India: Kochi & Goa's Golden Beaches

Goa/Hubballi

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! Then head to the train station for an overnight train to Hampi.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

1h

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.

Connect With New Friends

Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

Basic Overnight Train (beds)

Goa - Hubballi 6h 182km

Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

Hubballi/Hampi

Pull into Hubballi train station early this morning and drive the rest of the way to Hampi. Then jump into a tuk-tuk to the hotel for the next two nights. Dig in to some breakfast and take some time to freshen up before enjoying some free time to explore this historic town. Come together in the evening to catch the sunset Raghunatha Temple.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Hubballi - Hampi 2.5h - 3h 165km

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

Free Time

Hampi

Enjoy a free evening in Hampi.

Shri Malyavanta Raghunatha Temple

Hampi

Visit the beautiful temple atop the boulder for sunset.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

Hampi

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, hike to the monkey temple atop Anjanadri Hill for sunset.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Hampi Ruins Walking Tour

Hampi 2h

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.

Anjanadri Hill Monkey Temple Sunset Hike

Hampi

Visit the temple on top of Anjanadri Hill, known as the monkey temple. Enjoy a perfect sunset view and explore the complex.

• Meals Included:
• Lunch

Hampi/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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Basic Overnight Train (beds)

Hampi - Mysore 14.25h - 14.5h 680km

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 for Day 4
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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.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Mysore

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

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

Mysore 1h

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 for Day 5
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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.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Mysore/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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Local Bus

Mysore - Ooty 5.5h 125km

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

Orientation With CEO

0.5h - 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.

Ooty

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

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.

Ooty Big Night Out

Ooty

Get to know your new best friends better at a fun local bar in Ooty!

Kochi

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Local Bus

Ooty - Coimbatore 2.5h 85km

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

Local Train

Coimbatore - Kochi 3.75h 190km

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

Tuk-Tuk

Ernakulam - Kochi

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

Fort Kochi Visit

Kochi 1h - 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.

Kochi/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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Orientation Walk

Kochi 1h - 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 - Alleppey 1.5h

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

Alleppey Guided Walk

Alleppey 1h - 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.

Alleppey Homestay

Alleppey

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.

Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project

Alleppey 1h - 2h

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!

• Meals Included:
• Lunch
• Dinner

Alleppey/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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Alleppey Ferry Cruise

Alleppey 2h - 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 - Kollam 1.5h - 2h

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

Orientation With CEO

0.5h - 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.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

Kollam/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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Kollam Fishing Docks Visit

Kollam 1h

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 - Varkala 5h - 6h

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

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Optional Activities for Day 11
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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.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Varkala

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

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 for Day 12
Show
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
Dharamshala
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!
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Varkala/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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Train

Varkala - Kochi 3.5h - 4h

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

Free Time

Kochi Afternoon

Visit any sites skipped on the first visit to Kochi.

Kochi Nightlife

Kochi

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 for Day 13
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Kathakali Dance
500INR Per Person
Kochi
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.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Kochi

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Departure Day

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