Chennai to Bangalore to Goa... Scenic Itinerary Advice PLZ!

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Okay here's the deal. There are three of us. Myself and two women (I only mention because I've heard it can be an issue). Age 23 give or take. We're flying in from Tokyo, through Singapore to Chennai, arriving on the 24th of December.

Proposed Itinerary
Dec. 24th, arrive in Chennai. Couple days here.
Dec. 27th, be in Bangalore to catch the train to Goa.
Jan. 3rd, Catch train from Goa back to Chennai.
Jan 5th, fly back to Tokyo.

Obviously we are looking for any advice people can give. BUT. How does this look overall?

We wanted the period between Chennai and Bangalore to be a chance to see the countryside a little and stop in random spots for the night. Is this a viable option? Any suggestions on how to do that?

Budget.
Less than US$20 a day = low budget.
$20 – $50 a day = medium budget.

Somewhere around medium to low. There are some things we'd be willing to splurge a little on like a safer hotel or a trip to see something fantastic but overall, we're not too picky. We're the types that would prefer to see the countryside and take our time than do a whirlwind tour of every famous site in the country.

Preferred mode of transport. – trains (air-con, or not?), planes, buses, taxi’s, or car & driver.

None really. We just want to get to where the good stuff is. However, our current plan does call for relatively quick travel back to Chennai from Goa, so I was just assuming a train for that trip.


Daytime or overnight travel between places? Anything's good by us.

If one plane journey could make a huge difference to your itinerary, would you be prepared to pay the extra cost of a plane? Prefer not to just because we want to see the country as we go.

Would you be happy to travel between 2 places on a daytime train if the journey was a scenic route? Totally.

Would you be prepared to take a 2nd. Class, slow, crowded train or bus if it helped to fit your chosen itinerary? Suppose so.


Travel background. – first time to India? or Asia?

Hmmm. My first time in India, or really in Asia, discounting Japan where I currently live. I do have a fair amount of experience in Europe and a little in Morocco though. One of my traveling companions has done a bit more in Asia like Thailand, China I think, and maybe a couple other spots.

How flexible are you with your itinerary
Fairly Flexible. On the way to Bangalore is wide open. All suggestions accepted. While in Goa, anything is a good idea. We would like to be partying a little on New Years though.

THANKS FOR THE HELP!

I would seriously consider adding Hampi after Bangalore and before Goa for a day or two.

Trains should be possible, though I am not an expert.

The accommodation in Goa is very expensive between Christmas and New Year. Have you got something lined up or are you planning to find some place after arriving?

As far as partying is concerned, check this thread IM Goa pub crawl

Well I thought it would be a good idea to line something up beforehand, but we were hoping to do a little travelling while we were there rather than stay in Goa for like a whole week. Any recommendations? We wanted something fairly comfortable. Easy access to the beach if possible. I read a lot of stuff on the pages, but judging by your name, you might have some good ideas.

I know its going to be more expensive, but we don't really have a choice on the timing sadly...

Hmm... Hampi. We'll think about it. The one trick is the trains they only run once a week between Chennai/ Bangalore and Goa. So that leaves us limited options... Plus we have to book early right? What about buses to Hampi, then to Goa... how would that be?

No idea about Hampi/Goa buses.

Bangalore/Hampi should be 7/8 hours, approx.

That can work, i'm pretty sure you can get an overnight bus from Bangalore to Hampi and i'm 100% sure that there are daily overnight coach services from Hampi to Goa. I agree that Hampi is worth visiting. Happy planing and safe travels.

Train to Bangalore, train to Hospet then taxi to Hampi, train to Goa, fly back to Chennai from Dabolim (Goa).

Train second class reserved non-air con. If you go AC you are not likely to have a very good view out the window.

The train trip over the ghats is worth it. I really like this trip.

You can buy really cheap domestic fares to Chennai from Goa.

Accommodation in Goa is not "very expensive between Xmas and New Year" by western standards. I paid 600 IRs ($17.00 AUD) a night this year right on the beach at Palolem with attached bathroom which I consider downright cheap.

Hmmm... Interesting suggestions. Hampi seems to be recommended by everyone. I've made the recommendation to my traveling buddies. About those flights and trains mentioned, how early should I be trying to book those? What about a hotel in Goa?

Also, what are the taxis like there? Anything like what I might have taken around Morocco? If so, I'm all about it. Those were some of the best decisions I made. It was a great way to see the countryside.

Taxis can range from (normally) the small Tata Indica to larger SUV types manufactured by Toyota.. and even imported sedans, if you want them . Depends what you pay.

I am not a train expert but I remember having travelled to Goa from Bangalore and the train went past the Dudhsagar falls, awsome views.

You seem to have your s together Shark. What place was that? was it good? As I'm traveling with the two friends, would that be the price for each of us. I gotta say, the idea of a beach side cottage like I've been hearing about is pretty seductive...

OK. On the off chance anyone is still watching this thread. There may be a change. One of my mates is now clamoring for the Taj Mahal. I may have to submit. It seems like a flight from Chennai to Delhi is pretty cheap and easy.

But any suggestions on how to do Hampi and get to Goa from Delhi?

Hampi seems to be well recommended, so I'd like to include that. Thanks again for all the advice everyone.

You are only going for two weeks in India and I think that you are rushing around two much if you try and do Bangalore and Hampi and Goa and Agra! If I were doing the trip (I like to soak up the experience of India), I would buy a ticket from Tokyo to Delhi with a stopover one way in Chennai. From Chennai I would at least visit the two World Heritage Sites in Tamil Nadu. One of them, Mahabalipuram, is only 60 km from Chennai and is right by the ocean and a nice beach, Covelong Beach. So a week in Tamil Nadu and a week in the golden triangle (Delhi, Agra, and possibly Jaipur) would be a nice two week trip. If this is good, I can give more details.