Team-BHP - All Roads to Kerala

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Originally Posted by Rajeevraj (Post 3997234)

Any data on expected completion timeframes for this? How much additional time savings can we expect for palakkad thrissur (In addition to the natural time saving due to 4 lane)?

If the contractor had been meeting the timelines, we should be cruising through the tunnel already :D

From what I heard and read, the tunnel will reduce the distance by 2-3km. Since the trucks won't have to struggle with the gradient, the usual snarls will be avoided.

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Originally Posted by FuelInjector (Post 3997260)

We have our mandatory stop over at the ayyappa temple on top of the hillock. Get a peaceful 15 minute break and then used to proceed towards thrisshivaperur.
now they are going to build a tunnel, put a toll (maybe). if the old route would still exist, i would always take the old route if am driving :)

The Ayyappa temple used to be a quiet place, but with the growing traffic on the highway, they've become a lot more commercialised. Vehicles stopping there do cause small traffic holdups, and worse are the people who throw coins towards the temple from moving buses and cars. I know many people who've had to replace their cars' windshields after some overenthusiastic devotee threw a Rs.5 coin from a moving bus headed to Palakkad and the coin hit the glass and cracked it.

The stretch between Vadakkenchery and Mannuthy will also be tolled, once 70% or more of the work is done.

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Originally Posted by rajesh1868 (Post 3997315)

There were news few of days back that the work was stopped. The strength of the rock was a concern and they may have to reinforce it with rods to ensure it wont crumple

After going in for around 10ms, they realised that beyond this point the rocks were not very strong (and could cave in). So what they are doing is now to put a strong concrete covering over the rock cuttings. Now when they dig through the tunnel, they would also give a strong concrete covering for the tunnel. This would delay things a bit.

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Originally Posted by Dan9ie (Post 3999824)

Can anyone comment on the condition of state highway 66 from alleppy to fort Kochi? I am planning to try this as an alternative to the NH.

Why?The road is narrow plus you will get traffic at fort kochi and marine drive. The only advantage in that you can get on container road and bypass Edapally.

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Originally Posted by tomraven99 (Post 4000089)

Why?The road is narrow plus you will get traffic at fort kochi and marine drive. The only advantage in that you can get on container road and bypass Edapally.

Hey Tom, just like trying different routes. If I'm not driving against the clock, then am happy to explore the countrysides :)

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Originally Posted by blorebuddy (Post 4004156)

Friends, Need recommendation on decent place to stay on NH47 or close to the highway either on Thrissur or Chalakudy. It is just a stop over in the night and get ready in the next morning. Thanks in advance

If you are travelling with family I would suggest to stay in thrishivaperur round. Hotel Guru kripa is a good stayover. Opposite to Bharat café. lot of options around that place as well (Pathan's etc.)

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Originally Posted by blorebuddy (Post 4004156)

I did notice a good hotel near Mannuthy (which is where the road to Thrissur town deviates from NH47). The name is Mayura Inn, if I remember right. Then there is also another hotel which is on your left side (when proceeding towards Chalakkudy). Trip Advisor has a good listing of hotels at Chalakkudy.

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Originally Posted by blorebuddy (Post 4004156)

No good places on the highway.If you are travelling alone,then Hamara just before Nadathara Junction (before the Mcdonalds drive-in,in the Chalakudy-Palakkad direction)on your right is an ok option.Would not reccomend if you are travelling with family.The place is bar attached so the whole scene changes in the evening.

My suggestion would be for you to stay inside thrissur town.Pooram,Garuda (both on kuruppam road).Else you could check out Wariyam Heritage (press club road)http://wariyamheritage.com/

Pathans-dont even bother,its run down and dirty.

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Originally Posted by ranjitp1 (Post 4004456)

My suggestion would be for you to stay inside thrissur town.Pooram,Garuda (both on kuruppam road).Else you could check out Wariyam Heritage (press club road)http://wariyamheritage.com/

Pathans-dont even bother,its run down and dirty.

Having taken your suggestion earlier, we'd stayed at Pooram international and it was a good choice - Decent rooms, close to the Thrissur Round, has parking space in the basement of the building and at an open ground (with security) adjacent to the hotel.
Also, lots of options for food all around.
But again, if not with family then other options closer to NH47 may work better since one does not need to go inside Thrissur.

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Originally Posted by sandeepmohan (Post 4004501)

Recommendations for Bangalore - Thalassery route.

Google suggests just under 7 hours, via Gonikoppal, Iritty, which seems highly optimistic or is it?

Highly possible, even for a sedate driver. Roads are excellent throughout. Can do in 6.5 hours easily if the trip is on a Sunday. If you start by 5 AM on a weekday, the only stretch that would slow you down would be Iritty-Mattannur-Telicherry.

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Originally Posted by blorebuddy (Post 4005014)

Thanks everyone for the recommendation. Will check on your recommended places. I did not want to go based on Tripadvisor alone so requested you.
I am traveling with my mom for a Ayurvedic Dr. consultation. Looking for a decent value for money as it is just a stop over for in the night.

YOu may want to check Hotel Rachana, Chalakudy. its less than 1km from highway, next to KSRTC busstand.