7-Nights India: Ancient Ruins & Kerala Beaches - 18-to-Thirtysomethings from $649

G Adventures

OFFER ID 1612878

India: Ancient Ruins & Kerala Beaches
Ready to dive headfirst into the magic of India? Over eight incredible days, soak up the sun on golden beaches, wander through ancient ruins, and breathe in the fresh mountain air of misty peaks. Sip steaming chai at a bustling street stall, savour the bold flavours of local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the pulse of colourful cities and tranquil villages. And the best part? You’ll be sharing it all with an amazing crew of like-minded travellers, turning every moment into a story worth telling.

Highlights
Explore the ancient wonders of the Hampi Ruins, Catch breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from Dodapetta Peak and Anjaneya Temple, Wander off the beaten path in Mysore with visits to Devaraja Market and Chamundi Hills

Accommodation
Hotels (6 nts), Overnight Train (beds) (1nt).

Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Group Size Notes
Max 18, avg 14.

Meals Included
1 lunch

What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Big Night Out Moment: Ooty , Ooty. Hampi Ruins Walking Tour. Kishkinda Foundation Visit. Anjaneya Temple Sunset. Devaraja Market Visit. Chamundi Hills Visit. Monolithic Bull Visit. Dodapetta Peak. Dodapetta Tea Factory. Fort Kochi Visit. Free time in Hampi. Free time in Ooty. Transport to/from included activities.

7 nights from $649 per person

Itinerary

G Adventures: India: Ancient Ruins & Kerala Beaches

Day 1: Goa
Arrive at any time and welcome to India's popular beach town - Goa!Tonight, opt to join your group for a dinner out on the town and cheers to new adventures and friends!

Day 2: Goa/Hampi
Head inland to Hampi on a train this morning. Then jump into a tuk-tuk to the hotel for the next two nights. With free time this evening, opt to catch the sunset or explore Hampi.

Day 3: Hampi
Explore the ancient ruins of Hampi. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built in the mid 1300's. Rome through the ruins and royal structures. In the afternoon, visit the local women's initiative, Kishkinda Foundation. Meet the women, shop in their handicraft store and have a delicious lunch together.

Day 4: Hampi/Mysore
This morning, opt to rise early for a hike up Mantanga Hill and enjoy a stunning sunrise over the rocky hill. Spend the day at leisure exploring of Hampi what you might have missed the day before. This evening, take a tuk-tuk to the train station for an overnight train to Mysore.

Day 5: Mysore
Pull into Mysore this morning as you wake up on the train. Then drop your bags, freshen up and head out for an adventure in Mysore. Walk through the Devaraja Market, Chamundi Hills and the Monolithic Bull. In your free time, opt to visit the extravagant Mysore Palace. In the evening, you won't want to miss the chance to see a Bollywood movie in your free time.

Day 6: Mysore/Ooty
Take a tuk-tuk to the bus station this morning and join the locals on a public bus south to Ooty. Take an orientation walk with your CEO after arrival and then enjoy some free time in the beautifully green town of Ooty.

Day 7: Ooty
Feel a sense of accomplishment this morning as we rise early for a picturesque sunrise hike up Dodapetta Peak with a view of the lush green surrounding forrest. Enjoy some free time today and opt to ride the famous toy train. In the afternoon, visit the Dodabeta Tea Factory.

Day 8: Ooty/Kochi
A bus, a train and tuk-tuk ride brings us to the beautiful port town of Kochi! Your tour ends upon arrival to Kochi, so opt to explore Kochi Fort or depart at the train station for your next destination.

Featured Destinations

Kochi (Cochin)

Kochi (Cochin) is the great, old Keralan spice city. It consists of mainland Ernakulam, islands of Willingdon, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbor, Fort Cochin and Mattancheri on the southern peninsula and Vypeen Island north of Cochin. Because of the area’s dense tropical forests, extensive ridges and ravines, it has been sheltered from invaders and the rest of India. This encouraged Keralites to welcome maritime contact, and therefore influence from the outside world. In Cochin there is still a small community of descendants from Jewish settlers who fled Palestine 2,000 years ago. When the Portuguese arrived here some 500 years ago, they were surprised to find Christianity already established along this coast. People from far-off lands have been coming to Kerala since ancient times in search of spices, sandalwood and ivory. Such long contact with people from overseas has resulted in the blending of various cultures and has given Keralites a cosmopolitan outlook.

