9-Day Kochi to Goa Tour with Backwaters, Temples and Beaches

9 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Sign up for a wholesome 9-day journey from Kochi to Goa and discover beautiful temples, beaches, fishing villages, and archaeological sites along India's southw...

Duration: 9 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: Not applicable · Cities: Mangalore, Udipi, Kozhikode, Kochi, Alappuzha, Goa, Kannur, Karwar, Gokarna · Languages: English

Know before you go: Hotels for the stay (or similar):; Cochin x 2 nights3* - The Dune Hotel / Abad Plaza4* - Casino Hotel / The Avenue Regent5* - Xandari Harbour / Le Meridien; 3* - The Dune Hotel / Abad Plaza; 4* - Casino Hotel / The Avenue Regent; 5* - Xandari Harbour / Le Meridien; Kozhikode x 1 night3* - Keys Hotel Malabar Gate / Paramount Tower Hotel4* - Malabar Palace / Copper Folia5* - The Raviz Calicut / The Gateway Hotel Beach Road Calicut; 3* - Keys Hotel Malabar Gate / Paramount Tower Hotel; 4* - Malabar Palace / Copper Folia; 5* - The Raviz Calicut / The Gateway Hotel Beach Road Calicut; Mangalore x 1 night3* - Resort River Roost Resorts / Treebo Trend Pappilon Palace4* - The Ocean Pearl / Goldfinch Mangalore5* - The Gateway Hotel Old Port Rd Mangalore; 3* - Resort River Roost Resorts / Treebo Trend Pappilon Palace; 4* - The Ocean Pearl / Goldfinch Mangalore; 5* - The Gateway Hotel Old Port Rd Mangalore; Gokarna x 1 night3* - Red Earth Gokarna / Arthigamya Resort & Spa4* - Kudle Beach View Resort & Spa / Namaste Yoga Farm5* - SwaSwara / Kahani Paradise; 3* - Red Earth Gokarna / Arthigamya Resort & Spa; 4* - Kudle Beach View Resort & Spa / Namaste Yoga Farm; 5* - SwaSwara / Kahani Paradise; Goa x 3 nights3* - Varca Le Palm / Lambana Resort4* - Lemon Tree Hotel Candolim / The Chances Resort & Casino5* - Zuri Varca Goa White Sand Resort & Casino / Alila Diwa Goa; 3* - Varca Le Palm / Lambana Resort; 4* - Lemon Tree Hotel Candolim / The Chances Resort & Casino; 5* - Zuri Varca Goa White Sand Resort & Casino / Alila Diwa Goa; The southern part of the coast from Goa to Kanyakumari is called the Malabar Coast. This part of the coast is not as rocky as the Konkan Coast. All along the coast, sand bars have been formed by the sea waves. The sea waves bring sand with them and deposit it along the coast. As a result, backwaters or lagoons have formed along this shore.; Alleppey is called the 'Venice of the East' due to its canals, backwaters, and lagoons. Boats are the main mode of transportation here. You can see many kinds of boats around, including shikara boats, small motorboats, passenger boats, cargo boats, and houseboats. Alleppey leads in coconut fibre production and makes different products out of coconut fibre, such as floor mats, coir ropes, handicrafts, and much more.; Kozhikode is a coastal city. It was a significant spice trade centre and is close to Kappad Beach, where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed in 1498. The central Kozhikode Beach, overlooked by an old lighthouse, is a popular spot for watching the sunset. Inland, tree-lined Mananchira Square, with its musical fountain, surrounds the massive Mananchira Tank, an artificial pond. A few kilometres away from the town is Beypore, where Arabian dhows are still made of wood for the sheikhs of the Arabian world.; Bekal Fort was not an administrative centre, so it does not include any palace or mansion. However, its important features are the water tank and the flight of steps leading to an observation tower built by Tipu Sultan. Standing at the centre of the fort, the tower offers views of the coastline and the towns of Kanhangad, Pallikkara, Bekal, Kottikkulam, and Uduma. Its solid construction resembles Thalassery Fort and St. Angelo Fort at Kannur, built by the Dutch.; Udupi is known for its Hindu temples, including the huge 13th-century Sri Krishna Temple, which houses a statue of Lord Krishna and attracts many pilgrims. Nearby, the ancient Anantheshwara Temple is dedicated to the god Shiva. The Corporation Bank Heritage Museum features coins dating from 400 BC, stamps, and displays about India's banking industry.; The whole of the Konkan Coast has almost the same weather and climate. The monsoons are torrential in Goa, and the shores are filled with coconut groves and sandy beaches. Until 1961, Goa was a colony of Portugal, and an Indo-Portuguese cultural element is still very much evident here.; The Fontainhas area, near Ourem Creek in Panjim, contains the Latin quarters of the Portuguese colonists. The Hindu Brahmins of the Mala area coexist here with the Indian Christians. Although most of these colourful houses in this Portuguese colony have been converted into heritage hotels and cafes, many are still inhabited by Goa Christians. You can enjoy views of the colourful quarters from the beautiful terrace cafe of the hotel. The heritage hotel has also preserved some rosewood furniture from the bygone era and some century-old whisky bottles. The heritage building is thus a must-see place for any heritage lover.

