Itineray advice for 11 days in south India.

Jugurtha

My wife and I will be travelling with our two infants (21 months & 6 months old) in the south early March 2009 for 11 - 12 days, so we would appreciate any itineray advice (and transport options).

We aim to fly from Colombo to Trichy, then
Trichy - Madurai - Munnar - Kotayam( overnight Houseboat) - Alleppey train to -Kochi; then,
flight (or train) to Bangalore for international flight to continue RTW journey.

1.Is the above list of places and the order the best use of 11-12 days? How many days would you stay at each place?

2.Is there anywhere else we really should see in place of (or in addition to) the destinations above?

3.We don't want to race around for the whole time, so if you had to change the itinerary to spend more time in fewer places, what would you do?

4.What is the best (time/comfort/safety) type of transport between each of the destinations?
I guess trains and car with driver option will be our best bet? If arranging a car and driver, would you do it before you go or wait until you get there? If before, who would you contact/email and what should you pay for car with AC and driver? What are the chances of getting a car with seat belts to attach child restraints to?

5. What mid-range hotels/homestays would you recommend?

6. If spending the whole time in Kerala after flying into Trivandrum, what would an ideal itinerary consist of?

**Mid range budget/AC hotels to keep mozzies at bay/prefer trains and car w/driver.**

Thanks.

vandy

Hi there,

I strongly suggest you have a look at IM member's
Blog by Dhans.Eventhough Dhan's kids are a lot older than yours you should pick up some usefull
info rgds travelling in India with Kids.

I am also pretty sure Dhans blog has a good reccomendation for a small Reliable Travel Agency which has a very good reputation for Family Travel in Kerala.With such young children I reccomend
Getting a car & driver for your travels,I also
Reccomend you fly From Kochi to Bangalore.

If this is your first Trip to India and specifically Kerala it should be all the more reason for carefull planning as you also have
Limited time.

All the best.

vandy

Scandojazzbuff

From Trichy, I wouldn't miss Thanjavur with its great temple. There are 2 other great temples outside Thanjavur, Dharasuram and Gangaikondacholapuram. Hire a car and driver from Trichy and let them take you on your whole trip through TN and Kerala. It is the best and easiest way especially if you are traveling with 2 small kids. Call Mani at 09486377106. His company is based in Madurai but will pick you up in Trichy. About 1700Rs per day. A/C Ambassador, new.

machadinha

DHans's writings:

India with kids
Journal

Try also Steven_Ber's My trip with a Baby.

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Nick-H

Given that you have only eleven days, I would not add anything, unless you subtract something too.

Relax and enjoy

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dhans

Jugurtha,

Good tips by Vandy, Nick and Macha ( ). Don't add anything and do hire a car. Look in my report for a good company.

Hans

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Tips for trips to India with (young) children: India with kids
Stories about our travels in India: Journal

Jugurtha

Thanks for the advice everyone. I should have mentioned that I've been to India a few times but never to Kerala. It will be my wife's first trip to India but she has been to Nepal.

Hans, we read your trip report and it helped convince us that we could manage a trip with young children. The youngest will be breastfed and we will be extra careful with food for the 22 month old. Thank you for the car & driver contact. We will make contact and arrange an itinerary. Did you arrange car seats or were your children old enough for seat belts? Thanks.

dhans

Ours were (just) old enough for seatbelts, we did buy them cushions so they could look outside. I'm not sure about the availability of carseats. You may bring them on the plane.

Hans