Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins

G Adventures · 18 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins
Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins
Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins
Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins
Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins
Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins
Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins
Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins
Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins
Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins
Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins
18 Days
From AUD $1959 Was AUD $2449
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(20 reviews)

Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins

Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins

G Adventures · 18 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Duration

18 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

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.

Includes

Activities

  • Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project, Alleppey Your G for Good Moment: Breakfast at Sthree Craft Shop and Café, Kandy Your 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 Kollam's backwaters
  • Neendakara Fishing Harbour visit
  • Orientation walks in Kochi, and Kollam
  • Internal flight
  • Sri Lankan lunch at a local village
  • Spice garden visit
  • Tea plantation tour
  • Little Adam's Peak Tour
  • Galle Fort tour
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

  • Simple hotels/guest houses (16 nts), homestay (1 nt).
  • 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

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

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Highlights

  • Stay with a local family in Alleppey for a real taste of the culture
  • Check out the catch of the day at Kollam’s fishing docks
  • Visit the G Adventures-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Café
  • Learn about local plants uses at a Spice Garden
  • Trek to Little Adam’s peak
Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins

Trip Details

Duration

18 days

Transportation

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

Guide Language

English

Starts

Kochi, India

Finishes

Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1

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!


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Activity - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.Accommodation - Hotel Gama Heritage
2

Day 2: Kochi/Alleppey

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. Then 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

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Get to know the delightful city of Cochin through this guided walk. Walk through the fish market and the famous Chinese fishing net, believed to have been brought by traders from Kubla Khan's court in China.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - 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.Activity - 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. Activity - 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!Accommodation - Greenpalm Homes
3

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a morning ferry ride through the backwaters, observing the unique ecosystem with blue-green stretches of water and coconut trees.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - 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.Accommodation - Hotel Sea Pearl
4

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.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - See where all of the action happens in this busy port city and walk around Kollam's bustling fishing docks.Activity - 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.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Nikhil Residence
5

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.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Lots of free time to explore the town, relax with an Ayurvedic massage, get treated by local healers, or visit the Varkala Temple.Accommodation - Nikhil Residence
6

Day 6: Varkala/Kochi

Return to Kochi by train. 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 and reminisce about the life-changing adventures you've shared.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Free_time - Visit any sites skipped on the first visit to Kochi.Activity - Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.Accommodation - Hotel Gama Heritage
7

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.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Free_time - Spend the afternoon however you'd like in Negombo.Accommodation - Hotel J Negombo
8

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, the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress or view elephants on a safari drive in Minneriya National Park.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Head out to discover the area.Accommodation - Lario Resort Sigiriya
9

Day 9: Sigiriya

Spend the day freely exploring more of this ancient yet luscious region. Opt to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, or go back in time at the Anurhadhapura historical site.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Get out and explore.Accommodation - Lario Resort Sigiriya
10

Day 10: Sigiriya/Digana

Visit a medicinal spice garden enroute to Digana. After, enjoy lunch before embarking on a guided village walk to gain insight into Sri Lankan rural daily life. Discover unique local experiences, from visiting a working cattle and goat farm to enjoying refreshing herbal drinks at a local woman's cottage. Later, learn how to cook Sri Lankan curries infused with authentic local spices while helping out with dinner.

Meals included: Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit a herbal centre where students of Ayurveda learn the traditional medicinal uses of various spices for massages and treatments. Enjoy demonstrations and learning about the different plants and their uses.Activity - Get a crash course in local life with a village walk through Digana. Learn about some of the essential local industries and meet with local families, going about their daily routines. Visit their humble abodes to learn about their way of life before enjoying a traditional herbal drink.Accommodation - Oruthota Chalets
11

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Explore Kandy with a full free day.Accommodation - Queens Hotel
12

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Make a pit stop at Sthree Craft Shop and Café to enjoy a local breakfast prepared by women and youth living with disabilities. Led by the Women's Development Centre, they provide livelihood opportunities through hospitality and handicraft training, empowering the surrounding community.Activity - The town of Nuwara Eliya produces the finest Orange Pekoe Ceylon tea, and is inhabited mainly by tea planters and plantation workers. Pay a visit to one of the factories to learn all about tea production.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Daffodil's Hotel
13

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.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore.Accommodation - 88th Ella Hotel
14

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 venture to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge or hunt for some waterfalls with your fellow explorers.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Get outside and explore scenic Ella.Activity - Enjoy a hike up Little Adam's peak to catch stunning views of the town below.Accommodation - 88th Ella Hotel
15

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.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the Galle Fort, a 16th-century fort first built by the Portuguese, and later occupied by the Dutch. The ramparts are still standing even after being battered by Mother Nature, including the 2004 tsunami.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Coral Rock by Bansei Hikkaduwa
16

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 and dance under the stars. Perhaps take a night swim, who knows, see where the night takes you.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a free day to do as much or as little as you'd like.Activity - Follow your CEO to the best beach bar and cheers to all the life-changing adventures you've shared with new friends. Dance under the stars and perhaps take a night swim, who knows, see where the night takes you.Accommodation - Coral Rock by Bansei Hikkaduwa
17

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 you've experienced over a farewell dinner.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Don't waste a single second. Whether it's on the beach or throughout the town, get out and explore!Accommodation - Coral Rock by Bansei Hikkaduwa
18

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.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $2449

AUD $1,959
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Apr, 2026 Per Person Standard
20% Off

Duration: 18 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

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.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 28 Jul 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Jacqueline H
Traveled, November 2022

12/12/2022

As a solo traveller it is a safe and easy way to travel and to also travel with like minded people

5.0
Robyn C
Traveled, November 2022

12/12/2022

I was able to see and experience a lot of different things that I would not have done if I traveled on my own. I also had a group of people that were very encouraging to enhance my travel experience

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990