Excursions

Cochin: Highlights - 7.5 hours

9AM- 10:30AM
Disembark the ship drive for 45 minutes to Tripunithura and visit the Hill Palace which was the official residence of the Cochin Royal family built in 1865. The palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style of Kerala and in surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with a deer park. A fully fledged ethno-archaeological museum and Kerala's first ever heritage Museum are the main attractions. Displayed inside are 19^th century paintings, murals sculptures in stone and plaster of Paris, manuscripts, inscriptions and coins belonging to the royal family.

Cooking demonstration and lunch can be arranged at a local home ( on direct payment basis)

2PM- 4PM

In the afternoon, before returning to the ship which is towards the Silk Route trading post of Fort Cochin, these days a `Heritage Zone’. Beginning with the Chinese and Arabs in the 13^th century, the Portuguese arrived in 1500 A.D. followed by the domination of the Dutch and British. See St. Francis Church originally built in 1510 and the first to reflect European influenced tradition. Portuguese hero Vasco Da Gama died on the site and was buried in the cemetery.

At Matancherry, there’s the Dutch Palace built in 1557 by the Portuguese as a gift for the Maharaja of Cochin in exchange for trading rights. The Palace houses royal costumes, palanquins, furniture and weapons but its striking feature is a series of murals painted on wooden walls. Later, stop by the Pardesi synagogue, at the heart of what is locally called Jew town. (Closed for a visit on Fridays and Saturday)

4PM - 4:30PM Thereafter return to the pier.

Added Value:

Great introduction to Cochin city.
The Tour covers the main highlights of the city i.e Depart the Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry, the Dutch Palace and later Jew Street (or Spice Street) in Jew Town.

- Tour Duration: 7 hours
- Tour can operate : Morning
- Physical activity level : Moderate
- Wheelchair Accessible : No

Closing dates : Fridays - Dutch Palace in Mattancherry and Fridays & Saturdays – Jewish Synagogue.

Inclusions:

- Transportation by an air-conditioned vehicle
- Services of a local English speaking guide.
- All the entrance fees and camera fees.
- Credit card and bank charges.
- All the prevailing taxes.

Udhagamandalam (Ooty)

Hampi

Mysore

Goa

Goa is the smallest state of the republic of India. It lies on the country's west coast, about 250 miles south of Bombay. The state covers an area of 1,429 square miles. Long, sandy beaches, fringed with coconut palms, make Goa a tropical paradise for visitors. Other tourist attractions are the colonial buildings from the 1500's, built when Goa
was headquarters of Portugal's Asian empire. Today, Old Goa is half-hidden in jungle. Its population was severely affected by plague in the 1600's, and a new city was set up at Panaji, which contains the main government buildings. Margao is Goa's biggest commercial center. Mormugao, Goa's major port, has a fine harbor - one of the best on the west coast of India. The harbor is the focus of economic activity in Goa.

Excursions

Goa, Shore Excursion - 4 hours

Meet at the Port of Marmugao, Goa
(Excursion timings will be subject to the ship's arrival and departure)

HALF DAY TOUR: 4HRS

Disembark from the ship and meet your personal guide on the pier.

Today the tour takes you Old Goa and start with a visit to the Basilica Bom Jesus which houses the remains of St Francis Xavier. His tomb was the gift of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and was carved by the Florentine sculptor Giovanni Battista. Around the silver casket are 32 plaques decorated with scenes from the saint’s life. Nearby on “Holy Hill” is the Convent of St Cajetan, dedicated to St Catherine, on whose day Goa was recaptured. Inside are catacombs with the embalmed bodies of Portuguese viceroys and archbishops. Along the way, you pass several other churches you may like to visit – Se Cathedral, the largest of the churches in Old Goa and the Chapel of our Lady of the Rosary built in 1526 and a synthesis of Iberian, Hindu and Moslem styles. At the Church and Convent of St Francis of Assisi is an interesting archeological Museum and Portrait Gallery. In Panaji you can visit the Mahalaxmi Temple and walk in Goa’s Latin quarters – Fontainhas

You will be dropped at the pier late in the afternoon.

