Team-BHP - All Roads to Kerala

We have planned a road trip through Kerala, which for the most part has convenient and short traveling segments. My only skepticism was over Thekkady - Kanyakumari section that we've planned. What would be a realistic estimate (1st week of July travel, and hence monsoon at its peak) of time for it? Thank you!

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Originally Posted by mathranik (Post 3156937)

Its about 350km when I see in Google maps. Even if you start after a lazy breakfast, you should be able to make it easily for a noon tea ! Of course you go by TN side rather than Kerala. You get empty 4-lane roads as well.

Thekaddy-Theni-Usilampatti-Tirumangalam-And 4-lane from here to Kanyakumari.

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Originally Posted by ampere (Post 3156975)

Thank you! You've answered two questions in one go - because, I was wondering why Google Maps suggested a longer route though TN, when we could save 60 odd kms going through Trivandrum. Now, I know! I should estimate 6 hours, fair?

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Originally Posted by mathranik (Post 3156981)

Yes 6 hours is a fair assessment. You do about 2-3 hours to reach Tirumangalam and another 2/2.5 on the 4-lane to Kanyakumari.

Planning for a trip to Kottayam from Bangalore. Need to go through Mysore as have some errands to be completed there. Please suggest a route from Mysore.
Choices.

1) Mysore - Chamarajanagar- Cbtore- Palakkad-Ottappalam -Shornur -Vadakkanchery - Thrissur - Angamalay - Ktym.
2) Mysore- Gundelpet - Gudalur- Nadugani - Nilambur- Shornur- Vadakkanchery - Thrissur - Angamaly - Ktym
3) Mysore - Gunderlpet- Sultanbattery -Calicut- NH-17 - Cochin - Ktym.

Considering the heavy rains lashing in Kerala, your valuable suggestions will be very helpful please:

I am planning to start the journey from Mysore on 27th June !

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Originally Posted by pradeepkm (Post 3158291)

I would choose Option 2 as it would be the shortest.

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Originally Posted by pradeepkm (Post 3158291)

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Originally Posted by pramodpk (Post 3158461)

I would choose Option 2 as it would be the shortest.

Of the 3 options I think the roads on alternative (3) are in the best condition if you substitute the State Highway via Kuttippuram-Kunnamkulam-Trichur for NH17 . But since the major part of your journey is going to be in Kerala excellent roads will not necessarily mean a faster journey, your overall average speed will still be limited to probably around 45 to 50 kmph max because of the heavy traffic you'll encounter on most routes.

In that scenario, the shortest would probably be the best option to choose and I concur with @pramodpk on the choice of option (2).

Manoramaonline reports that Traffic through Nadugani ghats (Gudalur-Nilambur road) has been halted due to landslides and tree falls. No more detailed information available at this point of time. Several vehicles are said to be stranded since 6 hours.
The link is here for people who can read malayalam. could not find an english news item link.
http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bi...RIAL&BV_ID=@@@

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Originally Posted by ontheroad (Post 3159153)

Dear all, Any updates on road condition from Thrissur to Kollam? Heard that there is minor potholes in Thrissur-Angamaly stretch. How is raod condition mainly in Alleppy and Kollam. Thanks

Alleppey-Kollam is intermittently broken. Not very good, but not dangerously bad

Did not notice any potholes in the Thrissur-Angamaly stretch. At least, nothing that affected me!!

Did anyone get stuck/held up in the floods/high waters on NH220 around Vandiperiyar this week/Monday/Tuesday ? Both when going from Kumily or returning from Kottayam ( there were two points where traffic was stuck - either side of Vandiperiyar )

Was raining continuously ( and heavily ) around Kumily/Vagamon/Erattapetta/Idukki/Vandiperiyar 3-4 days ( it perhaps still is, I don't know ).