Nordcode Southwest India adventure

Southwest India adventure

May 16, 2023News

The working season has come to an end, the piggy bank is full, and the pin has been firmly placed on the map: Southwest India. The destination was chosen based on the country's climate, the convenience and economy of flights, and of course, the beauty of the 1,600 km long Western Ghats (or Sahyadri) mountain range, which is an attraction in itself. The fact that our arrival city in India had a range of motorbike rental options made the decision even easier.

Riding along with the monkeys

After climbing several kilometers on a relatively indifferent, windy, and dusty route due to construction, somewhere between the sea and the mountains, we made the decision to change direction and head east. The allure of a slightly cooler landscape, the thought of escaping the heat, noise, and incessant commotion, came to both of us almost instantly. Anyway, before our departure, we had planned to pass through the state of Goa, the smallest state in the country. It's not because we underestimate its beauty and uniqueness—in fact, quite the opposite—but because it tends to be crowded with tourists and plagued by corrupt policemen.

We traversed an endless series of Wildlife Sanctuaries, such as the Sharavati Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, marveling at the beauty of the tropical nature. The serenity of the mountain landscape, driving on roads lined with towering trees that concealed the sky, and encountering colonies of monkeys made the driving experience truly unique. We remained silent on the bike for hours, each of us absorbed in our own way. The decision to temporarily leave the coastline and head to higher altitudes proved to be the right one.

_

Leaving behind the Western Ghats mountain range, which UNESCO claims is older than the Himalayas, we descended to lower altitudes as we headed towards the eastern plains. The noticeable temperature difference didn't exactly bring us joy. However, our stay there would only last a few days, as we would soon embark on our uphill journey again, desperately seeking the coolness of the mountains.
While exploring Wayanad, we met two locals who warned us not to stop if we encountered a tiger along the way. Several recent attacks had been reported, and drivers had to be extra cautious. Fortunately, or unfortunately, we didn't come across any tigers in Bandipur National Park, Attappadi Reserve Forest, or Silent Valley National Park. Looking back, perhaps it was for the best. Or maybe not...?

Tea fields

Our next stop was Munnar and its surrounding area, aptly nicknamed the "Kashmir of southern India." Driving through the vast tea plantations had a calming effect, and the view from the approximately 1,600m altitude was simply mesmerizing. Without exaggeration, one could sit and stare speechless at the horizon for hours. We then descended towards the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary and Periyar National Park. After driving a few more kilometers, we reached the end of the mountain roads. At this southernmost point of the range, which also serves as the natural border between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, no other mountain passes existed.

Thiruvalluvar Statue In Kanyakumari

Arriving at the southernmost point of mainland India, we enjoyed a wonderful sunset, with the sun seemingly plunging into the Laccadive Sea. Taking the coastal road toward our final destination of Kochi, we drove countless kilometers, relishing the breeze from the coastline. We couldn't resist the opportunity to dive into the warm waters of the Arabian Sea, despite its strong waves.
Departing from Kochi with luggage full of beautiful memories, we headed back to Greece.