Small-group journey · Season 2027

Monsoon & Spice: 18 days from the tea hills of Ceylon to the Himalayan foothills

Sri Lanka, Kerala, Goa and Nepal in one unhurried trip. Twelve travellers, two local guides, trains instead of buses where we can, and plenty of time to sit by the water and do nothing at all.

See departure dates Day-by-day plan

18 days4 countries & regions
12 maxtravellers per group
Jan – Aprdry-season departures
from €2,890per person, twin share

One route, four very different worlds

We built this trip around the dry season so that every stop is at its best: green tea estates, calm backwaters, warm sea and clear mountain mornings.

Days 1–6

Sri Lanka

Colombo to Kandy by the old hill-country train, tea-plucking in Ella, a sunrise climb and a quiet beach in Mirissa.

Days 7–11

Kerala

A night on a converted rice barge in the backwaters, Kathakali in Kochi, spice farms and Ayurvedic cooking with a local family.

Days 12–18

Goa & Nepal

Portuguese lanes and fish curry in Goa, then Kathmandu's old squares, a gentle trek near Pokhara and a farewell dinner by Phewa Lake.

Day by day

The pace is relaxed on purpose: no 5 a.m. starts unless the view is worth it, and free afternoons almost every other day.

All internal flights, trains, boats and transfers are included. You only need to get yourself to Colombo and home from Kathmandu.

Ask for the full PDF plan

  1. Days 1–2

    Colombo & Galle Face

    Arrival, welcome dinner, sunset walk on the seafront and a slow morning in Pettah market.

  2. Days 3–4

    Kandy & the hill-country train

    Temple of the Tooth, botanical gardens, then the famous blue train up to Ella through the tea estates.

  3. Days 5–6

    Ella & Mirissa

    Little Adam's Peak at sunrise, Nine Arches Bridge, two lazy days on the south coast.

  4. Days 7–9

    Kochi & Munnar

    Short flight to Kerala. Chinese fishing nets, spice plantations and cardamom hills.

  5. Days 10–11

    Alleppey backwaters

    Overnight on a private houseboat with a chef on board. Village walk and canoe at dawn.

  6. Days 12–14

    Goa

    Fontainhas old quarter, a cooking class, and a full free day on Palolem beach.

  7. Days 15–18

    Kathmandu & Pokhara

    Durbar Square, Boudhanath stupa, a two-day soft trek with Annapurna views, farewell by the lake.

Prices

Prices are per person and include 17 nights of accommodation, breakfasts and 9 dinners, all internal transport, entrance fees and two English-speaking guides.

Twin share

€2,890 / person
  • Boutique guesthouses & small hotels
  • Houseboat night in Kerala
  • All guided excursions

Comfort upgrade

+€640 / person
  • Upgraded rooms with views
  • Business-class train seats
  • Spa session in Kerala

Departure dates 2027

Every group is guaranteed to depart from six travellers. We confirm flights and visas with you personally after booking.

Start (Colombo)Finish (Kathmandu)Price fromSeats
12 January 202729 January 2027€2,890Waiting list
9 February 202726 February 2027€2,8903 seats left
9 March 202726 March 2027€2,950Open
6 April 202723 April 2027€2,950Open

Questions we hear a lot

If yours is not here, just write to us. A real person answers within a day.

Do I need visas?

Sri Lanka and India have online e-visas, Nepal issues a visa on arrival. We send step-by-step instructions after booking and check your documents before departure.

How fit do I need to be?

If you can walk 10–12 km on a mild trail, you will enjoy every day. The trek in Nepal is optional and porters carry the bags.

Is the trip suitable for solo travellers?

Very much so: usually half of each group travels alone. Choose a single room or let us pair you with a same-gender roommate.

What about food and dietary needs?

South Asia is a paradise for vegetarians, and our guides arrange vegan, gluten-free or mild-spice meals every day.

What is the cancellation policy?

Full refund up to 60 days before departure, 50% up to 30 days. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.

Book a seat or ask a question

Tell us which departure you like and how many travellers. We will hold the seats for 72 hours, free of charge, while you decide.

Email: hello@lifefor.fun

Office hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00–19:00

Deposit: €400 per person to confirm a seat, balance 45 days before departure.