India Powerpoint 2011
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Monday, 30 August 2010
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
THE KERALA - TAMIL NADU BIKE TOUR
February 2011
TOUR PROPOSAL
Package includes
Flights
Bikes hire Royal Enfield or left foot gear change bike if desired. Most machines are kick start.
Hotel based bed and breakfast accommodation in twin sharing rooms (single supplement is 218 Euros).
Travel from Taunton and the M5 M4 corridor, to and from airport
The services of an Indian tour guide whilst in India
Back up vehicle and for mechanics (one on motorcycle)
Train fare from Cochin to Calicut
Not included
Evening meals
Beer
Non-accidental damage to machine
Fuel currently less than 80 pence per litre
Visa (required)
Health insurance
It is anticipated that as in previous years we shall travel as one group with a lead bike and tail end Charlie, the backup/ luggage vehicle will bring up the rear. The drop off system is used throughout and will be explained.
We will have at least one of the four mechanics travelling on a motorcycle with the main group. Travelling speed is not great, rarely over 30mph, and on average our daily average speed including stops is unlikely to be over 15 mph and can drop to 10 mph. Early starts are required to arrive at the next hotel at a reasonable hour. The roads are in the main well surfaced and traffic light, however we will go through busy towns and cities.
Riding will normally commence before 08.15 am the day’s mileage varies between 60 and 120 miles and have been planned that they can be easily achieved in a day’s ride including frequent stops, when appropriate, for fuel water and tourist stops.
The hotels some of which we have used before are of high quality and it is expected that your luggage will arrive at the hotel within one hour of our arrival giving you time to wash change and explore the area. We have the services of a tour guide throughout who will answer questions and give advice when necessary.
There is an expectation that riders are committed to one group task throughout the tour. (Scribe, photographer, welfare, fleet manager, loggist, bloggist, entertainments or similar)
There will be a series of get together, including a ride out, planned before our departure day to assist with ice breaking and awareness
Please remember this is not a coach trip, it’s an adventure and things do and will go wrong, no teddy bears out the cot
PROGRAM:
Day 01 Transport arranged from the M5 M4 corridor to Heathrow and scheduled airline to Calicut
Day 02 Arrival Calicut Airport, met by our representative and transferred to hotel.
We have an introductory meeting to get to know each other and our bikes; we finish off the day with our Welcome Dinner at our hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Westway in Calicut (previously used)
Day 03 CALICUT – WYNAD ( 95km 60 miles ) Now you are ready for your adventure! An early start today for a long day's ride through some truly spectacular scenery.
You will ride to Wynad with tracts of forest covering the western flanks of the Niilgiris. The scenery is rich and varied, ranging from plantations of tea, spices, coffee and cocoa to the dry scruffy jungle of the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary.
Overnight stay at hotel Green gates in Wayanad.
Day 04 WYNAD - OOTY (140 km 88 miles ) Today you will ride to Ooty, A popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty draws a great number of tourists every year. This picturesque town perched on the hills is home to many places of interest and abundant natural beauty.
You will visit Masinagudi enroute and We stop for a pleasant lunch at the Bandipur Sanctuary and then headwith its abundant monkeys and scattering of elephants, and deers. You will be at height of 2000 m and our overnight stop in Ooty, 'Queen of the Hill Stations'
Overnight stay at a hotel Monarch (previously used)
Day 05 OOTY - COIMBATORE (105 km 66 miles) Early morning after breakfast see Ooty by motorcycle. Ride up to the
After the Ooty visit you will ride to Coimbatore through down the hills with more than 24 hairpin bends.
Overnight stay at Hotel CAG PRIDE Coimbatore.
Day 06 COIMBATORE -KODAIKANAL (158km 100 miles )
Today is a long day of nearly 100 miles you will ride to Kodiakanal . We stop at the foot of the Palani Hills. We head off in the heat of the day, but temperatures soon drop as we ride up to the hill station of Kodaikanal at 2000 m in just 30 miles. If there’s time, you can take the bike around the paths of the summit, explore on foot or horseback, hire a boat on the lake in town, or just enjoy the local dairy products - cheeses and ice creams - and mushrooms.
Overnight stay at a hotel Kodai international Kodaikanal.
Day 07 KODAIKANAL – MUNNAR (165 km100 miles).
