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SN DateRoute
kmHrs Strt Stp
From Via To Dr Rst Tot1 22-Oct-11 Sat Surat Kolhapur 662 8:55 75 8.8 1 9.8 12:00 PM 9:00 PM2 23-Oct-11 Sun Kolhapur Bekal 631 0:00 67 9.4 2 11.4 8:00 AM 9:00 PM3 24-Oct-11 Mon Bekal Ponnani 264 9:44 50 5.3 1 6.3 6:00 AM 12:34 PM4 25-Oct-11 Tue Ponnani Kumarakom 158 1:295 26-Oct-11 Wed Kumarakom Kumarakom6 27-Oct-11 Thu Kumarakom Idukki Munnar 312 8:56 35 8.9 1 9.9 10:00 AM 8:00 PM7 28-Oct-11 Fri Munnar Munnar8 29-Oct-11 Sat Munnar Munnar9 30-Oct-11 Sun Munnar Palani Kodaikanal 184 5:48 35 5.3 6 11.3 7:00 AM 6:00 PM
Ganga 4000 + 500 (extra person) + (250*2) children
Parambikulam Accomodations Booking Address:-
The Field Director , Parambikulam Tiger Reserve Parambikulam Post. Tel: 04253 - 245025, 245005 Mobile: (0)94422 01690, E-mail: [email protected], Web : www. parambikulam.org
As huge numbers of tourists visit Mudumalai, there is a range of stay options to suit all budgets. The Forest Department lodges predictably have the best location. The Theppakadu Log House (Tariff: Rs 330-560), near the Moyar River, has two double-bedded and one four-bedded suite. Sylvan Lodge (Tariff: Rs 330), also by the Moyar River, just 4 km from Theppakadu, has four double rooms. These two are the best options
but there are others, all offering food and hot water. At Abhayaranyam, 3 km from Theppakadu, is another FRH (Tel: 0423-2444098; Tariff: Rs 330), which has 2 rooms with attached baths. The caretaker can arrange food. The FRH Annexe here has 2 rooms and costs Rs 180 a night. At Kargudi, nearby, is the Peacock Dorm itory, run by the Forest Depart ment. It has 3 dorms (2 with 20 beds each and one with 10 beds). The
Cuckoo FRH here has 1 room and costs Rs 180 a night. Bookings for all these can be made at the Wildlife Warden’s Office in Ooty. You will, however, have to confirm reser vations through a personal visit here.
Private resorts cluster around Masina gudi, a village about 12 km from Mudu malai. Options here include Jungle Retreat (Tel: 0423-2526469-70; Tariff: Rs 420-3,938) in Bokkapuram Village, 11 km from the Park, has deluxe and regular cottages, a dorm with 30 beds (Rs 400 per bed) and a swimming pool. The Mathais, who own the resort also arrange camp ing, trekking and birdwatching trips in the Reserve Forest (outside the park) with the services of a naturalist. Jungle Hut (Tel: 2526240/ 463; Tariff: Rs 2,387-4,700), run by another family member, also offers similar services. The resort, also in Bokkapuram Village, has 12 rooms and a
swimming pool. The Monarch Safari Park (Tel: 2526250/ 343; Tariff: Rs Rs 1,100-2,000) has a restaurant with a multi-cuisine menu. The Bamboo Banks Farm homestay (Tel: 2526211, 09443205371; Tariff: Rs 1,125-2,000) offers safaris and treks. New Mountania Rest House (Tel: 2526267/ 337; Tariff: Rs 1,000-3,500), which arranges bird wat ching and Green Park Resort (Tel: 2526486; Tariff: Rs 1,000-2,500), which
343,'E' Opp. Railway StationNear Ganesh Arts,Kolhapur.Maharashtra - INDIA
Phone:- +91 - 231 - 2664888
-6682384Mobile : 9372423047
NACD 800 ACD 1350 AC doubles 1150 Family (5) 1450
Malabar Residency ***
Thavakkara Road, Kannur-670 001, Kera
Hotel City Tower Kasaragod
AC Doubles 1450Tharavadu Heritage Home Coconut Creek Farm & Home StayGovt. Boat Jetty, Kumarakom Ponnattusseril, after Hotel Radisson,Kottayam, Kerala Near Nazreth Church, Kumarakom South PO90 481 2525230, 2525804 Kottayam, Kerala, India.
