Bangalore - Kodaikanal - Munnar : Route Queries

skydiver · 21st July 2008, 11:50

Hi Hvkumar,

Thanks a lot for the useful information.. I will use that route.

motomaverick · 24th December 2008, 13:10

I am doing the route suggested by HVkumar tomorrow on a Karizma

Shall post the pics of the trip on Sunday.......Anyone has done this route very recently?

arindamray · 29th December 2008, 13:17

Took the route as suggested by HVKumar. Thanks for all the help HVKumar.

Started from Bangalore (Sarjapur Ring Road junction) at 12:40 am on 25th Dec. Cruised till Thoppur (150 km in 2.5 hours). Krishnagiri to Dharmapuri section is done, so no potholes. Also Dharmapuri bypass ensures that one do not lose time inside the town.
From Thoppur the surface was little rough, and patchy for some streches. The road is two lane and had to slown down considerably till Bhavani, and also in the Bhavani-Perunthurai strech owning to having truck traffic in Salem-Coimbatore highway, and work in progress streches.
Once off from NH in Perunthurai, there was barely any traffic. However, towards the morning heavy mist engulfed us, visibility down to 10 ft after the bonnet. Was driving at 10 kmph, with headlights and hazard ligfhts on.
In between lost time around 10 minutes in one accident (my vehicle touched an Innova which braked suddenly, and my vehicle skidded after putting hard brake) and 20 minutes in railway crossing after Perunthurai.
Stopped at a Idli joint after crossing Palani, at the beginning of the road going to Kodai. Though on the expensive side (one Idli - 5/-, Coffee - 8/-, Tea - 6/-), the food is fresh. It took exactly seven hours to complete the strech of 340 km.
Started from there at around 8:00 and reached Kodai at 10:30 am. Last 80 odd km was done by my friend, as I was feeling tired and sleepy. In between I drove about 10 km in Ghat to get the thrill.

Lonely Planet guided us to the Royal Tibetan restaurant in PT Road for an early lunch. After lunch crashed to bed to compensate for the night's sleep. Next two day's was various sight seeings - Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker's walk, Bryant Park, Green Valley View, Pillar Rock, Bear Shola Falls, Upper Lake View, etc.

The way back was even faster in the daylight. Started at 7:30 am in the morning (28th Dec), stopped at the same Idli joint for 20 minutes and started again at 9:30. Was in Bhavani by 12:00, Stopped at BP Petrol bunk/A2B for lunch just after Thoppur at 1:45, started from there at 2:15 to reach home by 4:30.

Fuel efficiency was on the onward journey + sightseeings in Kodai, 9.75 km/l, and for return journey (till Hosur, filled full tank in Hosur to take advantage of lower price compared to Bangalore) 12 km/l.

Now, looking at the average speed at various legs of the journey, and with the condition of NH7, I feel it might be faster to go via Dindigul, though the route might be longer. What's your opinion?

30th December 2008, 16:20

I am planning to leave for kodaikanal tomorrow evening by car (we are 8 people driving in two cars), and follow the same route taken by you.

I can manage upto palani, but could you please let me know the direactions to kodaikanal from palani? I was unable to find any maps indicating road from palani to kodai.

I will be leaving at 6:00 PM in the evening tomorrow.

Also please let me know about the weather condition in kodaikanal. (just curious)

Rest everything is posted by you is enough to foresee the road conditions.

arindamray · 30th December 2008, 18:37

@catchvinny: If you are catching palani bypass, after hitting the NH 209, turn left (towards Dindigul), go another 1 km, you will get the road to Kodai on your right. If you are going through the Palani town, you have to go straight crossing NH 209.

TomRider · 22nd January 2009, 10:42

Can anyone suggest me a good hotel to stay in Kodai? I am leaving on Saturday morning with my wife. Planning to take the same route prescribed by Dr.HVKumar!

Any suggestions?

Jammy70 · 22nd January 2009, 13:50

Hi Tom,

check out holidayiq.com; they have numerous hotels listed for Kodai and the best part is you can get the contact details too (think there is a simple registration process to go through to access the details).

Cheers & have fun,
Jammy70

TomRider · 22nd January 2009, 14:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jammy70

Hi Tom,

check out holidayiq.com; they have numerous hotels listed for Kodai and the best part is you can get the contact details too (think there is a simple registration process to go through to access the details).

Cheers & have fun,
Jammy70

Thank you sir!

