planning 1st serious trip (S. India: Tamilnadu/Kerala/Karnataka)!!!

sweetlana

I already introduced myself..so now it's high time to discuss why i joined this site. Next year i wanna have my 1st serious travel, n of course the only destination - INDIA is in my plan! It's very serious for me cause of many reasons:
1. India is my dream place..
2. I've never been far from my country
3. don't know anything about traveling by air, cause used to do it by buses/trains
4. my English is far from being perfect
5. all members of my family are against my dream n don't want let me go
6. i want go there ALONE ( I love difficulties, want check myself)

You have lots of time to help me cause i plan go there in a year! this November probably go to Egypt
I'll be very happy to get any advices (including places to visit, food to taste, how reach 1 place or another, where can i stay for night -not expensive!!!, or what special gifts i can get for my family and friends in India )

Finally coming closer to my route!
(going to Moscow by train )
then fly to Mumbai

Mumbai (2 days) – Chennai(2) – Kanchipuram/Mamallapuram (1) – Pondi (2) – Chidambaram – Thanjavur (1) – Trichi (1) – Madurai (2-3)– Thekkady (Periyar)(2) – Kumarakom (1) – Allepey (1)- Kochi/Ernakulam (2-3)– Ooty (or something near)(2-3) – Mysore (1) – Bangalor (1) – Mumbai (2)

It's kind of "ideal plan" for me. Ideal because i included most of places i'd like to visit....but sure that by the end of my planning will remove half of spots

Main questions:1. How much time i need for such itinerary? I can afford maximum 25-26 days for the whole travel!
2. How much airtickets Mumbai-Chennai n Bangalore-Mumbai cost?

Mumbai is in my plan because i should visit 1 family there


THANKS in advance..

Svetlana

Baba

Svetlana, you'll have to cut some of that. I suggest limiting yourself to either east or west coast and as you want to visit family in Mumbai, I would suggest to stay around the western half of South India. And I strongly suggest to visit Hampi....
So something like Mumbai-Bangalore-Hampi-Mysore-Ooty-Madurai-Alleppey-Kochi-Mumbai and you could fly the first and the last leg. Sorry, I can't help you with flight prices.

__________________
Baba

bijapuri

You will have a wonderful time, I am sure. I say that because you have the best attitude for India. Yes, you will have to slow down. But since you have a year, I am sure you will change plans many times. I just wanted to encourage you in your dream!

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ranjan154

You ideally need one month time to spare for your holidays. The destinations and the days you are going to spend at each destination is almost okay. Go ahead with your plan, our best wishes are with you. We hope that your India trip should be a lifetime experience for you. Whenever, you plan to visit India next time it is advisable to see the Northern part of it. Have a great trip.

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Rakesh Ranjan
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sweetlana

Baba, thanks alot for ur advice I'll think about it..
Bijapuri n Travinfoindia, thanks for the support! Yep, i have more than enough time to correct the route..

2nd variant of my plan is to go straight to Kochi from Moscow (qatar airlines)..n then make "circle" (visiting most of same places i mentioned)..This plan i like more cause will spend less time in planes or trains/buses, but won't visit my friend in Mumbai n his wife,mom...

vandy

Hi, are you able to fly into Kochi and Exit Mumbai

This way you will see most of what you want & also
be able to visit your friend in Mumbai.

Most International airlines allow this with a little surcharge.You will have plenty of time for
a good look around without rushing things.

rgds - vandy