[philgrac]

Planning for a trip to Kodai from Kochi during next week. Have driven the conventional route via Vadakkencherry, Pollachi, Palani several times and another trip via Munnar,Marayoor, Udumalpettai to Kodai. Hence, would prefer doing a different route. Other possible routes could be (1) via Valparai and (2) via Munnar & Theni.

We will be two families (all adults) with a Honda City and Amaze. Driving some extra Kilometers is not a problem as long as the roads are in acceptable condition. Besides, both up & down drives will be during day time.

Reg. option (1), via Valparai; stretch from Vedasandur (Valparai-Pollachi route) to Mukkonam: 24 Kms, any first hand info about the road condition? If good, can bye pass Pollachi and its confusing roads!

Reg. option(2), via Munnar, Theni; Road condition from Theni-Periyakulam-Devadanapatti-Pannaikadu-Perumalmalai is not known. Kindly share all travel info for this stretch.

Any other possible routes? Suggestions and route info from fellow BHPians are most welcome and appreciated.

[ampere]

Originally Posted by philgrac

Reg. option (1), via Valparai; stretch from Vedasandur (Valparai-Pollachi route) to Mukkonam: 24 Kms, any first hand info about the road condition? If good, can bye pass Pollachi and its confusing roads!

This is a decent option but with bad roads around Valaprai a bit. But apart roads are fantastic. You have hairpins while getting down Valparai. And yes Mukkonam bypass option is also decent. But yes it would be difficult to bypass Udumalpet.

The other point is is there is no good hotel all along this route.

Reg. option(2), via Munnar, Theni; Road condition from Theni-Periyakulam-Devadanapatti-Pannaikadu-Perumalmalai is not known. Kindly share all travel info for this stretch.

Again good roads all over. Its about 90km from Munnar to Udumalpet with good views.

Theni has a good hotel for a break.

[philgrac]

Originally Posted by ampere

This is a decent option but with bad roads around Valaprai a bit. But apart roads are fantastic. You have hairpins while getting down Valparai. And yes Mukkonam bypass option is also decent. But yes it would be difficult to bypass Udumalpet.

The other point is is there is no go hotel all along this route.



Again good roads all over. Its about 90km from Munnar to Udumalpet is about 90km of roads with good views.

Theni has a good hotel for a break.

Thanks Ampere for the kind support. Apologizing for the late reply as I was a bit too busy yesterday.

As I see both my initial options are considered decent, planning to take Kochi-Valparai-Kodai and return via Marayoor & Munnar route. Have done Kochi-Valparai route thrice already and as you said, the roads from Malakkapara check post to Valparai was not so okay. Coming down 40 Hairpin bends from Valparai to Pollachi was done some time back. That was an enjoyable drive!

Now, that the Munnar road blockade (Tea factory worker's strike) is over, and the next possibility is only after 26th Sep, the return trip via Munnar should also be enjoyable during this season.

Could you please suggest the name of that good hotel (restaurant) at Theni.

Cheers

[ampere]

Originally Posted by philgrac

Could you please suggest the name of that good hotel (restaurant) at Theni.

Here you go!

http://hotelwesterngatz.com/

The place is good is even for an overnight stay in case you end up needing a break.