1

hi RB,

got few suggestions for you.

1. start from bangalore, as moving to chennai and then to kerala would be much more convenient.
starting from chennai to kerala via bangalore will be going in two different directions.

2. you can visit Pondicherry, 120 odd kms from chennai. its a french coastal place.

3. By following Bangalore-chennai-kerala route, u can spend more time in kerala considerably than otherwise.

4. you can try Kannanur in kerala, its a back water town with boat houses and other spas, ayurvedic centers.

have a fun filled trip. if you are dropping by pondicherry lemme know. i live here

regards
mk

2

Do you actually have to visit Chennai itself or is that just where you disembark an aircraft?

There is little in Chemmai to interest the average traveller, you'd be better advised getting a cab from the airport and spend 48 hours in Mammallapuram - the inly reaort on the eat coast of interest to many foreigners.

Most then bus to Pondicherry , altho' in reality it is not of great merit and quite a way off the beaten track n- lousy transport connections and a poor info centre to get bus times.

Perhaps then you wold consider delightful Thanjavur, Madurai - then train to Trivundruum for vrakala.

Working your way up the West Coast to Alleppy for backwaters (make sure you have plenty of DEET insect repellant spray eg Jungle Formula).

Up to kochin which is worth a coupladays at least.

From Kochin (station is on mainland at Ernakulam), take an oernite train to Bangalore again like Chennai - a place to catch an aeroplane. but it is 3 hours by bus/train to Mysore which is worth a visit if you have time.

Kannur has a couple of lovely little guesthouse on the beach - we stayed there last feb but I wouldn't recommend it unless you wish to kill time.

3

yes chennai east bangalore is on north and kerala in south west so the routing is not correct
you can go to kerala by taking direct flights from chennai to cochin
or go chennai - pndicherry - periyar - palakkad - cochin by road or rail.

4

Skip either Bangalore or Chennai.
If you intend to arrive in Chennai, the best way is to take a flight to either Cochin or Trivandrum.
If you are a budget traveller, then take an over night train from Chennai to Cochin(Ernakulam). If you arrive in Bangalore, of course you can go by train to Ernakulam too.

5

I'm with #4, take the train Chennai-Ernakulam ( cochin ).

6

Like most of the members who posted here, suggest taking a flight from Chennai to Cochin and then to Bangalore. Once in Kerala, go around places like Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Alleppey. Try to be in Kerala during the last week of August when keralites celebrate Onam. It is going to be colorful and an experience.

If you are driving from Chennai, - it is going to take about 15 hrs and it will be stressful, if you don't enjoy driving. I have done it and also drove from Kochi to Bangalore via Mysore and then back to Chennai. In case you decide to drive, suggest taking a detour from Coimbatore and head to Munnar, then thekkady, kumarakom. alleppey - don't miss the houseboat, cochin, cherai beach, calicut, wayanad and then bangalore. You can choose your breaks in between.

Most of the resorts provide ayurvedic massages but do select a renowned one.

7

Dear all,

What can I say? I'm both very appreciative and impressed of all the information you passed to me and to do it all so quickly too! Thanks so much.

Plans have now changed, however, and i'll be visiting Sri Lanka for 10 days this month with a view to finally reaching India around Easter next year when all your tips will come in very useful indeed.

Thanks again. Have a good day!
RB