2104-16A, E Ward, Old Pune-Bangalore Road, Opp. MAI Hyundai
AC Doubles 2200 AC 2250 NON AC 1750 extra person 350
Tharavadu Heritage Home houseboat Houseboat of coconut creek farmHouseboatEco Trails KeralaTharavadu Heritage Home+919995732100
Houseboat 11000 for four people 22 hTwo bedroom AC houseboat 9250 22 hrshouseboats are available for 22 hrs starting lunch ending next day breakfast for about 8500 ac 2 bedroom. also available on hourly basis
Hotel AmbadiAmbadi Junction, Thekkady, Idukki 685 536
The forest checkpost at Bandipur closes at 9pm, after which no vehicular traffic would be allowed through the reserve forest. Since the route to The Tamarind Tree is via the Bandipur national park, we would advise all guests driving to The Tamarind Tree to cross the Bandipur gate before 9 pm on any day. For example, a drive from Bangalore would take approximately six hours. Hence one will need to start from Bangalore at 2:30 pm so as to safely cross the gate before 9 pm. Eventhough the government decision is a welcome move, we want our guests not to be affected by it.The gate re-opens at 6:30 am every day.
As huge numbers of tourists visit Mudumalai, there is a range of stay options to suit all budgets. The Forest Department lodges predictably have the best location. The Theppakadu Log House (Tariff: Rs 330-560), near the Moyar River, has two double-bedded and one four-bedded suite. Sylvan Lodge (Tariff: Rs 330), also by the Moyar River, just 4 km from Theppakadu, has four double rooms. These two are the best options
but there are others, all offering food and hot water. At Abhayaranyam, 3 km from Theppakadu, is another FRH (Tel: 0423-2444098; Tariff: Rs 330), which has 2 rooms with attached baths. The caretaker can arrange food. The FRH Annexe here has 2 rooms and costs Rs 180 a night. At Kargudi, nearby, is the Peacock Dorm itory, run by the Forest Depart ment. It has 3 dorms (2 with 20 beds each and one with 10 beds). The
Bookings for all these can be made at the Wildlife Warden’s Office in Ooty. You will, however, have to confirm reser vations through a personal visit here.
Private resorts cluster around Masina gudi, a village about 12 km from Mudu malai. Options here include Jungle Retreat (Tel: 0423-2526469-70; Tariff: Rs 420-3,938) in Bokkapuram Village, 11 km from the Park, has deluxe and regular cottages, a dorm with 30 beds (Rs 400 per bed) and a swimming pool. The Mathais, who own the resort also arrange camp ing, trekking and birdwatching trips in the Reserve Forest (outside the park) with the services of a naturalist. Jungle Hut (Tel: 2526240/ 463; Tariff: Rs 2,387-4,700), run by another family member, also offers similar services. The resort, also in Bokkapuram Village, has 12 rooms and a
swimming pool. The Monarch Safari Park (Tel: 2526250/ 343; Tariff: Rs Rs 1,100-2,000) has a restaurant with a multi-cuisine menu. The Bamboo Banks Farm homestay (Tel: 2526211, 09443205371; Tariff: Rs 1,125-2,000) offers safaris and treks. New Mountania Rest House (Tel: 2526267/ 337; Tariff: Rs 1,000-3,500), which arranges bird wat ching and Green Park Resort (Tel: 2526486; Tariff: Rs 1,000-2,500), which
arranges treks, are other good options.
