India's East Coast – North to South
9 days, Mumbai to Kochi
Itinerary Notes
Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 14, 2025 or March 4, 2026 for the nation’s most colourful festival.
Itinerary
Day 1Mumbai
Arrive at any time. In the evening, join your CEO for a welcome meeting, followed by an orientation walk around Colaba and the waterfront market.
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.
Colaba Orientation Walk
Walk through the charming Colaba neighbourhood of Mumbai.
Day 2Mumbai
Spend the day getting acquainted with Mumbai on a sunrise walking tour followed by a driving tour of the city. For a cooler, quieter and even more beautiful experience, we head out around sunrise to see places like Gateway of India, Flaura Fountain and Rajabai Clock Tower. Then hop into a local taxi to visit places like Dhobi Ghat and Baangang Water reservoir.
Colaba and Gateway of India Sunrise Walk
Walk through Colaba and the Gateway of India at sunrise, visiting some highlights along the way. Enjoy the architecturally splendid Gateway of India, magnificent colonial buildings, popular with tourists from India and around the world, was built during the British rule and offers amazing views of the Arabian Sea, with boats bobbing in the water close to it, as well as charming cafes, and high-end boutiques.
Mumbai Driving Tour
Visit the main highlights of Mumbai on either a half-day or full-day driving tour of this lively city. Tours will visit the Victoria Terminus Train Station (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Marine Drive, and Dhobi Ghat, the largest open-air laundry area in Mumbai, among other highlights.
Free Time
Spend the afternoon at leisure in Mumbai.
Day 3Mumbai/Goa
An early morning train brings us to Goa by the mid afternoon. After checking into the hotel, join your CEO for an orientation walk of Panjim Fontainhas.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Panjim Fontainhas Orientation Walk
Follow your CEO on an orientation walk of the Panjim Fontainhas, the historic Portuguese Quarters of Goa. Admire the colourful colonial architecture, beautiful streets and red tiled roofs.
Day 4Goa/Hubballi
Today is yours to explore the amazing beach town of Goa. Choose to spend the day however you’d like, from taking a tour of Old Goa Church, visiting a spice plantation or relaxing on the beach. In the evening, take an overnight train towards Hampi.
Free Time
Spend the day exploring Goa on your terms.
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.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Old Goa Visit
1600INR per groupExplore the rich history and impressive architecture of Old Goa, the former colonial capital of the state. The convents and churches are stunning, and the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which contains the relics of St Francis Xavier.
Goa Beach Visit
FreeRelax on some soft, white sand -- Goa's beaches are famous the world over for good reason. Hydrate with a smoothie or fresh coconut water.
Day 5Hubballi/Hampi
Pull into Hubballi early this morning and switch to a private vehicle for the remainder of the way to Hampi, famous for its incredible ruins and historic temples. After arrival, drop your things at the hotel, eat some breakfast then enjoy some free time to rest or explore. We’ll head to Raghunatha Temple in the evening for an amazing sunset view over the temple boulders.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery as you journey to your next destination.
Free Time
Spend some time on your own to explore Hampi or rest before the evening activity.
Shri Malyavanta Raghunatha Temple
Visit the beautiful temple atop the boulder for sunset.
Day 6Hampi
Start the day by watching the sun rise over Bada Nandi, the famous monolithic bull sacred to Lord Shiva. The Hampi adventure continues with a tuktuk tour through the famous ruins. Learn about the interesting history of this place while admiring some of India’s most incredible temple ruins and historic architecture. Following the tour, enjoy a free afternoon. Opt to visit the Kishkinda Foundation, a project dedicated to supporting the development of the local women and children.
Bada Nandi Monolithic Bull
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Hampi Bada Nandi, aka the Monolithic Bull. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this single-boulder granite sculpture is 8-feet tall and a symbol of power and devotion to Hinduism.
Hampi Ruin Tuktuk Tour
Explore the spectacular ruins of Hampi Palaces, Hazararama Temple, and the boulders on the river on this tuktuk tour.
Free Time
Enjoy a free afternoon in historic Hampi.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
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.
Day 7Hampi/Halibedu
Head out for a scenic drive to Halibedu, the ancient capital of the Hoysala Empire and known for its amazing temples. After arrival, take a tour of the Halibedu ruins and learn of the long, interesting history if this place twice plundered by the Muslim armies of Northern India.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Halibedu Ruins
Visit the 12th-century Hindu temple, the Halebidu Temple, dedicated to lord Shiva.
Day 8Halibedu/Mangalore
Visit the spectacular Hoysaleswara Temple at sunrise this morning, the only surviving monument in Halibedu. In the afternoon, drive to Mangalore and enjoy a restful evening.
Hoysaleswara Temple
Visit the Hoysaleswara Temple, an iconic image of Southern India from the 12th century with bout 340 large hindu relief sculptures.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Spend the afternoon free in Mangalore.
Day 9Mangalore/Kochi
Board an early morning train for Kochi. From the Kochi Railway station, ride a local tuktuk to Fort Kochi. Your trip ends upon arrival to Fort Kochi.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Tuk-Tuk
Jump in India's traditional mode of transport - the tuk tuk.