India 1, Maryann 0

Maryann · Dec 24th, 2006, 08:49

Hi all

After my initial blissful experience, I've had one of the most bitterly stressful and frustrating few days trying to plan where to go from Trivandrum on the 27th. The obvious choice seemed to be Goa, but as everything's booked I can only get a somewhat expensive room in Candolim (When I get home I am going to have some words for everybody who told me to book this trip on the fly

)

Does anybody know a decent Keralan travel agent (preferably local to Trivandrum area) who could help me look at some other options? I can't seem to get ANYONE to actually take a few minutes with me to outline what's available now and what it costs and am spending a fortune calling around and taking taxis to towns with Internet cafes.

Am willing to give it one last shot; barring that I'm London-bound on the 27th as it would actually be more relaxing than trying to stay here seems to be.

Thanks all
cheerio
m.a.

cyberhippie · Dec 24th, 2006, 09:02

Goa is a big place so even at this time if you choose wisely there should be accomodation!! Though you won't get a choice at this time of year.

I was also wondering how you would get there, as I'm sure the trains and other transport would be very busy!!

The obvious "Goa substitutes" in Kerala would Be Varkala and Kovelam. Munnar is nice or a trip to Periyar National Park, have you done the backwaters already???
No need to get a travel agent to arrange these, though I wouldn't try Munnar at this time of year without somekind 0of proir booking, The hotel possiblities are limited here and Christmas is a busy time!!

GoanCanuck · Dec 24th, 2006, 11:26

Your main problem will getting to Goa as the trains are going to be fully booked. Once you get to Goa you should be able to find a place although it may not be upto your expectations.

Nick-H · Dec 24th, 2006, 12:02

If all else fails, relax in trivandrum/kovalam!

Better than London. I hear temperatures have plummeted there

As a moderator I shouldn't say this --- but in response to your very direct appeal for urgent help I think it would be allowable for one of our members who are, errrm, connected with the travel trade in Kerala to send you a PM.

Just don't tell the rest of the mod team that I suggested it, folks...

rab · Dec 24th, 2006, 13:10

Your suggestion is fine Nick - just don't forget the warning / disclaimer

steven_ber · Dec 24th, 2006, 14:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maryann

(When I get home I am going to have some words for everybody who told me to book this trip on the fly

)

Quote:

Originally Posted by rab

just don't forget the warning / disclaimer

The advice must have been given by private message, I've gone through all Maryann's posts/threads and can't find any advice on this subject.

It's always best to seek such advice on the open forums, there are many people who'd advise on the pro's and con's of this kind of travel.

I'd say stay in Kerala and book an overnight train to Bangalore in time to catch your flight, but book it now.

Goa has it's attractions, beaches, cheap booze, and .....I'm sure there's more.

Kerala also has great beaches, and if you add the cost of traveling to Goa, the booze in Kerala will seem very cheap.

Goa to Bangalore wouldn't be easy to book either. (I think)

Is Goa worth a fight to get bookings on trains, planes and for hotels?

Not if you're already in Kerala.

Maryann · Dec 25th, 2006, 14:20

Hi guys

Thanks for your advice & suggestions. I got the "wait until you get there and book it as you go" advice from friends in London who have traveled to India before - next trip I'll definitely take IMers advice in advance!

As both Goa and Periyar are fully booked, I've decided to join some lovely people I've met here for a couple of days in Karvala, then head on to Cochi for a night and finally to Bangalore to catch my flight back to the UK - leave Goa for another time when it's not the party destination of the universe...!

All in all it's been hugely rewarding, from Mysore to Bandipur to Wayanad to Kovalam to the tip of India. I've started up my yoga practice again, met some lovely people, seen mountains and beaches and temples and even met a baby elephant. Hard not to get a bit sentimental about it all, and I'm still here!

Merry Christmas everybody

cheers
m.a.

Dec 24th, 2006, 08:49	#1
Maryann Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: London Posts: 17	India 1, Maryann 0 Hi all After my initial blissful experience, I've had one of the most bitterly stressful and frustrating few days trying to plan where to go from Trivandrum on the 27th. The obvious choice seemed to be Goa, but as everything's booked I can only get a somewhat expensive room in Candolim (When I get home I am going to have some words for everybody who told me to book this trip on the fly ) Does anybody know a decent Keralan travel agent (preferably local to Trivandrum area) who could help me look at some other options? I can't seem to get ANYONE to actually take a few minutes with me to outline what's available now and what it costs and am spending a fortune calling around and taking taxis to towns with Internet cafes. Am willing to give it one last shot; barring that I'm London-bound on the 27th as it would actually be more relaxing than trying to stay here seems to be. Thanks all cheerio m.a.

Dec 24th, 2006, 12:02	#4
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,692	If all else fails, relax in trivandrum/kovalam! Better than London. I hear temperatures have plummeted there As a moderator I shouldn't say this --- but in response to your very direct appeal for urgent help I think it would be allowable for one of our members who are, errrm, connected with the travel trade in Kerala to send you a PM. Just don't tell the rest of the mod team that I suggested it, folks... __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Dec 24th, 2006, 13:10	#5
rab Honorary Mod Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: McLaren Vale, South Australia Posts: 1,216	Your suggestion is fine Nick - just don't forget the warning / disclaimer __________________ IndiaMike Mod Team (The Honorary One)

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Dec 24th, 2006, 09:02	#2
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,012	Goa is a big place so even at this time if you choose wisely there should be accomodation!! Though you won't get a choice at this time of year. I was also wondering how you would get there, as I'm sure the trains and other transport would be very busy!! The obvious "Goa substitutes" in Kerala would Be Varkala and Kovelam. Munnar is nice or a trip to Periyar National Park, have you done the backwaters already??? No need to get a travel agent to arrange these, though I wouldn't try Munnar at this time of year without somekind 0of proir booking, The hotel possiblities are limited here and Christmas is a busy time!!

Dec 24th, 2006, 11:26	#3
GoanCanuck Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Vancouver Posts: 3,102	Your main problem will getting to Goa as the trains are going to be fully booked. Once you get to Goa you should be able to find a place although it may not be upto your expectations.

Dec 25th, 2006, 14:20	#7
Maryann Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: London Posts: 17	Hi guys Thanks for your advice & suggestions. I got the "wait until you get there and book it as you go" advice from friends in London who have traveled to India before - next trip I'll definitely take IMers advice in advance! As both Goa and Periyar are fully booked, I've decided to join some lovely people I've met here for a couple of days in Karvala, then head on to Cochi for a night and finally to Bangalore to catch my flight back to the UK - leave Goa for another time when it's not the party destination of the universe...! All in all it's been hugely rewarding, from Mysore to Bandipur to Wayanad to Kovalam to the tip of India. I've started up my yoga practice again, met some lovely people, seen mountains and beaches and temples and even met a baby elephant. Hard not to get a bit sentimental about it all, and I'm still here! Merry Christmas everybody cheers m.a.

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