18 days tour

Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins

$ 1,799 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $1,799.00

Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins

This tour includes:

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Meals

3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Accommodation

Simple hotels/guest houses (16 nts), homestay (1 nt).

Others

Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project, Alleppey Your G for Good Moment: Breakfast at Sthree Craft Shop and Cafรฉ, Kandy 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 Your Big Night Out Moment: Hikkaduwa Beach Bar, Hikkaduwa. Guided Kerala boat tour and homestay. Morning ferry cruise on Kollamโ€™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 Adamโ€™s Peak Tour. Galle Fort tour. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Hygieneprotocol

As of October 1, 2021 G Adventuresโ€™ Vaccinated Tours Policy applies:  All travelers must meet the G Adventures requirements for joining their tours.  The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour.  There are some tours and departures that are only โ€˜Travel-Readyโ€™ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours before the first day of the tour.  Please, double check with the G Adventures Support Team about the requirements of your tour and departure date. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 below** Travel with Confidence & Vaccinated Tours As we continue to see vaccine mandates shifting and countries evolving COVID-19 policies, we have continued to monitor and adjust our policies in line. Based on this, we will be making some adjustments to our Vaccinated Tours and Travel with Confidence policy in 2023. Tours departing on or after March 31, 2023 we will no longer be requiring all travellers to be vaccinated to travel with G Adventures. However, we still strongly recommend that all travellers are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to travelling. As per our existing policy, it is the travellers responsibility to ensure they are aware of and adhere to the regulations of the country they are visiting. Please remember to ensure that your travellers have adequate travel insurance to protect them should their travel plans change, this should include trip disruption and COVID-19 coverage. Our National Geographic Journeys, National Geographic Family Journeys and G Expedition will remain fully vaccinated for all departures . You can read more about these policies here: https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  Leading up to March 31, 2023 our tours will continue to be Vaccinated Tours and you can look for the Vaccinated Tours icon to indicate which departures are vaccinated and which will not require a vaccination as we move forward with this change. You can find more information on our Travel with Confidence landing page https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  or as well as on Sherpa.  Thank you for your continued support as we navigate these updates. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 above**

Transport

Private vehicle, walking, tuk-tuk, ferry, local bus, train, airplane.

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here ( https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance ).

Flights

Others

1. India is a country which is very different to anything you will have experienced before. Although this means it is not the easiest place to travel, this is also what makes it so special. Pollution, poverty and the crowds can result in initial culture shock but should be seen as an exciting new challenge. During our time here we have come to love this large and wonderfully different country but we know that we should always expect to encounter some difficulties along the way. 2. In India there are very different attitudes to time keeping, public cleanliness, privacy and service. Trains will sometimes be late, plumbing can sometimes be temperamental and power will often just vanish. Optimistic menus turn out to have only one dish available and everyone, just everyone, will want to know your name. If you are able to travel with a lot of patience and a healthy sense of humour, then we know that you - like all of us - will be captivated by what India has to offer. 3. Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been travelling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes. 4. Displaying body art or wearing clothing that includes an image of the Buddha is illegal; please be culturally sensitive and respect the law and should you have any such tattoos, keep them covered at all times. 5. Traveling by road in Sri Lanka is certainly not what people are use to in Western countries. Many road ways are single lane, rules are not always followed, drivers appear to speed, do not stay in their lanes, and overtake in seemingly dangerous situations. Although their are some improvements in the works to the road infrastructure, there is a lot more to be done. As a result, some of the roads are poorly maintained, and this gets even more pronounced during and after the monsoon. As a result, travel time covering relatively short distances is very long in comparison to Western countries. 6. Some culturally significant sights in Sri Lanka may not allow entry to people wearing hats or hijabs, or to those with covered faces. Examples of cultural sites with such restrictions may include, but are not limited to, the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree section or the Anuradhapura Cultural Site, the Dambulla Cave Temple and Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.Varkala - Janardhana Swamy Temple Visit Dharamshala - Ayurvedic Massage Kochi - Kathakali Dance (500INR per person) Sigiriya - Sigiriya Rock Fortress Visit (30USD per person) - Dambulla Cave Temple Visit (12USD per person) - Polonnaruwa Ancient Capital Visit (25USD per person) Kandy - Royal Botanical Gardens Visit (10USD per person) - Temple of the Sacred Tooth Tour (10USD per person) - Kandyan Cultural Dance (5-8USD per person) Horton Plains Nature Reserve - Horton Plains Trek (60-70USD per person) Ella - Trek to Ella Rock Unawatuna - Dolphin Watching Tour

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins

  • Day 1 Day 1: Kochi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Kochi

      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!