Inclusions:
Private chauffeur driven air conditioned vehicle, Private guide,Complimentary Soft beverages and Bottled water in the car, Monument entrance and still camera fee,Meet and Assist at all airports and hotels, Porterage at airports, All currently applicable taxes

Exclusions:
Expenses of any personal nature (laundry,telephone calls etc, unless specified) Tipping at hotels and to guides/escorts (unless specified), Meals (unless specified) Any insurance or Visa, Any hike in monument entrances fee or revision in government taxes, Air fare is quoted seperately

Goa: Highlights - 5 hours

Lush and lovely Goa was created as a place for relaxation where Sun worship is a cult form. Adventure seekers can go hunting for beaches and tiny villages. There are colorful local markets, trips to Spice farms and a countryside of Portuguese and Indian culture, with warm friendly people. In quiet and complete contrast to other ports and places on the Indian sub-continent, Goa offers a quaint reflection of its colonial Portuguese past well assimilated with its democratic Indian present.

We drive to visit `Old Goa’ and the Basilica of Bom Jesus famous throughout the Catholic world. Amongst other religious edifices still standing in Old Goa is the `Se Cathedral”, the largest church in Asia, but also the site of the “Golden Bell” which announced the death – knell of burning heretics during the inquisition.

Goa’s capital, Panaji (formerly Panjim) spread along the south bank of the wide Mandovi River, in a charming sprawl of red-roofed houses, sunny squares and gardens of bougainvillea and frangipani. The newly built Nehru Bridge spans the river giving easy access to the beaches along the ocean shore to the north.

Visit Panjim town which has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere especially along the leafy avenues of its old section, retaining its Portuguese style winding streets and old houses with red tiled roofs and overhanging balconies. The streets have taverns offering Goan cuisine and “Feni” (cashew nut liquor) and bakeries serving `Bebinca’, the delicious local cake. Many residents still speak Portuguese.

Overlooking `Largo de Igreja’ or Church Square is the Church of Immaculate Conception with its Baroque façade, probably the town’s most important landmark. In 1541 Portuguese sailors began visiting this church to offer thanksgiving prayers after their long and treacherous voyage from Lisbon.

Later, explore the market before driving back to the ship.

- Tour Duration: 5 hours
- Tour can operate : Morning
- Physical activity level : Moderate
- Wheelchair Accessible : No

Inclusions:

- Transportation by an air-conditioned vehicle

- Services of a local English speaking guide.

- All the entrance fees and camera fees.

- Credit card and bank charges.

- All the prevailing taxes.

Goa, Shore Excursion - 6 hours

You will be met at the pier (Excursion timings will be subject to the ship's arrival and departure). Once you disembark from your cruise-liner, you will meet your guide in the arrival hall. He will escort you to your waiting vehicle and together you will set of to explore some of the important sights of Goa.

Start your tour with a visit to the World Heritage-listed Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier. The remains are entombed in a silver casket, which is kept in a mausoleum carved by the Florentine sculptor Giovanni Battista. Continue on to Se Cathedral, a magnificent 16th-century monument and the largest church in Goa. Finally, stop at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, built in the 17th century which houses an interesting archeological Museum and Portrait Gallery. Stop for lunch at a tropical spice plantation after which, you will have time to stroll around the grounds and explore the butterfly garden in the premises.

You will also visit the Shri Manguesh Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the 400-year-old Shri Manguesh Temple is considered to be one of the most beautiful temples in Goa, and features a 7-story Deepa Stambha (decorative lamp tower) at the gates of the temple complex. You will then visit Shree Shantadurga Temple, located in the hills and noted for its statue of the Hindu goddess Durga.

You will then return to the port area.

Inclusions: Private chauffeur driven air conditioned vehicle, private guide, complimentary soft beverages and bottled water in the car, monument entrance and still camera fee, meet and assist at all airports and hotels, porterage at airports, all current applicable taxes.

Exclusions: Expenses of any personal nature (laundry, telephone calls etc, unless specified), tipping at hotels and to guides/escorts (unless specified), meals (unless specified) any insurance or Visa, any hike in monument entrances fee or revision in government taxes, air fare is quoted separately.

*Terms and conditions apply

FULL DAY FLAVORS OF GOA

FULL DAY
FLAVORS OF GOA

Goa is India’s smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast.

