“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
Just to make it easier
you can enter the blog at various points so always click on the latest entry by clicking on the newist date on the archive frame which is to the right and below this box
photos are currently held on piscalli but displayed in a small box below click on that box to view the whole album
I am currently reading Sanjeev Bhaskar (Sanjeev Kummar from BBC’s The Kummars at number 42) travelogue of his return to India, INDIAwhere he gives a wonderful explanation as to the Indians attitude regarding the use of the horn, which I thought was so vivid and accurate I wanted to share it.
The Horn. Oh the multipurpose ubiquitous, impossibly loud horn of the Indian road. People should write poems to its greatness and its infinite variety. Some sound quizzical. Others furious. Some are funny. Some are sombre. In India, the horn is not an instrument of violence or abuse; every truck I have seen has HORN PLEASE emblazoned across the back. To sound ones horn here [India] is merely to express ones existence and to share that joy with everyone else in a several hundred- mile radius. To the uninitiated or the incredibly tired traveller, the constant sound of the horn is just one of the countless challenges of the Indian environment.
Tonight we had the first of what will I am sure will be many great evenings, Richard, Sam,Gary,Jordan,Alan ,Damien, Huw, Steve and Geoff were able to make it and through the marvel of Modern technology we were able to talk ( and see) a bleary eyed Nahas SHAMS in India (it was 2.00am for him and we need to thank him for making the effort) Elona as always put on a great spread so Nigel Ted and Roger you know what you missed The conversation flowed really well and many interesting point s covered. We are planning to have a least one more evening and a ride out before our departure so watch this space
showcasing God’s Own Country as a leading destination for wellness and cultural experiences, Kerala Tourism’s ‘Your Moment is Waiting’ destination film is to woo the global market to make the state a ‘must visit’ destination for travellers.
The world premier of the film being launched as part of the global campaign is to take place at Saatchi Gallery, London on September 21 to a select audience of glitterati, literati and business leaders.
Featuring upcoming international model Miriam Ilorah, ‘Your Moment is Waiting’ takes one “through the land, raw and refined, sensual and spiritual, flowing slowly, languorously, stirring memory with desire, the real with the surreal”. It is filmed in key locations in and around Thekkady, Alappuzha, Munnar, Thalassery and Kannur in northern Kerala.
“The film is cinematic in style, is sophisticated and highly emotive. It is not the traditional slide-show of pretty pictures of places and people”, says Secretary, Tourism, V. Venu. The campaign will clearly help to outperform many of its competitors in a very tough global marketplace. “We are reaching out to Experience Seekers. We know that the film will resonate and influence how they think about Kerala as a holiday destination”, he said.
Besides being our main source market, Dr. Venu said Kerala attracts a lot of repeat travellers from the U.K., and it would make great sense to reach out to this loyal and growing market, by premiering the film in London.
The film was conceived by Stark Communications, the brand agency for Kerala Tourism, and directed by renowned director Prakash Varma.
“Kerala Tourism is a superbrand in India and it is continually reinventing itself with innovative ideas and ambitious projects. With this global launch in London, it has once again elevated the bar by being the first destination board to launch its campaign offshore,” he commented.
The film is part of an integrated campaign, kicking off in the U.K. incorporating advertising, public relations activity and social media components. In what is deemed to be another first for a destination board, Kerala Tourism is also targeting iPad users with an in-application advertising campaign.
The U.K. is the largest source market for Kerala Tourism and the State’s nature-based experiences are a huge draw for British travellers seeking more intimate, village experiences. Baby boomers who are getting more interested in their health are also attracted to ayurveda in Kerala.
The campaign would run in all of Kerala Tourism’s major markets around the world from October 2010 until mid 2011. ‘Your Moment is Waiting’ will hit Youtube in the U.K., France and Germany targeting nearly 50 million viewers. The campaign will run in cinemas across the U.K. and CNN in Europe targeting viewers in the key source markets of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium.
