Bangalore, the growing capital of Karnataka, is one of the youngest cities in India and one of the most delightful to visit! Coined the ‘Silicon Valley of India’, it’s a hot spot for jobs, partying, shopping, architecture, and nightlife. Going further south, you will reach ‘God’s own country’, Kerala is known for its gorgeous backwaters, but there are also plenty of beaches, mountains, and wildlife sanctuaries that make the state very popular. Kerala is a nature lover’s paradise. If you’re interested in getting from Bangalore to Kerala, we have suggested the different ways you can in this article.
Get in touch with us if you have any questions or plans to start venturing into India; we can definitely help you with all of this tedious work!
Different ways of getting from Bangalore to Kerala
By Flight
Getting from Bangalore to Kerala by flight is probably the easiest mode of transport. Airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet and Air India have daily flights from Bangalore to Ernakulam (Kerala). The flights are inexpensive and short and it shouldnât take you more than an hour to reach Kochi, a major historical port city.
If you are only doing a quick transit in Bangalore on your way from Hampi and then making your way to Kerala you might want to read our blog on getting from Hampi to Kerala.
By Train
The Bangalore-Ernakulam Inter-city Express runs between Bangalore and Kerala every day. The train leaves from Bangalore City Junction at 06:15 Hrs and reaches Ernakulam at around 17:00 Hrs. Sometimes the train can run late making it a journey as long as 12 hours. However, this is a great train to enjoy the countryside as the entire journey would be in daylight.
Alternatively, the Kanyakumari-Bangalore City-Kanyakumari Express is another great option. It’s also known as the ‘Island’ Express and is a good bet to travel from Bangalore to Kerala. This train leaves everyday at 20:00 Hrs and arrives at 12:50 Hrs at Trivandrum Central.
Getting a bus from Bangalore to Kerala isnât at all difficult. Everyday there are a number of buses thatâll take you to Kerala. You can book the tickets online. Remember, booking for these buses only open 20 to 30 days in advance. You wonât be able to book it while planning your trip initially.
Nevertheless, getting last minute tickets shouldnât be a problem. For any more information about getting from Bangalore to Kerala, or for any help planning your perfect trip to India, feel free to contact us.
Hill Station (Photo Credit – Sunil Bhaskaran from Pixabay)
If interested in planning a trip to Bangalore or Kerala or anywhere else for that matter, let us know and we can help you plan your Indian voyage.
Life in Hampi is slow and peaceful, surrounded by beautiful boulders and ruins of the city, that still has the old world charm that sweeps you off your feet. Although Hampi already has made a special place in your heart, it is time to say goodbye and visit the next place on the portrait that is South India; to stun you and leave you vulnerable to its beauty. In this post, we’re going to help you figure out the different travelling options from Hampi to Kerala.
Kerala, Godâs own country, was listed by National Geographic in the top ten paradises in the world and for good reason! Located on the south-western coastline of India, Kerala has everything; beaches, backwaters, mountains, dense forests and wildlife sanctuaries. It is a traveller’s paradise. So to help you plan your way to Kerala from Hampi, we have listed below the different travelling options to get you from Hampi to Kerala.
Nature walks are so peaceful! Wildlife in Kerala (Picture Credit: In Defense of Animals)
DIFFERENT MODES OF TRANSPORT
By Air
Hampi does not have an airport, the nearest airport is Belgaum airport (a 5-hour drive). However, there are no flights from Belgaum to Kerala either. The best option if looking to fly would be to either drive down or take a train to Bangalore and fly from there.
The drive to Bangalore would take at least 7 hours but there is a very convenient overnight train from Hospet to Bangalore (16591 Hampi Express departing at 20:40 hrs from Hampi arrival in Bangalore next morning at 06:00 hrs).
There are multiple daily non-stop flights between Bangalore and Kerala. Kerala has three main airports: Kochi, Trivandrum and Calicut and depending on which region you want to explore in Kerala, you could fly into that airport from Bangalore.
We suggest you make a stop at Bangalore (stay there for a day if you like the city, explore the nightlife) and then take a flight to Kerala. These flights are usually light on the wallet (priced approximately USD 32-USD 55 per person).
UPDATE – Since 2019, Hampi’s nearest airport is the Vijaynagar Airport at an hours’ distance. It is a small airport serviced by a daily flight from Bangalore. This is the only constant flight in and out of this airport. You can take one stop flights to Kerala via Bangalore, remember to leave ample lay over time in-between flights.
SpiceJet is a popular domestic flight carrier in India
By Rail
The closest station to Hampi is Hospet Junction. There are no direct trains to Kerala from Hampi. You will have to break the journey up into stops. You can either take the train to Bangalore (Hampi Express) and then take another train from Bangalore to Kerala or you can include Mysore (the City of Palaces).
Hampi Express runs up to Mysore which is 3 hours from Bangalore (Arr 09:30 hrs). From Mysore, you can begin your Kerala sojourn from the northern end (less touristy). Start in Wayanad in North Kerala, which is a short drive (3.5 hrs) or a bus ride from Mysore.