Cheers,
Tom

TomRider · 27th January 2009, 18:34

I used the route Bangalore - Krishnagiri - Dharmapuri - Thoppur - Mettur - Bhavani - Perundurai - Chennimalai - Kangayam - Dharapuram - Palni - Kodai

We started off from Bangalore on Saturday morning 4am. Till Thoppur, the road is really good and can safely manage 120 kmph. From Thoppur roads are decent but a few uneven stretches; could manage a consistent 100 kmph till Mettur. It was past 6.30 by the time I reached Mettur and it was a scenic drive till Bhavani; again a consistent 100 kmph. It was more crowded from Bhavani to Perundurai. The NH 47 work is in progress and need to change lanes in a few places. From Perundurai till Kangayam, the roads are better (but only single lane) and less traffic. From Kangayam roads are even better till Dharapuram and from there to Palani (can cruise at 120 all the way). And roads to Kodai were too good for a high-rage. And we reached Kodai at 11 am. It was a 7 hrs non-stop drive.

We got sufficient time to roam-around in Kodai on Saturday afternoon and evening. On Sunday got up in the morning, after checking out from the hotel, covered all the remaining places and started off to Bangalore by 1 pm. The roads were more crowded than the on-ward journey and it took a good 8 hrs to reach Banaglore.

Watch-out for the villegers once you enter TN. My wife counted at least 20 2-wheelers coming in the wrong side in the 4-lane highway between Thoppur and Banagalore.

It was a nice and quick trip. Thanks HVKumar for the route info. You are truly da "Man"!cheers:

PS: (There is a minor thing to update - Distance is 437 kms from MG Road, Banaglore)

bijuks · 8th March 2009, 16:05

Thank you all for this great thread.
Can some one validate the below data as of March 2009?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Streatch: Distance in Kms : Road Condition: Avg Time
------------|--------------------------|----------------------
Bangalore - Hosur: 44 : Excellent : 00:45Hrs
Hosur - Krishnagiri: 50 : Excellent : 00:30Hrs
Krishnagiri - Thoppur: 56 : Excellent : 00:30Hrs
Thoppur - Mettur: 36 : Very Good : 00:30 Hrs
Mettur - Bhavani: 47 : Very Good : 00:40Hrs
Bhavani - Perundurai: 25 : Good : 00:30Hrs
Perundurai - Kangayam: 33 : very Good : 00:25Hrs
Kangayam - Dharapuram: 36 : Very Good : 00:30Hrs
Dharapuram - Udumalpet: 45 : Very Good : 00:45Hrs
Udumalpet - Munnar: 63 : Decent : 02:30Hrs

I'm planning a trip by end of April 2009 to Munnar from Bangalore. Expected start time is 4:30am and with a less than 1 yr baby onboard. Any suggestions, data, details are welcome - please consider the summer - and car - Wagon R.

arindamray · 9th March 2009, 02:01

Bijuks: looks too optimistic. First three streches would require 15 minutes extra for each of them. First one depending where are you starting in Bangalore.

After Perundurai, there is a railway crossing, so you might lose some time there.

I was driving a safari and with all adults.

bijuks · 10th March 2009, 21:31

Thank you Arindam.

Any idea about the timing on udumalpettai-Munnar route?

arindamray · 11th March 2009, 00:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by bijuks

Thank you Arindam.

Any idea about the timing on udumalpettai-Munnar route?

It will be between 2:00 to 2:30. The route is scenic, so you might stop over to soak in the beauty.

MadRash · 11th March 2009, 12:07

bijuks:
The Thoppur to Bhavani route is also not that good now. Did this route two weeks back. Like Mr. Arindam said, almost all the timings given by you looks optimistic.

In Udumalpet to Munnar route (after TN checkpost), you could encounter some wild animals. (mostly Elephants) This route will be deserted after sunset. Not advisable to travel after sunset.

bijuks · 11th March 2009, 20:47

Thank you Mahesh and Arindam.

I am changing the expected timings as per your advice:

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Streatch: Distance in Kms : Road Condition: Avg Time
------------|--------------------------|----------------------
Bangalore - Hosur: 44 : Excellent : 01:00Hrs
Hosur - Krishnagiri: 50 : Excellent : 00:45Hrs
Krishnagiri - Thoppur: 56 : Excellent : 00:45Hrs
Thoppur - Mettur: 36 : Very Good : 00:30 Hrs
Mettur - Bhavani: 47 : Very Good : 01:00Hrs
Bhavani - Perundurai: 25 : Good : 00:30Hrs
Perundurai - Kangayam: 33 : very Good : 00:30Hrs
Kangayam - Dharapuram: 36 : Very Good : 00:30Hrs
Dharapuram - Udumalpet: 45 : Very Good : 01:00Hrs
Udumalpet - Munnar: 63 : Decent : 02:30Hrs

The revised (more practical) timings indicates a total driving time of around 9:00Hrs. Hope this will work.

