I would definitely put Hampi on the list

Overnight 2nd class a.c. sleeper down to Cochin and the into the backwaters of Kerela Alan

overnight would you not miss out on seeing all that much of india through the window?

I would take up globetracker's tip and go to Ganpatipule and then have a few days in Bombay as I have read so much about "The City that never sleeps" but haven't seen it yet.

Quite the contrary, It's a great way to see a real slice of Indian life, there's nothing quite like an overnight train journey, and you're not wasting a precious day of your holidays travelling Alan

Take the train to Bangalore, which is a very busy, modern and cosmopolitan city these days. It's the "silicon valley" of India.

There's a lot to see in Bangalore and for a day trip, you could do an organised bus trip to Mysore. You would visit Tipu Sultan's tomb on the way, and once there you could visit the Maharaja's Palace - it's beautiful. Not too far away is the famous Nandi Bull - a huge black statue of Shiva's bull.

On the way back to Goa, be sure to stop at Hampi. You could actually get the night train from Bangalore to Hospet, spend a day at the temple sights and then next day, get back on the train to Margao.

The Maharaja's Palace, Mysore.


The Nandi Bull.

max now thats the type of answer i was looking for beats getting hassle over plastic chairs youve given me a reason to open my rough guide to south india keep them coming thanks steve, ps max i dont suppose you have the train timetables i need or train numbers,.ive got train times to hampi im looking to go via bagalore.

When we did that trip we actually flew from Mumbai to Bangalore.

We went to a local travel agent in Bangalore who arranged the trip back to Goa. Overnight train to Hospet/Hampi then a guide and car to take us round the temples, then after one night in Hospet, an overland trip by jeep back to Goa. It was very reasonable - about £100 each.

Try here for timetables http://www.indianrail.gov.in/

Got to agree with Gramps - night train to Cochin would be good.
Here's a few other things to see in Cochin.

Chinese fishing nets.


Ganesh Festival end of January.


Katekali Dancers.

train to hampi then back down to bangalore then over to the karnataka coast then finally back up to goa looks favourite,steve.

Dear lassigirl nice to know that you are thinking to adopt my idea on Ganpatipule.
I have already registered to govt of Maharashtra's tourism website(dunno about foreigners but my guess there must be a provision for them as well to pramote tourism),the good point is in India most of govt.owned rosorts are located on PRIME spots though room service etc...may be below class compare to private one but rooms are always bigger and airy.Below is a link for it.
PS:-Still I am not mature to post links so sending you pm.

I got back on Sunday and wish we had gone back to Hampi but I suppose that's what I would do.

im spending the afternoon on the net and into the books writing down the places and train numbers were possible but after weve topped up our tans for the first ten or so days in goa its a early morning train to hospet then sightseeing around south india before heading back up to goa to finish our trip i cant wait

Sounds great have a fantastic time look forward to a full report of your adventures