If you wish to skip Mysore and get straight to Kochi, these are the train options: 12677 Bangalore-Ernakulam Inter-City express. This train runs between Bangalore and Ernakulam Junction (nearest station to Kochi) seven days of the week. The train originating from Bangalore City Junction leaves at 06:15 Hrs in and reaches Ernakulam at 17:00 Hrs (the upside of taking a morning train is that you get to enjoy the pleasant views of the countryside as the sun rises above them).
Another option is the 16526 Kanyakumari Express, this train too runs every day, leaving at 20:00 Hrs and reaching Ernakulam the next day at 06:05 Hrs. The train goes further down to Varkala and Trivandrum too, ending at the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari. It’s the ideal option if you want to head straight to the beaches of Kovalam or Varkala.
By Road
There are no direct buses from Hampi to Kerala. You can take a KSRTC bus (government owned A/C and Non A/C) or a private bus to Bangalore and then change (bus/train/flight) to Kerala. Buses to Bangalore leave from Hampi bus junction as well as Hospet bus junction. These are overnight buses, about an 8-9 hour journey, all departing post-21:00 hrs. The bus tickets can be purchased directly in Hampi or purchased online.
Discover the beautiful paths across India
Alternative route
An interesting alternative travelling option from Hampi to Kerala is by including Goa! Read our blog, to find out more! India Someday would love to help you plan a trip to India that takes you from Hampi to Kerala, visiting gorgeous places en route.
If you’re headed to Goa for a while, we strongly recommend getting from Goa to Hampi. The ruins of Hampi beautifully compliment Goa, the land of sun, sea and inexpensive alcohol.
A village in North Karnataka, Hampi means ‘champion’. Itâs located on the ruins of the ancient city Vijayanagara of the Vijayanagara Empire. The ruins are a timeless UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stuck in the 16th century and positively oozing with old world charm, Hampi is a delightful location. Itâs great for all kind of travellers, from backpackers to comfort to luxury, so it should definitely be on your itinerary if youâre not willing to end the vacation in Goa.
Our practical guide explains the different travel options between Hampi and Goa and the pros and cons of each mode. Itâs not exactly a ‘hop, skip and jump’ away, but Hampi is truly worth the travel effort. The distance from Goa to Hampi is 344 km. There are no flights from Goa to Hampi so you can either take a train or bus.
Our blog gives you a detailed overview on all the modes of transport, we also explain a route that allows you break the journey with some beautiful stops.
If you’re interested in going to either of these places, let us know and we’ll handle all the logistics for you.Â
Once you have relaxed on the beaches of Goa you now can explore Hampi
getting from goa to hampi By bus
There are state transport buses that run from Goa to Hampi. They tend to take much longer and can be uncomfortable. You often have to change state buses at Hubli or Belgaum which are the hub transport towns in Karnataka.
We frequently use Paulo Travels, which provides two bus services from Goa to Hampi and vice versa. You have the choice of a Volvo Sleeper and a Non AC bus. Both buses are scheduled for the evening.One departs at 18:55 IST and the other at 19:04 IST. It takes about 7 to 8 hours to reach Hampi by bus and should not cost you more than INR 600 – 800 (USD 8-11, EUR 7-9).
Private buses ply frequently between Goa and Hampi during tourist season i.e. October to Mid April. Availability outside those months depends on the operator if they see enough demand or not. In our experience, private buses between Goa and Hampi (and vice versa), very seldom run between May to September.
Tickets can be purchased directly in Goa, or purchased in advance online. If you decide to book a trip with India Someday, we will take care of your transport bookings, suitable accommodations and a whole lot of other tips.
Side note: Paulo Travels is usually a reliable bus in terms of punctuality and comfort. They frequently ply between Goa and Mumbai too. VRL and Neeta are another good bus service that you can use as well.
The ancient ruins you can see in Hampi are practically unaffected by change
Goa to Hampi by train
Getting from Goa to Hampi by train is our preferred option. We recommend you take the Howrah Express (not available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays). You can board this train at 07:20 IST from Vasco Da Gama Station, in Goa and reach Hospet at 14:00 IST. Hospet is the closest station to Hampi, where you can take a rickshaw for about 20 km to reach Hampi. We suggest the train because itâs fast and you reach Hampi in the afternoon which leaves an extra evening to spend there.
Key things to remember about Goa to Hampi by train
Unfortunately there are no daily trains on this route, as mentioned above, the train only runs four days a week.
You must book the train well in advance, bookings open four months in advance and you ideally want to book the train at-least two months in advance.
Unlike private buses, the train runs the same schedule all through the year. The train journey is spectacular during the monsoons (i.e. June to September).
If you are an adventurous traveller, travel by non A/C Sleeper Class (SL) on this journey. WHY? A/C train classes have tinted glasses that mars the view of the green fields. Non A/C travel lets you experience the wind rushing through your hair, which is the best way to do this journey.
The journey is quite beautiful, full of ghats and the mesmerizing Dudhsagar Waterfalls. The Mandovi River takes a leap in all its grace (looks like milk flowing from a mountain), hence named the Dudhsagar Waterfalls (sea of milk).
