We are looking to go to Kerala in April and go back to Goa for a couple of days. The research I have done so far indicates that you have to fly via Mumbai, I cannot find any direct flights. I think there's a train but it takes about 16 hours.

You will find more info about Kerala in the Indian Ocean forum.

As Katie says you will find discussions on Kerala in the Indian Ocean forum. Take a look at this thread

A couple of years ago we did a short trip to Kerala organised by Daytripper We flew down with Indian Airlines from Dabolim to Cochin, had a tour of Cochin, a night in a Hotel there. The next morning we left early and spent a day on a rice boat touring the backwaters, we spent another night in Cochin, saw more of the City, spent some time lazing in the Taj Hotel swimming pool before getting the overnight sleeper back to Goa arriving at lunch the next day. All in all it was a great taster for the region and was organised perfectly by Eddie at Daytripper Alan

Gramps...what was the train journey like? I'm booked 2AC sleeper going the other way in April.

Hi Chriss The journey with 2nd class a.c. sleeper is fine, we enjoyed the experience. The berths on one side are three tier, on the other side of the passagway there is just two berths, you sit facing each other and at night fold the beds down from the wall. It means that you have your own table and space, so if you can, that the one to go for, however we,ve been on the three tier side as well and it was o.k. but your movments are a bit governed by the other passengers. A note of warning, the a.c. can get pretty chilly so be prepared for that. Alan