My husband and I are planning a 3 1/2 mo trip to India in Dec. I have started researching and think South India is best (weather and intro to India). We will fly to Munbai then visit Goa, and spent time in Kerala then fly home from Bangalore to Vancouver. Would like to visit a willife area -maybe Bandipur, and also a few days at a Ayvedic retreat. Suggestions on the best way to travel - train, private tour (what is the cost), taxis (do they go long distances?)or maybe fly to some locations? Hotel recommendations..prefer smaller hotels. Do people really not eat any salads because of concerns about water? Interested in spiritual sights also. Suggestions welcomed!

Wow. In three and a half months u can cover a lot of ground. You could consider a private tour for part of your trip and doing it on your own for the rest. A good TA wil work within your budget so how much is really your option. In terms of timing be advsied that Dec 15 onwards Goa gets more expensive so you need to factor that intou your thinking. It is a very popular xmas new years destination. Else you may want to do it at the end. Otheriwse, land in Mumbai, Mumbai Goa you can take either the day or overnight train, Goa down to Kerala again train, within Kerala by road mostly, then you could consider adding Pondicherry and Mysore as well as Chennai, then Bangalore and Bandipur and back. Other wildlife areas you can consider are Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary) in Kerala, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. Kabini River Lodge near Bangalore is also a nice place for wildlife. The best hotel chain in Kerala, IMO, all boutique properties so meets your pref too, is www,cghearth.com

Hi Heath,
If you are intrested in wildlife in Karnataka you ought to get in touch with Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd.Their website is www.junglelodges.com.Its a govt run company and have about 10 resorts in Karnataka.Some incredible places.I have been to most of them.Their property in Kabini in the Nagarhole Game Santuary is the best.You stand a good chance spotting wildlife.Try and book in advance a most of the time they are full up.The have arraactive packages to Mysore (where you'll be put up in the refurbished Metropole hotel)Kabini and K.Gudi.I recently stayed in their Bhadra Rivertern Resort and happen to see a tiger make a kill.Very memorable.
I would reccomend you fly within the country to save time.If you have time to spare you could enjoy a train journey where you get to see the countryside.Try book in advance to avoid last minute hassels.Your plan to go to Goa-Kerala and flying out from Bangalore seems fine.Work out a plan and and the duration in and budget in each place so I can advice you likewise.You can email me at [email protected].
As far as food is concerned it can be very spicy,unless you are used to it,it can leave you with a bad tummy.Avoid salads or cut fruit unless its served in a good hotel.Bottled water is ideal.Ther are beatiful temples in South India,ancient and enigmatic with a lot of history behind each.Some date back to 5-6AD.You could have complete holiday(31/2 months is a long enough time).I could give you more info once you let me know your plans.Till then Happy Planning!

correction
www.junglelodges.com

I made a "wishful thinking" typo - we will be away 3 1/2 weeks (not mos). Thanks for the input!