[pramodpk]

Originally Posted by HotChillyPepper

Folks,
I am planning to travel to Kollam on 18th early morning. Reading the Palakad-Trissur story, do you guys think it is better to go through Madurai route? Can anyone help me with the routes and deviations ?

I agree with ampere on this. Madurai route is anytime better.

[ontheroad]

Avoid Thrissur-Kuthiran-Palghat at any cost. Every day there is atleast 3 hour block and the road may even damage you car and your backbone.

[VindyWheels]

Hi, what is the best route from Ooty to Calicut? How much time would it take for a leisurely drive? Pls also give any details for Lunch and "family restroom" options enroute.

The plan is to go to Kotagiri (from Bangalore) on 17th and drive to Calicut on 19th.

Thanks

Vindy

[ampere]

Originally Posted by VindyWheels

Hi, what is the best route from Ooty to Calicut? How much time would it take for a leisurely drive? Pls also give any details for Lunch and "family restroom" options enroute.

The plan is to go to Kotagiri (from Bangalore) on 17th and drive to Calicut on 19th.

Thanks

Vindy

Two main options

Ooty-Gudalur-Nilambur-Edavanna-Mavoor-Calicut

The other option is

Ooty-Gudalur-Meppadi-Kalpetta-Calicut.

What most folks says is that the Edavanna option is narrow (I have no idea as I have not driven). The other one should be good.

[VindyWheels]

Thank You Ampere as always!

I know the Gudalur-Meppadi route which I had taken last time while returning to Bangalore from Calicut. Stayed for overnight halt at a lovely homestay at Meppadi (Jinoy's property)mentioned by HVK in one of his old posts.

Google maps shows 30km less in the Nilambur route, but not sure if it takes lesser time.

Cheers

Vindy

[lateshnair]

Hello,

Anybody travelled recently via this route
mysuru -> gudlupet -> bandipur -> gudalur -> nilambur -> wandoor -> pandikkad -> perinthalmanna

I would like to know the road condition.

Thanks

[coolclouds]

Originally Posted by lateshnair

Hello,

Anybody travelled recently via this route
mysuru -> gudlupet -> bandipur -> gudalur -> nilambur -> wandoor -> pandikkad -> perinthalmanna

I would like to know the road condition.

Thanks

I did Bangalore-Nilambur few weeks back and the road condition is good. The section inside forest is smooth but there are speed breakers in almost ecery 500 meters.

Gudalur-Perinthalmanna also was in good condition when I did it two months back.

[ampere]

Originally Posted by lateshnair

mysuru -> gudlupet -> bandipur -> gudalur -> nilambur -> wandoor -> pandikkad -> perinthalmanna

Originally Posted by coolclouds

I did Bangalore-Nilambur few weeks back and the road condition is good. The section inside forest is smooth but there are speed breakers in almost ecery 500 meters.

Gudalur-Perinthalmanna also was in good condition when I did it two months back.

Only thing which I cant say is which option is better for Nilambur-Perinthalmanna
- the one via Wandoor or
- the one via Melatoor.

[vasoo]

I am planning a trip to Kottayam on 25th August. Anybody recently went through the Madurai > Theni route? How are the road conditions?

[lateshnair]

Originally Posted by ampere

Only thing which I cant say is which option is better for Nilambur-Perinthalmanna
- the one via Wandoor or
- the one via Melatoor.

I have never travelled via Melatoor. My usual route to Perinthalmanna is
Nilambur -> Wandoor -> Pandikkad -> Pattikkad -> Perinthalmanna

Above is shorter when compared to Nilambur - perinthalmanna via Melatoor.

[ampere]

Originally Posted by lateshnair

Above is shorter when compared to Nilambur - perinthalmanna via Melatoor.

I travelled the Melatoor route more than a year back. The road all the way up to Nilambur from Perinthalmanna was brilliant and scenic.
And yes it is longer by 20km.

[pramodpk]

Manorama news reports that tarring has started in Kuthiran. For those who read Malayalam, here is the link.

Manorama News

[binaiks]

Originally Posted by pramodpk

Manorama news reports that tarring has started in Kuthiran. For those who read Malayalam, here is the link.

Manorama News

Tender for tunnelling through Kuthiran has been awarded to Prakruthi Constructions. This company was involved in tunneling work in KRCL and MPEW (Mumbai-Pune Expressway) also. They will build two tunnels, having 6 lanes in total. The work is expected to commence soon - and will be completed in 6 months. It seems that the environment ministry has accorded its clearance.

News from Malayala Manorama.

[manojas]

Originally Posted by vasoo

I am planning a trip to Kottayam on 25th August. Anybody recently went through the Madurai > Theni route? How are the road conditions?

Same question here.
Hearing the Kuthiran stories, I am afraid to travel through NH-47 as I will be travelling with 2 small kids.

The alternative for me is via Dindigul - theni and then to Kothamangalam via Bodi. Any updates on this route is greatly appreciated.

[sandsun7]

Originally Posted by manojas

Same question here.
Hearing the Kuthiran stories, I am afraid to travel through NH-47 as I will be travelling with 2 small kids.

The alternative for me is via Dindigul - theni and then to Kothamangalam via Bodi. Any updates on this route is greatly appreciated.

Perhaps the most decent alternative would be to take the Mysore- Gudalur - Nilambur - Trichur road. Traffic would be sparse on a weekday all the way till Nilambur if you start early, and moreover the drive would be very scenic, kids would surely enjoy if you are lucky to spot some wildlife in Bandipur/Mudumalai forest roads. Distance wise, it is shorter by around 50-70 Kms compared to the traditional Hosur-Salem-Palakkad route.

The route is like this:
Bangalore-Mandya-Mysore-Nanjangud-Gundlupet-Bandipur-Mudumalai-Gudalur-Nadugani-Nilambur-Pandikkad-Perinthalmanna-Pattambi-Shornur-Trichur(mannuthy)-Angamali-Perumbavoor-Muvattupuzha-Kottayam.

Here is the google map link:
https://maps.google.co.in/maps?saddr...ia=1,2&t=m&z=7

Remember, there is night ban on the route from Gundlupet to Gudalur