Has anyone hired a car and driven from Goa to Kerala? We're planning on spending about a month in India in Jan 09 (Delhi, Agra, Varinasi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Goa, Kerala). We're thinking of spending 10 days between these 2 areas (Goa and Kerala). Questions:
(1) Is it feasible/worthwhile to drive this?
(2) Suggestions on places to stay en route.
(3) Recommendations on houseboats in Kerala.
Thanks!

I found rail the best and easiest way to get around. You see a lot from trains. For a month, you could get a 30 day rail pass (1st is worth the extra and you get "free accommodation" in a sleeper if you travel overnight.) There is sometimes a bit of a queue leaving Goa so you have to book early.

Do you mean drive yourself? Because if so, forget it! No-one in their right minds drives themselves in India. If you haven't been you have no idea of the absolute chaos on the roads.

If you're asking whether it's a good idea to do this with a car and driver, I'd take the train. See seat61.com for loads of info on trains in India, and www.indianrail.gov.in for schedules and maps.

Thanks for the responses. Yes, sorry I should have clarified. I meant hire a car and driver. But it sounds like the best way is to take the train. Any suggestions on where to stop along the way?
Thanks again!

I stopped at Mysore, great destination. But it really messes up the train trip. With only 10 days for both Goa and Kerala, I wouldn't stop in between, I'd just take the night train. Leaves at 20:30, arrives at 12:10. BTW, I enjoyed staying at Malabar House (www.malabarhouse.com) in Kochi.

Great. Thanks for the advice. I'll check out Malabar house.