Keywords: Your Moment is Waiting, Kerala Tourism, Kerala destination film
S Day Monday 31 January Taunton to Airport and flight Tuesday 1st February Arrive Calcut Day 01 Arrival Calicut Airport, transfer to hotel
We have an introductory meeting to get to know the Indian staff and our bikes during our welcome Dinner at the hotel. Hotel Westway Wednesday 2nd February Calicut to WYNAD
95 Km
60 miles CALICUT – WYNAD 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. Hotel Greengates Thursday 3rd February WYNAD to OOty 140 Kms 87.5 miles Toady we 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'
Friday 4th February OOTY to Coimbatore 105 kms 66miles Morning after breakfast see Ooty by motorcycle. Ride up to the Dodabetta Peak for fantastic views of the surrounding plains, English-style public schools and churches, tea gardens and shops. down the hills with more than 24 hairpin bends.
Saturday 5th February COIMBATORE -KODAIKANAL (158km) 100 miles
Today you will ride 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.
Sunday 6th February Kodakanal Munnar 165Kms 104miles
A later 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.
Monday 7th February FREE DAY no biking
A chance to explore the delights of Munnar and the surrounding area. Overnight stay at the same hotel as Sunday
Tuesday 8th February Munnar to Thekkady 105 kms 66 miles 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 about every hour . Here the views become more sensational as the road gets worse! This route is largely untrodden , 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.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Thekkady.
Wednesday 9th February Thekkady to Cochin Today you will be driven to cochin through the rubber and tea plantations. Your final and longest days ride takes us to Cochin 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. Cochin, one of the oldest port cities of India has very rich cultural past and cosmopolitan association. Also There should be 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
Thursday 10th February Cochin to Calicut
Today you will be transferred to Cochin railway station for the spectacular 4 hrs train to Calicut
On arrival at Calicut , you will be met and transfered to the hotel
Friday 11th February Full day at Calicut Full Day at leisure and souvenir hunting a must is SM street and scrap yard alley near the railway Our hotel is a short Taxi ride from the Arabain sea for those that which to go for a swim in the warm waters
Saturday 12th February return flight The Plane flight is late afternoon so we have a full morning and afternoon at the hotel. Rooms must be cleared by 12.00 but as before we can keep one room for all our luggage and still use the swimming pool and shower until we DEPART CALICUT. We take you back to the airport for your flight back home
Sunday 13th February Arrival in Uk travel home and wind down.
In view of last evening and the fact the plane still has seat I will be looking to start the tour on Monday 31st January returning on the 14th. the power point of the planned trip is earlier on this blog
I need to thank Dave for an excellant evening we had over 25 people attend I have 19 definate "maybes" for the 2011 event. They are always maybe until they pay so I am waiting for the deposits as asked I am afraid that its a first come first serve I have contacted the plane and they have 22 places at the momen
Thanks also to Geoff from GV for the loan of the bike.
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 DodabettaPeak 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.
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’, 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.
Deliver the bikes and overnight stay at Hotel Mermaid Cochin
Day 11 COCHIN - CALICUT
Today you will be transferred to Cochin railway station for the train to Calicut
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 CALICUT
Full Day at leisure
Overnight stay at
Day 13 DEPART CALICUT. We take you back to the airport for your flight back home
Day 14 Arrive Heathrow and transport back to home
Hotels Envisaged
City
Hotels
Room Category
No.of nights
Calicut
Hotel Westway
Standard
01
Wynad
Green Gates
Standard
01
Ooty
Monarch
Deluxe Queen
01
Coimbatore
CAG pride
Standard
01
Kodaikanal
Kodai Inetrnational
Standard
01
Munnar
Issac Residency
Standard
02
Thekkady
Tree Top
Deluxe
01
Cochin
Mermaid
Standard
01
Calicut
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 Enfield bullet for the tour.
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 Cochin – Calicut train journey
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.