Goa is India’s smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast. Flavours

Depart the pier and head towards Old Goa which stands testimony not only to the reality of the Portuguese rule in the country, but also to the grandeur and wealth of the city during their reign.

Your first visit of the day will be to the St. Cajetan Church which was modelled on St. Peter’s in Rome and built of laterite blocks and lime plastered. The façade, having two towers on either side to serve as a belfry, has Corinthian columns and pilasters supporting a pediment, and four niches, which keep the statues of the apostles. Hidden beneath the church is a crypt where the embalmed bodies of Portuguese governors were kept in lead coffins before they were shipped back to Lisbon. Forgotten for a time, the last batch was removed only in 1992.

Continuing, the next stop will be at the Basilica of Bom Jesus which was built by the Jesuits in the 16th century and is one of the most important churches in Goa. The embalmed body of St. Frances Xavier is enshrined here in a marble mausoleum, which is exposed to the public once every ten years. The last date this happened was in December 2014.

Your final visit will be to the Panjim ‘Fontainhas’ area where the walking tour will begin. The Fontainhas is the Latin Quarter built by the Portuguese and we will be able to view from the outside the church and the old villas. Later, drive through Panjim, the capital city passing through streets lined with old villas that are characteristic of Portuguese Goa.

Later proceed for Trpical Plantation for visit and lunch. Spices are an ever present part of Indian life - they are essential in flavoring the distinctive regional cuisines and if you keep your eyes open you will see their bright colors reflected in the ladies' saris, and decorative textiles everywhere.

To find out where they come from, pay a most enjoyable visit to a spice plantation. Take a guided walk through the trees see what you can identify, smell, taste, and learn about the myriad spices for which India is renowned. And what place could be more perfect for a meal? Enjoy lunch here where everything is fresh and fragrant. Don't worry, the simple, tasty food will be spiced for Western tastes, and the preparation of each will be explained. After lunch you will return to the port and your ship.

TIMING ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST DISTANCE & TERRAIN W/C FRIENDLY

00h00 - 01h30 Depart the pier for an Old Goa Churches This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues

01h30 - 02h30 Arrive in Old Goa and visit Basilica of Bom Jesus Church & St. Cajetan Church 700 meters / Flat / 04 steps

02h30 - 03h00 Depart for Panjim Latin Quarters

03h00 - 03h20 Visit around the Latin Quarters 400 meters / Flat / 15 optional steps

03h20 - 04h20 Drive to Tropical Plantation

04h20 - 05h50 Visit and lunch at Plantation

05h50 - 07h00 Return to pier

HALF DAY HIGHLIGHTS OF GOA

HALF DAY
HIGHLIGHTS OF GOA

Proceed for St. Cajetan Church which was modelled on St. Peter’s in Rome and built of laterite blocks and lime plastered. The façade, having two towers on either side to serve as a belfry, has Corinthian columns and pilasters supporting a pediment, and four niches, which keep the statues of the apostles. Hidden beneath the church is a crypt where the embalmed bodies of Portuguese governors were kept in lead coffins before they were shipped back to Lisbon. Forgotten for a time, the last batch was removed only in 1992.

Continuing, the next stop will be at the Basilica of Bom Jesus which was built by the Jesuits in the 16th century and is one of the most important churches in Goa. The embalmed body of St. Frances Xavier is enshrined here in a marble mausoleum, which is exposed to the public once every ten years. The last date this happened was in December 2014. Continue with a short walk to the Se, or St Catherine’s Cathedral, which was commissioned to be "a grandiose church worthy of the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominated the seas from the Atlantic to the Pacific." With its exterior Tuscan design it is still larger than any other church in Portugal and said to be the largest in Asia.

Next visit will be to the Panjim ‘Fontainhas’ area where the walking tour will begin. The Fontainhas is the Latin Quarter built by the Portuguese and we will be able to view from the outside the church and the old villas. Later, drive through Panjim, the capital city passing through streets lined with old villas that are characteristic of Portuguese Goa.

Return to pier.