      Included Activities:
      - Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
      - Connect With New Friends
  • Day 2 Day 2: Kochi/Alleppey (1L, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Kochi/Alleppey (1L, 1D)

      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.


      Meals Included:
      - Lunch
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle: Kochi to Alleppey 01:30 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Alleppey Guided Walk
      - Alleppey Homestay
      - Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project
  • Day 3 Day 3: Alleppey/Kollam (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Alleppey/Kollam (1B)

      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:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Local Bus 01:30 - 02:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Alleppey Ferry Cruise
      - Orientation With CEO
  • Day 4 Day 4: Kollam/Varkala
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Kollam/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.
      Note that Kollam Harbour is closed to visitors May through June.

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 05:00 - 06:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Kollam Fishing Docks Visit
      - Neendakara Fishing Harbour Visit
  • Day 5 Day 5: Varkala
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Varkala

      Choose your own adventure today, exploring Varkala solo or with your new friends. Spend time wandering the peaceful gardens of an ashram devoted to Keralaโ€™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 6 Day 6: Varkala/Kochi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Varkala/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 youโ€™ve shared.


      Transport:
      - Train 03:30 - 04:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Orientation Walk
      - Kochi Nightlife
  • Day 7 Day 7: Kochi/Negombo
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Kochi/Negombo

      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.
  • Day 8 Day 8: Negombo/Sigiriya
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Negombo/Sigiriya

      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.


      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 04:30 Hr(s)
  • Day 9 Day 9: Sigiriya
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Sigiriya

      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.
  • Day 10 Day 10: Sigiriya/Digana (1L, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Sigiriya/Digana (1L, 1D)

      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.


      Meals Included:
      - Lunch
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle: Sigiriya to Digana

      Included Activities:
      - Spice Garden Visit
      - Digana Guided Village Walk
  • Day 11 Day 11: Digana/Kandy (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Digana/Kandy (1B)

      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.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle
  • Day 12 Day 12: Kandy/Nuwara Eliya (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Kandy/Nuwara Eliya (1B)

      Enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared by women and youth living with disabilities at G Adventures-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Cafรฉ. Travel on to the rolling hills and luscious forests of Nuwara Eliya. Visit a tea plantation and opt to explore the beauty on foot.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya 03:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Tea Plantation Visit
      - Breakfast at Sthree Craft Shop and Cafรฉ
  • Day 13 Day 13: Nuwara Eliya/Ella
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Nuwara Eliya/Ella

      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.


      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 01:30 - 02:00 Hr(s)
  • Day 14 Day 14: Ella
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Ella

      Spend the morning trekking Little Adamโ€™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.


      Included Activities:
      - Little Adamโ€™s Peak Trek
  • Day 15 Day 15: Ella/Hikkaduwa
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Ella/Hikkaduwa

      Set off towards the southern coast stopping en route to explore the indestructible Galle Fort. Finish the dayโ€™s journey oceanside on the white sand beaches of Hikkaduwa.


      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle: Galle to Hikkaduwa 00:30 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Galle Fort Tour
  • Day 16 Day 16: Hikkaduwa
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 16: 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.


      Included Activities:
      - Hikkaduwa Beach Bar
  • Day 17 Day 17: Hikkaduwa
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 17: Hikkaduwa

      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 youโ€™ve experienced over a farewell dinner.
  • Day 18 Day 18: Hikkaduwa
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 18: Hikkaduwa

      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.


      Included Activities:
      - Departure Day

      Additional Notes: The Colombo airport can be reached by private taxi or bus. Your CEO can help you arrange a transfer.
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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 18 / Max: 39

This experience is only available for adults within this age range.

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