The Howrah Express passing through Dudhsagar Falls (Photo Credit – Benjamin Rualthanzauva)
getting from goa to Hampi By Car (and driver)
How to get from Goa to Hampi also involves a car- you can hire a private car and drive from Goa to Hampi. However, itâs a long drive and quite expensive. Expect 7 to 8 hours (sometimes up to 10) on the road. It would also cost you anywhere between INR 9,000 to 12,000 (USD 120-160, EUR 110-150), and this is including fuel costs.
Hampi can also be a day trip – tourists can rent a car, go to Hampi and back. We don’t get this request too often and honestly, we strongly recommend against it for two reasons – we think that it is a tortuous amount of driving and Hampi deserves more time for how stunning it is! A sunset or sunrise may well be one of your most memorable India experiences. The entire red granite landscape glistens in the sunâs rays.
If an overnight bus journey is not your cup of tea and you have decided to make a trip to Hampi on an impulse (i.e. trains are sold out) then you would have to opt for this option. If you are a group of four travellers, the drive is much more affordable split four ways.
Hampi’s ruins are not only magnificent and have a rich history behind them, but they’re also so abundant throughout the town
Getting From Goa to Hampi with Stops en route
We believe the fact that Hampi is not so easy to reach has allowed it to retain its charm. It is worth the travel effort to get there as the landscape and ruins mesmerise one and all.
If you have time you can spend a couple of extra days getting to Hampi from Goa with either one or both of the stops mentioned below. Both stops are closer to Goa, so they only cut the travel time by 2-3 hours.
Spend a couple of nights at Off The Grid (truly off the Grid), a remarkable homestay lovingly created as a minimal eco-impact ‘refuge in the forests’. You take the same Goa to Hampi train, get off at station Castle Rock and get to them. You can also continue the same train onwards to Hampi after your stay. Alternatively, you can also drive to them and either drive or take a train onward to Hampi.
Another option is spending a night at the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, the humble Kadumane Homestay being one of our favourite places to stay. A car and driver or being patient with local buses is the best way to break your Goa to Hampi journey with a stop in Dandeli Wildlife Park.
India Someday can help you plan a great trip across India, or a great adventure that takes you across beautiful Goa, stops en route and beautiful Hampi, just get in touch.
You can also try out rock climbing or bouldering (Photo Credit – Adventure.com)
Getting from Hampi to Goa
You can use the same bus and train services from Paulo Travels or Howrah Express from Hampi to Goa. While travelling from Goa to Hampi we prefer that you take the train but when travelling from Hampi to Goa, we highly recommend taking a bus. This is because the trains originate from Kolkata, which is 36 hours away from Hospet, so theyâre often late and at times and can be very dirty.
If you have reached Hampi and youâre wondering where to go next, try Kerala, âGodâs Own Countryâ. Here are travel options between Goa and Kerala.
What are you waiting for? Plan your trip with us now and you won’t regret visiting Goa, Hampi or any other idyllic place in India you’d be interested in!
Getting from Delhi to Dharamshala is one of the most frequently asked questions, as both are popular destinations. Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh is a popular destination with backpackers or travellers keen on experiencing Buddhism in India. However, it’s not exactly a hop, skip and jump distance from Delhi. Getting from Delhi to Dharamshala can be done via a variety of different modes of transports. Based on your preference, one can choose to either take a flight, train or a bus from Delhi to Dharamshala.
Note –Â People use McLeodganj and Dharamshala interchangeably. While Dharamshala is the town, McLoedganj is a suburb, at a higher elevation, closer to trekking trails and Buddhist monasteries.
There are daily flights between Delhi and Dharamshala (SpiceJet and Air India). The flight duration is a little over an hour. Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between these two destinations. However, do keep a couple of things in mind with regards to the flights –
If not booked well in advance Delhi to Dharamshala flight prices can soar as the frequency of flights is low;
Be prepared – this flight gets cancelled often either due to fog in Delhi during late December or January or inclement weather in Dharmashala that makes landing difficult; and
The Kangra (Dharamshala Airport) is a good two and a half hours from Dharmshala town, you cannot escape the picturesque mountain drive.
You can always depend on a bus from Delhi to Dharamshala should the flight be cancelled. But, be careful and plan your onward connections well if booking a flight between Delhi and Dharamshala.
Planning to visit India and want to understand when is the best time? Click here.
War Memorial in Dharamshala
train from delhi to dharamshala
Getting from Delhi to Dharamshala by train is certainly recommended. There are daily overnight trains between Delhi and Dharamshala and vice versa. Some trains run daily, some run a few times a week. Almost all of the trains are overnight trains, travel time ranging between 9.5 to 13 hours, depending on the train. Always take the train with the shorter duration, or you’d just be better off taking an overnight bus.
Points to keep in mind when considering a train from Delhi to Dharamshala –
Indian Railway bookings open 120 days in advance, so book as early as possible;
If tickets are not available, always explore tickets under Tourist Quota;
The nearest rail head to Dharamshala is Pathankot. So you still have a 2.5 hours drive to follow after the train ride, or to reach the railway station for the way back; and
Pathankot has two railway stations i.e. Pathankot City and Pathankot Cantonement. Include both options when searching for a train.