Another early morning start for another 100 mile day gives us time to cruise back down the hill, to stop for lunch at the restaurant at the foot of the Palani Hills. We then ride across the plains for about an hour, before climbing again through 17 hairpin bends and the start of a road of never-ending tea plantations. After stopping for tea on the edge of the Tata tea estate, the world's largest, with a splendid view over Devikulam Lake we carry on to the enchanting hill station of Munnar, and your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel Issac residency n the heart of Munnar.
Day 08 MUNNAR (free day) no biking a chance to relax recharge the batteries and explore the delights of Munnar and the surrounding area..
Second night at hotel Issac residency in the heart of Munnar, a hill station that is home to the state's finest tea plantations. A quick getaway from Kerala's bustling towns and cities, Munnar will take you away from the noise and pollution of urban living. Issacs Residency is right in the heart of the quaint town of Munnar. Recently refurbished, Its central location makes Issacs Residency an ideal base from which to explore Munnar and its environs.
Day 09 MUNNAR - THEKKADY ( 105 kms 66 miles)
After an early breakfast, ride to Thekkady in the Western Ghats mountain range to Thekkady nestling in the Cardamom Hills through rice paddies and tea plantations
Stopping for tea and small snacks about every hour. Here the views become more sensational as the road gets challenging! We pass through 100 km of the 770 sq. km sanctuary on our bikes. There is an abundance of wildlife, from flora, birds and insects up to bears, leopards, elephants and even tigers, although they keep themselves well hidden usually. And no traffic. The riding is slow, and we will often switch off engines to freewheel down narrow lanes and take in the full sounds of the forest. (There is an easier route available too). After riding to over 2000 m, we finally meet up with the main road again and rejoin the highway for the final short run into Kumily. The temperature here is cooler than by the beach and you can reward yourself with a nice hot shower.
Afternoon so you can decide what you want to do. If you would like, there is a 4 Pm start to take the Periyar Lake boat trip to see the wild elephants, or you can take a plantation tour and an elephant ride, or just take a walk around the town, take in the sights, do some shopping and enjoy the atmosphere.
Overnight stay Hotel tree tops in Thekkady. (Previously used)
Day 10 THEKKADY - COCHIN ( 190 KM 120 miles )
Our longest day and final ride. Today you will ride Cochin through the rubber and tea plantations. 
Cochin, one of the oldest port cities of India has very rich cultural past and cosmopolitan association. Also known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’,
Deliver the bikes and overnight stay at Hotel Mermaid Cochin
Day 11
Today you will be transferred to
On arrival at Calicut , you will be met and transferred to the hotel for our final two nights stay at Hotel Westway the same hotel as our first night
Day 12
Full Day at leisure
Overnight stay at
Day 13 DEPART
Day 14 Arrive Heathrow and transport back to home
Hotels Envisaged
| City | Hotels | Room Category | No.of nights |
| | Hotel Westway | Standard | 01 |
| Wynad | Green Gates | Standard | 01 |
| Ooty | Monarch | Deluxe Queen | 01 |
| | CAG pride | Standard | 01 |
| Kodaikanal | Kodai Inetrnational | Standard | 01 |
| Munnar | Issac Residency | Standard | 02 |
| Thekkady | Tree Top | Deluxe | 01 |
| | Mermaid | Standard | 01 |
| | Hotel Westway | Standard | 02 |
THE COST INCLUDES
- Accommodation based on twin sharing basis from 1200 hours on day 01 till Noon hours of day 12 as per itinerary in hotels mentioned or similar.
- Accommodation on bed and breakfast basis throughout.
- Dinner on day 01
- 15 nos of
- 04 accompanying Mechanic throughout the tour
- 01 Luggage van throughout
- 01 Accompanying escort from Destination Indus throughout the tour
- AC chair car Tran tickets for the
- Assistance at airports and railway station.
THE COST EXCLUDES
• Any meals other than those mentioned above.
• All optional are charged
• tips, insurance, and all items of personal nature.
• Any services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.
• Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and flight delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes etc.
