G Adventures
Save 20%Epic Southeast Asia: River Cruises & Karst Mountains
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand · 40 days · Moderate
fromCAD 3,935
Next: 21 JunThe adventure
Over 22 unforgettable days, western and southern India unfold like a storybook of colour and culture. Wander Mumbai’s lively streets, trace Goa’s Portuguese charm, and watch the sun dip behind Hampi’s ancient ruins. Feel Mysore’s royal grandeur, marvel at sacred temples in Tamil Nadu, and taste spices where they’re grown in Thekkady. End your journey drifting through Kerala’s serene backwaters, where time slows down and traditions linger. This is India at its most vibrant — a mix of history, flavour, and soul.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
India
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time. In the evening, join your CEO for a welcome meeting, followed by an orientation walk around Colaba and the waterfront market.
Arrive at any time. In the evening, join your CEO for a welcome meeting, followed by an orientation walk around Colaba and the waterfront market.
Day 2Spend the day getting acquainted with Mumbai…
MumbaiSpend the day getting acquainted with Mumbai on a sunrise walking tour followed by a driving tour of the city. For a cooler, quieter and even more beautiful experience, we head out around sunrise to see places like Gateway of India, Flaura Fountain and Rajabai Clock Tower. Then hop into a local taxi to visit places like Dhobi Ghat and Baangang Water reservoir.
Day 3An early morning train brings us to Goa…
An early morning train brings us to Goa by the mid afternoon. After checking into the hotel, join your CEO for an orientation walk of Panjim Fontainhas.
Day 4Today is yours to explore the amazing beach…
Today is yours to explore the amazing beach town of Goa. Choose to spend the day however you’d like, from taking a tour of Old Goa Church, visiting a spice plantation or relaxing on the beach. In the evening, take an overnight train towards Hampi.
Day 5Pull into Hubballi early this morning and switch…
Pull into Hubballi early this morning and switch to a private vehicle for the remainder of the way to Hampi, famous for its incredible ruins and historic temples. After arrival, drop your things at the hotel, eat some breakfast then enjoy some free time to rest or explore. We’ll head to Raghunatha Temple in the evening for an amazing sunset view over the temple boulders.
Day 6Start the day by watching the sun rise…
Start the day by watching the sun rise over Bada Nandi, the famous monolithic bull sacred to Lord Shiva. The Hampi adventure continues with a tuktuk tour through the famous ruins. Learn about the interesting history of this place while admiring some of India’s most incredible temple ruins and historic architecture. Following the tour, enjoy a free afternoon. Opt to visit the Kishkinda Foundation, a project dedicated to supporting the development of the local women and children.
Day 7Head out for a scenic drive to Halibedu
Head out for a scenic drive to Halibedu, the ancient capital of the Hoysala Empire and known for its amazing temples. After arrival, take a tour of the Halibedu ruins and learn of the long, interesting history if this place twice plundered by the Muslim armies of Northern India.
Day 8Visit the spectacular Hoysaleswara Temple at sunrise this morning
Visit the spectacular Hoysaleswara Temple at sunrise this morning, the only surviving monument in Halibedu. In the afternoon, drive to Mangalore and enjoy a restful evening.
Day 9Travel by train and tuktuk to Kochi
KochiTravel by train and tuktuk to Kochi, a historic port town in Southwest India. Enjoy the day to rest or explore. Then, in the evening, join your CEO for an orientation walk of Fort Kochi.
Day 10Enjoy a free morning to relaxKochi
KochiEnjoy a free morning to relax. After checking out, walk along the cobblestone streets of Fort Kochi on a sightseeing tour of this historic city. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish. Tonight, take an overnight train to Bangalore.
Day 11After a night on the train
After a night on the train, we'll pull into Bangalore in the morning. The first stop of the day is breakfast. Second stop of the day is to the beautiful Lal Bagh Botanical garden. Walk through the incredible green houses full of colourful flowers and unique sculptures. The remainder of the day is yours to see the city. In the evening, regroup for an orientation walk through the main iconic commercial streets of Bangalore.
Day 12Depart from Bangalore and drive to Srirangapatna…
Depart from Bangalore and drive to Srirangapatna to visit the incredible Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and the Tipu Sultan's tomb. Then continue on to Mysore for an afternoon of free time to explore the city before an evening orientation walk in Devraja Market and an optional group dinner.
Day 13Explore the best of Mysore today with visits…
Explore the best of Mysore today with visits to Chamundeshwari Temple at Chamundi Hills, the Mysore Palace and St. Philomena Cathedral. The rest of the day is yours to explore this historic, opulent city.
Day 14Take a train to Chennai and transfer…
Take a train to Chennai and transfer to a private vehicle to arrive to Mamallapuram by the afternoon. This famous town is steeped in myth and history, so enjoy the opportunity to experience it with a free afternoon.
Day 15An early morning is dedicated to a tour…
An early morning is dedicated to a tour of the Shore Temple, an iconic complex of temples and shrines known to the be one of the oldest stone temples in India, and best viewed at sunrise. After an incredible walking tour, take the remainder of the day for your own exploration of Mamallapuram. Most use this time to enjoy a visit to the beach or a yoga class.
Day 16Leave Mamallapuram and drive to Chennai
Leave Mamallapuram and drive to Chennai. Then transfer to a train to arrive in the afternoon to Thanjavur, a town renowned globally for its bronze metal sculptures. After settling in, visit the 200+ foot tall Brihadeeswarar Temple and walk around the markets.
Day 17This morning
This morning, drive to Kanadukathan, known as the land of Chettiars, the collection of over 75 villages. Here we will visit the traditional houses of Chettinad, famous for their spaciousness, opulence and intricate tiles. Afterwards, continue on to Madurai, considered the home of goddess Parvati in her form of Meenakshi - the fish eyed goddess.
Day 18Explore the best of Madurai
Explore the best of Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with tours of Thirumalai Nayakar Palace and Meenakashi Temple. The afternoon leaves you with time to venture on your own before our very own CEO leads us on a walking foodie tour of the town!
Day 19Drive to Thekkady this morning
Drive to Thekkady this morning. Thekkady, adjacent to Periyar National Park, is the spice capital of India. Take a guided tour of spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore Thekkady how you wish maybe on a boat tour on Periyar Lake or an ayurvedic massage.
Day 20Travel down to Allepey and catch a private…Kochi
KochiTravel down to Allepey and catch a private boat for the short ride to the village homestay. In the afternoon, explore the island with a local person to observe the different facets of local life — it's a great opportunity to meet and talk with the people who live in this unique location. Just before sunset, hop on a small country boat and journey along with the locals to enjoy sunset on the winding backwaters.
Day 21Spend the morning enjoying your last moments…Kochi
KochiSpend the morning enjoying your last moments with your host family before departing for Kochi. On the way, stop at your G Adventures-supported project TWE, a coop run by local women, for lunch. Head out for an orientation walk after arrival in Kochi, then enjoy an evening performance of Kathakali, a form of traditional dancing from Kerala.
Day 22Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Discover India
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
Upcoming departures
20% off select Asia · ends 2026-06-30
DatesPrice / personAvailability
Operated by G Adventures
A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.
Book my trip →
