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India: Kochi & Goa's Golden Beaches

14 days, Goa to Kochi

Map of the route for India: Kochi & Goa's Golden Beaches
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

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)
Hotel

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
Goa – Hampi

Settle in and scan the scenery as you journey to your next destination.

Free Time
Hampi

Enjoy a free evening in Hampi.

Accommodation

Dream Hampi Villa & Home Stay (or similar)
Hotel

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
Hampi2h

Explore the spectacular ruins of Hampi Palaces, Hazararama Temple, and the boulders on the river on this walking tour.

Free Time
Hampi Full Day

Explore the ruins of the ancient city of Hampi how you wish.

Kishkinda Foundation Visit
Hampi

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
Hampi

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)
Hotel

Meals included:

Lunch

Day 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)
Hampi – Mysore14h15m-14h30m680km

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
Hampi Full Day

Enjoy a free day in Hampi to explore the bazaar or the other sites you missed yesterday.

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Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow

Matanga Hill Hike
Hampi

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
Mysore

Visit the Devaraja Market and wander through the bazaar. Shop through the stalls of local flowers, herbs and spices, and vegetables.

Chamundi Hills Visit
Mysore1h

Enjoy a visit to the gorgeous temple devoted to the Hindu goddess, Chamundi, located on Chamundi Hill.

Monolithic Bull Visit
Mysore

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.

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Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow

Mysore Palace Visit
Mysore

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)
Hotel

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
Mysore – Ooty5h30m125km

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Orientation With CEO
30m-1h

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
Ooty

Enjoy a free evening in Ooty.

Accommodation

Itsy Hotels Rain Forest (or similar)
Hotel

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
Ooty

Hike up the highest mountain in the Nilgiris mountain range, Dodapetta Peak, for a perfect sunrise view.

Dodapetta Tea Factory
Ooty

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)
Hotel

Day 8Kochi

A bus, a train and tuk-tuk ride brings us to beautiful port town of Kochi! Spend the afternoon exploring this super cute city, wandering through the cobblestone streets and vibrant culture. Some new travellers may be joining you this evening. Join your CEO to help welcome everyone this evening.

Local Bus
Ooty – Coimbatore2h30m85km

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Local Train
Coimbatore – Kochi3h45m190km

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Tuk-Tuk
Ernākulam – Kochi

Ride like the locals from Ernakullam Railway Station to Fort Kochi.

Fort Kochi Visit
Kochi1h-2h 2km

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.

Accommodation

Hotel Gama Heritage (or similar)
Hotel

Day 9Kochi/Alleppey

Take an orientation walk visiting Fort Kochi, St Francis Church, the Dutch cemetery, and the Jewish Quarter with curio shops and a synagogue more than 400-years-old. Then travel to Alleppey, a golden streak of land woven with rivers, lakes, lagoons, and canals. Enjoy an empowering lunch before checking out the island along the lagoon with a local guide and learn about the way of life here. Settle into a homestay and get to know your hosts.

Orientation Walk
Kochi1h-2h

Get to know the delightful city of Cochin through this guided walk. Walk through the fish market and the famous Chinese fishing net, believed to have been brought by traders from Kubla Khan's court in China.

Private Vehicle
Kochi – Alleppey1h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Alleppey Guided Walk
Alleppey1h-2h

Explore the area, known as the "Venice of the East," on foot with a local English-speaking guide and learn about the way of life here.

Your Local Living Moment: Alleppey Homestay

Enjoy a stay with a local family in Alleppey and get a real taste of the culture and what life on the islands is like. Learn how to cook some delicious Kerala dishes and dig in and enjoy the meal after your lesson.

Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project

Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch prepared by women of the Planeterra Theruvarom Empowerment Project, which provides women from rural areas an alternative source of income by honing their hospitality and culinary skills. Learn about the local cuisine and socio-economic fabric of the region as you get to know the women. All while taking in live entertainment!

