Midlife Adventures - Tips for India

Project Background

Our India adventure comes to life through our inspiring local partner, Ridhi Patel, founder of Volunteering Journeys.

Ridhi has spent years building deep, meaningful connections across Kochi - from artists and educators to grassroots changemakers, chefs, yoga teachers, and half the Cochin Club. Through her little black book, we’re not just visiting Fort Kochi… we’re stepping straight into her world. She’s opening doors that ordinary travellers never find: private studio visits with local artists, dinners in tucked-away restaurants only the locals know, a warm welcome into the Cochin Club, and introductions to her family and friends who will host, feed, teach and look after us like their own.

Together, we’ve shaped an itinerary that speaks directly to the midlife spirit - purposeful, sociable, curious, and full of those “I would never have done this on my own” moments. You’ll be part of two uplifting community projects, supporting English and confidence-building in both a women’s empowerment centre and a local school. The work is gentle but meaningful - more conversation than curriculum - and the connections you make will stay with you long after you leave.

This isn’t sightseeing. It’s proper cultural immersion, the kind that only happens when someone like Ridhi opens her address book, and her heart, and invites us in.

solo travel midlife women south india team kerala ladies stairs

solo travel midlife women south india rhidi beach walk

Accommodation + Meals

KOCHI
https://www.teabungalow.in/ or similar
Welcome dinner on the first night included, thereafter breakfast and lunch only in Kochi. Single room.

MUNNAR TREK
This multiday trek will take you along mountainous trails, lakes and even through dense cloud forest. You’ll spend your evenings camping in Indian style tents. All the camping gear you need will be provided for you on site, all you need is a day bag with your essentials.
All meals included at the camp - drinks are not. Twin Rooms only.

KERALA BACKWATERS
Spend your night cruising down the breathtaking backwaters, sleeping on a traditional Houseboat. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included - drinks are not. Twin room only.

MARARI BEACH:
https://www.cghearth.com/marari-beach
Breakfast and dinner included. Twin room only.
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solo travel women south india colourful bedroom accommodation

solo travel women group tour south india marari beach pool

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India Essentials

Communication

Hindi is the most spoken language in India, though you can encounter a range of dialects as you explore the differences between the North and the South.

Your guides are English speaking to help you translate.

Phones + Wi-Fi

Many phone plans have international options. Indian SIM cards are readily available.

Wifi is available apart from the Houseboat and the Trek.

Weather & Travel Times

The prime time of year to visit is between October and March with comfortable weather.

Temperatures can range from around 23°C to 33°C depending on the season.

Visas & Entry Requirements

A tourist visa is necessary for entry. We will provide you with all references and information needed to process your application in advance of the trip.

Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry and have at least two blank pages for visa stamps and immigration stamps.

Proof of Exit: You strictly must exit India before your Visa expires. We recommend the standard 30 day tourist visa, though you can explore longer options if you’d like to explore India through onward travel.

Flights

You’ll fly into Cochin Airport (COK) and depart from Delhi Airport (DEL) with exact dates dependent on flight availability.

Please do not book any flights independently - wait for our admin email, which will include our recommended flight itinerary. We coordinate flights through Trailfinders, the UK’s most trusted travel brand, offering ATOL-protected "flight only" bookings (ATOL number T1458).

Insurance

For UK Residents: We recommend Campbell Irvine Ltd who have designed a policy specifically with our projects in mind. We suggest you purchase your travel insurance at the earliest opportunity, so you are covered for any insurable reasons in the unlikely event you must cancel having committed to your itinerary or paid for flights.

‍USA Residents: We recommend Inext who can combine with your exiting medical cover. Most Leapers buy the Platinum Policy.

Vaccinations

The following list is a guide only. Your doctor will advise.
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Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid.

Money

Local currency is called India Rupee. We recommend bringing a combination of a debit card and a Revolut (or similar) card for convenience and security.

ATMs are widely available, in the cities making it easy to withdraw money as needed. We recommend you take both cash and a debit/credit card, particularly for the Trek and Houseboat where ATMs may be rarer. Best currencies - US Dollars or Indian Rupee, both are accepted widely.

While India can be inexpensive, you must be careful and budget. Drinks and any extra adventures you may want to include can add up. Most Leapers report on our trips that they spend about £200 extra per week.

What to Pack?

Clothes

Less is more and a laundry service is available throughout - budget about $10 per load.

A selection of light weight trousers, shorts, t-shirts to wear during the day for project work
A selection of nice clothes for going out in the evenings
Lightweight long sleeved t-shirt and trousers for working within the schools
A hoodie/fleece and comfortable trekking clothes for cooler evenings in the cloud forest
A lightweight waterproof jacket
1 pair of sturdy trainers
1 pair flip-flops
1 pair casual shoes
Beach wear: sun hat, swimmers etc.

Equipment

Rucksack - NO hard-shell SUITCASES
Day rucksack
Packing cubes - useful to manage our rucksack
Towel/sarong x 2. The microfibre towels are great as they dry quickly
Plug adapter required - they have American style plugs
Sunglasses
Water bottle
Portable phone charger

Toiletries & Medical

Basic everyday toiletries
Sun cream/after sun
Hand sanitiser
Insect repellent
Antibacterial spray/cream for open wounds
Rehydration powders
Savlon
Antihistamines
E45/Sudocrem
Immodium
Mediplasters
Personal medication - bring extra supplies, know the generic names of your medication, and ensure you can manage allergies (e.g. carry an epipen if necessary)

Where to Next? Keep the Adventure Going

Why go home when there’s so much more to explore? After the programme, most of our teams aren’t ready to call it quits. Instead, they dive into a new phase of independent travel with their new best mates, making the most of their gap year together.

Costa Rica’s got you perfectly placed for whatever vibe you’re after. Head north to dive into the vibrant cultures of Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico—think colourful towns, ancient ruins, and epic beach days.

Or, if you’re craving adventure down south, make your way through Panama, Colombia, and Peru where rainforests, buzzing cities, and Incan wonders are waiting. Wherever you go, you’ll find fresh challenges, unforgettable experiences, and plenty more stories to bring home.

Ready to keep the adventure rolling? Check out our blogs below for tips and inspiration or head to our guide to backpacking in Central America.