Now's the time to explore South India and Sri Lanka on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Get a taste of South India's diversity before making your way to Sri Lanka, a small island that packs a huge cultural punch. You and your fellow trip-mates will make your way down India’s southwest coast, watching sunsets in Kochi before laying out on whitesand beaches and dabbling in (or tumbling through) yoga in your free time. In Sri Lanka, 'gram some beautiful ruins, hike through tea plantations, tour a spice garden, and say hello to even more beachy days at Hikkaduwa. This 18-day journey lets you relax or run around as much as you see fit.
Travel Style
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Service Level
Basic
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project, Alleppey
Your G for Good Moment: Breakfast at Sthree Craft Shop and Café, Kandy
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Local Living Moment: Alleppey Homestay, Alleppey
Your Big Night Out Moment: Kochi Nightlife, Kochi
Your Big Night Out Moment: Hikkaduwa Beach Bar, Hikkaduwa. Guided Kerala boat tour and homestay. Morning ferry cruise on Kollam's backwaters. Neendakara Fishing Harbour visit. Orientation walks in Kochi, and Kollam. Internal flight. Sri Lankan lunch at a local village. Spice garden visit. Tea plantation tour. Little Adam's Peak Tour. Galle Fort tour. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Stay with a local family in Alleppey for a real taste of the culture, check out the catch of the day at Kollam’s fishing docks, visit the G Adventures-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Café, learn about local plants uses at a Spice Garden, trek to Little Adam’s peak
How large will the group be?
Max 18, avg 15
What meals are included in this trip?
3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, walking, tuk-tuk, ferry, local bus, train, airplane.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Simple hotels/guest houses (16 nts), homestay (1 nt).
Itinerary
Kochi
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kochi/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.
Negombo/Sigiriya
Travel to the centre of the island to explore the UNESCO World Heritage City, Sigiriya. Opt to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress or view elephants on a safari drive in Minneriya National Park.
Sigiriya
Spend the day freely exploring more of this ancient yet luscious region. Opt to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, or go back in time at the Anurhadhapura historical site.
Sigiriya/Digana
Visit a medicinal spice garden enroute to Digana. After, enjoy lunch before embarking on a guided village walk to gain insight into Sri Lankan rural daily life. Discover unique local experiences, from visiting a working cattle and goat farm to enjoying refreshing herbal drinks at a local woman's cottage. Later, learn how to cook Sri Lankan curries infused with authentic local spices while helping out with dinner.
Digana/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.
Kandy/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.
Nuwara 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.
Ella
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 venture to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge or hunt for some waterfalls with your fellow explorers.
Ella/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.
Hikkaduwa
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.
Hikkaduwa
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.
Hikkaduwa
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.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
