help with 2nd part itinerary goa to Kerala

Hi Everyone

It is our first trip to india in Feb 2012 and we have 21 nights. We have finally after much ado and toil and disagreements between us!!!!! We are happy with first leg of trip and booked everything ourselves. However we need some ideas with our send part , mainly due to time constraints!! We do not want to book up anything in advance for second leg.

First leg[Delhi - 3 nights fly to Varanassi - 3 nights -fly Mumbia -2nights. Mandovi Express train then to Margoa (chill out Palolem or Patnem 4 nights - not booked accommodation). Then we have about 10 days to get to Trivandrum for our flight home.

Options 1.train from Margao to Hampi and then make way down to Kerala - might be too pushed for time, but any suggestions welcome.
Option 2. train from Margao down to Kerala - maybe stop at Udupi on the way for 2 nights, then on to Kerala -def want to see backwaters.

We just looking for an experience and adventure, as believe in taking things as they come. So any suggestions are welcome.

Hi Flossie

Did you make your trip in the end?

I will be travelling from Goa to Trivandrum by train in Ocotber and would love some advice on where to stop along the way

can you help?

Cheers

Rich