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South India Highlights

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South India Highlights

Was From $ 2,350 AUD
Now From $ 1,528 AUD
Sale!

Description

Journey through South India on a nine-day adventure from Goa to Kochi. Begin in Goa, where you’ll visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. Then, discover Hampi’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites then, maybe hike Anjanadri Hill to catch the sunset over the surrounding ancient ruins. Learn about the region’s farming culture on your visit to Chikkamagaluru’s coffee plantations before travelling to Nileshwar where you’ll cruise the interconnected network of Kerala’s Backwaters on a traditional houseboat. Catch an overnight train to Kochi and spend your final night sharing a Kochi-style meal with a local family in their home as you learn about local life.

Trip Name
South India Highlights
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
9
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Explore Hampi’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites where ancient ruins and carved stonework reveal the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire.
  • Hike Anjandari Hill – the birthplace of Lord Hanuman and watch the sunset over the Tungabhadra River and Hampi’s ancient ruin.
  • Learn about hill station farming traditions in Karnataka on a visit to Chikmagaluru's coffee plantations. Walk through the estate and discover the rich history of India’s coffee culture from local growers.
  • Cruise the Kerala Backwaters on a traditional houseboat. Float past palm-lined canals and quiet villages while enjoying a Kerala meal and learning about the region’s network of waterways, originally used for the transportation of goods.
  • Share a traditional Kochi dinner with a welcoming local family in their homes. Enjoy authentic flavours and conversations as you gain insight into the daily lives of the people of Kerala.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Goa
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Tinged with a Portuguese flavour, Goa is blessed with lovely beaches, rich traditions, World Heritage-listed buildings and mouth-watering food. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Aguada Fort or Reis Magos Fort and immerse yourself in Goa’s culture. After your meeting, maybe explore the city or head out for an optional dinner with your group – your leader will have the best recommendations of where to eat.
Day 2 - Goa
Immerse yourself in Old Goa on today’s guided tour where you’ll visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. Then head to the Spice Plantation. Here, you’ll tour the plantation and enjoy a Goan lunch, maybe trying dishes like Vindaloo or Caldin curry. This afternoon is for you to spend how you like. Maybe head to the beach and relax in the sun, enjoy a swim or simply take in the sea breeze and surrounding landscape.
Day 3 - Hampi
This morning, travel by private transfer from Goa to Hampi – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples and historical ruins. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive this afternoon, spend some time settling into your accommodation or maybe head on a sunset hike to Anjanadri Hill – a Hindu God also known as the monkey god and a symbol of strength, devotion and loyalty.
Day 4 - Hampi
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Hampi, exploring its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Learn about the Vijayanagara Empire as you explore Hampi’s historical and architecture wonders as you visit Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Kadalekalu Ganesha, Elephant Stables, Queen's Bath, Lotus Mahal and Sanapur Lake. Later this afternoon, head back to your accommodation in Hampi.
Day 5 - Chikmangluru
Embrace an early start this morning as you travel from Hampi to Chikkamagaluru – a hill station in Karnataka. When you arrive in the afternoon, walk through Chikkamagaluru’s coffee plantations, learn about the region’s farming heritage and maybe buy some fresh coffee beans to take home. Tonight perhaps enjoy dinner with your group before settling into your accommodation in Chikkamagaluru.
Day 6 - Nileshwar
After breakfast, say goodbye to Chikkamagalur as you drive to Nileshwar. Along the way, watch as the landscape changes from mountains and farmlands to beaches and palm trees. When you arrive this afternoon, opt to visit Bekal Fort – a medieval fort built by Shivappa Nayaka of Keladi in 1650. Or spend the afternoon walking around the beach before heading back to Nileshwar for the night.
Day 7 - Nileshwar
Start today off at a slower pace, spending the morning how you like. Then come together and set off on a village walking tour. Explore the Kerela Backwaters (a network of brackish lagoons and canals) on a houseboat, originally used for transporting goods. Sit back and enjoy a traditional Kerala meal as you glide through scenic, palm-lined waterways and discover the region’s history. Later, you’ll return to your day-use rooms and get ready to leave for the station for the overnight journey from Kasaragod to Kochi.
Day 8 - Kochi
Wake up in Kochi as the train pulls into the station early this morning. When you arrive at your accommodation, you’ll have time for a shower in your day rooms or maybe drop your luggage off and visit the Dutch Palace. This afternoon, head out for a walking tour around Fort Kochi, known for its architecture and huge bamboo fishing nets fixed to the Fort Kochi Beach shoreline. In the evening consider watching a traditional Kathakali dance show before wrapping up your trip with a farewell dinner with a local family.
Day 9 - Kochi
Your trip comes to an end today. As there are no activities planned, you are welcome to leave at any time. If you would like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
02-04-202610-04-2026AUD $ 1,528-
17-09-202625-09-2026AUD $ 2,095-
01-10-202609-10-2026AUD $ 2,350-
10-10-202618-10-2026AUD $ 2,350-
29-10-202606-11-2026AUD $ 2,350-
05-11-202613-11-2026AUD $ 2,420-
21-11-202629-11-2026AUD $ 2,420-
03-12-202611-12-2026AUD $ 2,420-
17-12-202625-12-2026AUD $ 2,490-
31-12-202608-01-2027AUD $ 2,490-
14-01-202722-01-2027AUD $ 2,590-
04-02-202712-02-2027AUD $ 2,515-
18-02-202726-02-2027AUD $ 2,515-
06-03-202714-03-2027AUD $ 2,515-
20-03-202728-03-2027AUD $ 2,440-
01-04-202709-04-2027AUD $ 2,440-
16-09-202724-09-2027AUD $ 2,440-
09-10-202717-10-2027AUD $ 2,440-
04-11-202712-11-2027AUD $ 2,515-
20-11-202728-11-2027AUD $ 2,515-
16-12-202724-12-2027AUD $ 2,590-
30-12-202707-01-2028AUD $ 2,590-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Transport

Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle

Map