Monday, 26 July 2010
1st meeting arranged
The first meeting of the 2011 meeting has been arranged for Friday 3rd September at Laburnham house hotel Highbridge Somerset (http://www.laburnumhousehotel.co.uk/) thnaks to Dave Cox for the facilty I do however need names and numbers before the date please
Friday, 23 July 2010
The first get together FRIDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER
I am planning to have a reunion for the 2010 group and to invite all that might be interested in the 2011 trip which will be similar but significantly different so most hotel will be changed. The route will be one day longer and most of the trip on new roads I hope to keep the train trip in and we will also overnight in Cochin so that we can visit the historic fort area.
The plan is to add one extra riding day so that we don't get in to the hotel quite so late and giving us more time to visit Ooty and Munnar
The get together will be at the Laburnham Hotel Highbridge by kind invitation of Dave COX. Rooms will be available at a reduced cost for those wanting to stay the night and I will be supply a small curry based meal
FRIDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER
The plan is to add one extra riding day so that we don't get in to the hotel quite so late and giving us more time to visit Ooty and Munnar
The get together will be at the Laburnham Hotel Highbridge by kind invitation of Dave COX. Rooms will be available at a reduced cost for those wanting to stay the night and I will be supply a small curry based meal
FRIDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
Remember
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Suggested Itinerary
SUGGESTED ITINERARY AS OF 27th June 2010
Day
Day one Taunton to
Airport and flight
Day two Arrive Calcut Day 01 Arrival Calicut Airport, transfer to hotel
We have an introductory meeting to get to know each other and our bikes, .We finish off the day with our Welcome Dinner at your hotel.
Overnight at a hotel in Calicut
Day three Calicut to
WYNAD
95 Km
60 miles
CALICUT – WYNAD ( 95) Now you are ready for your adventure! An early start today for a long day's ride through some truly spectacular scenery.
You will ride to Wynad with tracts of forest covering the western flanks of the Niilgiris. The scenery is rich and varied, ranging from plantations of tea, spices, coffee and cocoa to the dry scruffy jungle of the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Wayanad.
Day four WYNAD to
OOty
140 Kms
87.5 miles WYNAD - OOTY (140 km) Toady you will ride to Ooty, A popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty draws a great number of tourists every year. This picturesque town perched on the hills is home to many places of interest and abundant natural beauty.
You will visit masinagudi enroute and We stop for a pleasant lunch at the Bandipur Sanctuary and then headwith its abundant monkeys and scattering of elephants, and deers. You will be at height of 2000 m and our overnight stop in Ooty, 'Queen of the Hill Stations'
Day 5 OOTY to Coimbatore
105 kms
66miles OOTY - COIMBATORE (105 km)Morning after breakfast see Ooty by motorcycle. Ride up to the Dodabetta Peak for fantastic views of the surrounding plains, or Avalanche Point, where there was snow and an avalanche many years ago! Visit the botanical gardens, English-style public schools and churches, tea gardens and shops.down the hills with more than 24 hairpin bends.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Coimbatore.
Day 6 158 Kms
100 miles COIMBATORE -KODAIKANAL (158km)
Today you will be driven to Kodiakanal . We stop for a traditional Tamil lunch at the foot of the Palani Hills. We head off in the heat of the day, but temperatures soon drop as we ride up to the hill station of Kodaikanal at 2000 m in just 30 miles. If there’s time, you can take the bike around the paths of the summit, explore on foot or horseback, hire a boat on the lake in town, or just enjoy the local dairy products - cheeses and ice creams - and mushrooms.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kodaikanal.
Day 7 Kodakanal Munnar
165Kms
104miles Day 06 KODAIKANAL – MUNNAR (165 km).
A mid-morning start gives us time to cruise back down the hill, to stop for lunch at the restaurant at the foot of the Palani Hills. We then ride across the plains for about an hour, before climbing again through 17 hairpin bends and the start of a road of never-ending tea plantations. After stopping for tea on the edge of the Tata tea estate, the world's largest, with a splendid view over Devikulam Lake we carry on to the enchanting hill station of Munnar, and your hotel.
Day 8
FREE DAY
0 miles
Day 07 MUNNAR (free day). A chance to explore the delights of Munnar and the surrounding area. We can also go in search of the Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat, in the cool of the morning. About half of the total world population of about 2000 animals live in the ranges below the Anamudi Peak (2695 m), the highest in southern India. Alternatively we can ride up to the Top Station, or take a dirt-road scramble up to one of the highest tea estates in the world.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Munnar.