ACCOMMODATION Food
4 LunchMaratha Regency
Telephone
0231 - 2652666, 2656866, 2660043 Hotel Green Land · Elegant ·FAX :
0231 - 2660042 2100 / K / 165 - E, Temblai Railway Gate,:
Accommodation Comfortable accommodation is available at Topslip on prior booking at the reception center in the office of the Wildlife Warden, Pollachi. There are cottages and group accommodation facilities available at Topslip to suit different budgets. Catering facility is available at Topslip.Bookings are done at Office of the Wildlife Warden, Pollachi. Contact: The Wildlife Warden,
As huge numbers of tourists visit Mudumalai, there is a range of stay options to suit all budgets. The Forest Department lodges predictably have the best location. The Theppakadu Log House (Tariff: Rs 330-560), near the Moyar River, has two double-bedded and one four-bedded suite. Sylvan Lodge (Tariff: Rs 330), also by the Moyar River, just 4 km from Theppakadu, has four double rooms. These two are the best options
but there are others, all offering food and hot water. At Abhayaranyam, 3 km from Theppakadu, is another FRH (Tel: 0423-2444098; Tariff: Rs 330), which has 2 rooms with attached baths. The caretaker can arrange food. The FRH Annexe here has 2 rooms and costs Rs 180 a night. At Kargudi, nearby, is the Peacock Dorm itory, run by the Forest Depart ment. It has 3 dorms (2 with 20 beds each and one with 10 beds). The
You will, however, have to confirm reser vations through a personal visit here.
Private resorts cluster around Masina gudi, a village about 12 km from Mudu malai. Options here include Jungle Retreat (Tel: 0423-2526469-70; Tariff: Rs 420-3,938) in Bokkapuram Village, 11 km from the Park, has deluxe and regular cottages, a dorm with 30 beds (Rs 400 per bed) and a swimming pool. The Mathais, who own the resort also arrange camp ing, trekking and birdwatching trips in the Reserve Forest (outside the park) with the services of a naturalist. Jungle Hut (Tel: 2526240/ 463; Tariff: Rs 2,387-4,700), run by another family member, also offers similar services. The resort, also in Bokkapuram Village, has 12 rooms and a
swimming pool. The Monarch Safari Park (Tel: 2526250/ 343; Tariff: Rs Rs 1,100-2,000) has a restaurant with a multi-cuisine menu. The Bamboo Banks Farm homestay (Tel: 2526211, 09443205371; Tariff: Rs 1,125-2,000) offers safaris and treks. New Mountania Rest House (Tel: 2526267/ 337; Tariff: Rs 1,000-3,500), which arranges bird wat ching and Green Park Resort (Tel: 2526486; Tariff: Rs 1,000-2,500), which
Food
Dinner
LP
Hotel Ayodhya
Hotel Shan Plaza
Thali Janata Delux
(Authentic Mangalorean Veg food)
KS Rao Road, Mangalore
Kodialbail 08242493681
Pallkhi, Tej Towers, Balmatta Rd, 08242444929 seafood
Kadal, Nalapada Residency, Lighthouse Hill Rd, Coastal K'taka NV
Fantastic roads through out. Need not say much about NH4. Brilliant all the way to Hubli.
4 lanes through out, although the last 30 or so kms are 2 lanes.NH 63 from Hubli to Ankola was no less. 2 lanes but very good condition and sparse traffic.Was able to do good speeds throughout.Roads in Thane is absolutely in a mess.
From Hubli onwards till Ankola (NH17), NH63 is fantastic.
NH 4 and NH 63 are in excellent conditions.
I reiterate that the Kundapur-Mangalore stretch is very unsafe to drive after sunset. And more so when it rains.
But what I recommend is that it is better you reach ankola by 7pm or so. After 7pm it is very diffficult to drive from hubli to ankola beacause of number of mines lorries which will be allowed to go on the highway(NH 63) in the night only and you may also get caught in traffic jam which will not move atleast for 2 hrs. So it is better you reach ankola before 7pm only.Otherwise you have another option also i.e., from hubli to kumta via sirsi, and halt at kumta. The majority of road is good, only 10-20 km of road is having some pot holes, but it is not so difficult to pass on.
Honavar onwards, the roads starts to get patchy and bit rough though nothing to really slow you down. Gets worse as we cross Kundapura and near Udupi. Udupi-Mangalore took us 1.5 hours.
