India to Sri Lanka: Spice Gardens & Goa's 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Travel to the centre of the island to explore the UNESCO World Heritage City, Sigiriya. Opt to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple or the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Spend the day freely exploring more of this ancient yet luscious region. Opt to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, view elephants on a safari drive in Minneriya national park, or go back in time at the Anurhadhapura historical site.

Visit a medicinal spice garden en route to Digana. After, enjoy lunch before embarking on a guided village walk for insight into rural daily life. Maybe stop at the home of a crafter who hand-makes delicate Kandyan jewellery or the cottage of a local woman making incense. Later, learn how to cook Sri Lankan bread or sweets while helping out with dinner.

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.

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.

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.

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 trek Ella Rock, venture to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, or hunt for some waterfalls with your fellow explorers.

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.

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, enjoy a drink on us, and dance under the stars. Perhaps take a night swim, who knows, see where the night takes you.

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.

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.