Day 9 Munnar to
Thekkady
105 kms
66 miles Day 08 MUNNAR - THEKKADY ( 105 kms)
After breakfast, drive to Thekkady in the Western Ghats mountain range .Thekkady nestling in the Cardamom Hills through rice paddies and tea plantations
Stopping for tea and small snacks every hour . Here the views become more sensational as the road gets worse! This route is largely untrodden - whereas tourists usually see the area by taking the boat on Lake Periyar, we pass through 100 km of the 770 sq. km sanctuary on our bikes. There is an abundance of wildlife, from flora, birds and insects up to bears, leopards, elephants and even tigers, although they keep themselves well hidden usually. And no traffic. The riding is slow, and we will often switch off engines to freewheel down narrow lanes and take in the full sounds of the forest. (There is an easier route available too). After riding to over 2000 m, we finally meet up with the good road again and rejoin the highway for the final short run into Kumily. The temperature here is cooler than by the beach and you can reward yourself with a nice hot shower.
Afternoon so you can decide what you want to do. If you would like, there is a 4 Pm start to take the Periyar Lake boat trip to see the wild elephants, or you can take a plantation tour and an elephant ride, or just take a walk around the town, take in the sights, do some shopping and enjoy the atmosphere.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Thekkady.
Day 10 Thekkady to Cochin
190 kms
118miles Day 09 THEKKADY - COCHIN ( 190)
Today you will be driven to cochin through the rubber and tea plantations. your final ride takes us back to Cochin and a last chance to cement those memories.
On arrvail check into the hotel. Cochin, one of the oldest port cities of India has very rich cultural past and cosmopolitan association. Also known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, Cochin is believed to be the finest natural harbour in the world. With ferry rides commanding its breath taking view as you cruise around man-made islands with lush green lawns sloping down to the water's edge, Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India and recording a history of visitors who came, saw and stayed for hundreds of years. Layered impressions of Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French and Portuguese are contained within its environment.
In the afternoon there’s time for sightseeing in the old town. Famous churches, cathedrals, synagogues and palaces are all within walking distance, and the sights and smells of the famous Chinese fishing nets and the market, with its teas, spices, nuts, fabrics, rosewood, Kathakali masks, cigars
Deliver the bikes and overnight stay at Cochin
Day 11 Cochin to Calicut Day 10 COCHIN - CALICUT
Today you will be transfered to Cochin arilway station for the train to calicut
On arrival at calicut , you will be met and transfered to the hotel
Overnight stay at a hotel in Calicut.
Luggage will be transported by vehicle
Day 12 Full day at Calicut Full Day at leisure
Day 13 Return flight DEPART CALICUT. We take you back to the airport for your flight back home
Day 14 Arrival in Uk travel home and wind down
Day
Day one Taunton to
Airport and flight
Day two Arrive Calcut Day 01 Arrival Calicut Airport, transfer to hotel
We have an introductory meeting to get to know each other and our bikes, .We finish off the day with our Welcome Dinner at your hotel.
Overnight at a hotel in Calicut
Day three Calicut to
WYNAD
95 Km
60 miles
CALICUT – WYNAD ( 95) Now you are ready for your adventure! An early start today for a long day's ride through some truly spectacular scenery.
You will ride to Wynad with tracts of forest covering the western flanks of the Niilgiris. The scenery is rich and varied, ranging from plantations of tea, spices, coffee and cocoa to the dry scruffy jungle of the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Wayanad.
Day four WYNAD to
OOty
140 Kms
87.5 miles WYNAD - OOTY (140 km) Toady you will ride to Ooty, A popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty draws a great number of tourists every year. This picturesque town perched on the hills is home to many places of interest and abundant natural beauty.
You will visit masinagudi enroute and We stop for a pleasant lunch at the Bandipur Sanctuary and then headwith its abundant monkeys and scattering of elephants, and deers. You will be at height of 2000 m and our overnight stop in Ooty, 'Queen of the Hill Stations'
Day 5 OOTY to Coimbatore
105 kms
66miles OOTY - COIMBATORE (105 km)Morning after breakfast see Ooty by motorcycle. Ride up to the Dodabetta Peak for fantastic views of the surrounding plains, or Avalanche Point, where there was snow and an avalanche many years ago! Visit the botanical gardens, English-style public schools and churches, tea gardens and shops.down the hills with more than 24 hairpin bends.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Coimbatore.