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Gokarna

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What's Included

Garland welcome and assistance at the airport
8 nights / 9 days accommodation (as mentioned or similar)
Daily breakfast at the hotel
Day cruise in Alleppey, including lunch on board
Bottled drinking water in the car
Private English-speaking Indian guide in each city on sightseeing days
Private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the programme
One-time monument entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary
Applicable GST (government taxes)

Not Included

Airfare
Camera charges at monuments
Main meals, lunch, or dinner (unless mentioned)
Expenses of a personal nature, such as liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, and internet
Anything not mentioned above

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Explore Historic Cochin and Its Cultural Heritage

Meet your tour guide at Cochin Airport and transfer to your hotel. Meet your tour guide at Cochin Airport and transfer to your hotel. Head for a city tour of Cochin's historic monuments, including:St. Francis Church, the first European church built in India.Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest in the Commonwealth.Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese and gifted to the Kochi Maharaja. Head for a city tour of Cochin's historic monuments, including: St. Francis Church, the first European church built in India. St. Francis Church, the first European church built in India. Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest in the Commonwealth. Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest in the Commonwealth. Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese and gifted to the Kochi Maharaja. Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese and gifted to the Kochi Maharaja. Engage in activities such as:A harbour cruise through the backwaters.Kathakali, a classic Kerala drama, and Kalaripayattu shows, the traditional martial art of Kerala, at local theatres. Engage in activities such as: A harbour cruise through the backwaters. A harbour cruise through the backwaters. Kathakali, a classic Kerala drama, and Kalaripayattu shows, the traditional martial art of Kerala, at local theatres. Kathakali, a classic Kerala drama, and Kalaripayattu shows, the traditional martial art of Kerala, at local theatres. Overnight in a hotel.
2

Day 02

Cruise the Enchanting Backwaters of Alleppey

Have breakfast at the hotel and drive to Alleppey, a backwater town known for its serene and beautiful waterways. Have breakfast at the hotel and drive to Alleppey, a backwater town known for its serene and beautiful waterways. Board a houseboat and enjoy a cruise through the enchanting backwaters. The houseboat includes a double or twin bedroom with attached bathrooms, running water, and a lounge area where you can relax and enjoy the sights along the shore. Board a houseboat and enjoy a cruise through the enchanting backwaters. The houseboat includes a double or twin bedroom with attached bathrooms, running water, and a lounge area where you can relax and enjoy the sights along the shore. Set sail through scenic backwaters, passing through one of the few areas in the world where farming is done below sea level. Set sail through scenic backwaters, passing through one of the few areas in the world where farming is done below sea level. After lunch, enjoy a 1-hour shikara ride in the narrow backwaters. After lunch, enjoy a 1-hour shikara ride in the narrow backwaters. Return to Cochin in the evening. Return to Cochin in the evening. Overnight in a hotel.
3

Day 03

Visit Guruvayoor and Continue to Kozhikode

Drive to Kozhikode after breakfast and, en route, visit Guruvayoor, a pilgrimage town. It is known for the centuries-old, red-roofed Guruvayur Temple, where Hindu devotees make offerings of fruit, spices, or coins, often equivalent to their weight. Nearby, Mammiyur Mahadeva Temple contains shrines of the deities Vishnu and Shiva. South of the town is St. Thomas Church. Drive to Kozhikode after breakfast and, en route, visit Guruvayoor, a pilgrimage town. It is known for the centuries-old, red-roofed Guruvayur Temple, where Hindu devotees make offerings of fruit, spices, or coins, often equivalent to their weight. Nearby, Mammiyur Mahadeva Temple contains shrines of the deities Vishnu and Shiva. South of the town is St. Thomas Church. Arrive in Kozhikode (Calicut), the land of the Zamorins, a prominent city in Malabar, and check in at the hotel. The city has some well-known martial art houses where you can witness an authentic form of Kalaripayattu, the martial art of Kerala. Arrive in Kozhikode (Calicut), the land of the Zamorins, a prominent city in Malabar, and check in at the hotel. The city has some well-known martial art houses where you can witness an authentic form of Kalaripayattu, the martial art of Kerala. Overnight in a hotel.
4

