I should preface this post by saying that I already know this is going to be a whirlwind trip with only 9 days in India. There are 6 of us and we are flying into Delhi. The main purpose of the trip is to see family in Bagalore, but for some this is their first and probably only trip to India (it's only my second so I'm not an expert either) so we also want to see as much as possible.

We will spend 2-3 days seeing Delhi and Agra before we fly to Bangalore to see family and sightsee in that area for a few days (not yet sure how many days). Then we'll have 2-3 days before we have to get to Mumbai for our flight home (my dad only wants to spend 1 night in Mumbai).

So, my question is -- where should we spend those extra 2-3 days? I was thinking 2 nights in Kochi, Goa or Trivandrum might be fun and somewhat relaxing, however, we will be there in August which is monsoon season so will it still be enjoyable? We are fairly adventurous and my preference would be to go somewhere scenic and "relaxing" (meaning not a big city) for those extra days. Oh, and we are planning to fly to each place since we have such limited time on the ground.

Appreciate any suggestions!

One idea:

Check Ezhara Beach House in Kannur, north sea coast of Kerala. Write to Hyacinth (the owner)and ask what the weather will be like. I wrote to her last yr in anticipation of staying (had to put it off for a future trip) --she is delightful and helpful. SInce there are 6 of you, this place would be perfect--yo'd have virtually the entire house for your family. Nearest airport is Calicut (Kozhikode) which is not a long flight to Mumbai.

Check the place's tripadvisor reviews, and see if it sounds like a place your family could relax.

Again, the caveat is the weather in August, as you know.

some place close because travel is a bit of a hastle and your time is so short

You say you have about 9 days and you are doing Delhi, Agra, Bangalore and Mumbai.

Everything is slow in India, so I think you should just enjoy the places you are visiting instead of spending more time traveling some other places. Why not just relax where you are!

I am not trying to be negative, but being practical and want you to study a guide book and look at maps or talk to your relatives in Bangalore so suggest some place very, very near the area.

Even if you are traveling by planes, you will eventually need to use a car/taxi to go to a hotel and then to the place you plan to relax.

So, entire day can be used up just reaching a destination. I think it is a total waste of time and will definitely be stressful as the roads in India are congested, cities polluted and thus it is not easy.

So, try to plan some relaxing place very close to where you will be instead of going some other city.

And if it is raining, life is even more miserable as roads can get flooded and maybe your tummy will not cooperate either.

Because weather in Delhi can be muggy, hot and wet, remember to take closed shoes, not sandals for travel as there are puddles of water everywhere!!

I would plan something very easy and enjoy time wherever you are.

2-3 days for Delhi AND Agra? I can spend 2-3 days in Delhi alone.

Places in Goa may be closed in August due to rains so you won't be doing the "fun in the sun" tour in August.

The heat and humidity will wear you down, so you should slow down your itinerary too.

Thanks for the input. I expected the responses on slowing down but unfortunately that is not my style The problem is that I've been to all the places we are going and want to see something different this time, especially since we're spending so much on airfare.

It looks like we're staying 4 nights in Bangalore (well, in a "suburb" of B'lore) - any more than that is really too much since we're staying with relatives and, well, how relaxing is it to not only stay with relatives but to also be traveling with some? Ha ha.

I think I'm going to look into Kochi a bit more. It's only an hour flight from Bangalore so I don't think it will take an entire day to travel there especially if we take an early morning flight. I would much rather travel by plane than car in India any day! Anyone have any advice on Kochi?

Unasked for suggestion. Don't leave India and try to return within the two month period as because of the visa issues you can't go back in (at least it is very difficult!).

i would not recommend Kochi as a relaxatin place for the entire time--but areas just outside it would be nice.
I took the same flt, BLR to COK,and it is a quick trip from BLR--to Kochi airport--into town.