India: Kochi & Goa's Golden Beaches
- Trip code: 485X020
- Dauer: 14
- Stil: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Jump into India’s vibrant south on this budget-friendly adventure designed for young travellers. Backwaters, beaches, and beer — oh my! Cruise through Kerala’s famous waterways on a houseboat, wander misty tea plantations, and explore the colonial charm of historic port towns. Stroll through ancient ruins, soak up the sun on golden beaches, and experience laid-back coastal vibes with fresh seafood and a cold Kingfisher in hand. From royal palaces to bustling spice markets, this two-week trip blends adventure, culture, and chill time for the ultimate South India escape.
Übersicht
Accommodation
Simple hotels or guesthouse (twin-share) (12 nts), homestay (1 nt)
Checklist
Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Train Travel (Optional):
• Slip-on shoes
• Small container with lid
• Travel cutlery
• Travel or camp cup
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
Group Size Notes
Max 18, avg 14
Highlights
Explore the ancient wonders of the Hampi Ruins, Catch breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from Dodapetta Peak and Anjaneya Temple, Wander off the beaten path in Mysore with visits to Devaraja Market and Chamundi Hills, Experience a local homestay, explore ecosystems aboard an Alleppey ferry cruise, sample South Indian cuisine
Introduction
Jump into India’s vibrant south on this budget-friendly adventure designed for young travellers. Backwaters, beaches, and beer — oh my! Cruise through Kerala’s famous waterways on a houseboat, wander misty tea plantations, and explore the colonial charm of historic port towns. Stroll through ancient ruins, soak up the sun on golden beaches, and experience laid-back coastal vibes with fresh seafood and a cold Kingfisher in hand. From royal palaces to bustling spice markets, this two-week trip blends adventure, culture, and chill time for the ultimate South India escape
Meals Included
1 Frühstück, 2 Mittagessen, 1 Abendessen
Meal Budget
Plane USD305-400 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein
Optional Activities
Hampi
- Matanga Hill Hike
Mysore
- Besuch von Amba Vilas (200INR pro Person, 1500INR pro Gruppe)
Varkala
- Besuch des Janardana-Swami-Tempels
Dharamshala
- Ayurveda-Massage
Kochi
- Kathakali-Tanz (500INR pro Person)
Start / Finish
Goa nach Kochi
Transport
Tuk-tuk, public bus, taxi, overnight train, local train, Private Vehicle
What's Included
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Mittagessen im Theuvoram Women Empowerment Project, Alleppey
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein First-Night-Out-Moment: Begegne neuen Freunden
Dein Big-Night-Out-Moment: Ooty , Ooty
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Gastfamilie in Alappuzha, Alleppey
Dein Big-Night-Out-Moment: Nachtleben in Kochi, Kochi. Hampi Ruins Walking Tour. Kishkinda Foundation Visit. Anjaneya Temple Sunset. Devaraja Market Visit. Chamundi Hills Visit. Monolithic Bull Visit. Dodapetta Peak. Dodapetta Tea Factory. Fort Kochi Visit. Free time in Hampi. Free time in Ooty. Orientation walks in Alleppey, Kollam, and Fort Kochi. Kerala boat tour. Morning ferry cruise on Alleppey's backwaters. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Internationale Flüge
Check-in-Zeiten und Freigepäck/Einschränkungen können je nach Fluggesellschaft variieren und sich jederzeit ändern. Für die aktuellsten Informationen zu deinem Flug wende dich bitte an deine Fluggesellschaft. Wir empfehlen Online-Check-in, um mögliche Verzögerungen am Flughafen zu vermeiden
Itinerary
Day 1 Goa
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!
Day 2 Goa/Hampi
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
Day 3 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
Day 4 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
Day 5 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
Day 6 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
Day 7 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
Day 8 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
Day 9 Kochi/Alappuzha
Besuche am Morgen das jüdische Viertel von Kochi mit außergewöhnlichen Läden und der über 400 Jahre alten Synagoge. Danach geht es weiter nach Alappuzha, ein goldener Streifen Land durchzogen von Flüssen, Seen, Lagunen und Kanälen. Lass dir ein leckeres Mittagessen schmecken und sieh dir danach mit einem einheimischen Guide die Insel an der Lagune an und erfahre mehr über das Leben hier. Danach lernst du dein Quartier und deine Gastfamilie für die Nacht kennen
Day 10 Alappuzha/Kollam
Erkunde das einzigartige Ökosystem der Alleppey Backwaters auf einer morgendlichen Fahrt mit der Fähre. Danach geht es mit dem Bus die Küste runter zur Hafenstadt Kollam. Hier kannst du am Strand chillen, den Leuchtturm von Thangassery erklimmen oder dich ins Nachtleben stürzen
Day 11 Kollam/Varkala
Besuche den Hafen von Kollam und sieh, welche Bedeutung der Fischfang für die Menschen hier hat. Danach fährt ihr mit einem privaten Fahrzeug die Küste runter ins tropische Varkala und könnt unterwegs die Palmen entlang der Straße bewundern. In Varkala hast du reichlich freie Zeit, um die Stadt zu erkunden, dich von örtlichen Heilern behandeln zu lassen oder den Tempel zu besuchen
Day 12 Varkala
Freier Tag, um Varkala auf eigene Faust oder mit deinen neuen Freunden weiter zu erkunden. Spaziere am mystischen Janardhana-Swamy-Tempel durch die friedlichen Gärten eines Aschrams, der Keralas bedeutendstem spirituellen und sozialen Reformer gewidmet ist, oder chille mit einem Drink am Strand am Arabischen Meer
Day 13 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
Day 14 Kochi
Abreise zu jeder Zeit möglich
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Goa
Day 2 Goa/Hampi
Day 3 Hampi
Day 4 Hampi/Mysore
Day 5 Mysore
Day 6 Mysore/Ooty
Day 7 Ooty
Day 8 Kochi
Day 9 Kochi/Alappuzha
Wir brechen früh auf, um die Hitze zu vermeiden, und besuchen das jüdische Viertel mit seinen alten Souvenirläden und der über 400 Jahre alten Synagoge.
Anschließend fahren wir nach Alappuzha – ein goldener Landstreifen, der von Flüssen, Seen, Lagunen und Kanälen durchzogen ist.
Nachmittags erkunden wir die Insel mit einem lokalen, englischsprachigen Guide und erfahren etwas über den örtlichen Lebensstil. Anschließend besuchst du eine Gastfamilie und lernst deine Gastgeber kennen.
Day 10 Alappuzha/Kollam
Nach einer morgendlichen Fahrt mit der Fähre geht es mit dem Bus nach Kollam.
Day 11 Kollam/Varkala
Note that Kollam Harbour is closed to visitors May through June.
Day 12 Varkala
Day 13 Varkala/Kochi
Fahrt nach Kochi, wo wir einen Orientierungs-Spaziergang machen und Fort Kochi, die Franziskanerkirche, den holländischen Friedhof und die Chinesischen Fischernetze besuchen.
Am späten Nachmittag/frühen Abend kannst du optional eine Kathakali-Tanzvorführung (eine traditionelle Tanzform aus Kerala) erleben.
Day 14 Kochi