TIMING ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST DISTANCE & TERRAIN W/C FRIENDLY

00h00 – 01h00 Drive to Old Goa Churches This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues

01h00 – 02h30 Visit Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral Church and St. Cajethan Church 350 meters / Flat / 6 steps

02h30 – 03h15 Proceed for Panjim City, visit Latin quarter 450 meters / Flat steps

03h15 – 04h15 Return to the pier

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

11/18/2025 - 11/25/2025

from $699 per person

12/02/2025 - 12/09/2025

from $679 per person

12/16/2025 - 12/23/2025

from $679 per person

12/30/2025 - 01/06/2026

from $679 per person

01/20/2026 - 01/27/2026

from $679 per person

01/27/2026 - 02/03/2026

from $679 per person

02/03/2026 - 02/10/2026

from $679 per person

02/10/2026 - 02/17/2026

from $679 per person

02/17/2026 - 02/24/2026

from $699 per person

02/22/2026 - 03/01/2026

from $699 per person

02/24/2026 - 03/03/2026

from $699 per person

03/01/2026 - 03/08/2026

from $699 per person

03/03/2026 - 03/10/2026

from $699 per person

03/08/2026 - 03/15/2026

from $699 per person

03/10/2026 - 03/17/2026

from $699 per person

03/15/2026 - 03/22/2026

from $699 per person

03/17/2026 - 03/24/2026

from $699 per person

03/22/2026 - 03/29/2026

from $699 per person

03/24/2026 - 03/31/2026

from $699 per person

03/31/2026 - 04/07/2026

from $699 per person

04/07/2026 - 04/14/2026

from $699 per person

04/14/2026 - 04/21/2026

from $699 per person

07/21/2026 - 07/28/2026

from $649 per person

07/28/2026 - 08/04/2026

from $649 per person

08/04/2026 - 08/11/2026

from $649 per person

08/11/2026 - 08/18/2026

from $649 per person

08/18/2026 - 08/25/2026

from $649 per person

09/01/2026 - 09/08/2026

from $649 per person

09/08/2026 - 09/15/2026

from $649 per person

09/15/2026 - 09/22/2026

from $649 per person

09/22/2026 - 09/29/2026

from $649 per person

09/27/2026 - 10/04/2026

from $649 per person

09/29/2026 - 10/06/2026

from $649 per person

10/04/2026 - 10/11/2026

from $649 per person

10/06/2026 - 10/13/2026

from $649 per person

10/11/2026 - 10/18/2026

from $649 per person

10/13/2026 - 10/20/2026

from $649 per person

10/18/2026 - 10/25/2026

from $679 per person

10/20/2026 - 10/27/2026

from $679 per person

10/27/2026 - 11/03/2026

from $679 per person

11/03/2026 - 11/10/2026

from $679 per person

11/10/2026 - 11/17/2026

from $679 per person

11/17/2026 - 11/24/2026

from $699 per person

11/24/2026 - 12/01/2026

from $699 per person

12/08/2026 - 12/15/2026

from $699 per person

12/22/2026 - 12/29/2026

from $679 per person

12/27/2026 - 01/03/2027

from $679 per person

12/29/2026 - 01/05/2027

from $679 per person

01/03/2027 - 01/10/2027

from $679 per person

01/05/2027 - 01/12/2027

from $679 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $649 per person

Length

7 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Moderate
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.

Remarks

Pricing is per person, land only, in US dollars and based on double occupancy. For specific validity dates, discount amount and tour information, please return to the promotion in question. Promotion valid on G Adventures small group tours excluding Independent, MS Expedition or National Geographic Journeys, unless otherwise stated. Promotion applicable to new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Does not apply to airfare (unless otherwise stated), pre-/post-accommodation, 'My Own Room' or 'My Own Tent', transfers, theme packs, insurance, polar kayaking & camping excursions or other in-country services. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw this offer from sale at any time. Itinerary and map subject to change.

Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1612878

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

A2Z Cruise & Travel Experts

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USA

(941) 275-9002

TIMING	ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST	DISTANCE & TERRAIN	W/C FRIENDLY
00h00 - 01h30	Depart the pier for an Old Goa Churches		This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues
01h30 - 02h30	Arrive in Old Goa and visit Basilica of Bom Jesus Church & St. Cajetan Church	700 meters / Flat / 04 steps
02h30 - 03h00	Depart for Panjim Latin Quarters
03h00 - 03h20	Visit around the Latin Quarters	400 meters / Flat / 15 optional steps
03h20 - 04h20	Drive to Tropical Plantation
04h20 - 05h50	Visit and lunch at Plantation
05h50 - 07h00	Return to pier