Board an evening/overnight train or AC bus from Coimbatore to Ernakulam so you reach Kochi late night for the scheduled bioluminescence boat; book berths/seats for all 6 in advance.
Quick pre-booked taxi from Ernakulam station to Kumbalangi village (20–40 mins) to meet the night boat operator; confirm driver and pickup point beforehand to save time.
Guided night boat ride in mangrove channels to watch bioluminescent plankton glow — peak after dark and usually operated till ~1:30–2:00am (seasonal and weather-dependent).
After the boat, head straight back to Ernakulam/Aluva station area with your pre-booked cab to catch the earliest northbound train or overnight bus toward Gokarna/Ankola/Mangalore; minimise waiting by pre-checking train/bus schedules the day before.
Take the earliest feasible train or Volvo/privately-booked traveller heading north along the Konkan coast toward Gokarna Road / Ankola / Karwar / Mangaluru; for a group of 6, booking a private traveller (tempo) is an option if trains don't align with timings. Expect a long journey (~10–14 hours) en route to Gokarna.
Have a packed or station breakfast (idli/dosa/packed tiffin) to keep energy up after the late night; many stations and pantry services operate early morning but pack basic snacks for the group.
Stopover lunch at a reliable station restaurant or onboard pantry — choose hygienic options (rice/curd/vegetarian thali or packed biryani) and avoid roadside stalls for long bus legs.
Arrive at the nearest station (Gokarna Road or Ankola) and take a local bus, shared auto or pre-booked taxi to Gokarna town (30–60 mins depending on station). Check into beach guesthouse near Om or Kudle for easy beach access.
Quick rest and freshen up at your guesthouse/room; split into rooms for comfort and decide on a light evening plan — many beach cottages allow late check-ins if informed.
Walk along Om Beach for sunset views and relaxed beach cafes; Om Beach is open all day and beach shacks remain lively in the evening (no formal closing time but curfews can apply locally).
Dinner at a popular beachfront café: Namaste Cafe or Prema’s offer good Indian and continental options, seafood and group-friendly platters; cafes typically open till 10–11pm in peak season.
Simple dosas, akki rotti, fruit and strong South Indian coffee at a beach café; most beach cafes open from 7:00–8:00am so you’ll get a fresh start before activities.
Morning swim, sunbathing and a short trek/boat to Half Moon / Paradise Beach for quieter coves and scenic views; boat shuttles typically operate until late afternoon and trekking paths are open day-time.
Board a pre-booked private tempo/traveller or state bus for the 3.5–4.5 hour drive to Dandeli; for a group of 6, a private traveller is faster and more comfortable with luggage.
Check in to your jungle lodge or riverside resort; meet activity coordinators to confirm next-day rafting and jungle trek slots (important to pre-book rafting for groups).
Local Karnataka thali or multi-cuisine dinner at the resort; hearty meal to recharge before the next day's adventure. Resorts typically serve dinner from 7:00–9:30pm.
Early filling breakfast (idli/dosa, eggs, fruits) provided by the resort; request packed snacks if you’ll be leaving on an overnight connection later in the day.
Guided rafting on the Kali River — runs typically from 7:00am to late afternoon (seasonal); this is the main adrenaline activity, confirm safety gear and minimum age/weight rules with the operator.
Gentle bamboo raft or coracle ride on calmer river stretches for birding and riverbank scenery — perfect colder-down activity after rafting and usually available till mid-afternoon.
Relaxed lunch at your resort or a nearby local restaurant offering Karnataka specialties (fish curry thali or veg options) and rehydrate before any afternoon trek.
Short guided trek in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary or a jeep safari to spot birds, deer and reptiles; afternoon slots depend on guide availability — pre-book to guarantee your group’s spot.
Evening tea/coffee by the Kali River, photos and pack for onward travel; confirm onward train/bus timings and reach station/boarding point with sufficient time.
Board an evening bus/train or shared taxi toward Hubballi, Goa or Coimbatore depending on your return plan; for Coimbatore you may need to connect via Hubballi or take a direct overnight road option — pre-book seats.
If travelling overnight, have a packed or on-route dinner at a trusted restaurant; avoid late-night roadside stalls and keep bottled water for the journey.