South India Highlights
Hit the hotspots of South India, from Goa to Kochi
Journey through South India on a nine-day adventure from Goa to Kochi. Begin in Goa, where you’ll visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. Then, discover Hampi's UNESCO World Heritage Sites then, maybe hike Anjanadri Hill to catch the sunset over the surrounding ancient ruins. Learn about the region’s farming culture on your visit to Chikkamagaluru's coffee plantations before travelling to Nileshwar where you’ll cruise the interconnected network of Kerala’s Backwaters on a traditional houseboat. Catch an overnight train to Kochi and spend your final night sharing a Kochi-style meal with a local family in their home as you learn about local life.
Start: Goa, India
End: Kochi, India
- Duration
- 9 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer, Rail
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Explore Hampi’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites where ancient ruins and carved stonework reveal the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Hike Anjandari Hill – the birthplace of Lord Hanuman and watch the sunset over the Tungabhadra River and Hampi’s ancient ruin.
- Learn about hill station farming traditions in Karnataka on a visit to Chikmagaluru's coffee plantations. Walk through the estate and discover the rich history of India’s coffee culture from local growers.
- Cruise the Kerala Backwaters on a traditional houseboat. Float past palm-lined canals and quiet villages while enjoying a Kerala meal and learning about the region’s network of waterways, originally used for the transportation of goods.
- Share a traditional Kochi dinner with a welcoming local family in their homes. Enjoy authentic flavours and conversations as you gain insight into the daily lives of the people of Kerala.
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Tinged with a Portuguese flavour, Goa is blessed with lovely beaches, rich traditions, World Heritage-listed buildings and mouth-watering food. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Aguada Fort or Reis Magos Fort and immerse yourself in Goa’s culture. After your meeting, maybe explore the city or head out for an optional dinner with your group – your leader will have the best recommendations of where to eat.
There are no meals included on this day.
- Goa - Reis Magos Fort - INR100
- Goa - Aguada Fort - INR300
Immerse yourself in Old Goa on today’s guided tour where you’ll visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. Then head to the Spice Plantation. Here, you’ll tour the plantation and enjoy a Goan lunch, maybe trying dishes like Vindaloo or Caldin curry. This afternoon is for you to spend how you like. Maybe head to the beach and relax in the sun, enjoy a swim or simply take in the sea breeze and surrounding landscape.
- Lunch
- Goa - Spice plantation visit
- Goa - Old Goa guided tour
This morning, travel by private transfer from Goa to Hampi – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples and historical ruins. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive this afternoon, spend some time settling into your accommodation or maybe head on a sunset hike to Anjanadri Hill – a Hindu God also known as the monkey god and a symbol of strength, devotion and loyalty.
There are no meals included on this day.
- Hampi - Sunset hike - Free
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Hampi, exploring its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Learn about the Vijayanagara Empire as you explore Hampi’s historical and architecture wonders as you visit Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Kadalekalu Ganesha, Elephant Stables, Queen's Bath, Lotus Mahal and Sanapur Lake. Later this afternoon, head back to your accommodation in Hampi.
There are no meals included on this day.
- Hampi - Full day sightseeing tour
Embrace an early start this morning as you travel from Hampi to Chikkamagaluru – a hill station in Karnataka. When you arrive in the afternoon, walk through Chikkamagaluru’s coffee plantations, learn about the region’s farming heritage and maybe buy some fresh coffee beans to take home. Tonight perhaps enjoy dinner with your group before settling into your accommodation in Chikkamagaluru.
There are no meals included on this day.
- Chikkamagaluru - Coffee plantation walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
After breakfast, say goodbye to Chikkamagalur as you drive to Nileshwar. Along the way, watch as the landscape changes from mountains and farmlands to beaches and palm trees. When you arrive this afternoon, opt to visit Bekal Fort – a medieval fort built by Shivappa Nayaka of Keladi in 1650. Or spend the afternoon walking around the beach before heading back to Nileshwar for the night.
- Breakfast
- Nileshwar - Bekal fort visit - INR300
Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.
Start today off at a slower pace, spending the morning how you like. Then come together and set off on a village walking tour. Explore the Kerela Backwaters (a network of brackish lagoons and canals) on a houseboat, originally used for transporting goods. Sit back and enjoy a traditional Kerala meal as you glide through scenic, palm-lined waterways and discover the region’s history. Later, you’ll return to your day-use rooms and get ready to leave for the station for the overnight journey from Kasaragod to Kochi.
- Lunch
- Nileshwar - Kerala Backwaters cruise
- Nileshwar - Village walking tour
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour. Your travel time on the overnight train will be approximately 8 hours.
Wake up in Kochi as the train pulls into the station early this morning. When you arrive at your accommodation, you’ll have time for a shower in your day rooms or maybe drop your luggage off and visit the Dutch Palace. This afternoon, head out for a walking tour around Fort Kochi, known for its architecture and huge bamboo fishing nets fixed to the Fort Kochi Beach shoreline. In the evening consider watching a traditional Kathakali dance show before wrapping up your trip with a farewell dinner with a local family.
- Dinner
- Kochi - Home cooked dinner
- Kochi - Kathakali dance performance
- Kochi - Fort Kochi walking tour
- Kochi - Dutch Palace - INR20
Your trip comes to an end today. As there are no activities planned, you are welcome to leave at any time. If you would like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
There are no meals included on this day.
