India: Ancient Ruins & Kerala Beaches
8 days, Goa to Kochi
When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration.
Itinerary
Day 1Goa
Arrive at any time and welcome to India's popular beach town - Goa!
Tonight, opt to join your group for a dinner out on the town and cheers to new adventures and friends!
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Alor Holiday Resort (or similar)
Day 2Goa/Hampi
Head inland to Hampi on a train this morning. Then jump into a tuk-tuk to the hotel for the next two nights. With free time this evening, opt to catch the sunset or explore Hampi.
Transport
Settle in and scan the scenery as you journey to your next destination.
Free Time
Enjoy a free evening in Hampi.
Accommodation
Dream Hampi Villa & Home Stay (or similar)
Day 3Hampi
Explore the ancient ruins of Hampi. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built in the mid 1300's. Rome through the ruins and royal structures. In the afternoon, visit the local women's initiative, Kishkinda Foundation. Meet the women, shop in their handicraft store and have a delicious lunch together.
Hampi Ruins Walking Tour
Explore the spectacular ruins of Hampi Palaces, Hazararama Temple, and the boulders on the river on this walking tour.
Free Time
Explore the ruins of the ancient city of Hampi how you wish.
Kishkinda Foundation Visit
Visit the Kishkinda Foundation, an organization dedicated to the development of local children's education, and women's employment. Browse through their handicrafts, meet the local women and buy some beautifully handmade souvenirs.
Anjaneya Temple Sunset
Visit the temple on top of the hill, the Anjaneya Temple. Enjoy a perfect sunset view and explore the complex.
Accommodation
Dream Hampi Villa & Home Stay (or similar)
Meals included:
LunchDay 4Hampi/Mysore
This morning, opt to rise early for a hike up Mantanga Hill and enjoy a stunning sunrise over the rocky hill. Spend the day at leisure exploring of Hampi what you might have missed the day before. This evening, take a tuk-tuk to the train station for an overnight train to Mysore.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Free Time
Enjoy a free day in Hampi to explore the bazaar or the other sites you missed yesterday.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Matanga Hill Hike
Rise early this morning to hike from the Hampi Bazaar to Mantanga Hill for a beautiful sunrise. Admire the deep red hues over the unique boulder formations.
Day 5Mysore
Pull into Mysore this morning as you wake up on the train. Then drop your bags, freshen up and head out for an adventure in Mysore. Walk through the Devaraja Market, Chamundi Hills and the Monolithic Bull. In your free time, opt to visit the extravagant Mysore Palace. In the evening, you won't want to miss the chance to see a Bollywood movie in your free time.
Devaraja Market Visit
Visit the Devaraja Market and wander through the bazaar. Shop through the stalls of local flowers, herbs and spices, and vegetables.
Chamundi Hills Visit
Enjoy a visit to the gorgeous temple devoted to the Hindu goddess, Chamundi, located on Chamundi Hill.
Monolithic Bull Visit
Visit the giant Nandi Bull of Mysore, considered one of the most impressive Nandi figures in India. This icon, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is over 350 years old. Sitting atop Chamundi hills, visit the Monolithic bull and learn about Hindu mythology.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Mysore Palace Visit
This stunning palace was the home of the Maharajas of Mysore, the former royal family, which ruled from 1399 to 1950. Learn about the rich history of Indian royalty and soak in the splendor of an era long gone.
Accommodation
Treebo Hotel Komfort Suites (or similar)
Day 6Mysore/Ooty
Take a tuk-tuk to the bus station this morning and join the locals on a public bus south to Ooty. Take an orientation walk with your CEO after arrival and then enjoy some free time in the beautifully green town of Ooty.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
Enjoy a free evening in Ooty.
Accommodation
Itsy Hotels Rain Forest (or similar)
Day 7Ooty
Feel a sense of accomplishment this morning as we rise early for a picturesque sunrise hike up Dodapetta Peak with a view of the lush green surrounding forrest. Enjoy some free time today and opt to ride the famous toy train. In the afternoon, visit the Dodabeta Tea Factory.
Dodapetta Peak
Hike up the highest mountain in the Nilgiris mountain range, Dodapetta Peak, for a perfect sunrise view.
Dodapetta Tea Factory
Visit the Dodapetta Tea Factory and learn about the intricate process of tea manufacturing and history in Nilgiri. Admire the beautiful tea plantation and see how its picked. Learn about the process of drying and grinding the tea then have a chance to try some black or chai tea.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Ooty
Get to know your new best friends better at a fun local bar in Ooty!
Accommodation
Itsy Hotels Rain Forest (or similar)
Day 8Ooty/Kochi
A bus, a train and tuk-tuk ride brings us to the beautiful port town of Kochi! Your tour ends upon arrival to Kochi, so opt to explore Kochi Fort or depart at the train station for your next destination.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Tuk-Tuk
Ride like the locals from Ernakullam Railway Station to Fort Kochi.
Fort Kochi Visit
Enjoy your stay in charming Fort Kochi, which evokes an era long gone. Walk through the cobblestone streets, visit delightful tea houses, and have a relaxing drink while sitting by the water. Be sure to check out Vasco de Gama's tombstone and the famous blue synagogue.