Dal Lake, Dharamshala
bus from Delhi to Dharamshala
Getting from Dehli to Dharamshala by bus is one of the most dependable options. You will always get tickets, even if you book at the last minute. Also, while buses might get delayed, they are not often cancelled owing to inclement weather conditions.
You can take a state transport bus (Delhi or Himachal State Transport) or a private bus.
If you do not find overnight buses particularly uncomfortable, we’d recommend a bus from Delhi to Dharamshala. It is the better option as it drops you right up to Dharamshala, while you have a 2.5 hour drive if you take a train.
Getting from Delhi to Dharamshala by car
This is an expensive option and a long drive (over 10 hours), but you can rent a car and driver and drive between the two places. Expect to pay at least INR 10,000 for the drive, although it could be higher.
Picture Credit: Trip Planners India
Stops en route
A slight detour, but highly recommended, is to include Amritsar when planning a trip to Dharamshala. You can take a train to Amritsar (plenty of daily and convenient trains) and then a bus or a taxi to Dharamshala (6 hours drive). Alternatively, you can visit Amritsar on the way back. Amritsar has a busy airport with daily flights to and from Delhi.
If you’re planning to spend more time in Dharamshala, you can also take a train to Kalka or Chandigarh, then visit Shimla, followed by Dharamshala.
While getting from Delhi to Dharamshala can seem difficult, we know this region well and would be happy to help you plan your trip around Himachal Pradesh and North India. Feel free to contact us here.
– Gregor, Sarah and family from Canada are travelling with their children aged 12, 10 and 5 for a year across Europe and Asia. They used our help to plan parts of their India trip and are guests authors for a series of blogs on travelling in India with children.Â
âKeep the kids happy, everybody is happy.â These wise words were spoken by my mother-in-law. Travelling in India from early January to mid-March, we experienced both the sweet fruits of our observance of this wisdom and the rotten fruit of forgetting it. It is hot, busy and very different from home (Canada). You need to take time to just relax, unwind, digest (both exotic foods and all the impressions) and escape. Our tendency is to want to fill our days with meaningful cultural visits, to maximize the time we have. We want to see this exotic new land before we head back home where everything is so familiar. With children, this does not work!
Children of the same age always inspire each other
Our journey with the kids
As cool as it could be to climb to the top of a peak in Sri Lanka with all of the other pilgrims to witness sunrise, these will be the kids crying and acting out and miserable for the rest of the day. So many beautiful temples, so little time⊠After two or three, the intricacies of when they were built and how Buddha is holding his fingers is lost on the small people. We dropped our kids in at the deep end, arriving in India in Mumbai and heading to Aurangabad to visit the Ajanta and Ellora caves. They were little troopers, but we quickly saw that we needed to leave them in the room (our eldest daughter is 12 going on 17!) while we went out to buy some fresh fruit or to do a little shopping close by.
Backwater canoe trip in Kerala with children
the kids’ favourite place
Nature and small towns are also a key to happiness. When we arrived in Hampi, the kids were jubilant: âThis is our favourite place in India!â Life slowed down, there was much less pressure to buy things (I received daily offers from one man to have my ears cleaned and he even had testimonials sorted by country of origin). It was possible to rent scooters and enjoy getting around by ourselves. Any beach we visited offered the same thing in addition to the breeze that invariably comes with being right on the ocean.
Cooking class in Varkala with kids
So, I would say that India is an amazing place to visit, but with kids, you must pace yourself. One temple, not four! Some city time but not much! Nature, fresh air and some beach time is an important way to break up some of the heavier experiences. It gives us all time to digest what we have seen and done. When the kids have time to recuperate and chill-out time, they seem to be able to just take everything in stride. A large part of the enjoyment on our trip has been watching the kids go with the flow!
India is always an adventure, more so when travelling with children
More blogs from Gregor and Sarah on travelling India with children
Rajasthan and Goa both lie on the western coast of India. However, travelling between these two states is not very easy and can take a considerable amount of time.
by train
Probably not the best way to get from Rajasthan to Goa or vice versa as the distances are considerably longer and the trains extremely slow and tend to run late. The trains start from Jodhpur and Jaipur in Rajasthan and go to Madgaon. But if you don’t mind long train rides and a few delays, you can pick some of the following trains.
Most of the trains that connect Goa to Rajasthan originate from further North, some originate from Delhi, and others from more northern cities in Rajasthan like Ajmer and Bikaner. What you could do is travel to Mumbai by flight/bus/train and try catching a train that starts from Mumbai as chances of it getting delayed is less than the other trains.
Some trains reach Goa in the middle of the night between 02:00-03:00 Hrs. While Goa is generally safe, it is better to avoid these trains as the railway stations can be deserted at that hour and check-in at hotels is of course not the easiest.
Goa has a number of railway stations. If you are staying in North Goa then either Pernem or Thivim should be your boarding station. For South Goa, Madgaon or Canacona should be your boarding station.
Similarly, Rajasthan has a number of railway stations as well. It really depends on which city is your last destination, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ajmer/Pushkar or Bikaner.
