G-Adventures logo

Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins

18 days, Kochi to Hikkaduwa

Map of the route for Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Itinerary

Day 1Kochi

Arrive at any time and welcome to the port city of Kochi, known for its unique fishing nets, artsy cafes, and tasty seafood.

Get to know your fellow travellers in the seaside neighbourhood of Fort Kochi. Stroll along the tropical backwaters and capture a group photo in the stunning scenery. Pick the best looking spot 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.

Hotel Gama Heritage (or similar)
Hotel

Day 2Kochi/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 3Alleppey/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 4Kollam/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.

1

Optional Activities - Day 4 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 5Varkala

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.

2

Optional Activities - Day 5 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 6Varkala/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.

1

Optional Activities - Day 6 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 7Kochi/Negombo

Fly from Kochi to the stunning island country of Sri Lanka, landing first in Negombo. Spend the evening at the beach relaxing under a leaning palm tree and toast to the sun a goodnight.

Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure (yay! more friends). You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening followed by an optional dinner.

Plane
Kochi – Negombo1h-1h8m549km

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Free Time
Negombo

Spend the afternoon however you'd like in Negombo.

Accommodation

Hotel J Negombo (or similar)
Hotel

Day 8Negombo/Sigiriya

Travel to the centre of the island to explore the UNESCO World Heritage City, Sigiriya. Opt to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple or the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Private Vehicle
Negombo – Sigiriya4h30m156km

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

Free Time
Sigiriya

Head out to discover the area.

2

Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow

Sigiriya Rock Fortress Visit
Sigiriya2h-3h 15-20km
30USD per person

Be mesmerized by this rock fortress, which captivates every visitor with its well-laid out gardens, caves, monasteries, and palaces adorned with beautiful wall motifs. Start at the water gardens and climb more than 1,200 steps to reach the top. Pass caves with frescoes and boulders to find the ruins of a palace on the flat surface of the old volcanic magma rock. The rock rests 370m (1,213 ft) above sea level with a shear drop on all sides.

Dambulla Cave Temple Visit
Sigiriya1h-1h30m
12USD per person

Visit the ancient Dambulla cave temples at one of the most well-preserved temple and cave sites in Sri Lanka. See Buddhist mural paintings that line the walls of the seventh-century caves as well as a collection of hundreds of statues of Buddha in different poses.

Accommodation

Lario Resort Sigiriya (or similar)
Hotel

Day 9Sigiriya

Spend the day freely exploring more of this ancient yet luscious region. Opt to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, view elephants on a safari drive in Minneriya national park, or go back in time at the Anurhadhapura historical site.

Free Time
Sigiriya

Get out and explore.

3

Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow

Sigiriya Rock Fortress Visit
Sigiriya2h-3h 15-20km
30USD per person

Be mesmerized by this rock fortress, which captivates every visitor with its well-laid out gardens, caves, monasteries, and palaces adorned with beautiful wall motifs. Start at the water gardens and climb more than 1,200 steps to reach the top. Pass caves with frescoes and boulders to find the ruins of a palace on the flat surface of the old volcanic magma rock. The rock rests 370m (1,213 ft) above sea level with a shear drop on all sides.

Dambulla Cave Temple Visit
Sigiriya1h-1h30m
12USD per person

Visit the ancient Dambulla cave temples at one of the most well-preserved temple and cave sites in Sri Lanka. See Buddhist mural paintings that line the walls of the seventh-century caves as well as a collection of hundreds of statues of Buddha in different poses.

Polonnaruwa Ancient Capital Visit
Sigiriya1h30m-2h 60-70km
25USD per person

Visit Polonnaruwa, the second ancient capital city (for three centuries), and home to many well-preserved ruins of palaces and monasteries. Don't feel like walking around? Opt to rent a bike and cycle through the ruins instead.

Accommodation

Lario Resort Sigiriya (or similar)
Hotel

Day 10Sigiriya/Digana

Visit a medicinal spice garden en route to Digana. After, enjoy lunch before embarking on a guided village walk for insight into rural daily life. Maybe stop at the home of a crafter who hand-makes delicate Kandyan jewellery or the cottage of a local woman making incense. Later, learn how to cook Sri Lankan bread or sweets while helping out with dinner.

Private Vehicle
Sigiriya – Digana Morning

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

Spice Garden Visit
Kandy

Visit a herbal centre where students of Ayurveda learn the traditional medicinal uses of various spices for massages and treatments. Enjoy demonstrations and learning about the different plants and their uses.

Digana Guided Village Walk
Digana Afternoon

Get a crash course in local life with a village walk through Digana. Learn about some of the essential local industries and meet with local families, going about their daily routines. Visit their humble abodes to learn about their way of life before enjoying a traditional herbal drink.

Accommodation

Oruthota Chalets (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Lunch | Dinner

Day 11Digana/Kandy

Enjoy breakfast and soak in the views of the Victoria Reservoir over tea before departing for Kandy. Have an afternoon of free time to explore the sweet city, opting to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, view a traditional Kandyan cultural show, or root for a team at a cricket match.

Private Vehicle
Digana – Kandy Afternoon

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

Free Time
Kandy Full Day

Explore Kandy with a full free day.

