Kerala cousins' curated tours on bullet take bikers off the beaten paths

When Anand George, a 30-year-old chartered accountant, went for a ride with his friend to Leh-Ladakh, it was just a trip for him. Once he started exploring the vast expanse of arid landscape, green valleys and azure waters, something dawned on him. His own state, Kerala, with a much more diverse geography, had a lot to be explored, but despite its potential as a biker’s paradise, it lacked professional, structured two-wheeler tour facilitators. Anand didn't have to think much before he chucked a cushy corporate job to team up with his cousin Joseph P Jojo (29).

Their firm 'Expedour'; the state’s first organised two-wheeler tour company, was born with the tagline: "Expedition, Experience, Tours, and More." Fuelled by their shared love for adventure, exploration, and homeland, the duo are redefining motorcycle tours in Kerala.

Their skills were the initial investment. Anand brought in his financial expertise, while Joseph, skilled in graphic design and business management, handled branding and logistics. Their first social media campaigns were entirely self-made, reflecting their commitment and resourcefulness.

Expedour’s unique proposition lies in showcasing the unparalleled diversity of Kerala’s landscapes. “Unlike regions in the Northeast, which are often prone to landslides and have limited terrain variety, Kerala offers so much variety—from serene backwaters to lush hill stations—all possible even within a six-hour ride,” Anand said.

Their packages range from two to seven days and go beyond biking, including activities like nature walks, boat rides, and even elephant safaris. Before launching their first ride in June 2023, the cousins personally scouted every destination to ensure top-notch experiences. “We’re not selling a point A-to-B ride. We’re offering the Kerala we’ve discovered over years of exploration,” Joseph explained. “Relying solely on Google Maps wasn’t an option. We visited every place ourselves to curate an authentic and seamless experience,” they added.

Expedour also emphasises safety with a dedicated support vehicle accompanying each tour. The vehicle is equipped with a mechanic, first-aid kits, and a backup rider to handle any emergencies. Riders can choose from Expedour’s fleet of 35 rental Royal Enfield bikes or bring their own.

Self-funded with savings and family support, Anand and Joseph are already making waves. As Royal Enfield’s official ride partner in Kerala, they’ve drawn adventurers to destinations like Dhanushkodi, Kodaikanal, and Kolukkumalai, among others, all starting from Kochi. By 2025, they plan to expand departures from Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

With Expedour, these cousins inspire others to discover the state in the most thrilling way possible: on two wheels, with the wind in their hair and adventure in their hearts. “We could have gone abroad for bigger paychecks, but building something we love in Kerala together is far more rewarding,” Anand said.