Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins
18 days
From
$ 1949
Duration18 days
Get a quick intro to the diversity of South India before heading off to Sri Lanka, a small island nation that packs a huge punch. Make your way down India’s southwest coast, watching sunsets through the fishing nets of Kochi before stretching out on whitesand beaches and dabbling in yoga in your free time. In Sri Lanka, discover beautiful ruins, hike through tea plantations, tour a spice garden, and say hello to beachy days once again on Hikkaduwa Beach. It’s an 18-day journey that’s just as much relaxation as it is adventure.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 18 daysService level: Basic
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Physical Grading: Average
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Ages: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Kochi
Arrive in Kochi at any time. There are no planned activities. Check into to the hotel (check-in time is 12.00 midday) and enjoy the city.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Kochi/Alleppey
Leaving early to avoid the heat, enjoy the Jewish Town with its old curio shops and the more than 400-year-old synagogue.
Travel afterwards to Alleppey, a golden streak of land woven with rivers, lakes, lagoons, and canals.
In the afternoon, we check out the island with a local English-speaking guide and learn about the way of life here. Afterwards, settle into a homestay and get to know your hosts.
Travel afterwards to Alleppey, a golden streak of land woven with rivers, lakes, lagoons, and canals.
In the afternoon, we check out the island with a local English-speaking guide and learn about the way of life here. Afterwards, settle into a homestay and get to know your hosts.
Explore the Jewish Quarter before continuing to Alleppey. Experience local life at a homestay, and enjoy a guided walk along the lagoon.
Meals: L, D
Day 3: Alleppey/Kollam
Travel to Kollam by bus after enjoying a morning ferry cruise.
Explore the backwaters and its unique ecosystem on a ferry cruise. Transfer to Kollam.
Meals: B, L
Day 4: Kollam/Varkala
Note that Kollam Harbour is closed to visitors in May through june.
Enjoy lots of free time to explore the town, get treated by local healers, or visit the Varkala Temple.
Day 5: Varkala
Spend time wandering the peaceful gardens of an ashram devoted to Kerala's most eminent spiritual and social reformer and the mystical Janardhana Swamy Temple, or just head to the beach to relax and watch the Arabian Sea.
Day 6: Varkala/Kochi
Travel to Kochi and take an orientation tour visiting Fort Kochi, St Francis Church, the Dutch cemetery, and the Chinese fishing nets.
In the late afternoon/early evening, opt to watch Kathakali dancing (a Kerala traditional dance form).
In the late afternoon/early evening, opt to watch Kathakali dancing (a Kerala traditional dance form).
Return to Kochi. Take an orientation walk to Fort Kochi, St Francis Church, and the Chinese fishing nets. Opt to take in a local Kathakali dance performance.
Day 7: Kochi/Negombo
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening followed by an optional dinner.
Fly from Kochi to Negombo.
Day 8: Negombo/Sigiriya
Transfer to UNESCO World Heritage City, Sigiriya. Opt to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple or the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Meals: L
Day 9: Sigiriya
Enjoy a free day to explore more of the region. Opt to visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa Temple, Minneriya National Park or Anurhadhapura historical site.
Day 10: Sigiriya/Digana
Accommodations at Tamarind Gardens Farm homestay are simple and authentic. Rooming will be in twin and triple-share rooms.
Visit a spice garden en route to G Adventures-supported homestay in Digana near Kandy. Arrive at Tamarind Gardens Farm for lunch before embarking on a guided village walk. Stop at the home of a jewellery maker who handcrafts delicate Kandyan jewellery and the cottage of a local woman making incense. Learn to make Sri Lankan bread or sweets while helping out with dinner.
Meals: L, D
Day 11: Digana/Kandy
Early birds can opt to get a productive start to the day and join their Tamarind hosts for their morning routines. Join Ayesha and Nalin at 6:00 am for first-hand experience with farm life. Get up close with the farm animals, feeding the cows and chickens.
Enjoy breakfast at Tamarind Gardens and soak in the views of the Victoria Reservoir over tea before departing for Kandy.
Have an afternoon of free time to explore the stunning city that is Kandy, opting to visit a cultural dance, the Temple of the Tooth, or a cricket match.
Enjoy breakfast at Tamarind Gardens and soak in the views of the Victoria Reservoir over tea before departing for Kandy.
Have an afternoon of free time to explore the stunning city that is Kandy, opting to visit a cultural dance, the Temple of the Tooth, or a cricket match.
Enjoy a free day of exploration. Opt for an early wake up call helping the Tamarind hosts feed the farm animals. In the afternoon, transfer to Kandy and opt to visit the Temple of the Tooth, enjoy a traditional Kandyan cultural show, or watch a cricket match.
Meals: B
Day 12: Kandy/Nuwara Eliya
Stop for breakfast at G Adventures-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Café. Travel to stunning Nuwara Eliya. Visit a tea plantation and opt to explore the nearby hills on foot.
Meals: B
Day 13: Nuwara Eliya/Ella
Opt to trek the trails of Horton Plains National Park in the early morning. In the afternoon, travel to Ella and enjoy a free evening. Choose to relax and explore Ella or participate in a traditional cooking class.
Day 14: Ella
Spend the morning trekking Little Adam's Peak. Later, enjoy some free time in scenic Ella. Opt to trek to Ella Rock or take a local cooking class.
Day 15: Ella/Hikkaduwa
Set off towards the southern coast stopping en route for a walking tour of Galle Fort. Finish the day's journey oceanside on the beaches of Hikkaduwa.
Day 16: Hikkaduwa
Enjoy a free day to bliss out on the beach or go on a whale or dolphin watching tour.
Day 17: Hikkaduwa
Opt to relax on the beach or enjoy exploring this bustling beach town.
Day 18: Hikkaduwa
Depart at any time.
The Colombo airport can be reached by private taxi or bus. Your CEO can help you arrange a transfer.
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Tamarind Gardens Farm, Digana Your G for Good Moment: Breakfast at Sthree Craft Shop and Café, Kandy Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Alleppey Homestay, Alleppey
- Guided Kerala boat tour and homestay
- Morning ferry cruise on Kollam's backwaters
- Neendakara Fishing Harbour visit
- Orientation walks in Kochi, and Kollam
- Internal flights
- 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
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Transport
Private vehicle, Walking, Tuk-tuk, Ferry, Local bus, Train, Airplane -
Accommodation
Simple hotels/guest houses (16 nts), Homestay (1 nt)