No, not an Indian footy game! Who's been to both & which did you prefer? Looking to go to one or the other in Jan 2011. Went to Candolim last Feb & really enjoyed it but I'm hearing that the Russkies are taking over the areas around Morjim etc, so what's the best for a couple of oldies who just want good restaurants & beaches? (plus a comfy bed!)

Then for you my friend it should be Kerala, much more beautiful than Goa, Kovalam & Varkala beaches are absolutely gorgeous to relax on plus you don't get hassled so much as Goa. Then you have the Hill Stations of Munnar and Ponmundi which are worth a visit. You also have Wildlife sanctuaries of Periyar and Eravikulam where there are still the odd tiger. Then of course you have the backwaters, which is definetly worth a few days out of your holiday.

kerala without a doubt. tips? try indiamike.com the best site for all things india travel wise.

Mrs Norris and I went to Kerela last year – fab place. Amazing people, scenery and food….highly recommended. Not been to Goa though.
To be honest I didn't think the beach resorts up to much, we found a secret beach near Allepy that was a 40 minute rickshaw ride down a track, just a few fisherman about – perfect.

Munnar, Periyar, Cochi, Varkala, backwaters – all good
some pics here.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/71958789@N00/sets/72157608513157216/show/

kerala for me to0. varkala is a bit nicer (less developed and package tour) than kovalam.

Freeridenick, those photo's are well nice! Goa was like nothing I'd ever seen before, or tasted!
But I may have been swayed already. Looking at Kerala…

Can't comment on Goa, but Kerala is the most astounding place I've ever been. What's more in January, the climate's perfect for a bit of riding with Mike at Mountain Bike Kerala – http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/amazing-indian-riding-holiday-thanks-mike-with-pics

sheck – that looks like a fun trip 8)

Kerala reminds of what Goa was like fifteen years ago (minus the dreadful hippies of course) – it's quieter, less commercialised, and as someone already mentioned, you wont get hassled as much. Sorry to add more confusion to the mix, but have you thought about Sri-Lanka? I went a few years ago (just before the tsunami), and it was stunning.

Some good info there thanks, what airports are used for Kerala?

We flew to Trivandrum on Gulf Air. cheap as chips