Accommodation

Tranquil Heritage Homestay (or similar)
Homestay

Meals included:

Lunch | Dinner

Day 10Alleppey/Kollam

Explore the unique ecosystem of Alleppey backwaters on a morning ferry cruise. Afterward, travel down the coast by bus to the port city of Kollam. On arrival, choose to relax on the beach, climb Thangassery Light House, or peruse the nightlife.

Alleppey Ferry Cruise
Alleppey2h-3h

Enjoy a morning ferry ride through the backwaters, observing the unique ecosystem with blue-green stretches of water and coconut trees.

Local Bus
Alleppey – Kollam1h30m-2h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Orientation With CEO
30m-1h

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.

Accommodation

Hotel Sea Pearl (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 11Kollam/Varkala

Visit the Kollam Harbour and experience the importance of fishing for the community. Afterward, settle into a private vehicle and see who can count the most palm trees as you cruise down the coast to tropical Varkala. Enjoy lots of free time to explore the town, get treated by local healers, or visit the Varkala Temple.

Note that Kollam Harbour is closed to visitors May through June.

Kollam Fishing Docks Visit
Kollam1h

See where all of the action happens in this busy port city and walk around Kollam's bustling fishing docks.

Neendakara Fishing Harbour Visit
Kollam

Visit the largest wholesale fishing market and harbour on the Arabian Sea, dating back to the sixteenth century. Take in the sights and sound of a busy fish market at work, and check out the morning's fishing haul.

Private Vehicle
Kollam – Varkala5h-6h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow

Janardhana Swamy Temple Visit
Varkala

Enjoy a visit to this beautiful temple that gives homage to Janardana Swami, who is a form of Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation. Pilgrims from the south of India make the trek to visit this 2000-year-old temple and pay their respects.

Accommodation

Nikhil Residence (or similar)
Hotel

Day 12Varkala

Choose your own adventure today, exploring Varkala solo or with your new friends. Spend time wandering the peaceful gardens of an ashram devoted to Kerala's most eminent spiritual and social reformer at the mystical Janardhana Swamy Temple. Or head to the beach and relax while watching the Arabian Sea with a drink in hand.

Free Time
Varkala Full Day

Lots of free time to explore the town, relax with an Ayurvedic massage, get treated by local healers, or visit the Varkala Temple.

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Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow

Janardhana Swamy Temple Visit
Varkala

Enjoy a visit to this beautiful temple that gives homage to Janardana Swami, who is a form of Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation. Pilgrims from the south of India make the trek to visit this 2000-year-old temple and pay their respects.

Ayurvedic Massage
Dharamshala1h-2h

Ayurvedic medicine is a system of Hindu traditional medicine, and Ayurvedic massage has been practiced in India for centuries and is viewed as a part of holistic medicine. These massage techniques provide relaxation, improve circulation, and eliminate of toxins. Lie back and enjoy!

Accommodation

Nikhil Residence (or similar)
Hotel

Day 13Varkala/Kochi

Return to Kochi by train. In the late afternoon, continue to wander the streets or opt to catch a traditional Kathakali dance performance. For your big night out as a group, immerse yourself in the exciting Kochi nightlife and reminisce about the life-changing adventures you've shared.

Train
Varkala – Kochi3h30m-4h

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Free Time
Kochi Afternoon

Visit any sites skipped on the first visit to Kochi.

Your Big Night Out Moment: Kochi Nightlife

Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.

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Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow

Kathakali Dance
Kochi
500INR per person

Considered one of the oldest dance forms in India, Kathakali is a combination of drama, dance, music, and ritual. Characters with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes re-enact stories from the Hindu epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana. This dance drama is famous for amazing costumes, extensive makeup, and explosive body movements, and is performed exclusively by men.

Accommodation

Hotel Gama Heritage (or similar)
Hotel

Day 14Kochi

Today is departure day, but do not fear, there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange contacts, and depart at any time.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

India: Kochi & Goa's Golden Beaches

| 14 days - Goa to Kochi - from $1062 USD