Hi there,

I have an opportunity to take a business trip to Bangalore India for 4-5 days in mid April and I am planning on bringing my husband and two boys - aged six and 12- with me from our home in Los Angeles.

We will likely fly out early on the 11th and arrive late night on the 12th. I will be quite busy with work from the 13th to 16th, however we are thinking of flying out late day on the 16th to Goa. We would like to spend four nights at a swanky beach side place (re: something EASY) and see some sights before flying back to Banglore on the 20th and then back to Los Angeles on the 21st.

I know 10 days is desperately short, but it is what it is.

Other than that, does this seem feasible? Are there enough sites around Bangalore to keep hubby and kids busy for 3-4 days? Is there a destination other than Goa that we could get to and just chill easily for 4-5 days. I keep saying EASY because I know the overseas flights in the span of 10 days are going to be brutal and I want our time on the ground to be as, well, easy as possible.

I am aware easy and India are not usually used in the same sentence but I don't think this is the time to be ambitious. Hubby and I are seasoned world travelers but this time, we just trying to enjoy what would be a virtually all-expnses paid trip and get a small taste of a place we have always wanted to go.

Also, wondering if Cochin might be preferable to Goa?

Sorry for the convoluted tale. I welcome any thoughts and thank you in advance.

Liz

a. There are plenty of direct flights to Goa, every evening. The Leela Goa is a terrific option to stay and so is Taj Exotica. The temperatures will be around 33c / 25c and considerably humid. There is plenty to do & see in Goa apart from the usual Beaches, although the Hikes are not of a very high Quality.
b. You could also take a look at Orange County (Evolve Back) Kabini, some 135 miles/5hours drive from Bangalore.This was once the private hunting lodge of the Mysore royalty, known for Bird & Wild life. I guess the youngsters will love the Elephant, Coracle, Vehicle rides, and The Nature Walks.
Enjoy your travels!

Again,
If you wish to stay in one of the finest of Indian Palaces, than nothing better than the Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad! Wow, what a place to be in for 3 or 4 nights, such splendid views of Hyderabad from the Suites facing Charminar!!
The sightseeing too is quite interesting. The Golconda Fort & Qutabshahi Tombs will hark you back to the medieval India. The Salar Jung Museum is one of the best in India. Plenty of shopping.
However this may interest you and your dear-half, the boys will feel left out of the adventure.

A minor point of correction in the first reply. The Maharajah's former hunting lodge is across the lake, not at Orange Country. It's called Kabini River Lodge. This is where safaris into Nagarhole Forest depart. At one time, each lodging had its own safari vehicle , but now the Karnatake gov't has taken over the operation and everyone, from al l the lodgings around Kabini Dam/Lake, get on a big bus to go into the forest. I' ve stayed at both OC, and another smaller resort nearer to the hunting lodge site. This would not be a day trip for your husband and kids...are you /they ok with leaving you in BLR for a few days? If they did this, Mysore makes an interesting stop as well. I know that OC can arrange transport from Bangalore, and assume other lodgings can as well. If interested, reply and i will give more detail about OC vs other places.

Re: Goa or Cochin, not having been to Goa, I can't comment except to say, any part of the region, Goa or Kerala, will be very hot, and more humid than you are accustomed to in LA (per your profile).

You can take quick nonstop flight from BLR to Cochin. I love Cochin,--the area around Fort Cochin--but again, but it will be HOT. It is such a great little town, I'd recommend if you did this, spend a night in Cochin before proceeding to a resort. There are many great hotels in Fort Cochin. From Cochin town, you have two choices for relatively close resorts/accommodation in which to relax.

1.anhour south of Cochin : Marari Beach: Check "A Beach Symphony"--small , private cottages, on the beach, has pool. Or for a larger resort type place, CGH Earth's Marari Beach Resort. Note that swimming from that beach is not recommended, but both above have pools. Disclaimer-I've not (yet) been to Marari beach, but above places are highly recommended by someoneI rust, and get generally great reviews via tripadvisor, etc.