Udaipur and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan do not have direct train connections to Goa. You will have to change trains in Mumbai.
The train journey is between 25-30 hours, and it’s advisable to book your train tickets well in advance. Ideally, as soon as bookings for your travel date open up, i.e. 60 days prior to the date of travel.
The train journey from Rajasthan to Goa has extremely diverse views from deserts to lush green hills and waterfalls in the monsoons. It is also the cheapest way to travel.
Enjoying the view from Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur
by bus
There are no buses that run between Goa and Rajasthan. It just takes too long and is too far and well, just not possible. Hiring a car and driver to drive you between Goa and Rajasthan will be extremely difficult to arrange, it would be a very long and expensive journey even if you found a driver that agreed to drive you.
Colourful beach hut accommodation in Goa
by flight
Udaipur, Jaipur and Jodhpur are the three cities in Rajasthan, from where you’d have a flight options to Goa, but all of them have connecting flights via Delhi/Mumbai. The flights are slightly expensive and have layovers but are still the most efficient mode of travel.
This one-stop flight tends to be more expensive as compared to the other direct flights that you might take in India. It’s advisable to book in advance as the fares for one-stop flights can really soar closer to travel dates.
If you are in Udaipur you could drive up to Ahmedabad and then fly directly to Goa.
Note: Do take the same airline flight for both sectors, as then you are not liable to have any errors in case of delays in the first flight.
Our suggestion
We at India Someday would really recommend that you plan to break your stay in Rajasthan and Goa with a few days in Mumbai. This is a little biased as we are based on Mumbai, but it is a fun city to visit. So if you do have time then a stopover in Mumbai, else take a flight and save yourself the travel time by train.
Bus and Train are a great and inexpensive way to travel in India. We asked one of our friends and client to write about her experience travelling through Rajasthan, Agra, and Varanasi. This blog entry is written by Nicky Millar (for more about who she is, and about her awesome travel/volunteering adventure check out her blog).
3 girls, 12 days and 6 stops –
I was on a whirlwind trip! Deciding that we were on a tight budget with money, as well as time, we took on the railways and roads for the duration of this trip, and the train and bus travel was an experience all on its own!
Hanging out in Jaisalmer
Mumbai to Udaipur by Bus
Starting from Mumbai, we booked a 14-hour semi-sleeper bus through India Someday to get to our first stop, Udaipur. In hindsight, probably not the best way to start. That bus raised our expectations far too high! From soft leather seats to receiving blankets when it got too chilly, the journey, although long, was a dream (notwithstanding the snoring man behind me of course). The bus exceeded our expectations about travel in India.
As with all bus trips, there were food and toilet breaks which were invariably in the middle of nowhere (think road + random building + toilet + an ever-present snack shop). We tended to have our own nibbles with us (as the stops were a bit inconvenient and we got hungry), but generally, the food on offer was good.
Be prepared for basics as English menus are a true enigma! If hungry, stick to the simple dal fry and rice and you will never go wrong. As for the restrooms and toilets, although stinky, they were definitely usable.
The Majestic City Palace of Udaipur sits on the banks of Lake Pichola
Udaipur to Jodhpur by bus
Next was a bus to Jodhpur. This trip from Udaipur was by far the worst (even though it appeared to be a “private company”). We were plonked right in the back and bounced around for nearly 10 hours due to delay. The delay was because of its own insistence to stop at every junction.
It did so to get more passengers, despite already being double-booked for most seats! It is with this journey in mind that I will divulge the greatest lesson learned when it comes to bus travel:
Try to book in advance so as to have the luxury of more options, and in the same vein, and
    2. Always ask for a seat in the front. The ever-blasting horn may be louder, but your butt will thank you immensely.
Let’s just say that the bus’ suspension is not its strongest selling point. The best option though is to travel here by car. Even though it may be a little expensive but after the long and tiring journey, it’s absolutely worth it!! (check out this blog on car travel)
You can visit this beautiful Jain Temple in Ranakpur on way to Jodhpur
Plus a night bus may not always save you that precious day of sightseeing. Also, not very preferable as you’d have to catch up on sleep when you arrive exhausted at the destination! For example, in a completely unprecedented event, our bus from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer was EARLY – until that point I was convinced it was a completely foreign concept in India!
Overall though, I consider bus travel a relatively fun experience. And in most places, there are many multiple companies with different departure times.
Incredible Golden City of India – Jaisalmer
Jaipur to Agra by train
Now when it comes to trains, I would greatly urge you to do at least one when in India. I mean you have to. It is quite simply the quintessential Indian experience! Our first one, Jaipur to Agra, was a simple afternoon trip, which we took in Sleeper class.
It was a short and fun journey, spiced up by a few interesting people that you will inevitably come across while travelling.
Great fort to explore, lovely red stone and distant views of the Taj Mahal – Red Fort, Agra
Agra to Varanasi by train
This was our second train journey and heading from Agra to Varanasi. Since this was a long journey we upgraded to an AC 3-tier (read up on different train classes.) In classic backpacker style, we booked an 11 pm train to be able to enjoy the whole day in Agra and then still get a half-day in Varanasi (ETAÂ 12 pm the next day). Here is a blog on a two-week travel route which includes Varanasi and Rajasthan.