From Ankola south, NH 17 is great until just past Udupi, then there is occasional construction for 70km up to Mangalore. Into Kerala it is reasonably good but some rough pavement from Kasargod to Nileswaram, then very good up to Kannur.
Roads in Kerala stood up to all the descriptions that we had from fellow TBHPians. Or should i say that it surpassed the descriptions. Narrow roads, heavy traffic, absolute lack of trafic sense and worst of all, totally bad roads. Infact at some places, we had to literally hunt for a piece of road. We entered Kerala at 7.40 am and reached home at 6.25 pm - almost 11 hours to cover 322 km!!! Condition is worse in north kerala in the kasargode, kanhangad, kanur stretch. City roads in Kanur and Calicut are too crowded and in bad condition. (26 July 2011)
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a rather small bird reserve which was not that interesting. What is actually worth doing is to take a boat in early morning and go to the Lake Vembanad. You can see more birds these way.
However, the route from Vaparai is the one that takes you to Sholayar dam 1 which is about 25 kms from Valparai. Further down this road is the Kerala border and the Kerala Govt check post. Past this, you will hit a very dense and thick jungle stretch with a lot of pot holes. Another 25 odd KMS later you will reach Sholayar dam 2. Another hour and a half away on thick jungle roads you will reach another check post and athirampally is about 7 kms from this check post. It took us almost 4 to 5 hours from Valparai to Athirampally, more due to the condition of the roads at that point than the actual distance.
After the trek, we headed back to the resort, had a sumptous breakfast, and packed our bags to Ooty, our next destination. From Theppakaadu, you have two choices – (1) The long route through Gudalur. Great road. National highway. 60 km to Ooty. Most buses and heavy traffic take this route – and hence a very busy road. (2) The short route through Masinagudi – only 28 km – through desnse jungle. The road is pretty steep, and relatively narrow (one and half lane at most places). The hairpin bends are wide, so no issues there. There is almost no traffic in this road. The highlight of this road is the set of 36 hair pin bends in 18 km – thats right – one in every half km. I took this route and decided, I will take only this route from now on. You reach Ooty in about 1 hour flat – slightly lesser in fact.
Our Drive from Mumbai to Mangalore The road conditions are excellent from Mumbai to Dharwad if one takes the express way to Pune and thereafter the road to Bangalore via Satara, Karad, Kholapur, Belgaum. The traffic is also thin if one were to leave Mumbai very early morning and one could drive anywhere between 120 to 140 Km per hour in most of the stretches. At some places one has to control self to keep the speedometer to 120 Kms and lower!The road from Kumta to Manipal was initially fantastic and trouble started after we crossed Honavar.
Office No Booking No1 Bandipur Field Director 0821-520901/480901(O), 0821 2480902
Chief Conservator of Forests Project Tiger 524980/484980(R)
Spoke on 12 Sep 2011Reply - write letter to Chief Conservator of ForestsSent letter on 12 sep. Faxed on 29/9To be confirmed around DusseraEMO sent 10th Oct 2011EMO received confirmation call on 13/10
Spoke on 12 Sep 2011Reply - Call up 20 days beforeBooking will be done on phoneWould have to send Money Order for confirmation
Sent letter on 12 sepSpoke on 15 SepReply - Call up in same month / 10 days beforeCan book by name and tel noSpoke on 10 Oct. To speak on 25 Oct again
ACCOMMODATION
Satara KaradDAY 1 Hotel Mahendra Executive
Satara byepass
9881695555NACD 1275 ACD 1375HOTEL HARIPRIYA GRAND
Suruban Hotel
NACD 500
DAY 2 Palm grove heritage retreat
Near Govt.Guest House ,Mill Road,
Kannur, Kerala -670 001 , India
Tel: 0497-2703182, 2702816, 3290606
Fax: 2766297House of Raja of Arakkal
AC doubles 1000DAY 3, 4 Cruise 'N Lake
CochinKerala.com Travel Division
WorldViewer Dot Com (India) Pvt. Ltd.
