Trees for Days
Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.
Trees planted for this trip: 7
Kerala: Beaches & Backwaters
7 days, Kochi to Kochi
Now's the time to explore India on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Watch the sunset through the fishing nets of Kochi, stretch out on white-sand beaches, drift through the tranquil backwaters, and rise at dawn to see the sunrise — trust us, it's worth not hitting snooze. This seven-day tour offers a quick yet intimate introduction to the diversity of south India. Unwind with free time or some yoga, meet the local people, and spend the night with a local family. How's that sound for an authentic cultural experience?
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.
Service Level: Basic
Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
Physical Rating: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 18, avg 12.
Age requirement: 18-39
Check Your Visa Requirements
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
View our Entry Requirements toolAlternative Trips
7 days
Kochi to Kochi
See how your trip uplifts communities
In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.
99
Ripple Score
Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.
Ripple Score for this trip: 99
Itinerary Notes
Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 8, 2023 or March 25, 2024 for the nation’s most colourful festival.
Itinerary
Day 1Kochi
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!
Exclusive Inclusions:
Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group| Your First Night Out Moment Connect With New FriendsDay 2Kochi/Alleppey
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.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Your Local Living Moment Alleppey Homestay| Your G for Good Moment Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment ProjectMeals included:
Lunch | DinnerDay 3Alleppey/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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Kollam/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.
Day 5Varkala
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.
Day 6Varkala/Kochi
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.
Day 7Kochi
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.
What's Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project, Alleppey
- 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
- 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
Accommodations
Simple hotels or guesthouse (twin-share) (5 nts), homestay (1 nt).
Meals
1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Allow USD145-190 for meals not included.
Transportation
Bus, boat, taxi, tuk-tuk
Staff & experts
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)
My Own Room - From $229.00
If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.
Departures
Make it a private tour
Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.