21st July 2008, 11:50	#46
skydiver BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: bangalore Posts: 97 Thanked: 9 Times	Hi Hvkumar, Thanks a lot for the useful information.. I will use that route.
	() Thanks

24th December 2008, 13:10	#47
motomaverick Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,898 Thanked: 989 Times View My Garage	I am doing the route suggested by HVkumar tomorrow on a Karizma Shall post the pics of the trip on Sunday.......Anyone has done this route very recently?
	() Thanks

29th December 2008, 13:17	#48
arindamray BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 750 Thanked: 97 Times	Bangalore - Kodaikanal Took the route as suggested by HVKumar. Thanks for all the help HVKumar. Started from Bangalore (Sarjapur Ring Road junction) at 12:40 am on 25th Dec. Cruised till Thoppur (150 km in 2.5 hours). Krishnagiri to Dharmapuri section is done, so no potholes. Also Dharmapuri bypass ensures that one do not lose time inside the town. From Thoppur the surface was little rough, and patchy for some streches. The road is two lane and had to slown down considerably till Bhavani, and also in the Bhavani-Perunthurai strech owning to having truck traffic in Salem-Coimbatore highway, and work in progress streches. Once off from NH in Perunthurai, there was barely any traffic. However, towards the morning heavy mist engulfed us, visibility down to 10 ft after the bonnet. Was driving at 10 kmph, with headlights and hazard ligfhts on. In between lost time around 10 minutes in one accident (my vehicle touched an Innova which braked suddenly, and my vehicle skidded after putting hard brake) and 20 minutes in railway crossing after Perunthurai. Stopped at a Idli joint after crossing Palani, at the beginning of the road going to Kodai. Though on the expensive side (one Idli - 5/-, Coffee - 8/-, Tea - 6/-), the food is fresh. It took exactly seven hours to complete the strech of 340 km. Started from there at around 8:00 and reached Kodai at 10:30 am. Last 80 odd km was done by my friend, as I was feeling tired and sleepy. In between I drove about 10 km in Ghat to get the thrill. Lonely Planet guided us to the Royal Tibetan restaurant in PT Road for an early lunch. After lunch crashed to bed to compensate for the night's sleep. Next two day's was various sight seeings - Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker's walk, Bryant Park, Green Valley View, Pillar Rock, Bear Shola Falls, Upper Lake View, etc. The way back was even faster in the daylight. Started at 7:30 am in the morning (28th Dec), stopped at the same Idli joint for 20 minutes and started again at 9:30. Was in Bhavani by 12:00, Stopped at BP Petrol bunk/A2B for lunch just after Thoppur at 1:45, started from there at 2:15 to reach home by 4:30. Fuel efficiency was on the onward journey + sightseeings in Kodai, 9.75 km/l, and for return journey (till Hosur, filled full tank in Hosur to take advantage of lower price compared to Bangalore) 12 km/l. Now, looking at the average speed at various legs of the journey, and with the condition of NH7, I feel it might be faster to go via Dindigul, though the route might be longer. What's your opinion?
	(1) Thanks

30th December 2008, 16:20	#49
catchvinny Posts: n/a	@arindamray I am planning to leave for kodaikanal tomorrow evening by car (we are 8 people driving in two cars), and follow the same route taken by you. I can manage upto palani, but could you please let me know the direactions to kodaikanal from palani? I was unable to find any maps indicating road from palani to kodai. I will be leaving at 6:00 PM in the evening tomorrow. Also please let me know about the weather condition in kodaikanal. (just curious) Rest everything is posted by you is enough to foresee the road conditions.
	() Thanks

30th December 2008, 18:37	#50
arindamray BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 750 Thanked: 97 Times	@catchvinny: If you are catching palani bypass, after hitting the NH 209, turn left (towards Dindigul), go another 1 km, you will get the road to Kodai on your right. If you are going through the Palani town, you have to go straight crossing NH 209.
	() Thanks

22nd January 2009, 10:42	#51
TomRider BHPian Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: KL7-KA03-NYC Posts: 340 Thanked: 4 Times View My Garage	Can anyone suggest me a good hotel to stay in Kodai? I am leaving on Saturday morning with my wife. Planning to take the same route prescribed by Dr.HVKumar! Any suggestions?
	() Thanks

22nd January 2009, 13:50	#52
Jammy70 BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 164 Thanked: 144 Times	Hi Tom, check out holidayiq.com; they have numerous hotels listed for Kodai and the best part is you can get the contact details too (think there is a simple registration process to go through to access the details). Cheers & have fun, Jammy70
	() Thanks

