg: – Checkout this link 

Bike route map from Iritty to Coorg

Things to note in the Iritty – Coorg route

  1. The route takes you via the Thalassery—Mysore road, a scenic route with rolling hills, a chance to spot wildlife and stunning views.
  2. The route passes through Perambadi churam, which contains many hairpins and steep curves. Drive safely and slowly.
  3. This route has two checkposts, one at Iritty and the other at Makkuta. Both are open 24 hours.
  4. Officials at the checkpost may check your vehicle documents, and it is recommended that you provide valid proof of identification.

8. Munnar to Kollengode

munnar kollengode bike trip route in kerala
Munnar Kollengode bike trip route in kerala

The route from Munnar – Marayoor – Chinnar – Kollengode is a gem for showcasing nature’s beauty. Get ready to be spellbound by the variety of landscapes along the way, from the lush tea gardens in Munnar to the one-of-a-kind ecosystem of Chinnar. This trip gives you a peek into the rich history of Kerala and an opportunity to see the marvels of its diverse wildlife.

Distance: 72.3km
Time: 1hr 58min (approx)
Best time for the Bike Ride: November to February
Rooms in Chinnar: – Checkout this link

Bike route map from Munnar to Kollengode

Things to note in the Munnar – Kollengode route

  1. The route takes you via the Munnar – Udumalpet road, a scenic route with rolling hills, a chance to spot wildlife and stunning views.
  2. The route passes through the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can trek through a sprawling wildlife reserve with a diverse range of mammals, amphibians & plants.
  3. This route has a Chinnar check post near the Chinnar trekking entry zone and Chemmanampathy check post on the Kerala side on the way to Kollengode.
  4. Officials at the checkpost may check your vehicle documents, and it is recommended that you provide valid proof of identification.

9. Kottayam to Vagamon

Kottayam Vagamon bike trip route
Kottayam Vagamon route

The road from Kottayam to Vagamon is a picturesque 63-kilometer route that links the town of Kottayam in Kerala to the charming hill station of Vagamon via Pala and Erattupetta. It is a delightful journey with stunning vistas of verdant hills, tea gardens, and serene valleys.

Distance: 63km
Time: 1hr 41mins (approx)
Best time for the Bike Ride: October to March
Rooms in Vagamon: – Checkout this link

Bike route map from Kottayam to Vagamon

Things to note in the Kottayam – Vagamon route

  1. The route takes you via the Erattupetta—Vagamon road, a scenic route with lush green hills, tea plantations, and valleys. Watch for these as you drive.
  2. There are many beautiful spots and viewpoints along the way where you can capture many videos and photos. Be sure not to miss any.
  3. The road is in good condition but could be narrow, with steep curves in certain areas. Drive carefully, particularly in the rainy season when there could be landslides.

10. Kumily to Munnar

Kumily Munnar route
Kumily Munnar route

The drive from Kumily to Suryanelli, through Ramakkalmedu and on to Munnar, is a real treat for nature lovers. Along this route, you’ll see the stunning variety of landscapes that Kerala has to offer – from the lush spice plantations in Kumily to the picturesque hills in Munnar, with a quick stop at the one-of-a-kind grasslands and viewpoints in Ramakkalmedu. Prepare for some jaw-dropping scenery changes to make this road trip one for the books.

Distance: 129km
Time: 4hr 30mins (approx)
Best time for the Bike Ride: October to March
Rooms in Munnar: – Checkout this link

Bike route map from Kumily to Munnar

Things to note in the Kumily – Munnar route

  1. The route takes you via Kumily to Suryanelli, Ramakkalmedu, and Munnar. The route offers breathtaking views of lush green hills, tea plantations, cardamom hills, and valleys.
  2. There are many beautiful spots and viewpoints along the way where you can capture many videos and photos. Be sure not to miss any.
  3. The road is in good condition but could be narrow, with steep curves in certain areas. Drive carefully, particularly in the rainy season when there could be landslides.
  4. Use horn judiciously around corners and tight turns as you can expect vehicle unexpectedly from other side anytime.
  1. Must have bike accessories for a long distance trip
  2. How-Tos: Master the art of safe motorcycle riding in India
  3. What All Basic Motorcycle Accessories Should A Rider Have
  4. The Best Bike Navigation Apps In India

Conclusion

There are many more best & top bike trip, tour routes & destinations in Kerala. Our team will update you about these routes soon in this same article. As of now, explore these bike routes and be sure to follow defensive riding practices throughout the trip while riding.Let me describe all the best & top bike trip, tour routes & destinations in Kerala in a nutshell.

  1. Chalakudy to Valparai
  2. Thrissur to Valparai
  3. Nilambur to Masinagudi
  4. Wayanad to Masinagudi
  5. Munnar to Vattavada
  6. Wayanad to Coorg
  7. Iritty to Coorg
  8. Munnar to Kollengode
  9. Kottayam to Vagamon
  10. Kumily to Munnar

If you have any other doubts or queries, email us at bikeleague2017@gmail.com. We are always eager to help and assist you. Also, here are several social media platforms of Bikeleague India to raise your suspicions.