South India Highlights

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Carbon neutral

9 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Goa, India

Ends

Kochi, India

Highlights

Explore Hampi’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites where ancient ruins and carved stonework reveal the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Hike Anjandari Hill – the birthplace of Lord Hanuman and watch the sunset over the Tungabhadra River and Hampi’s ancient ruin.

Learn about hill station farming traditions in Karnataka on a visit to Chikmagaluru's coffee plantations. Walk through the estate and discover the rich history of India’s coffee culture from local growers.

Cruise the Kerala Backwaters on a traditional houseboat. Float past palm-lined canals and quiet villages while enjoying a Kerala meal and learning about the region’s network of waterways, originally used for the transportation of goods.

Share a traditional Kochi dinner with a welcoming local family in their homes. Enjoy authentic flavours and conversations as you gain insight into the daily lives of the people of Kerala.

Itinerary

Journey through South India on a nine-day adventure from Goa to Kochi. Begin in Goa, where you’ll visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. Then, discover Hampi's UNESCO World Heritage Sites then, maybe hike Anjanadri Hill to catch the sunset over the surrounding ancient ruins. Learn about the region’s farming culture on your visit to Chikkamagaluru's coffee plantations before travelling to Nileshwar where you’ll cruise the interconnected network of Kerala’s Backwaters on a traditional houseboat. Catch an overnight train to Kochi and spend your final night sharing a Kochi-style meal with a local family in their home as you learn about local life.

day 1 - Goa

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Tinged with a Portuguese flavour, Goa is blessed with lovely beaches, rich traditions, World Heritage-listed buildings and mouth-watering food. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Aguada Fort or Reis Magos Fort and immerse yourself in Goa’s culture. After your meeting, maybe explore the city or head out for an optional dinner with your group – your leader will have the best recommendations of where to eat.

day 2 - Goa

Immerse yourself in Old Goa on today’s guided tour where you’ll visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. Then head to the Spice Plantation. Here, you’ll tour the plantation and enjoy a Goan lunch, maybe trying dishes like Vindaloo or Caldin curry. This afternoon is for you to spend how you like. Maybe head to the beach and relax in the sun, enjoy a swim or simply take in the sea breeze and surrounding landscape.

included:Goa - Spice plantation visit, Goa - Old Goa guided tour

meals:1 Lunch

day 3 - Hampi

This morning, travel by private transfer from Goa to Hampi – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples and historical ruins. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive this afternoon, spend some time settling into your accommodation or maybe head on a sunset hike to Anjanadri Hill – a Hindu God also known as the monkey god and a symbol of strength, devotion and loyalty.

day 4 - Hampi

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Hampi, exploring its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Learn about the Vijayanagara Empire as you explore Hampi’s historical and architecture wonders as you visit Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Kadalekalu Ganesha, Elephant Stables, Queen's Bath, Lotus Mahal and Sanapur Lake. Later this afternoon, head back to your accommodation in Hampi.

included:Hampi - Full day sightseeing tour

day 5 - Chikkamagaluru

Embrace an early start this morning as you travel from Hampi to Chikkamagaluru – a hill station in Karnataka. When you arrive in the afternoon, walk through Chikkamagaluru’s coffee plantations, learn about the region’s farming heritage and maybe buy some fresh coffee beans to take home. Tonight perhaps enjoy dinner with your group before settling into your accommodation in Chikkamagaluru.

included:Chikkamagaluru - Coffee plantation walk

day 6 - Nileshwar

After breakfast, say goodbye to Chikkamagalur as you drive to Nileshwar. Along the way, watch as the landscape changes from mountains and farmlands to beaches and palm trees. When you arrive this afternoon, opt to visit Bekal Fort – a medieval fort built by Shivappa Nayaka of Keladi in 1650. Or spend the afternoon walking around the beach before heading back to Nileshwar for the night.

meals:1 Breakfast

day 7 - Nileshwar

Start today off at a slower pace, spending the morning how you like. Then come together and set off on a village walking tour. Explore the Kerela Backwaters (a network of brackish lagoons and canals) on a houseboat, originally used for transporting goods. Sit back and enjoy a traditional Kerala meal as you glide through scenic, palm-lined waterways and discover the region’s history. Later, you’ll return to your day-use rooms and get ready to leave for the station for the overnight journey from Kasaragod to Kochi.

included:Nileshwar - Kerala Backwaters cruise, Nileshwar - Village walking tour

meals:1 Lunch

day 8 - Kochi

Wake up in Kochi as the train pulls into the station early this morning. When you arrive at your accommodation, you’ll have time for a shower in your day rooms or maybe drop your luggage off and visit the Dutch Palace. This afternoon, head out for a walking tour around Fort Kochi, known for its architecture and huge bamboo fishing nets fixed to the Fort Kochi Beach shoreline. In the evening consider watching a traditional Kathakali dance show before wrapping up your trip with a farewell dinner with a local family.

included:Kochi - Home cooked dinner, Kochi - Kathakali dance performance, Kochi - Fort Kochi walking tour

meals:1 Dinner

day 9 - Kochi

Your trip comes to an end today. As there are no activities planned, you are welcome to leave at any time. If you would like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Meals

1 Breakfast, 2 Lunches

Transport

Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Goa - Spice plantation visitGoa - Old Goa guided tourHampi - Full day sightseeing tourChikkamagaluru - Coffee plantation walkNileshwar - Kerala Backwaters cruiseNileshwar - Village walking tourKochi - Home cooked dinnerKochi - Kathakali dance performanceKochi - Fort Kochi walking tour

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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Booking was simple and intuitive. Customer Service contacted us upon our initial inquiry and offered their assistance with any additional travel arrangements we may require.

4 days ago

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