2. Or from Cochin town, about 1.5 hours to one of the Kumarokom Lakeside resorts, Ive stayed at a smaller place (won't discuss as you want more resort). It is a beautiful area . Check Kumarokom Lake Resort --pools all-around the resort and you enter directly from your room. There are a bunch of resorts , both old and new, in this area, but this is one of the oldest and highest regarded. There are also Taj and CGH Earth hotels along the lake. These hotels will option for activities like a houesboat trip on the lake--which you do not have to do overnight! For resorts in a less well-known area of Kerala, you can take a quick nonstop flight form BLR to Mangalore, and from there about an hour south to one of the Northern Kerala beaches. They are not as discovered by tourists yet. The area is gorgeous (I stayed further south of this area): quiet white sand beaches lined with coconut palms. Reminded me of the quite beaches of Hawaii. Check the Taj Bekal or LaLit Bekal.

I understand "easy"! Any of these places can arrange transport to/from airport, or taxis are readily available in any case. Or, once you decide (or to get feedback) you can contact one of the agencies recommended on Fodors or elsewhere,and they can do a "packag" e for you that will make it all as seamless as possible with airport picup, transport to hotel bookings, and a contact in case of any "issues."

Aside for the heat,--which may or may not be problematic for you--you can have a fantastic time.You are very wise to keep it easy with just one or two destinations, instead of rushing around!

also thanks for good tips

This is really helpful. Thanks for sharing

Now I know what to do on my next trip to India.

Hi Liz,

Its better to visit Goa than Cochin.
Best places to visit in Bangalore for your husband and children are Lla Bhag, Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace, MG Road, Wonder La Water Park, Ulsoor Lake, Bannerghatten National Park, Tipu Sultans Summer Palace etc... Your children will enjoy visiting these places in Bangalore

To me, it is interesting and somewhat suspicious that the original poster--nearly a month after her question-- has yet to return to acknowledge any of the above advice. Most of the replies are from 1 or 2 time post-ers. The laest t one makes no bones about it--it is advertising and will likely be removed by the moderators).

Please make sure you have an idea on the weather forecast for the days of your trip. And if you are going in monsoons, definitely carry boots/rubber shoes that won't skid, umbrellas and extra pairs of socks. Do carry anti vomit medicines after consulting your doctor. Also, be careful about the water that you drink. Keep medicines for hill diarrhea handy. In fact, consult your doctor for the necessary travel pack medicines to carry.
Carry dry food items with you, in case of emergency. Torches are a must. And if possible, spare mobile battery needs to be taken.
Do not forget your camera.
Enjoy the trip

This is summer you can't go to hot places better choose the cold places to enjoy your trip. Explore these places to beat your summer heat
1. Manali

2.Shimla

3.Kerala

4. Dharmasthal

5. Kashmir

Cochin will be terribly humid at that time of year.
Also, while there are some places of tourist interest - eg the oldest synagogue in India - Cochin is a regular port city. Goa is more of a holiday destination and also packs in some Colonial era history.
if the sea is not what you’re necessarily after, then you could consider Coorg, which is a lovely place in the Nilgiris. Although I daresay your kids might prefer the sea.

hello I'm "sort of" anonymous, I don't know if your tour will turn to Delhi. but if you come to Delhi these thing wiill help you.

I like to visit new places every weekend , I'm delhiites so obiously i've been to many places in Delhi. I want to explore new places which should be peaceful too.

If you know any hidden place in Delhi please let me know about the place.

Thank you! btw if you're the one who is looking for a peaceful place then I would recommend you to go to Okhla Bird Centuary in Okhla, nearest metro station is Okhla Bird Centuary near Kalindi kunj.

Thank you!

Hello I'm Steve and i have visited many best tourist destinations of India in season of summers and i will suggest you my best experienced places to visit in India during summer.
i.e.

1. Macleodganj, Himachal Pradesh
2. Ghats in Banaras
3. Marine Drive, Mumbai
4. Andaman & Nicobar best place to enjoy Scuba diving
5. Goa

Thanks for asking the question.

I'd love to answer this question.

Here In India, you'll get to know so many thing about the cultural difference and so many things.

Golden triangle tour is the best option for you.

Do people who reply on this and other posts even bother to read the original question? The person who posted--a mystery person who has not yet returned---asked for sights near Banglaore, possibly Cochin, and "swanky beach resort." Unless the geography has changed, that would exclude Delhi , the Golden Triangle, and assorted other suggestions.

Know that irrelevant replies make you look high questionable.

How come the original poster has not returned even once to acknowledge all the information so many have shared.
So much time and effort has been put in writing replies.
This is really rude behavior.
The good thing is some other readers will benefit.