70 Loops to Infinity: The Kolli Hills Dark Sky Ride
About the Expedition
This 2-day expedition is a high-octane blend of technical endurance riding and deep-space exploration. Starting from the coastal humidity of Ernakulam, the journey transitions from the high-speed NH544 into the rustic heart of Tamil Nadu’s agrarian landscape. The ride’s physical crescendo is the legendary 70 continuous hairpin bends of Kolli Hills (Kolli Malai)—a 20km vertical gauntlet that challenges a rider’s lean angles, throttle control, and mental focus.
The true soul of this trip lies at the summit within the Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest. Here, you leave the roar of the engines behind to enter India’s pioneering Government-run Dark Sky Park. Nestled in a "pristine forest" zone, this location is strategically shielded from urban light pollution.
The highlight is an immersive celestial experience: an Expert-led Astronomy Session featuring state-of-the-art telescopes. Under the guidance of a dedicated facilitator, you will navigate the cosmos, peering at distant nebulae and planetary rings from the silence of the ancient Shola wilderness. It is a rare transition from the mechanical grit of a motorcycle ride to the ethereal beauty of the Milky Way.
Highlights
Itinerary
Ride & Conquer the Mighty 70-Loop Climb to the Kolli Hills Dark Sky Sanctuary
Day 1 is a high-contrast journey that bridges cultural heritage with elite mountain riding and celestial exploration. Starting from Ernakulam at dawn, the ride begins with a legendary breakfast at the Ramasseri Idli Shop before pushing through the plains toward the Eastern Ghats. The afternoon peak is the legendary 70-hairpin climb—a 20km technical masterclass in throttle control, lean angles, and endurance. The day concludes as the roar of engines fades into the profound silence of the Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest. Shifting from the asphalt to the atmosphere at India’s first Dark Sky Park, you’ll engage in an expert-led astronomy session. Using state-of-the-art telescopes in a zero-light-pollution zone, the night is dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of the deep sky from the heart of a pristine forest sanctuary.
Shola Dawn & The Descent Challenge
Day 2 begins in the quiet, ethereal light of the Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest. Before the engines roar to life, the morning is dedicated to a guided bird-watching trek, offering a rare chance to spot the endemic and vibrant avian life that calls this high-altitude "Sky Island" home. Following a 09:00 AM checkout, the focus shifts to capturing the scenic beauty of the hills, with stops at the breathtaking Seeku Parai Viewpoint and the lush Masila Falls—the perfect backdrop for final motorcycle photography. The riding intensity returns as you face the descent of the 70 legendary hairpin bends, a technical test of engine braking, tire grip, and concentration. Once back in the plains, the journey transforms into a high-speed endurance run through the Tamil Nadu and Kerala highways. Aiming for a late-night arrival in Ernakulam, Day 2 completes a comprehensive 700km circuit that bridges the silence of the stars with the thrill of the open road.