Compare Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins by G Adventures vs Sri Lanka and South India: A Contrast In Cultures by Myths and Mountains
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 18 days | 18 days |
| Price From | $ 1,399 | $ 7,895 |
| Price Per Day | $ 78 | $ 439 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes | N/A |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners | N/A |
| Description |
Now's the time to explore South India and Sri Lanka on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Get a taste of South India's diversity before making your way to Sri Lanka, a small island that packs a huge cultural punch. You and your fellow trip-mates will make your way down India’s southwest coast, watching sunsets in Kochi before laying out on whitesand beaches and dabbling in (or tumbling through) yoga in your free time. In Sri Lanka, 'gram some beautiful ruins, hike through tea plantations, tour a spice garden, and say hello to even more beachy days at Hikkaduwa. This 18-day journey lets you relax or run around as much as you see fit. |
Although both South India and Sri Lanka both have lots of oceanfront and beaches, grow tea in the highlands, and have a long history of trading and commerce, there are many differences between these two areas. This trip combines some of the hallmarks of both Sri Lanka and South India – visits to Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Jewish sites from Polonnaruwa to the synagogue in Cochin, opportunities to see and actually practice local crafts, touring with some of the top country experts, a backwater cruise and time in national parks. When you finish this very special journey, you will have a good sense of two very special countries and their unique place in the world. |
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 Sigiriya/Digana
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.
Day 11 Digana/Kandy
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.
Day 12 Kandy/Nuwara Eliya
Enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared by women and youth living with disabilities at G Adventures-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Café. Travel on to the rolling hills and luscious forests of Nuwara Eliya. Visit a tea plantation and opt to explore the beauty on foot.
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.
Day 14 Ella
Spend the morning trekking Little Adam'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.
Day 15 Ella/Hikkaduwa
Set off towards the southern coast stopping en route to explore the indestructible Galle Fort. Finish the day's journey oceanside on the white sand beaches of Hikkaduwa.
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.
Day 17 Hikkaduwa
Another day in paradise to recover from last nights fun. Relax on the beach, snorkel with sea creators, or wander through the bustling beach town. Pick a local restaurant with your buds and reminisce about all the awesome adventures you've experienced over a farewell dinner.
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.
The Colombo airport can be reached by private taxi or bus. Your CEO can help you arrange a transfer.
Day 1
Arrive Colombo. Fast track clearance at Airport. Drive to Wallawwa.
Day 2
Drive cultural triangle and tour Sigiriya.
Day 3
AM visit to Polonnaruwa. Lunch at a local farmer’s house PM at Minneriya National Park.
Day 4
Kep Ela elephant experience. Drive Kandy via Dambulla Caves. Visit Ena De Silva’s estate. Moonrise over Hunas Mountain with the artist Raju.
Day 5
Visit Botanical Gardens with Professor. Cemetery, museum, Queen’s Hotel, Temple of the Tooth, market, Dalada Maligawa for puja.
Day 6
Drive Peradeniya to see station and catch train to Nawalapitiya. Afternoon to explore on foot or by bicycle
Day 7
Option 2: Visit Tea Factory continue to Nuwara Eliya for the day
Day 8
Drive Colombo. PM private tour of town with local resident. Dinner at Ministry of Crab
Day 9
Fast Track departure. Fly Chennai in India. PM Excursion to Mahabalipuram.
Day 10
Explore Chennai – Fort St. George, Kapaleeswarar Temple, Georgetown. March Arubathimoovar Festival
Day 11
Fly Madurai. Walk around town and market. PM visit to Minakshi Temple
Day 12
Early AM at temple. Drive Chettinadu to visit special mansions with special Chettinadu lunch.
Day 13
Drive Thekaddy. Boat ride in Periyar.
Day 14
AM jungle walk in buffer zone. PM visit to spice plantation
Day 15
Drive Alleppy and board houseboat to cruise backwaters. Overnight on the boat.
Day 16
Disembark. Drive Cochin. Evening Kathakali show.
Day 17
Tour Cochin – Synagogue, palace, Fort, Chinese Fishing Nets.
Day 18
Transfer to airport. Fly Mumbai. Met. Dinner on your own and then transfer to International Airport for flight out.
