India: Kochi & Goa's Golden Beaches

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!

ACTIVITY: 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.

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

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.

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.

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

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Explore the ruins of the ancient city of Hampi how you wish.

ACTIVITY: 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.

ACTIVITY: Visit the temple on top of the hill, the Anjaneya Temple. Enjoy a perfect sunset view and explore the complex.

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.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a free day in Hampi to explore the bazaar or the other sites you missed yesterday.

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

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.

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

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

ACTIVITY: 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.

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.

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

ACTIVITY: 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.

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 Dodabetta Tea Factory.

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

ACTIVITY: 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.

ACTIVITY: Grab a drink on us and get to know your new best friends better at a fun local bar in Ooty!

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.

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

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

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

ACTIVITY: 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.

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.

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

ACTIVITY: 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.

ACTIVITY: 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.

ACTIVITY: 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!

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.

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

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

ACTIVITY: 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.

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.

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

ACTIVITY: 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.

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

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: 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.

Return to Kochi by train and 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. 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. Enjoy a drink on us and reminisce about the life-changing adventures you've shared.

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

ACTIVITY: Get to know the delightful city of Kochi through this guided walk, with a chance to explore St Francis Church, the oldest church in India.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Visit any sites skipped on the first visit to Kochi.

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

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.

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