[rohitoasis]

Gentlemen, allow me to report and additional hassle that you may encounter while crossing tamilnadu over the next few days.

Yesterday at the L&T bypass toll near Madukarrai, in the direction towards Kerala, I saw few cars stopped by police. They looked to be Kerala registration mostly. I could not gather the reason why they were stopped.

Today also i saw quite a few cars there. This time mostly Karnataka registration. I looked at them inquisitively and was promptly stopped. So the deal is That Tamilnadu local body elections are coming soon and checks are being initiated for that. I asked them when the elections were and if checks would be there till then. I was made to understand the elections are on 19th and yes there will be checks till then. I would also like to report that i saw few cars zooming by without stopping. Anyway do anticipate delay on account of these checks in your trip timeline. Please be wary of carrying excessive cash if commuting in this period

[Jaggu]

Originally Posted by rohitoasis

Anyway do anticipate delay on account of these checks in your trip timeline. Please be wary of carrying excessive cash if commuting in this period

These are routine event in Tamil Nadu to curb black money and related matters that spike during election time. Usually they will do a quick scan/check and let you go, especially if you are with family.

[confortablynumb]

For travelling to Bangalore from Kerala, is it mandatory to have a negative RTPCR report? The entry would be through TN (Attibele)

[vinodmk]

Originally Posted by confortablynumb

For travelling to Bangalore from Kerala, is it mandatory to have a negative RTPCR report? The entry would be through TN (Attibele)

Yes, you need negative RTPCR. But they will not stop you if you are in a KA car.

[kung_foo_fanta]

Hello all,

We are planning a drive down to Thrissur from Mangalore... I know, I know. We shouldn't even think about it. But circumstances are unavoidable

Are there any tips, in terms of the route or otherwise (in terms of the process at the border) which could help make the trip a little easier for all involved?

My parents will be there too... and I was hoping to find a way other than the dreaded stretch near Kottakal. Is a detour through Tirur a calmer option?

[binand]

Originally Posted by kung_foo_fanta

and I was hoping to find a way other than the dreaded stretch near Kottakal. Is a detour through Tirur a calmer option?

You are worrying about the high tide while ignoring the tsunami that is Kannur-Kozhikode.

The detour through Tirur might be advisable if your journey starts from Kozhikode. If you are passing through (ie, taking the bypass) then the detour does not make sense at all.

I would suggest looking at an overnight train, though.

[kung_foo_fanta]

Originally Posted by binand

You are worrying about the high tide while ignoring the tsunami that is Kannur-Kozhikode.

Oh right. Thank you.
Unfortunately, I am not that well-versed with the route as we are primarily based in Dubai. Hence, the worry about the high tide and the ignorance of the tsunami

Like I mentioned, unfortunately, we don't have any other option other than to drive down. Beyond the route Google Maps provides, any other detours or suggestions, perhaps regarding the best time to avoid at least a part of the tsunami?

[binand]

Originally Posted by kung_foo_fanta

Beyond the route Google Maps provides, any other detours or suggestions, perhaps regarding the best time to avoid at least a part of the tsunami?

Just stick to this route.

There is no avoidance of Kerala's traffic - unless you are OK driving overnight. Remember that almost the entirety of this 350+ km journey will be via single carriageway roads.

[varkey]

Is RTPCR checking still being enforced at Attibelle while travelling to Bangalore from Kochi in a KL registered vehicle? If you do not have an RTPCR, do they send you back?

[sandsun7]

Originally Posted by kung_foo_fanta

Like I mentioned, unfortunately, we don't have any other option other than to drive down. Beyond the route Google Maps provides, any other detours or suggestions, perhaps regarding the best time to avoid at least a part of the tsunami?

As Binand said, this is the best route and it is hard to avoid traffic on this stretch. One option could be to start by 4.30-5AM or so and try to cover up the Mangalore-Telicherry-Vadakara-Koyilandy stretch before peak hour. The worst stretch in the entire route would be Kannur-Koyilandy. Rest I feel is manageable by being patient and curb the urge to floor down the pedal except for tight overtakes !

[vinodmk]

Originally Posted by varkey

Is RTPCR checking still being enforced at Attibelle while travelling to Bangalore from Kochi in a KL registered vehicle? If you do not have an RTPCR, do they send you back?

As of 21-Jan, they were stopping KL vehicles, I am assuming they still do.
If you happen to be travelling without RTPCR you can take Hosur - Bagalur - Sarjapura route to avoid Attibele.

Folks here who frequently travel to Hosur and back with KL plate take this route.

[varkey]

Originally Posted by vinodmk

As of 21-Jan, they were stopping KL vehicles, I am assuming they still do.
If you happen to be travelling without RTPCR you can take Hosur - Bagalur - Sarjapura route to avoid Attibele.

Folks here who frequently travel to Hosur and back with KL plate take this route.

Thank you. This is good information. I'll try that route this time, I need to go towards Banaswadi anyway so that route is not much of a deviation for me. I have never travelled through those areas before so it would be good to explore as well.

I need to travel tomorrow and I don't have time today to go for an RT-PCR test today.

[adutta2k]

Originally Posted by varkey

I need to travel tomorrow and I don't have time today to go for an RT-PCR test today.

Dear BHP-ians,

If you are travelling on this route please do update here about the checking (e-pass, RTPCR etc).

I am travelling to Cherai on 12th Feb. Since this is my first interstate travel post Covid a little unsure about the new travel rules. Google maps shows this route:

Bangalore - Hosur - Dharmapuri - Salem - Coimbatore - Palakkad - Thrissur - Cherai.

If I follow this route will enter TN through Attibelle and enter KL through Walayar. Plan to take the same route while travelling back.

Appreciate your help. If there is a better route available for Bangalore - Cherai do mention that as well.

[MSAneesh]

Originally Posted by adutta2k

Bangalore - Hosur - Dharmapuri - Salem - Coimbatore - Palakkad - Thrissur - Cherai.

Appreciate your help. If there is a better route available for Bangalore - Cherai do mention that as well.

The route you have mentioned is the best one. Be aware that Salem, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Thrissur cities are bypassed(Google will be usually routing you through the respective bypasses, so no worries).

For the last stretch Thrissur bypass - Cherai, I see a possibility that, google may route you through inner roads to save some kms, via Mala etc., but those are usually narrow and busy inner roads. If you are not familiar with this area, your best option is to stick to NH 544 all the way till Paravur Jn. at Aluva via Chalakkudy, Ankamaly. Take right turn from NH 544 at Aluva(known as Paravur Jn.), pass North Paravur town and reach Cherai.

Another option is right turn at Athani junction after Ankamaly, reach Paravur via Manjali and proceed to Cherai.

But, the best would be sticking to 544 all the way till Paravur junction at Aluva.

Have a nice drive!

[Rajeevraj]

Drove Bangalore Calicut via Kanakpura, Mysore, Bandipur, Wayanad today. No Covid related checks when entering Kerala. But was stopped at the excise checkpost and asked to get down for a full car search. But then they noticed we were a family with a kid and asked us to proceed. Apparently drug related issues on the rise and hence stricter checks being enforced. All cars were being stopped.