Tamil Nadu, with its diverse landscapes and scenic beauty, offers some of the best routes for bike enthusiasts. Whether you prefer winding mountain roads, coastal highways, or serene countryside paths, the state has something for every rider. Here are some of the best roads for a bike journey in Tamil Nadu:
1. Chennai to Pondicherry via East Coast Road (ECR)
One of the most popular and scenic routes for bikers, the East Coast Road (ECR) runs along the Bay of Bengal from Chennai to Pondicherry. Stretching for about 160 km, this road offers a smooth ride with stunning views of the coastline. The sea breeze, endless beaches, and charming coastal villages make it a favorite for weekend riders. Key attractions along the route include Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the vibrant French-influenced town of Pondicherry.
2. Salem to Yercaud
This short but exciting hill road from Salem to Yercaud covers around 30 km with 20 thrilling hairpin bends. The road ascends into the Shevaroy Hills, offering panoramic views of the plains below and lush forests along the way. The cool climate and fresh air as you near Yercaud are a refreshing break from the heat of Salem. It’s perfect for riders looking for a quick getaway to a peaceful hill station.
3. Ooty to Masinagudi via Kalhatti Ghat
The Ooty to Masinagudi road through Kalhatti Ghat is an adventurous ride, especially for experienced bikers. It features steep descents with 36 sharp hairpin bends, taking you from the misty heights of Ooty to the jungles of Masinagudi. The road is surrounded by dense forests and offers occasional sightings of wildlife like deer and elephants. This route is ideal for those who seek the thrill of mountain riding, but caution is necessary due to the challenging curves.
4. Kolli Hills via Karavalli (Kolli Malai Road)
For bikers who love navigating hairpin bends, the Kolli Hills road is a dream come true. Known as “The Road of 70 Hairpin Bends,” this route is one of the most exciting and challenging roads in Tamil Nadu. Stretching from Karavalli to the hilltop town of Kolli Malai, this 45 km stretch winds through dense forests and provides breathtaking views of valleys and waterfalls. The journey is challenging, but the rewards are immense, especially when you reach Agaya Gangai Falls at the top.
5. Madurai to Kodaikanal
This 120 km road takes you from the historic city of Madurai to the misty hill station of Kodaikanal. As you ascend the Palani Hills, the temperature drops, and the landscape changes from dry plains to lush, green mountains. The road offers picturesque views of the surrounding hills, deep valleys, and pine forests. With smooth roads and moderate traffic, this route is ideal for bikers who enjoy scenic rides and peaceful surroundings.
6. Pollachi to Valparai
The Pollachi to Valparai route, stretching about 65 km, is one of the most beautiful bike rides in Tamil Nadu. This road takes you through the Western Ghats, with views of tea estates, thick forests, and waterfalls along the way. The ride includes 40 hairpin bends and offers frequent sightings of wildlife like elephants and monkeys. The cool climate and the verdant greenery of Valparai make this a perfect escape for nature lovers.
7. Chennai to Yelagiri
The 230 km road from Chennai to Yelagiri is a favorite among bikers who prefer a peaceful hill station with less tourist traffic. The route passes through rural landscapes and small towns before you start the climb to Yelagiri via 14 hairpin bends. The road is smooth, with moderate curves, making it accessible even for beginner riders. Once at Yelagiri, you can enjoy trekking, boating, and exploring the quiet surroundings.
8. Dindigul to Kodaikanal via Vathalagundu
For those who enjoy riding in cooler climates, the road from Dindigul to Kodaikanal via Vathalagundu is a delight. The 85 km stretch takes you through scenic mountain roads with gradual climbs. The road offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and farmlands as you make your way to Kodaikanal, known for its pleasant weather, pine forests, and tranquil lakes. The smooth, well-maintained roads make it a comfortable journey for bikers.
9. Coimbatore to Coonoor via Mettupalayam
This scenic route covers about 70 km, starting from Coimbatore and passing through Mettupalayam before reaching the tea-covered slopes of Coonoor. The road is a gentle ascent with fewer bends than other hill routes, making it a relaxing ride for bikers. The cool air and misty views of the Nilgiri Hills make this journey memorable. Coonoor itself is a charming town known for its tea estates, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed ride.
10. Rameshwaram to Dhanushkodi
For a unique biking experience, the road from Rameshwaram to Dhanushkodi offers a surreal ride along a narrow strip of land surrounded by the sea. This 20 km stretch has water on both sides, with the Indian Ocean on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other. The road is flat and straight, making it an easy ride, but the stunning views of the endless sea make it unforgettable. Dhanushkodi, once a bustling town, now lies in ruins after a cyclone, adding an eerie beauty to the place.
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