Arrive at any time. 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.
Explore the Jewish Quarter before continuing to Alleppey. Experience local life at a homestay, and enjoy a guided walk along the lagoon. 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.
Explore the backwaters and its unique ecosystem on a ferry cruise. Transfer to Kollam. Travel to Kollam by bus after enjoying a morning ferry cruise.
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 in May through june.
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.
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. 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).
Fly from Kochi to 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.
Transfer to UNESCO World Heritage City, Sigiriya. Opt to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple or the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
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.
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. Accommodations at Tamarind Gardens Farm homestay are simple and authentic. Rooming will be in twin and triple-share rooms.
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. 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.
Stop for breakfast at G Adventures-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Cafe. Travel to stunning Nuwara Eliya. Visit a tea plantation and opt to explore the nearby hills on foot.
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy a free day to bliss out on the beach or go on a whale or dolphin watching tour.
Opt to relax on the beach or enjoy exploring this bustling beach town.