Inclusions and activities
1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle
Hotel (7 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
- Goa - Spice plantation visit
- Goa - Old Goa guided tour
- Hampi - Full day sightseeing tour
- Chikkamagaluru - Coffee plantation walk
- Nileshwar - Kerala Backwaters cruise
- Nileshwar - Village walking tour
- Kochi - Home cooked dinner
- Kochi - Kathakali dance performance
- Kochi - Fort Kochi walking tour
- Goa - Reis Magos Fort - INR100
- Goa - Aguada Fort - INR300
- Hampi - Sunset hike - Free
- Nileshwar - Bekal fort visit - INR300
- Kochi - Dutch Palace - INR20
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, learn more about our climate commitment.
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Before you book you should know
- This adventure uses a variety of transport options, including train and bus travel for up to 8 hours. There is also an included overnight sleeper train, so be sure to have a book, some podcasts and your best travel games ready.
- Sleeper trains are a quintessential Indian experience and a great way to travel long distances while still getting maximum time in each place. With the experience can come some unpredictability – there are occasional delays or even cancellations. Beds are padded berths with sheets, pillows, and blankets provided (although some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheets). Please note that you may be sharing with locals of the same or opposite gender. See the Transport section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail about train travel in India or this guide for more about train travel around the world: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/overnight-train-travel-around-the-world/
- Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. You’ll be visiting a few temples throughout your adventure, so please ensure that you’re dressed appropriately with legs and shoulders covered.
- We've sourced our accommodation carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid style of travel. Service and accommodation in India may be different from western standards.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
ACCOMMODATION:
Some of the accommodation along the way is basic or simple, staying in local guesthouses and homestays. Some may have shared bathroom facilities with cold water only. We use a mixture of air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
SHOWERS:
Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
ROOM ISSUES:
If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your tour leader right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.
SLEEPER TRAINS IN INDIA:
Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned (fan-cooled at times), a great way to travel long distances and still get maximum time in each place. Depending on the route, we travel 2AC or 3AC class as not all classes are available on all routes. Due to the complexity of the ticket purchasing system and high demand for tickets, we are unable to offer upgrades to other classes.
Second Class or 2 Tier AC (2AC) carriages have 4 berths in the compartment section and 2 berths in the aisle bay and individual reading lights. Third Class or 3 Tier AC (3AC) has 6 berths in the compartment and 2 in the aisle bay. There are a limited amount of sinks and charging points in these classes. During the day, bunks are folded away and serve as seats. Toilet facilities are located at either end of the carriage. There is usually an Indian style squat toilet at one end and a western-style toilet at the other. You will need your own toilet paper or tissues and cleanliness will depend on the number of people using them.
Beds are padded bunks, with sheets, pillow and blanket provided. Some people prefer to bring and use their own sleeping sheet. Your luggage travels with you on the train, so packing light will make your journey more comfortable.
Many trains have a dining carriage or a food/snack cart that is brought through the carriages. There are also plenty of vendors selling tea, coffee, water and snacks during the journey, although the hygiene may not be up to standards you are used to at home.
Please note you may be sharing with other members of your group or locals on a mixed gender basis. Tickets are booked on a real-name basis using your passport details. We book for all members of the group at the same time, but unfortunately, this is no guarantee that we will be accommodated all together on the train. Your leader will do their best to swap with other travellers to allow people who booked together to travel together, but please be aware that this is not always possible. We may at times ask male travellers to swap with solo female travellers for safety considerations.
Grand Continent Morjim
Survey no. 207/7, Sakhri Bhatle, Taluka, Pernem, Morjim
Goa
403512
INDIA
Phone: +91 8956913211
Description
Grand Continent Morjim, located in Morjim just 500 metres from Ashwem Beach, offers a relaxing stay with a garden, bar, and scenic sea views. The resort features a 24-hour front desk, room service, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property. Popular nearby attractions include Chapora Fort (15 km) and Tiracol Fort (20 km).
All guest rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a seating area, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box, and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries, and a hairdryer. Each room also includes an electric kettle, and some units feature a balcony or pool views. A work desk is provided in every room.
Guests can start their day with a buffet breakfast and enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant, which serves a mix of Chinese, French, and Indian cuisine. Vegetarian and halal options are available upon request.
The resort also offers a sun terrace for guests to unwind. Nearby beaches include Mandrem Beach (1.8 km) and Morjim Beach (2.6 km).
Instructions
An arrival transfer from the airport is available if arranged at the time of booking. Transfers cannot be arranged on arrival. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre-tour accommodation booked through Intrepid. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 30 days prior to your departure.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer you will be met on arrival by an Intrepid representative. The Intrepid representative will be waiting for you as you get out of the customs hall and will be holding an Intrepid sign bearing your name. Please note that neither the driver nor any representative should ask you for additional payment. If you cannot find your pre-booked transfer, or you have any concerns about your transfer, please call the representative directly on,
+91 95608 49444
+91-9999 00 5019
Taxi's from the airport to our starting point hotel take approximately 1.5 hours (depending on traffic conditions) and costs between INR 1500 -2000.
IMPORTANT: Please avoid taxi touts who tell you that they have a metered taxi parked outside the airport. Previous passengers have complained that they have been charged hefty amount for the transfers.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 7 (Sleeper Train) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport). Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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