tim morch

On the morning of Dec. 7, 2017, we set out from Chennai, India, aboard a pair of KTM Duke 250 motorcycles,for 28 days and over 2600 km.

The East Coast Road cuts through the Muttukadu Backwaters, an extensive estuary extending from north of Covelong to south of Mahabalipuram. In the seaside town of Mahabalipuram, we performed the standard tourist ritual, checking out the seaside temple and the old lighthouse. Walking the beach in front of “Mumu's Surf Shop”, decent waves near the temple were devoid of surfers. Touts were gentle and the beggars respectful.

A sign indicated it was the first of 22 hairpin turns that lay ahead, our first experience with a numbered switchback highway.

The Idukki District of Kerala could be described in three words: mountains, spices, and tea. The verdant Western Ghat mountains are home to an incredible range of flora and fauna. Everything you ever see in a spice shop comes from this region. From pepper, “the King of Spice,” and cardamom, “the Queen of Spice,” to ginger, clove, turmeric, cinnamon, tamarind, nutmeg and more. And then there is tea, the lifeblood of the economy. Immaculately manicured plantations extend as far

"The Niagara Falls of India", "uncrowded" and "quiet", it is not. But the drive down the mountains is awesome and it's worth a quick peek.