However, our departure was delayed by 5 hours and our arrival by nearly 9 hours. So do bear in mind that at times, especially in winter, long-distance journeys can be heavily delayed.Â
India showed us that planning a trip here by ourselves is not always easy and using local knowledge would have saved us a lot of time! Trying to maintain “inner zen”, we waited first in the ticket office’s private rooms and when that closed at midnight we shifted to the First Class waiting rooms next to the platform (despite a sleeper class ticket, we just paid Rs 100 and it was all good).
Luckily, given that it is the ultimate tourist route, there were heaps of foreigners which made for good company! To compare, the sleeper and Ac three-tier, the Ac three-tier has the exact same layout (open plan, triple bunks) with AC. But, at a greater cost, the atmosphere is a lot calmer and the greatest bonus – sheets, and blankets are included!
Things to keep in mind and in check
Again, it is impossible to definitively say what your journey will be like on a train. But the law of averages says that you will be delayed at some point in your trip! If one compares to bus trips, your choice of food is far greater, as you have chai and thali wallas constantly coming through the carriages.
Also, the ability to jump off at any of the stops and grab a bite (the train tends to wait at least 10 minutes at each station, and it starts again so slowly that it is easy to jump back on), meaning that you have an array of goods to choose from!
Toilets on the train were the same in the sleeper and 3 AC (but the latter did have a western-style one on offer too). Train travel in India can be frustrating. Just be patient and amuse yourselves with the humourous element of your situation.
Trains are filled with interesting people, so interacting with them can pass time quite easily (Photo Credit – Rignam Wangkhang)
Views on safety for women while travelling by bus and train
Finally, as three females, it is worthy to mention our feeling of safety throughout the trip. In terms of baggage, I was more than comfortable to have my big bag put in the holdall in the belly of the bus (obviously having my important goods with me). Whereas on the train, I just had it on the bed.
I can honestly say that I never felt threatened at any time when it came to personal safety. However, be prepared for constant gawking! The best advice I can give is always to try and get an “upper” berth in trains. It will guarantee you some personal space and provide some distance between the thoroughfare of the aisles!
For the most part, booking is relatively easy. If you have a credit card and know what you want! The best way to go is to have a travel agency do it for you from the onset. Naturally, you will have to weigh up the importance of flexibility vs. affordability.
If time is a constraining factor then sometimes thinking ahead of the most efficient route could be beneficial! Finally, when it comes to which class to book, although seemingly overwhelming, it is actually quite easy and depends on your budget/(dis)comfort tolerance.
Here are a few tips for all you solo female travellers apprehensive about traveling to India alone.
Bus:
Seater/semi-sleeper/sleeper is the most common categories and essentially refers to how far back the seats recline (with the last being a full on bed). The decision of AC/Non-AC tends to depend on when and where you are going. The North in winter is freezing. Thus, the idea of an AC is horrific. The heat is OK during overnight travel as you can just pop a window open.
Train:
General/sleeper/AC 3-tier/AC 2-tier/AC 1-tier generally have comfort levels directly proportionate to pricing. I would urge you not to go below sleeper, as the general class has no seat allocation (so you can only imagine the chaos). While I am 100% content with sleeper, sometimes circumstances require a bit more comfort than it is able to offer! For more about different train classes read here!
While we travelled independently the help provided by India Someday was invaluable. Booking our Varanasi to Agra train ticket, putting us on a comfortable bus from Mumbai to Udaipur, recommending an awesome new hostel in Jaipur. We highly recommend them if you are pressed for time and wish to have a security net while travelling in India! They are unlike the traditional travel agencies you’d find.
Flying in India is often seen as the most effective way to travel. India is generally a largely inexpensive travel destination. Most of the large cities and metros are well connected by airways.
Taking a flight is certainly one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to travel within India. Jet Airways and Air India are the main and long-standing airlines. Other budget airlines include IndiGo, SpiceJet, and GoAir.
SpiceJet is one of the most common domestic flights in India
How much does flying in India cost?
Planning in advance is key. If you book at least 4 to 5 months or more before your travel dates. You can get flights for as low as USD 44 (EUR 32).
The longer and further your destination is, the more expensive it is. Tickets for high-demand flights, such as Delhi-Mumbai will also be higher in price, especially in peak tourist seasons. We recommend booking flight tickets in advance in order to get the cheapest fares.
You can find great deals on domestic flight tickets on online booking websites such as Make My Trip, Â Cleartrip, Â Yatra, etc. You can also book tickets over the phone or through an agent rather than making booking at the airport itself.
Travel agents usually know where to get the best deals in terms of routes and fares. Thatâs why itâs usually advisable to go through a reliable agent.
India is so large that it would be extremely time-consuming and complicated to travel around it without a flight or two. However, the airline connectivity in India is not as good as the railway connectivity.
You will find that not all towns of tourist interest are connected by direct flights. Further, flying is not the most sustainable way to travel, so we suggest opting for other modes of transport where possible.
