Team-BHP - Trivandrum to Bangalore : Route Queries

I will be driving to Trivandrum on Oct 22nd (will start at 4:30 AM). Usually, I take the Nagercoil route but was thinking of trying out the Madurai, Tenkasi route beacause it is said to be more scenic. Any idea about the latest road condition and the route? My destination is Kesavadasapuram. If the route takes significantly longer time than Nagercoil, I will stick to the Nagercoil route.

Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pramodpk (Post 2544878)

Road from TVM to Punalur is nice. I did it couple of weeks back. Road from Bangalore is Dindugal is also nice. Not sure about the road between.

Have you tried the Theni-Kumali-Peerumede-Kottayam road? If not, its good except for around 40 kms after Kumali. Otherwise MC road from Kottayam to Kottarakara is okay and the Kottarakara to Trivandrum is good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommie (Post 2544896)

Thanks for the quick response but I was looking for the route via Madurai. I found the following in the previous posts.

1. BLR -> Salem -> Madurai -> Tenkasi -> Thenmala -> Kulathupuzha -> Palode -> TVM

2. Bangalore -> Salem -> Madurai -> Tenkasi -> Tenmala -> Kottarakkara -> TVM

Which one would be better? My final destination is Kesavadasapuram.

Thanks in advance

I will be driving from Nagercoil to Bangalore during January 1st week. During this drive I will have to pick up one of my friend from Madurai (Palanganandham). However, I prefer not to enter the city. Is there a place in By-Pass where I can ask my friend to come?. If so, please let me know. Also, I don't mind going couple of KMs from By-Pass to pick him.

How far is Maravankulam from this By-Pass?

Quote:

Originally Posted by arun_josie (Post 2596154)

I find this Maravnkulam is just off the bypass before Tirumangalam town (also bypassed). So I guess he can come to the bypass at an appropriate point without you having to go in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hvkumar (Post 2596170)

I find this Maravnkulam is just off the bypass before Tirumangalam town (also bypassed). So I guess he can come to the bypass at an appropriate point without you having to go in.

Thanks hvkumar. Even I found it close to Tirumangalam, I will keep this as option for now.

It looks like hotel aristo near Karur bypass has closed its business. I was on this way on Dec24th, 2011 and planned to have breakfast there but it was closed. It was closed during my return journey as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by arun_josie (Post 2632421)

Thanks for sharing. Now the only choice is Capsi but its about 140km beyond Madurai.
(Thanks to NPV for that data). For breakfast, better to stick to A2B or Saem GRT.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampere (Post 2632575)

Thanks for sharing. Now the only choice is Capsi but its about 140km beyond Madurai.
(Thanks to NPV for that data). For breakfast, better to stick to A2B or Saem GRT.

Yes, it is better to stick to A2B/GRT. There is hotel annaporna just around 100mts from Aristo in the karur bypass but the food was very average. It has a play area too for kids like aristo.

I also saw a new hotel in Salem-Namakkal stretch on the left side but not sure about the name of the hotel. will lookout for this during my next trip.

I also did not get breakfast in Hotel Aristo on Oct 24th. They said they had run out of cooking gas. I had breakfast in Hotel Valluvar. It is around 16 kms after Aristo but on the RHS. The food was very good and it had neat toiltets (much better than Aristo). Only issue is that you need to park the car on the opposite side but there is a watchman.

Quote:

Originally Posted by arun_josie (Post 2596154)

Hope it's not too late! Happen to see this just now.

Since it's a pickup & your friend may have to take a bus to reach the spot, choosing a bus stop between Madurai & Tirumangalam will be ideal. Toyota showroom on Madurai - Tirumangalam route will be an easier landmark to spot. It's a major bus stop called Koothiargoondu. Will be more practical & convenient to park & pick your friend.

Quote:

Originally Posted by viggienomad (Post 2636955)

Its annamalai toyota showroom, right? We had this in mind but finally picked him from Palanganandham itself since we wanted to have a look at Madurai.

Quote:

Originally Posted by arun_josie (Post 2637120)

Its annamalai toyota showroom, right? We had this in mind but finally picked him from Palanganandham itself since we wanted to have a look at Madurai.

Yes, Annamalai Toyota. Glad to know you've chosen to enter Madurai. There is a sizable Sabarimala pilgrims crowd (buses & vans) on Tiruparankundram & also in Madurai at this time of the year. Picking up at Palanga natham is also not a wide detour as this was the normal route to take before 4-track happened.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampere (Post 2632575)

Thanks for sharing. Now the only choice is Capsi but its about 140km beyond Madurai.
(Thanks to NPV for that data). For breakfast, better to stick to A2B or Saem GRT.

Any idea about the exact location of Capsi? Is it on the way to Thirunelveli/Nagercoil?
I am looking for a good hotel for dinner on the Madurai-Nagercoil stretch (OR) just before the Madurai bypass. I have seen couple of hotels before Madurai bypass but never tried it.