Day 04

Discover Coastal Forts on the Way to Mangalore

Head towards Mangalore after breakfast. En route, visit Thalassery, Kannur, and Bekal. Head towards Mangalore after breakfast. En route, visit Thalassery, Kannur, and Bekal. Start with Thalassery, one of the strategic centres of British India. Several Anglo-Indian wars were fought here, and Thalassery Fort, overlooking the sea, stands as a silent witness to those battles. Start with Thalassery, one of the strategic centres of British India. Several Anglo-Indian wars were fought here, and Thalassery Fort, overlooking the sea, stands as a silent witness to those battles. Proceed to Kannur and visit the 16th-century St. Angelo Fort, once occupied by European colonial forces, reflecting the city's significant role in the spice trade. Housed in a former palace, the Arakkal Museum highlights Kerala's only Muslim royal family. Proceed to Kannur and visit the 16th-century St. Angelo Fort, once occupied by European colonial forces, reflecting the city's significant role in the spice trade. Housed in a former palace, the Arakkal Museum highlights Kerala's only Muslim royal family. Behold the historic Bekal Fort, which appears to emerge from the sea. Almost three-quarters of its exterior is in contact with water. Behold the historic Bekal Fort, which appears to emerge from the sea. Almost three-quarters of its exterior is in contact with water. Continue driving towards Mangalore and check in at the hotel. Continue driving towards Mangalore and check in at the hotel. Visit the marvel of Mangalore, St. Aloysius Chapel, located at St. Aloysius College. The chapel's interior was hand-painted by Italian Jesuit Antonio Moscheni in 1899. The doors and windows of the chapel are kept closed to help preserve the paintings, and photography is prohibited inside. Visit the marvel of Mangalore, St. Aloysius Chapel, located at St. Aloysius College. The chapel's interior was hand-painted by Italian Jesuit Antonio Moscheni in 1899. The doors and windows of the chapel are kept closed to help preserve the paintings, and photography is prohibited inside. Overnight at the hotel.
5

Day 05

Travel via Udupi to the Holy Town of Gokarna

Make your way to Gokarna after breakfast and, en route, visit Udupi. Make your way to Gokarna after breakfast and, en route, visit Udupi. Continue driving to Gokarna, the holy temple town on the west coast of India, and check in at the hotel. The Mahabaleshwar Temple is an important pilgrim centre, and visiting Gokarna is considered holy for Hindus. Gokarna Beach is also known as a hippy paradise. Continue driving to Gokarna, the holy temple town on the west coast of India, and check in at the hotel. The Mahabaleshwar Temple is an important pilgrim centre, and visiting Gokarna is considered holy for Hindus. Gokarna Beach is also known as a hippy paradise. Overnight at the hotel.
6

Day 06

Journey to Goa via Karwar

Drive towards Goa after breakfast and, en route, visit Karwar, a port city in the South Indian state of Karnataka. It is known for beaches such as Rabindranath Tagore Beach, with dive spots, and the black-sand Tilmati Beach to the north.The INS Chapal (K94) Warship Museum, housed in a former missile boat, displays artefacts and videos related to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.The hilltop Sadashivgad Fort has a temple dedicated to the goddess Durga, along with views of the Kali River and the Arabian Sea. Drive towards Goa after breakfast and, en route, visit Karwar, a port city in the South Indian state of Karnataka. It is known for beaches such as Rabindranath Tagore Beach, with dive spots, and the black-sand Tilmati Beach to the north. The INS Chapal (K94) Warship Museum, housed in a former missile boat, displays artefacts and videos related to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The INS Chapal (K94) Warship Museum, housed in a former missile boat, displays artefacts and videos related to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The hilltop Sadashivgad Fort has a temple dedicated to the goddess Durga, along with views of the Kali River and the Arabian Sea. The hilltop Sadashivgad Fort has a temple dedicated to the goddess Durga, along with views of the Kali River and the Arabian Sea. Continue driving to Goa, a popular tropical beach destination in India on the Arabian Sea coast. On one side, you will find crowded beaches, bars, discotheques, pubs, and restaurants, which make up the most happening part of Goa. On the other side, South Goa is pristine, calm, rustic, agrarian, and nature-oriented. Continue driving to Goa, a popular tropical beach destination in India on the Arabian Sea coast. On one side, you will find crowded beaches, bars, discotheques, pubs, and restaurants, which make up the most happening part of Goa. On the other side, South Goa is pristine, calm, rustic, agrarian, and nature-oriented. Visit the markets to taste awesome Goa food such as Goa pork sausages, Goa fish curry rice, Rava fried fish, Kaju Feni and Limca, Kokum, Bibinca, and the Vindaloos and Cafreals, two lip-smacking masalas in which meat and vegetables are cooked, all authentic to Goa. Visit the markets to taste awesome Goa food such as Goa pork sausages, Goa fish curry rice, Rava fried fish, Kaju Feni and Limca, Kokum, Bibinca, and the Vindaloos and Cafreals, two lip-smacking masalas in which meat and vegetables are cooked, all authentic to Goa. Overnight in a hotel.
7