For example, if you are touring the famous Golden Triangle (i.e Delhi, Agra and Jaipur) you cannot fly between these cities. The best alternative here is to fly into Delhi then rent a car (with a driver). Or take a train to Agra and the same from Agra to Jaipur.
Jaipur has an airport and regular flights to Delhi. So if your trip ends in Jaipur, you can fly back to Delhi. But if you are travelling within Rajasthan, say Pushkar or Jodhpur (which does have an airport), a train or car is the only alternative.
Similarly in the South too, you can fly into Kochi or Trivandrum but for travel within Kerala, you cannot.
Flying in India is certainly time-effective. SpiceJet and Air India have recently introduced daily flights between Delhi and Dharamshala. So the 12-hour train journey from Delhi to Pathankot, plus a 3-hour drive from Pathankot to Dharamshala is now shortened to a 1 hour flight.
However, the overnight train is still a very economic alternative and the 3-hour drive is an extremely scenic ride into Dharamshala. You can now fly direct from Varanasi to Agra. Air India is the only airline, however, they do not fly daily. Check for the days they fly when planning your itinerary.
Jet Airways (Photo Credit – Daniel Eledut)
How early do I need to be at the airport, and what is my luggage allowance?
Effective April 2014, the check-in counters for domestic flights close 45 minutes prior to the time of departure on your ticket. Â It is advisable to reach at least 75-90 minutes before to ensure a hassle-free check-in.
Hand luggage is X-rayed and stamped before check-in. All cabin baggage must have a baggage tag as to get you through security check. There are specific security requirements for flights to politically/socially sensitive areas as Kashmir, Ladakh etc. They may disallow cabin luggage and confiscate batteries in electronics. Baggage identification on tarmac may be expected of you before loading.
You can also web check-in for your flight. Web check-in is allowed 24 hrs prior to departure. You need to log on to the airline website, pull out your reservation, and follow the steps as directed.
You can select your seats here and at the end, save a copy of the boarding pass and carry a printout along, or simply save a copy on your phone if the airline allows it. If you have already checked-in online, you can reach the airport 60 mins prior to your flight departure.
The allowance for check-in baggage is 15 kgs for economy class passengers and 30 kgs for those flying business class on standard domestic carriers.
For cabin baggage, as per regulations by the Government, currently, only one piece of cabin baggage per adult/child passenger is permitted onboard. The weight of the cabin baggage should not exceed 7 kgs. Passengers are permitted to carry one laptop over and above one piece of hand luggage as cabin baggage.
If your check-in baggage exceeds 15 kgs, you are charged INR 250 per additional kg which is to be paid directly at the airport.
Passengers on board (Photo Credit – Orna Wachman)
Can you help with information on cancellation and refunds?
The cancellation and refund process is now quite easy and hassle-free. You can cancel online directly or via phone. It takes about 3 to 5 working days for the amount to get credited in your account.
The cancellation or date change charges are between INR 1,500-1,800 per person per flight depending on the airline and if booked through Make My Trip or Cleartrip, they charge an additional INR 250 per person.
Be aware, however, that airlines may cancel their flights if there have not been enough bookings on it to cover their costs. This is more likely during off-season months. If this happens, they will be required to give passengers a full refund. Where available they will offer you seats on an alternative flight. Sometimes, where this is not an option, it is ideal to take a refund and make an alternative booking.
If this happens on your trip, feel free to contact us and we can help you in any way that we can. Alternatively, let us know any questions you may have about flying in India – we’ll be happy to help.
Getting from Mumbai to Kerala is fairly easy and uncomplicated. Most international travellers tend to first land in Mumbai, to then make their way to this tropical paradise. Kerala is the land of lush green valleys and lazy backwaters, brightly painted Kathakali artists and gently draped gold-and-white saris. Aptly described as âGodâs own countryâ, Kerala is every traveller’s dream. This article will explore some of the different ways of getting from Mumbai to Kerala.
Blessed with endless beautiful forests and beaches and bursting at the seams with gorgeous art,delicious food and healing Ayurveda, Kerala is the place to be. For more information about Kerala, check out our blog.
The scenic Konkan Railway route in the monsoon runs from Mumbai to Kerala (passing Goa en route) –Â Photo Credits
Getting from mumbai to Kerala by flight
The de-facto option to get to Kerala from Mumbai is a two-hour flight. There are frequent flights almost every hour and if booked in advance it would cost as little as 30 EUR / 35 USD per head. The adventurous should take the scenic twenty four hour train ride (more on the same later in this blog), but before that let us give you some pointers on the flights.
Kerala has three main airports, located in Kochi, Trivandrum and Calicut. All these airports are well connected with Mumbai, with many direct flights between each of them throughout the day.
Fly from Mumbai to Kochi if you are travelling to Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Marari, Alleppey or Kumarakom.
If you are visiting Kovalam or Varkala it is closer to fly into Trivandrum from Mumbai.
Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod which are at the northernmost end of Kerala are closer to Calicut airport.
Kochi Airport is serviced with the most number of flights from Mumbai. It means more flexibility on flight times and at times fares that are cheaper than for flights to Calicut or Trivandrum.