II Floor, G 66, Elders Forum Road,
Panampilly Nager, Cochin, Kerala, India.
432/6, Sadar Bazar | Behind Kanse Hospital, Near S.T. Stand, Satara, India
Pin 682 036.
Tel: +91 484 4010403, 4010404
Tel: +91 484 4011406
Mobile: + 91 98460 43403
AC Doubles 2000
houseboats are available for 22 hrs starting lunch ending next day breakfast for about 8500 ac 2 bedroom. also available on hourly basis
Day 5 The ManagerPeriyar House (KTDC)
Thekkady, Idukki - 685536, Kerala, India
Fax: +91-4869-222526
Doubles Rs 2000
Day 6, 7, 8 [BEST PLACE - great views]Villa RetreatCoaker's WalkKodaikanal - 624 101TamilnaduSouth India. Phone: 04542-240940 [10 A.M to 5 P.M]Best 4300 lowest 2500
Ganga 4000 + 500 (extra person) + (250*2) children
Parambikulam Accomodations Booking Address:-
The Field Director , Parambikulam Tiger Reserve Parambikulam Post. Tel: 04253 - 245025, 245005 Mobile: (0)94422 01690, E-mail: [email protected], Web : www. parambikulam.org
As huge numbers of tourists visit Mudumalai, there is a range of stay options to suit all budgets. The Forest Department lodges predictably have the best location. The Theppakadu Log House (Tariff: Rs 330-560), near the Moyar River, has two double-bedded and one four-bedded suite. Sylvan Lodge (Tariff: Rs 330), also by the Moyar River, just 4 km from Theppakadu, has four double rooms. These two are the best options
but there are others, all offering food and hot water. At Abhayaranyam, 3 km from Theppakadu, is another FRH (Tel: 0423-2444098; Tariff: Rs 330), which has 2 rooms with attached baths. The caretaker can arrange food. The FRH Annexe here has 2 rooms and costs Rs 180 a night. At Kargudi, nearby, is the Peacock Dorm itory, run by the Forest Depart ment. It has 3 dorms (2 with 20 beds each and one with 10 beds). The
Cuckoo FRH here has 1 room and costs Rs 180 a night. Bookings for all these can be made at the Wildlife Warden’s Office in Ooty. You will, however, have to confirm reser vations through a personal visit here.
Private resorts cluster around Masina gudi, a village about 12 km from Mudu malai. Options here include Jungle Retreat (Tel: 0423-2526469-70; Tariff: Rs 420-3,938) in Bokkapuram Village, 11 km from the Park, has deluxe and regular cottages, a dorm with 30 beds (Rs 400 per bed) and a swimming pool. The Mathais, who own the resort also arrange camp ing, trekking and birdwatching trips in the Reserve Forest (outside the park) with the services of a naturalist. Jungle Hut (Tel: 2526240/ 463; Tariff: Rs 2,387-4,700), run by another family member, also offers similar services. The resort, also in Bokkapuram Village, has 12 rooms and a
swimming pool. The Monarch Safari Park (Tel: 2526250/ 343; Tariff: Rs Rs 1,100-2,000) has a restaurant with a multi-cuisine menu. The Bamboo Banks Farm homestay (Tel: 2526211, 09443205371; Tariff: Rs 1,125-2,000) offers safaris and treks. New Mountania Rest House (Tel: 2526267/ 337; Tariff: Rs 1,000-3,500), which arranges bird wat ching and Green Park Resort (Tel: 2526486; Tariff: Rs 1,000-2,500), which
AC Doubles 1450Tharavadu Heritage Home Coconut Creek Farm & Home StayGovt. Boat Jetty, Kumarakom Ponnattusseril, after Hotel Radisson,Kottayam, Kerala Near Nazreth Church, Kumarakom South PO90 481 2525230, 2525804 Kottayam, Kerala, India.