Day 07

Explore Goa's Churches, Heritage and Beaches

Embark on a full-day city tour after breakfast. Embark on a full-day city tour after breakfast. Visit the following sites:Basilica of Bom Jesus, a World Heritage Site famous for the preserved mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.Se Cathedral, dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, the largest church in Asia, with giant bells and exquisite architecture.The Church of St. Francis of Assisi, built from 1517 to 1521 AD, a stunning and charming building where the architecture combines Hindu and Christian elements.The ruins of the Church of St. Augustine, with its 46-metre-high tower, built in 1602 through the combined efforts of 12 Augustinians, who also built a convent beside the church. The Church of Mary Immaculate Conception is one of the most famous landmarks of Goa and is believed to be among the earliest churches constructed in Goa. Visit the following sites: Basilica of Bom Jesus, a World Heritage Site famous for the preserved mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Basilica of Bom Jesus, a World Heritage Site famous for the preserved mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Se Cathedral, dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, the largest church in Asia, with giant bells and exquisite architecture. Se Cathedral, dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, the largest church in Asia, with giant bells and exquisite architecture. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi, built from 1517 to 1521 AD, a stunning and charming building where the architecture combines Hindu and Christian elements. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi, built from 1517 to 1521 AD, a stunning and charming building where the architecture combines Hindu and Christian elements. The ruins of the Church of St. Augustine, with its 46-metre-high tower, built in 1602 through the combined efforts of 12 Augustinians, who also built a convent beside the church. The Church of Mary Immaculate Conception is one of the most famous landmarks of Goa and is believed to be among the earliest churches constructed in Goa. The ruins of the Church of St. Augustine, with its 46-metre-high tower, built in 1602 through the combined efforts of 12 Augustinians, who also built a convent beside the church. The Church of Mary Immaculate Conception is one of the most famous landmarks of Goa and is believed to be among the earliest churches constructed in Goa. Take a walk through Fontainhas, a colourful colony known for its eccentric experience. The state was once a Portuguese colony and still has many beautiful reminders of the Portuguese era. Take a walk through Fontainhas, a colourful colony known for its eccentric experience. The state was once a Portuguese colony and still has many beautiful reminders of the Portuguese era. Relax by the beach. Relax by the beach. Overnight in a hotel.
8

Day 08

Visit South Goa Temples and Unwind on the Beaches

Visit South Goa temples, including the following:Sri Bhagawati Temple, believed to be over 500 years old and dedicated to Goddess Ashtabhuja. The temple is constructed in a grand style, and the entrance is flanked by two elephant statues.Shri Shantadurga Temple, dedicated to the goddess Shantadurga, who is regarded as a peaceful form of Goddess Durga. The temple is beautifully constructed and located amidst scenic landscapes.Shri Mangesh Temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It attracts many devotees, and its architecture follows every norm of the traditional Hindu architectural style. Visit South Goa temples, including the following: Sri Bhagawati Temple, believed to be over 500 years old and dedicated to Goddess Ashtabhuja. The temple is constructed in a grand style, and the entrance is flanked by two elephant statues. Sri Bhagawati Temple, believed to be over 500 years old and dedicated to Goddess Ashtabhuja. The temple is constructed in a grand style, and the entrance is flanked by two elephant statues. Shri Shantadurga Temple, dedicated to the goddess Shantadurga, who is regarded as a peaceful form of Goddess Durga. The temple is beautifully constructed and located amidst scenic landscapes. Shri Shantadurga Temple, dedicated to the goddess Shantadurga, who is regarded as a peaceful form of Goddess Durga. The temple is beautifully constructed and located amidst scenic landscapes. Shri Mangesh Temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It attracts many devotees, and its architecture follows every norm of the traditional Hindu architectural style. Shri Mangesh Temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It attracts many devotees, and its architecture follows every norm of the traditional Hindu architectural style. After sightseeing, hop off at some beautiful beaches. Enjoy some rest time and relax. After sightseeing, hop off at some beautiful beaches. Enjoy some rest time and relax. Overnight in a hotel.
9

Day 09

Departure from Goa

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport and board your flight for your onward destination. Transfer to the airport and board your flight for your onward destination.

Meeting Point

Meeting point: 594V+V6X, Kochi, Kerala 683111, India · Tour start: 594V+V6X, Kochi, Kerala 683111, India — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.