27th January 2009, 18:34	#54
TomRider BHPian Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: KL7-KA03-NYC Posts: 340 Thanked: 4 Times View My Garage	We are back from Kodai! I used the route Bangalore - Krishnagiri - Dharmapuri - Thoppur - Mettur - Bhavani - Perundurai - Chennimalai - Kangayam - Dharapuram - Palni - Kodai We started off from Bangalore on Saturday morning 4am. Till Thoppur, the road is really good and can safely manage 120 kmph. From Thoppur roads are decent but a few uneven stretches; could manage a consistent 100 kmph till Mettur. It was past 6.30 by the time I reached Mettur and it was a scenic drive till Bhavani; again a consistent 100 kmph. It was more crowded from Bhavani to Perundurai. The NH 47 work is in progress and need to change lanes in a few places. From Perundurai till Kangayam, the roads are better (but only single lane) and less traffic. From Kangayam roads are even better till Dharapuram and from there to Palani (can cruise at 120 all the way). And roads to Kodai were too good for a high-rage. And we reached Kodai at 11 am. It was a 7 hrs non-stop drive. We got sufficient time to roam-around in Kodai on Saturday afternoon and evening. On Sunday got up in the morning, after checking out from the hotel, covered all the remaining places and started off to Bangalore by 1 pm. The roads were more crowded than the on-ward journey and it took a good 8 hrs to reach Banaglore. Watch-out for the villegers once you enter TN. My wife counted at least 20 2-wheelers coming in the wrong side in the 4-lane highway between Thoppur and Banagalore. It was a nice and quick trip. Thanks HVKumar for the route info. You are truly da "Man"!cheers: PS: (There is a minor thing to update - Distance is 437 kms from MG Road, Banaglore) Last edited by TomRider : 27th January 2009 at 18:36.
	(1) Thanks

8th March 2009, 16:05	#55
bijuks BHPian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 215 Thanked: 109 Times	Thank you all for this great thread. Can some one validate the below data as of March 2009? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Streatch: Distance in Kms : Road Condition: Avg Time ------------\|--------------------------\|---------------------- Bangalore - Hosur: 44 : Excellent : 00:45Hrs Hosur - Krishnagiri: 50 : Excellent : 00:30Hrs Krishnagiri - Thoppur: 56 : Excellent : 00:30Hrs Thoppur - Mettur: 36 : Very Good : 00:30 Hrs Mettur - Bhavani: 47 : Very Good : 00:40Hrs Bhavani - Perundurai: 25 : Good : 00:30Hrs Perundurai - Kangayam: 33 : very Good : 00:25Hrs Kangayam - Dharapuram: 36 : Very Good : 00:30Hrs Dharapuram - Udumalpet: 45 : Very Good : 00:45Hrs Udumalpet - Munnar: 63 : Decent : 02:30Hrs I'm planning a trip by end of April 2009 to Munnar from Bangalore. Expected start time is 4:30am and with a less than 1 yr baby onboard. Any suggestions, data, details are welcome - please consider the summer - and car - Wagon R.
	() Thanks

9th March 2009, 02:01	#56
arindamray BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 750 Thanked: 97 Times	Bijuks: looks too optimistic. First three streches would require 15 minutes extra for each of them. First one depending where are you starting in Bangalore. After Perundurai, there is a railway crossing, so you might lose some time there. I was driving a safari and with all adults.
	() Thanks

10th March 2009, 21:31	#57
bijuks BHPian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 215 Thanked: 109 Times	Thank you Arindam. Any idea about the timing on udumalpettai-Munnar route?
	() Thanks

11th March 2009, 12:07	#59
MadRash BHPian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Madras Posts: 243 Thanked: 3 Times	bijuks: The Thoppur to Bhavani route is also not that good now. Did this route two weeks back. Like Mr. Arindam said, almost all the timings given by you looks optimistic. In Udumalpet to Munnar route (after TN checkpost), you could encounter some wild animals. (mostly Elephants) This route will be deserted after sunset. Not advisable to travel after sunset. Last edited by MadRash : 11th March 2009 at 12:09.
	() Thanks

11th March 2009, 20:47	#60
bijuks BHPian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 215 Thanked: 109 Times	Thank you Mahesh and Arindam. I am changing the expected timings as per your advice: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Streatch: Distance in Kms : Road Condition: Avg Time ------------\|--------------------------\|---------------------- Bangalore - Hosur: 44 : Excellent : 01:00Hrs Hosur - Krishnagiri: 50 : Excellent : 00:45Hrs Krishnagiri - Thoppur: 56 : Excellent : 00:45Hrs Thoppur - Mettur: 36 : Very Good : 00:30 Hrs Mettur - Bhavani: 47 : Very Good : 01:00Hrs Bhavani - Perundurai: 25 : Good : 00:30Hrs Perundurai - Kangayam: 33 : very Good : 00:30Hrs Kangayam - Dharapuram: 36 : Very Good : 00:30Hrs Dharapuram - Udumalpet: 45 : Very Good : 01:00Hrs Udumalpet - Munnar: 63 : Decent : 02:30Hrs The revised (more practical) timings indicates a total driving time of around 9:00Hrs. Hope this will work.
	() Thanks