94471152447, 9446503632www.coconutcreek.co.in
Gitanjali Heritage Panayal PO Bekal
Kasaragod Dist, Kerala
Ph: 0091-467-2234159 Mbl:0091-9447469747
Ph: (91) 0497 - 2765456, 2701654, 2701655
Fax: (91) 0497 - 2765456 (Government Approved) 1 Star Access: 60 km from Mangalore Airport, 2 km from Kasaragod Rly. Station, 01 km
AC Doubles 2200 AC 2250 NON AC 1750 extra person 350
Tharavadu Heritage Home houseboat Houseboat of coconut creek farmHouseboatEco Trails KeralaTharavadu Heritage Home+919995732100
Houseboat 11000 for four people 22 hTwo bedroom AC houseboat 9250 22 hrshouseboats are available for 22 hrs starting lunch ending next day breakfast for about 8500 ac 2 bedroom. also available on hourly basis
Hotel AmbadiAmbadi Junction, Thekkady, Idukki 685 536
The forest checkpost at Bandipur closes at 9pm, after which no vehicular traffic would be allowed through the reserve forest. Since the route to The Tamarind Tree is via the Bandipur national park, we would advise all guests driving to The Tamarind Tree to cross the Bandipur gate before 9 pm on any day. For example, a drive from Bangalore would take approximately six hours. Hence one will need to start from Bangalore at 2:30 pm so as to safely cross the gate before 9 pm. Eventhough the government decision is a welcome move, we want our guests not to be affected by it.The gate re-opens at 6:30 am every day.
As huge numbers of tourists visit Mudumalai, there is a range of stay options to suit all budgets. The Forest Department lodges predictably have the best location. The Theppakadu Log House (Tariff: Rs 330-560), near the Moyar River, has two double-bedded and one four-bedded suite. Sylvan Lodge (Tariff: Rs 330), also by the Moyar River, just 4 km from Theppakadu, has four double rooms. These two are the best options
but there are others, all offering food and hot water. At Abhayaranyam, 3 km from Theppakadu, is another FRH (Tel: 0423-2444098; Tariff: Rs 330), which has 2 rooms with attached baths. The caretaker can arrange food. The FRH Annexe here has 2 rooms and costs Rs 180 a night. At Kargudi, nearby, is the Peacock Dorm itory, run by the Forest Depart ment. It has 3 dorms (2 with 20 beds each and one with 10 beds). The
Bookings for all these can be made at the Wildlife Warden’s Office in Ooty. You will, however, have to confirm reser vations through a personal visit here.
Private resorts cluster around Masina gudi, a village about 12 km from Mudu malai. Options here include Jungle Retreat (Tel: 0423-2526469-70; Tariff: Rs 420-3,938) in Bokkapuram Village, 11 km from the Park, has deluxe and regular cottages, a dorm with 30 beds (Rs 400 per bed) and a swimming pool. The Mathais, who own the resort also arrange camp ing, trekking and birdwatching trips in the Reserve Forest (outside the park) with the services of a naturalist. Jungle Hut (Tel: 2526240/ 463; Tariff: Rs 2,387-4,700), run by another family member, also offers similar services. The resort, also in Bokkapuram Village, has 12 rooms and a
swimming pool. The Monarch Safari Park (Tel: 2526250/ 343; Tariff: Rs Rs 1,100-2,000) has a restaurant with a multi-cuisine menu. The Bamboo Banks Farm homestay (Tel: 2526211, 09443205371; Tariff: Rs 1,125-2,000) offers safaris and treks. New Mountania Rest House (Tel: 2526267/ 337; Tariff: Rs 1,000-3,500), which arranges bird wat ching and Green Park Resort (Tel: 2526486; Tariff: Rs 1,000-2,500), which
Accommodation Comfortable accommodation is available at Topslip on prior booking at the reception center in the office of the Wildlife Warden, Pollachi. There are cottages and group accommodation facilities available at Topslip to suit different budgets. Catering facility is available at Topslip.Bookings are done at Office of the Wildlife Warden, Pollachi. Contact: The Wildlife Warden,
As huge numbers of tourists visit Mudumalai, there is a range of stay options to suit all budgets. The Forest Department lodges predictably have the best location. The Theppakadu Log House (Tariff: Rs 330-560), near the Moyar River, has two double-bedded and one four-bedded suite. Sylvan Lodge (Tariff: Rs 330), also by the Moyar River, just 4 km from Theppakadu, has four double rooms. These two are the best options
but there are others, all offering food and hot water. At Abhayaranyam, 3 km from Theppakadu, is another FRH (Tel: 0423-2444098; Tariff: Rs 330), which has 2 rooms with attached baths. The caretaker can arrange food. The FRH Annexe here has 2 rooms and costs Rs 180 a night. At Kargudi, nearby, is the Peacock Dorm itory, run by the Forest Depart ment. It has 3 dorms (2 with 20 beds each and one with 10 beds). The
You will, however, have to confirm reser vations through a personal visit here.
