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I did see the deep excavation site when we passed that area on sunday last, and also another one near the Irumbupaalam, as coolclouds mentioned.

But I'm not able to dig out the news item where I read that they've hit a road block with the tunnel because of shortage of funds. This one below hints at that, but I remember reading/watching something more informative.
http://english.manoramaonline.com/ne...velopment.html

Guys, going to Thekkady from Cochin sometime in May. Please suggest the best route. Starting at 8am and also need suggestions regarding lunch stop enroute.

Actually I am also a bit confused. Around three months back Mathrubhumi Malayalam had come up with a 4 column news which was all happy to read. It clearly said that all show-stoppers on road widening has now been cleared. The banks are okay to lend the funds (they were hesitant, it seems earlier). And even mentioned that tunnelling would start at the earliest.

Now for the past two days, the news is the opposite. That nothing has been progressing.

I usually go for the COCO BPCL outlet before L&T byepass while coming from Walayar.

THIS is in Ettimadai and here are the co-ordinates "10°53'30.4"N 76°55'20.9"E"

Cheers!

I see the recent developments as positive, because something is happening, than nothing. At least there is some public awareness on what's happening.

Also once the Vadakkancherry - Walayar stretch is completed, there will be a lot of public focus at this stretch - from Mannuthy to Vadakkancherry. Then naturally there will be a public outcry to complete it which fuels the government to move quickly.

Road work stopped since banks have not cleared the loan - say they cannot extend credit to company with poor balance sheet. Company says they can come into black only if they execute the project. So basically a chicken and egg story

The permission from forest department for the tunnel work has also lapsed and they have not bothered renewing it

Source : Mathrubhumi print edition

Well, shortest routes to Thekkady from Cochin (Kadavanthra Jn) are through Vagamon etc (Ghat Roads) which comes to about 145~150 Kms.

A) Making maximum through National Highways 47 & 220 is my favourite one which comes to about 196 Kms. Vytilla-Aleppey-Perunna(Changanacherry)-Vazhoor(Joins NH 220)-Ponkunnam-Mundakkayam-Peermedu-Thekkady Jn.

B) Another preferred shorter route is via Kanjiramattom-Kuravilangad-Pala-Ponkunnam(Joins NH220)-Thekkady Jn: 160 Kms

Now preferred eating places

along route A: Travancore Palace (Cherthala), KTDC Restaurant(Aleppey), Contour Backwaters (AC Road, Changanassery),
Avees Puttu House (AC Road, Changanassery), Hotel Elegance (NH220, between Ponkunnam and Kanjirappally), Thrisanku Haven (Kuttikkanam), The Plantation Restaurant (NH 220, between Peermedu & Vandiperiyar)

along route B: Varsha International(Kaduthuruthy) then same as route A.

Further, please remember to do advance boat booking on site of Periyar Tiger Reserve, try for the first trip in the morning (better chances of seeing some wild animals) and after the boat trip have breakfast at KTDC Aranya Niwas at the Boat landing place itself.

:thumbs up

Back in 2011, the difference in petrol price between Kerala and KA used to be close to Rs 6. Looks like Kerala has overtaken KA.

I had taken two routes from Muvattupuzha to Club Mahindra, Thekkady. While going to Thekkady, took Thodupuzha-Idukki-Kattappana-Thekkadi route which was a very nice experience. In Kulamavu, you may even spot some elephants also. On return, we took Kumily-Kanjirappilly-Thodupuzha-Muvattupuzha road. There is a shortcut through Kappad to bypass Kanjirappilly. Time taken was almost the same. If in the day time, I will choose Thodupuzha-Kattappana-Kumily-Thekkady highway.

Recently, Muvattupuzha-Pothanicaud-Chelachuvadu-Idukki route is increasingly being used by private cars as the route seems shorter and faster. But, I've heard there are ghat sections which are tough for many vehicles as well as the deserted roads which presently may not be in good condition.

From Ernakulam, you have the option, Vyttila-Thalayolaparambe-Pala-Erattupetta road also.

There are several routes.

1. Kochi - Muvattupuzha - Thodupuzha - Kanjar - Vagamon - Elappara - Kuttikkanam - Kumily - Thekady.

2. Kochi - Kaduthuruthy - Pala - Erattupetta - Vagamon - Elappara - Kuttikkanam - Kumily - Thekady.

3. Kochi - Kaduthuruthy - Pala - Erattupetta - Kanjirappally - Kumily - Thekady.

4. Kochi - Kottayam - Kanjirappally - Kumily - Thekady.

5. Kochi - Piravom - Koothattukulam - Ramapuram - Pala - Thekady.

Distances are almost similar. Roads are good. The first 2 would give some nice scenic drive.

I am planning to take Kadavanthara - Vytilla - Muvattupuzha - Thodupuzha - Kulamavu - Vagamon - Thekkady. I want to know the stretch between Kulamavu - Vagamon. Is it advisable to take this route? Also, would like to know the best lunch stop enroute. Leaving at 7.30 - 8am.

My pick would be Vyttila-Muvattupuzha-Thodupuzha-Muttom-Moolamattom-Kanjar-Vagamon-Elappara-Kuttikkanam-Vandiperiyar-Peermedu-Thekkady.

Good and scenic road. Narrow and few patches here and there (as on 45 days back) but nothing to worry.

AFAIK, there is no direct route to Vagamon from Kulamavu. You'll have to drive back and go either via Kanjar or Moolamattom.

It'll take 4-5 hours from Kochi to Thekady, so if you're driving without much breaks, you'll be at Kumily by lunch time. Or Vagamon, Kuttikkanam etc. have decent eateries but I'd recommend Kumily for lunch.

Why not go to Thekkady from Kulamavu, and then return via Vagamon.

This is the route. Wanted to know how good this stretch is and whether this is the recommended route?