India for 2 weeks with 4 DC...too ambitious?

[LittlePurpleWytche]

Ok, so here's the (hairbrained?!) plan... DH and I are planning to go with our 4 DC (youngest is 8) on a holiday of a lifetime to India in the Christmas holidays.

We are thinking of flying to Cochin and spending approximately 3 days there before heading by train up to Northern Kerala for another couple of days.
We would then head to Goa for a couple of days and then catch a flight to Delhi in order to go to Agra for the last couple of days to take in the Taj Mahal & Red Fort. Then back to Delhi to head home.
My biggest concern is that we are going to spend so much time travelling around that we won't actually have time to enjoy the country, but at the same time we want to experience as much of the country in a short time as possible. I would greatly appreciate anyone with experience of India telling me what they think?
TIA

I spent a few months in India including all the places you've mentioned and wish i was planning this trip too with our 3 year old. How exciting.
Personally i'd cover a little less ground but that may just be me. And I'd miss Goa or swap it for a smaller resort - i think one I loved was called Varkala but this is over 10 years ago so my memory may not be great.
Also remember there might already be a lot for the children to take in.
Whatever you decide i think it will still be fabulous so hope you have a great time

agree with looseleaft that it is probably too much in too short a time. Don't forget it will be hot and that is draining (partic in big cities....). I'd do less

We went to Kerala at Easter with DC - 9 and 10. It was totally fab

We flew into Cochi, and stayed for 2 nights before heading off to the backwaters, beach and a elephant/tiger reserve before flying back out (into the ash cloud, but that's another story!)

Kerala is perfect for children - no dodgy tummies at all, everyone was lovely. We did it all totally independently - public transport, got rooms on spec, etc. We stayed in the bestest home-stay in Cochi - if you want details?

DH and I travelled round the other places on your list pre-children too!

I did get dysentry in Northern India (on a drip for 24 hours!), but not a single problem for any of us in Kerala

have travelled a lot in India - your itinerary sounds far too ambitious for two weeks imo. I would stick to just kerala or at the most fly into Delhi for a few days (culture shock!) to see the sights and then chill in Kerala for 9-10 days (backwaters to explore, cochin etc). I always get really ill in India - usually lose about 3-4 days to 'delhi belly'. bring immodium and plenty of rehydration salts. get good travel insurance. have a great time - looking forward to going with my ds when older.

@bigTillyMint can you let me have details of the home stay please. Thanks.

@LPW def too much. Travelling is exciting but hard work. Agree with Blackduck that cities are tiring ESP in the heat. Having said all that it will be the most amazing exeprience for the kids.

Can I come? Agree with looseleaf, try not to cover too much ground.

Goa is mainly Christian, They have some of the most beautiful churches. Do not miss out Goa. Espcially if you are planning on going around Christmas time.