Private resorts cluster around Masina gudi, a village about 12 km from Mudu malai. Options here include Jungle Retreat (Tel: 0423-2526469-70; Tariff: Rs 420-3,938) in Bokkapuram Village, 11 km from the Park, has deluxe and regular cottages, a dorm with 30 beds (Rs 400 per bed) and a swimming pool. The Mathais, who own the resort also arrange camp ing, trekking and birdwatching trips in the Reserve Forest (outside the park) with the services of a naturalist. Jungle Hut (Tel: 2526240/ 463; Tariff: Rs 2,387-4,700), run by another family member, also offers similar services. The resort, also in Bokkapuram Village, has 12 rooms and a
swimming pool. The Monarch Safari Park (Tel: 2526250/ 343; Tariff: Rs Rs 1,100-2,000) has a restaurant with a multi-cuisine menu. The Bamboo Banks Farm homestay (Tel: 2526211, 09443205371; Tariff: Rs 1,125-2,000) offers safaris and treks. New Mountania Rest House (Tel: 2526267/ 337; Tariff: Rs 1,000-3,500), which arranges bird wat ching and Green Park Resort (Tel: 2526486; Tariff: Rs 1,000-2,500), which
Food
Dinner
LP
Hotel Ayodhya
Hotel Shan Plaza
Thali Janata Delux
(Authentic Mangalorean Veg food)
KS Rao Road, Mangalore
Kodialbail 08242493681
Pallkhi, Tej Towers, Balmatta Rd, 08242444929 seafood
Kadal, Nalapada Residency, Lighthouse Hill Rd, Coastal K'taka NV
Road ConditionsLeg 1 Mumbai - Pune - Kolhapur - Belgaum - Hubli - Ankola - Karwar (2011)Fantastic roads through out. Need not say much about NH4. Brilliant all the way to Hubli.
4 lanes through out, although the last 30 or so kms are 2 lanes.NH 63 from Hubli to Ankola was no less. 2 lanes but very good condition and sparse traffic.Was able to do good speeds throughout.Roads in Thane is absolutely in a mess.
From Hubli onwards till Ankola (NH17), NH63 is fantastic.
NH 4 and NH 63 are in excellent conditions.
I reiterate that the Kundapur-Mangalore stretch is very unsafe to drive after sunset. And more so when it rains.
But what I recommend is that it is better you reach ankola by 7pm or so. After 7pm it is very diffficult to drive from hubli to ankola beacause of number of mines lorries which will be allowed to go on the highway(NH 63) in the night only and you may also get caught in traffic jam which will not move atleast for 2 hrs. So it is better you reach ankola before 7pm only.Otherwise you have another option also i.e., from hubli to kumta via sirsi, and halt at kumta. The majority of road is good, only 10-20 km of road is having some pot holes, but it is not so difficult to pass on.
Honavar onwards, the roads starts to get patchy and bit rough though nothing to really slow you down. Gets worse as we cross Kundapura and near Udupi. Udupi-Mangalore took us 1.5 hours.
From Ankola south, NH 17 is great until just past Udupi, then there is occasional construction for 70km up to Mangalore. Into Kerala it is reasonably good but some rough pavement from Kasargod to Nileswaram, then very good up to Kannur.