3

Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow

Royal Botanical Gardens Visit
Kandy2h-3h 10-12km
10USD per person

Enjoy a leisurely walk in the colourful Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. See 300 varieties of orchids of Sri Lanka as well as a range of other plants.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Tour
Kandy 1km
10USD per person

Enjoy a tour of the Temple of the Tooth, which houses an important relic – a tooth of Lord Buddha kept in a well-preserved golden casket. Learn about the importance of this site from local guides.

Kandyan Cultural Dance
Kandy45m-1h 1-3km
5-8USD per person

Be swept away by an entertaining performance that will provide insight into the local culture in Kandy.

Accommodation

Queens Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 12Kandy/Nuwara Eliya

Enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared by women and youth living with disabilities at G Adventures-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Café. Travel on to the rolling hills and luscious forests of Nuwara Eliya. Visit a tea plantation and opt to explore the beauty on foot.

Tea Plantation Visit
Nuwara Eliya1h-1h30m 26km

The town of Nuwara Eliya produces the finest Orange Pekoe Ceylon tea, and is inhabited mainly by tea planters and plantation workers. Pay a visit to one of the factories to learn all about tea production.

Your G for Good Moment: Breakfast at Sthree Craft Shop and Café

Make a pit stop at Sthree Craft Shop and Café to enjoy a local breakfast prepared by women and youth living with disabilities. Led by the Women's Development Centre, they provide livelihood opportunities through hospitality and handicraft training, empowering the surrounding community.

Private Vehicle
Kandy – Nuwara Eliya3h80km

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

Accommodation

The Golf Green Nuwara Eliya (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 13Nuwara Eliya/Ella

If you want to experience morning mist flowing through the valley, wake early and trek the serene trails of Horton Plains National Park. In the afternoon, cruise to the laid-back village of Ella and enjoy a free evening to explore or relax.

Private Vehicle
Nuwara Eliya – Ella1h30m-2h

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

Free Time
Ella Afternoon

Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore.

1

Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow

Horton Plains Trek
Horton Plains Nature Reserve – Negombo4h-4h30m 9km
60-70USD per person

Get close to nature and stunning scenery on this Horton Plains Trek. Hike 9km (6 mi) into the Horton Plains and walk through the clouds to discover a majestic drop that provides amazing views over the plains into the sea.

Accommodation

Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Day 14Ella

Spend the morning trekking Little Adam's Peak to get a 360-degree view of Sri Lankan countryside encompassing the giant Ella Rock and textured green mountains. For the rest of the day, enjoy the freedom to explore scenic Ella more in-depth. Opt to trek Ella Rock, venture to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, or hunt for some waterfalls with your fellow explorers.

Little Adam's Peak Trek
Ella2h-3h

Enjoy a hike up Little Adam's peak to catch stunning views of the town below.

Free Time
Ella Full Day

Get outside and explore scenic Ella.

1

Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow

Trek to Ella Rock
Ella4h-5h
5USD per person

Set off on a trek to Ella Rock, passing through the lush surrounds and forest of rubber trees. Take in scenic views of the surrounding green valleys and plains from the peak.

Accommodation

Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Day 15Ella/Hikkaduwa

Set off towards the southern coast stopping en route to explore the indestructible Galle Fort. Finish the day's journey oceanside on the white sand beaches of Hikkaduwa.

Private Vehicle
Ella – Galle4h30m-5h

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

Galle Fort Tour
Galle – Hikkaduwa

Visit the Galle Fort, a 16th-century fort first built by the Portuguese, and later occupied by the Dutch. The ramparts are still standing even after being battered by Mother Nature, including the 2004 tsunami.

Private Vehicle
Galle – Hikkaduwa30m

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

Accommodation

Coral Rock by Bansei Hikkaduwa (or similar)
Hotel

Day 16Hikkaduwa

Enjoy a free day to bliss out on the beach sipping your favourite drink or jump on a boat in search of whales and dolphins. For your big night out, follow your CEO to the best beach bar in town and dance under the stars. Perhaps take a night swim, who knows, see where the night takes you.

Free Time
Hikkaduwa

Enjoy a free day to do as much or as little as you'd like.

Your Big Night Out Moment: Hikkaduwa Beach Bar

Follow your CEO to the best beach bar and cheers to all the life-changing adventures you've shared with new friends. Dance under the stars and perhaps take a night swim, who knows, see where the night takes you.

1

Optional Activities - Day 16 HideShow

Dolphin Watching Tour
Unawatuna

Set off on a tour to spot these playful creatures.

Accommodation

Coral Rock by Bansei Hikkaduwa (or similar)
Hotel

Day 17Hikkaduwa

Another day in paradise to recover from last nights fun. Relax on the beach, snorkel with sea creatures, or wander through the bustling beach town. Pick a local restaurant with your buds and reminisce about all the awesome adventures you've experienced over a farewell dinner.

Free Time
Hikkaduwa Full Day

Don't waste a single second. Whether it's on the beach or throughout the town, get out and explore!

1

Optional Activities - Day 17 HideShow

Dolphin Watching Tour
Unawatuna

Set off on a tour to spot these playful creatures.

Accommodation

Coral Rock by Bansei Hikkaduwa (or similar)
Hotel

Day 18Hikkaduwa

Wow! What a trip, right? Luckily there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange social medias, and depart at any time.

Departure Day

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

Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins

| 18 days - Kochi to Hikkaduwa - from $1372 USD