Day 6 158 Kms
100 miles COIMBATORE -KODAIKANAL (158km)
Today you will be driven to Kodiakanal . We stop for a traditional Tamil lunch at the foot of the Palani Hills. We head off in the heat of the day, but temperatures soon drop as we ride up to the hill station of Kodaikanal at 2000 m in just 30 miles. If there’s time, you can take the bike around the paths of the summit, explore on foot or horseback, hire a boat on the lake in town, or just enjoy the local dairy products - cheeses and ice creams - and mushrooms.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kodaikanal.
Day 7 Kodakanal Munnar
165Kms
104miles Day 06 KODAIKANAL – MUNNAR (165 km).
A mid-morning start gives us time to cruise back down the hill, to stop for lunch at the restaurant at the foot of the Palani Hills. We then ride across the plains for about an hour, before climbing again through 17 hairpin bends and the start of a road of never-ending tea plantations. After stopping for tea on the edge of the Tata tea estate, the world's largest, with a splendid view over Devikulam Lake we carry on to the enchanting hill station of Munnar, and your hotel.
Day 8
FREE DAY
0 miles
Day 07 MUNNAR (free day). A chance to explore the delights of Munnar and the surrounding area. We can also go in search of the Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat, in the cool of the morning. About half of the total world population of about 2000 animals live in the ranges below the Anamudi Peak (2695 m), the highest in southern India. Alternatively we can ride up to the Top Station, or take a dirt-road scramble up to one of the highest tea estates in the world.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Munnar.
Day 9 Munnar to
Thekkady
105 kms
66 miles Day 08 MUNNAR - THEKKADY ( 105 kms)
After breakfast, drive to Thekkady in the Western Ghats mountain range .Thekkady nestling in the Cardamom Hills through rice paddies and tea plantations
Stopping for tea and small snacks every hour . Here the views become more sensational as the road gets worse! This route is largely untrodden - whereas tourists usually see the area by taking the boat on Lake Periyar, we pass through 100 km of the 770 sq. km sanctuary on our bikes. There is an abundance of wildlife, from flora, birds and insects up to bears, leopards, elephants and even tigers, although they keep themselves well hidden usually. And no traffic. The riding is slow, and we will often switch off engines to freewheel down narrow lanes and take in the full sounds of the forest. (There is an easier route available too). After riding to over 2000 m, we finally meet up with the good road again and rejoin the highway for the final short run into Kumily. The temperature here is cooler than by the beach and you can reward yourself with a nice hot shower.
Afternoon so you can decide what you want to do. If you would like, there is a 4 Pm start to take the Periyar Lake boat trip to see the wild elephants, or you can take a plantation tour and an elephant ride, or just take a walk around the town, take in the sights, do some shopping and enjoy the atmosphere.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Thekkady.
Day 10 Thekkady to Cochin
190 kms
118miles Day 09 THEKKADY - COCHIN ( 190)
Today you will be driven to cochin through the rubber and tea plantations. your final ride takes us back to Cochin and a last chance to cement those memories.
On arrvail check into the hotel. Cochin, one of the oldest port cities of India has very rich cultural past and cosmopolitan association. Also known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, Cochin is believed to be the finest natural harbour in the world. With ferry rides commanding its breath taking view as you cruise around man-made islands with lush green lawns sloping down to the water's edge, Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India and recording a history of visitors who came, saw and stayed for hundreds of years. Layered impressions of Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French and Portuguese are contained within its environment.
In the afternoon there’s time for sightseeing in the old town. Famous churches, cathedrals, synagogues and palaces are all within walking distance, and the sights and smells of the famous Chinese fishing nets and the market, with its teas, spices, nuts, fabrics, rosewood, Kathakali masks, cigars
Deliver the bikes and overnight stay at Cochin
Day 11 Cochin to Calicut Day 10 COCHIN - CALICUT
Today you will be transfered to Cochin arilway station for the train to calicut
On arrival at calicut , you will be met and transfered to the hotel
Overnight stay at a hotel in Calicut.
Luggage will be transported by vehicle
Day 12 Full day at Calicut Full Day at leisure
Day 13 Return flight DEPART CALICUT. We take you back to the airport for your flight back home
Day 14 Arrival in Uk travel home and wind down
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