1

I am fit

That have something to do with anything other than alerting the wanna-be "friends"?

Would you recommend flying to Cochin and then working my way back towards Mumbai?

Yes. And think buses for other connections. Private buses ply all the regular routes. You might stay clear of night buses, though. Besides missing scenery, you could garner unwanted "friendliness".

2

Or you could work your way down to Cochin and fly back. ..A good option maybe if you really want to go to Ellora...There are flights Bombay - Aurangabad...and head south from there...You will be travelling through a little travelled area...good chance that you wont see another tourist until Goa. In fact last September there were no foreign tourists at Ellora either...a special place imo.

3

Thank you for the advice. I meant that I am fit in the sense of exercise, and therefore would enjoy trekking and outdoor activities. Although I do appreciate your help, there is no need for snide comments on these forums.

4

Check your private messages. Betcha you have more than comments there.

5

Since its Diwali season from November 10 to 25, Kerala is packed with tourist during the same time. So book your rooms and houseboat in advance.
From Kochi either you can take a flight / train to Bangalore and reach Mysore via bus ( 140Kms) OR you may take a direct bus from Kochi to Mysore. Luxury bus services going to Bangalore via Calicut touches Mysore.

6

Depends on when you'd prefer to unwind. Bombay is far more frenetic than Kochi, and possibly, far more overwhelming if its your first time in India. Also, as a single female traveller, Mumbai is equally hard to adjust to in one go. Starting from Kochi gives you more time to acclimatize to India, IMO, as its generally a 'safer' destination. But if you'd rather unwind towards the close of your trip, like lazing around at scenic locales, then leave Kochi for the last.

Kochi to Mysore is a circuitous journey if done by rail - its better attempted by going through the lush Western Ghats (now a World Heritage Site). A great way is to go Kochi - Kozhikode - Wayanad - Coorg - Mysore.

Between Hampi and Goa, consider stopping at the superb temples of Pattadakal, Aihole and Badami.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves have to be done as a separate trip from Mumbai, but are definitely worth the effort.

Its a well rounded trip otherwise, so its better to stick with it. Avoid night bus rides though - stick to the trains as much as possible.

7

Hi,
from Mumbai you can take train to Aurangabad to visit Ajanta and Ellora or Lonar crator.There are many foreign tourist visitors at these places.Mostly backpackers take route from Mumbai to Aurangabad and then to Goa or kerala.you need 3 days to visit aurangabad and near places.
Happy travelling