2 WEEKS ITINERARY GOA-KERALA, ANY SUGGESTIONS??
Replies: 6 - Last Post: Jan 22, 2013 7:43 AM Last Post By: sargbya
jump to
2 WEEKS ITINERARY GOA-KERALA, ANY SUGGESTIONS??
Hi there!!I'm heading for Goa and Kerala for two weeks in February 13. I'm travelling on my own (first timer!!) and I'm a bit lost for itineraries...
After reading the LP this is a rough idea: visit the Northern and Southern beaches, maybe Old Goa /Panaji (but not necessary) and travel down the coast through Karnataka onto Kerala, do the backwaters, visit the "Hugging Ashram" (stay the night if possible) and down to Varkala. Then fly back to Mumbai.
There are a couple of places I would like to fit into my agenda, but not sure if I'll have enough time:Hampi and Mysore...
Is that doable in two weeks? Am I missing any MUST-VISIT places / beaches / etc??
Can I do all that using public transport? if so, is better by bus or by train? is it easy to book tickets once in the area or must do it in advance? any concerns about night sectors on trains for a girl travelling alone?
I would appreciate any inputs and if anyone is in the area and fancy meeting at some point, let me know! calaforn@hotmail.com
Cheers!!!!
2
You should consider doing your itinerary in reverse and travel first ending up in Goa prior to your flight back.The Amma ashram is in Kollam district and you could start in Kerala and head to Mysore from Calicut and then to Hampi and Goa. It is still a lot for 2 weeks as you will need at least 2 nights each in Mysore and Hampi and yopur travel time will consume about 4 full days at the least.
3
As you only have 2 weeks it may be worth considering leaving Kerala till another time otherwise it will be pretty rushed trip.My suggestion is Fly Mumbai to Bangalore, do Mysore for a few days, back to Bangalore and catch Train to Hospet for Hampi for a few days then head for Goa for some beach time, then back to Mumbai, either Train or Fly.
It may be possible to train it from Mysore to Hubli, then go to Hospet and onto Hampi, thats if you don't want to return to Bangalore.
IF you are keen on the Kerala backwaters, Varkala and the Ashram, then maybe leave Hampi & Goa for next time, you could still do Mysore, ie Fly Mumbai to Bangalore as stated earlier, go to Mysore, then Kerala, Kochi > Allepey > Kollam(Ashram) Varkala, Trivandrum and then fly back to Mumbai from Trivandrum.
4
I forgot to mention you could experience the Ashram which you refer and also experience the backwaters by taking the Allepey to Kollam backwater Tourist ferry. I can't help with info about staying O'night at the Ashram, which could be possible if allowed and you could continue next day on the next ferry heading for Kollam. From Kollam take a cab to Varkala.5
Depends on your interests. Two weeks in Goa is probably enough to see the northern and southern beaches.Transport by train (2nd class sleeper) is okay, although slow at times. I liked Varkala as it seemed to be a little more developed than Palolem. Loved the fresh fish they put out in the PM. Have heard that Kovalam is ruined, but I would have to verify.
Northern Goa (Calangute, Candolim) is more commercialized but there are services (ATMs and Newtons supermarket). Anjuna beach, the Wednesday flea market, and the night club to the north are good to see. Watch out for the ear cleaners :-) Southern Goa is more laid back, love Palolem. Panalji, Old Goa and Cafe Venite are musts! Get to Hampi
6
If you want to stay at Amritapuri (Amma's place) you need to pre book online. She is on tour at present and may not be around to give darshan when you arrive. But still it is a very good place to visit and the food is great.Shared room is 250rp.
Ferry from Aleppey if coming from the north 51/2 hours to Ashram near the boat jetty.
Then another 21/2 hours to Kollam where you can get a 800rp taxi to Varkala. Look for someone to share with.
Also buses from nearby bus station will take you very close to Varkala.