Roads in Kerala stood up to all the descriptions that we had from fellow TBHPians. Or should i say that it surpassed the descriptions. Narrow roads, heavy traffic, absolute lack of trafic sense and worst of all, totally bad roads. Infact at some places, we had to literally hunt for a piece of road. We entered Kerala at 7.40 am and reached home at 6.25 pm - almost 11 hours to cover 322 km!!! Condition is worse in north kerala in the kasargode, kanhangad, kanur stretch. City roads in Kanur and Calicut are too crowded and in bad condition. (26 July 2011)
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a rather small bird reserve which was not that interesting. What is actually worth doing is to take a boat in early morning and go to the Lake Vembanad. You can see more birds these way.
However, the route from Vaparai is the one that takes you to Sholayar dam 1 which is about 25 kms from Valparai. Further down this road is the Kerala border and the Kerala Govt check post. Past this, you will hit a very dense and thick jungle stretch with a lot of pot holes. Another 25 odd KMS later you will reach Sholayar dam 2. Another hour and a half away on thick jungle roads you will reach another check post and athirampally is about 7 kms from this check post. It took us almost 4 to 5 hours from Valparai to Athirampally, more due to the condition of the roads at that point than the actual distance.
After the trek, we headed back to the resort, had a sumptous breakfast, and packed our bags to Ooty, our next destination. From Theppakaadu, you have two choices – (1) The long route through Gudalur. Great road. National highway. 60 km to Ooty. Most buses and heavy traffic take this route – and hence a very busy road. (2) The short route through Masinagudi – only 28 km – through desnse jungle. The road is pretty steep, and relatively narrow (one and half lane at most places). The hairpin bends are wide, so no issues there. There is almost no traffic in this road. The highlight of this road is the set of 36 hair pin bends in 18 km – thats right – one in every half km. I took this route and decided, I will take only this route from now on. You reach Ooty in about 1 hour flat – slightly lesser in fact.
Our Drive from Mumbai to Mangalore The road conditions are excellent from Mumbai to Dharwad if one takes the express way to Pune and thereafter the road to Bangalore via Satara, Karad, Kholapur, Belgaum. The traffic is also thin if one were to leave Mumbai very early morning and one could drive anywhere between 120 to 140 Km per hour in most of the stretches. At some places one has to control self to keep the speedometer to 120 Kms and lower!The road from Kumta to Manipal was initially fantastic and trouble started after we crossed Honavar.
SN Date DayRoute Alternate
AccoFrom To From To km
1 22-Oct-11 Sat Surat Kolhapur 20002 23-Oct-11 Sun Kolhapur Kannur Surat Kumta 1027 18:12 75 13.69 35003 24-Oct-11 Mon Kannur Kumarakom Kumta kozhikode 441 10:56 44004 25-Oct-11 Tue Kumarakom Kumarakom kozhikode Kumarakom 250 6:13 100005 26-Oct-11 Wed Kumarakom Munnar 60006 27-Oct-11 Thu Munnar Munnar 60007 28-Oct-11 Fri Munnar Munnar 60008 29-Oct-11 Sat Munnar Kodaikanal 30009 30-Oct-11 Sun Kodaikanal Kodaikanal 3000
Dr Rst Tot Watchout Scenes662 10:23 75 8.8 1 9.8 12:00 PM 10:00 PM717 17:13 65 11.0 2 13.0 8:00 AM 9:00 PM Good Roads upto Kundapura 434 km from kolhapur340 8:23 50 6.8 1 7.8 6:00 AM 1:12 AM
Morning Afternoon Evening Night20003000 Good Roads upto Kundapura 434 km from kolhapur3000 Book houseboat4000
10000 Alt Vagamon Cruise from 12 noon to 12 midnight6000 Reach late600060003000 Start Early Marayoor Udumalpettai Amravathi Croc Farm300030004000600 Elephant ride if early Drive?
4300 Drive in Parambikulam Sambar Machan Kuriarkutty Nighout 3pm to 7 am 5300 Drive in Parambikulam Vettikannu Island3000 Book Mudumalai Boating30002000 Shop tea, oil20003500 Morning in Bandipur Brindavan Garden Shop Oil3500