The trend of travelling solo is spreading fast among young women. Such trips also provide an opportunity to fall in love with any new vehicle bought for such trips and making the vehicle a part of your life.
Onmanorama lists some destinations in South India ideal for solo riders.
Mannavanur
A pristine and unspoilt village in Kodaikanal, very few travellers reach Mannavanur at present. Filmgoers can recognise the village from the visuals of 'Romans' as most parts of the film were shot here.
Route: Chalakkudy – Athirappilly – Valparai – Malakkappara.
Limited accommodation is available here apart from the cottages under the Forest Department. Contact number: 9443614919
Food and drink costs are very high in Mannavanur. Food is available at Forest Department canteen at reasonable prices.
Mobile coverage is limited in this area, so travellers may ensure that they are thorough with the route, stay, and other places before starting the trip.
State: Tamil Nadu
Routes and distances: Ernakulam – Chalakkudy – Athirappilli – Valparai - 140 km
Valparai – Kodaikanal – Mannavanur – 210 km
Kollam – Punalur – Thenkasi
A picturesque ride through the forest awaits travellers from the hanging bridge at Punalur to the Pathimoonnu Kannara Palam (13 arch bridge) at Thenmala. Another attraction along the route is the sight of numerous water falls.
At Shencotta, the wide expanse of paddy fields and the migratory birds greet travellers. In Tamil Nadu, riders can enjoy the broad roads flanked by fields, the famous temples of Thenkasi and the Kuttalam water falls.
In Kerala, the ecotourism park at Thenmala, deer park and stay at Shendurney forest await travellers. The trip can be made more adventurous by touching Achenkovil during the return trip.
Ecotourism centre phone numbers: 0475-2344800, 9495344800
The chicken dishes with parotta at Hotel Rahmath in Shencotta is another highlight of this route.
Take extra care on the ride through Achenkovil forest. Avoid taking this route at night.
Eat non-veg items only from on good hotels.
State: Tamil Nadu
Route and distance: Ernakulam – Punalur – Thenmala – Shencotta – Thenkasi – 223 km.
B R Hills (The Biligirirangana Hills)
It is easily accessible from both Bengaluru and Mysuru. A trip can be planned touching Sivanasamudra, Asia's biggest hydroelectric project. During return, turn to B R Hills at Kollegal. The 17 km path lies along thick forest. Lucky travellers will be able to observe wild animals at Bili Ranganathaswamy tiger reserve.
A ride through paddy fields will also help the travellers learn more about the farming culture in the area. Unique carvings and sculptures at the Hoysala temples beside the road beckon visitors.
Stay can be planned at the numerous hotels in Chamrajnagar. At B R Hills, homestays are available and booking can be done on the spot.
However, take care to have food or pack it from the main towns. No eatery will be functioning in the rural areas.
Plan a trip such that you reach B R Hills early in the morning and Sivanasamudra waterfall in the evening. The months after the monsoon are the ideal for this trip.
State: Karnataka
Route and distance: Ernakulam – Thrissur – Pattambi – Nilambur – Gudallur – Gundalpet – Chamrajnagar – B R Hills – Sivanasamudra – 406 km.
Dhanushkodi
This is the 'lost city' of Tamil Nadu. Youths eager for thrills can take a stroll through the ghost town covered with sand, drive along the beach, and race through long paths which are clasped by the sea on both sides at Dhanushkodi.
As soon as a traveller crosses the Pamban bridge, he is transported to another world. There are several hotels in Rameswaram, some of which have displayed the board 'resort.' But beware of cheats.
While setting out on this trip, take care to carry enough drinking water. Food is available at Rameswaram and tasty fish items can be tried. The help of local guides can be sought to go around, but avoid deserted areas after dusk.
State: Tamil Nadu
Route and distance: Ernakulam – Muvattupuzha – Pooppara – Bodimet – Theni – Madurai – Rameswaram – Dhanushkodi – 460 km
Ernakulam – Nilambur – Ooty
The biggest draw of this route is a bike ride along the best forest paths in India touching three states. Moreover, scenes of the wild reveal before travellers at every nook and corner.
Start the trip very early to pass all the towns till Nilambur quickly. From there attractions like Gudallur town, the forest hamlets of Masinagudi, the leopards of Mudumalai, the elephant herds of Bandipur, the steep ghat road to Ooty, and the overwhelming cold weather await travellers.
There are numerous interesting locations and experiences along the way. Wild animals always stray on the road through the wooded areas of Masinagudi. The forest path is from Theppakkad to Ooty. While returning, travellers can take the road that goes directly to Gudallur. The best attraction here is the grassland.
For stay, look for cottages in Masinagudi forest village or Selvan Lodge of the Forest Department. Go for vegetarian food on this trip, especially in Ooty. Good hotels are available everywhere. While riding, it is safer to follow big vehicles on the forest paths. Another thing to remember is to fill enough fuel at Gudallur.
Route and distance: Ernakulam – Thrissur – Pattambi – Nilambur – 180 km
Nilambur – Gudallur – 49 km
Gudallur – Ooty – 50 km
