Itinerary Notes
Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 14, 2025 or March 4, 2026 for the nation’s most colourful festival.
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!
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
1h
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Acommodation
Hotel Gama Heritage
Acommodation
Hotel Gama Heritage
Day 2 : Kochi/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.
Private Vehicle
Kochi - Alleppey 1h30m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Alleppey Guided Walk
Alleppey 1h - 2h
Explore the area, known as the "Venice of the East," on foot with a local English-speaking guide and learn about the way of life here.
Alleppey Homestay
Alleppey
Enjoy a stay with a local family in Alleppey and get a real taste of the culture and what life on the islands is like. Learn how to cook some delicious Kerala dishes and dig in and enjoy the meal after your lesson.
Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project
Alleppey 1h - 2h
Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch prepared by women of the Planeterra Theruvarom Empowerment Project, which provides women from rural areas an alternative source of income by honing their hospitality and culinary skills. Learn about the local cuisine and socio-economic fabric of the region as you get to know the women. All while taking in live entertainment!
Acommodation
Tranquil Heritage Homestay
Acommodation
Tranquil Heritage Homestay
Meals Included:
Lunch | Dinner
Day 3 : Alleppey/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.
Alleppey Ferry Cruise
Alleppey 2h - 3h
Enjoy a morning ferry ride through the backwaters, observing the unique ecosystem with blue-green stretches of water and coconut trees.
Local Bus
Alleppey - Kollam 1h30m - 2h
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation With CEO
0h30m - 1h
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Acommodation
Hotel Sea Pearl
Acommodation
Hotel Sea Pearl
Meals Included:
Breakfast
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.
Kollam Fishing Docks Visit
Kollam 1h
See where all of the action happens in this busy port city and walk around Kollam's bustling fishing docks.
Neendakara Fishing Harbour Visit
Kollam
Visit the largest wholesale fishing market and harbour on the Arabian Sea, dating back to the sixteenth century. Take in the sights and sound of a busy fish market at work, and check out the morning's fishing haul.
Private Vehicle
Kollam - Varkala 5h - 6h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Acommodation
Nikhil Residence
Optional Activities - Day 4
Janardhana Swamy Temple Visit
Varkala
Enjoy a visit to this beautiful temple that gives homage to Janardana Swami, who is a form of Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation. Pilgrims from the south of India make the trek to visit this 2000-year-old temple and pay their respects.
Acommodation
Nikhil Residence
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 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.
Free time:
Varkala Full day
Lots of free time to explore the town, relax with an Ayurvedic massage, get treated by local healers, or visit the Varkala Temple.
Acommodation
Nikhil Residence
Optional Activities - Day 5
Janardhana Swamy Temple Visit
Varkala
Enjoy a visit to this beautiful temple that gives homage to Janardana Swami, who is a form of Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation. Pilgrims from the south of India make the trek to visit this 2000-year-old temple and pay their respects.
Ayurvedic Massage
Dharamshala 1h - 2h
Ayurvedic medicine is a system of Hindu traditional medicine, and Ayurvedic massage has been practiced in India for centuries and is viewed as a part of holistic medicine. These massage techniques provide relaxation, improve circulation, and eliminate of toxins. Lie back and enjoy!
Acommodation
Nikhil Residence
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 you've shared.
Train
Varkala - Kochi 3h30m - 4h
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation Walk
Kochi 1h - 2h
Get to know the delightful city of Kochi through this guided walk, with a chance to explore St Francis Church, the oldest church in India.
Free time:
Kochi Afternoon
Visit any sites skipped on the first visit to Kochi.
Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.
Acommodation
Hotel Gama Heritage
Optional Activities - Day 6
Considered one of the oldest dance forms in India, Kathakali is a combination of drama, dance, music, and ritual. Characters with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes re-enact stories from the Hindu epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana. This dance drama is famous for amazing costumes, extensive makeup, and explosive body movements, and is performed exclusively by men.
Acommodation
Hotel Gama Heritage
Day 7 : Kochi
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.
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