Tip: If you are looking at visiting North Kerala and flights to Calicut are expensive, you can look at flights to Mangalore. Bekal and Kannur are gorgeous beaches equidistant to Calicut and Mangalore.
UPDATE:- As of 2019, there is a new airport in Kannur, making it the northernmost airport in Kerala. Flights are limited, but the best connection if you are looking at visiting beaches of North Kerala.
(Picture Credit: Pixabay)
Train from Mumbai to Kerala
If the journey is more important than the destination then do not look further for a prettier experience. It will take anywhere between 16 to 24 hours depending on which part of Kerala you visit, but taking a train along the western Indian coast will be a gorgeous and memorable experience. We share a few pointers below –
The Southern India rail network known as the Konkan Railway runs a number of trains between Mumbai and Kerala.
The major railway stations are Calicut, Ernakulam Junction (close to Kochi) and Trivandrum Central. There are a few trains that also halt at Alleppey and Varkala railway stations.
There are about 9 to 10 trains that run between Mumbai and Kerala. The average travel time is 16 to 24 hours, depending on the train and whether you plan to alight in North, Central or South Kerala.
Avoid booking tickets on a train that does not start in Mumbai. These trains are often late and dirty as people have been riding on them for a while. For more information about train travel in Mumbai, check out our blog.
The best trains to take are the ones that start from Mumbai CST, or Lokmaniya Tilak station (Mumbai CST is the easiest to reach).
Avoid the trains to Kerala that you need to board from Kalyan or Vasai Road. These stations are listed as Mumbai stations but are far from the city.
Since it is a long train journey to Kerala, it is nice to take a train to Kerala and then fly back.
The journey is extremely scenic. So if you have the luxury of time, definitely take a train journey to savour and remember the beauty of Kerala.
Train from Mumbai to Kerala (Photo Credit – Antriksh Kumar)
getting from Mumbai to Kerala by Road
The least recommended option is to travel from Mumbai to Kerala by road.
The distance from Mumbai to Kochi is 1377 kms.
There are no direct buses that ply between the two regions.
Driving to Kerala with a rented car would mean a journey of two days with a night halt. Moreover, a car hire would be very expensive and not all car rental agencies would be willing to send a car and driver from Mumbai to Kerala.
We recommend either taking a flight or train when travelling from Mumbai to Kerala as the drive would be tiresome and expensive.
Long Route
Stops en route
Goa, the most popular beach and party destination comes right between Mumbai and Kerala. You can either take a train or fly to Goa and then travel onwards to Kerala, or explore more travel options.
You can also make the entire way from Mumbai to Kerala your travel route. This way, you can stop at additional interesting places like the temple and ruin landscapes of Hampi, the charming palace town of Mysore or the green region of Wayanad. From there you can easily get to Calicut and head down to Kochi by train. Our guest Rachel did this on her two-week-trip across South India. Check it out!
An alternative route is to fly from Mumbai to Mysore directly. This avoids the long Goa – Hampi – Mysore train journeys to then going to Kerala. This was Daphne’s idea for her two-week-trip to Kerala in May.
Alternatively, the coasts of Maharashtra and Karnataka are dotted with idyllic small coastal towns. You can choose to stop at any one of them. Do remember that you will have very basic tourist facilities there.
For some inspiration, check out Tom and Amy’s trip to Kerala. Alternatively, for any more information or for help planning your perfect trip to India, feel free to contact us!
Goa
We would love to help you plan a trip to India that involves getting from Mumbai to Kerala, visiting the gorgeous places en route. Plan Your Trip with us now and we will figure out the ideal travel route together with you.
Looking for a quick trip from Mumbai to Agra? You can consider either taking a train between Mumbai and Agra or a flight to Delhi and then driving down to Agra.
The floral design of precious stones on marble on the walls of the Taj Mahal (Photo Credit – Judson Moore)
by train
Only a few trains stop at Agra station. You will have more options if you take a train to Mathura Junction which is 40 kms from Agra
The train journey can take anywhere between 14 to 20 hours depending on which train you take
Train no. 12953 August Kranti Rajdhani Express is the fastest and most comfortable train to take between Mumbai and Mathura to reach Agra. This train also has tickets under the âforeign tourist quotaâ, so the chance of getting a last-minute ticket is higher.
For such a long journey, you should consider an overnight train for comfort and to make the time pass quickly
by air
Flight is the fastest way to reach Agra. The option that is most easily available are frequent flights from Mumbai to Delhi, followed by a 3-4 hours drive to Agra.
During tourist season i.e. October to March at times there are direct Air India flights from Mumbai to Agra. The flight schedule keeps changing and is not operational every day. A very convenient option when possible.
Flights are the quickest option though they are not usually the cheapest (Photo Credit – Daniel Eledut)
by bus
There is no bus service between Mumbai and Agra. A roundabout option is taking a bus to Udaipur, touring Rajasthan, and then eventually reaching Agra. Here are a few common routes across Rajasthan which include some of the most visited cities in North India.
Fatehpur Sikri is another monument to visit during your stay in Agra
Let India Someday handle it and plan your best trip.
