Team-BHP - All Roads to Kerala

Quote:

Originally Posted by gadadhar (Post 4474525)

Read that filling of potholse is completed in the Kuthiran stretch. I am planning to drive through this leg next week, looking for a firsthand report to decide between taking the Chelakkara route.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpksuhas (Post 4474882)

Not first hand report, however a friend traveled through Kuthiran over weekend and says that roads are patched. No need to worry.

I did that today and all potholes are filled, doesn't make sense to take Chelakkara stretch unless Google shows any red band over Kuthiran for other uncertainties.

Saw this just now, not sure about the authenticity though, be cautious if driving at night.

Since the video is in Malayalam the essence of it is about a robbery that had happened on 6th October near Radisson Blu hotel (Salem). 9 folks in 4 bikes waylaid and fled with all belongings, missed the car key during the commotion else they would have taken the vehicle too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkzkfTzm14M&t=19s

Cheers!

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpksuhas (Post 4474882)

Not first hand report, however a friend traveled through Kuthiran over weekend and says that roads are patched. No need to worry.

Quote:

Originally Posted by treadmark (Post 4474933)

Thanks. I will stick to Kuthiran unless Google paints the stretch in deep red.

That video looks genuine and it is scary. Though we have heard of many such incidents on the Mysore Kozhikode stretch, Salem Coimbatore was supposedly safe and the traffic is not that thin even during the night.

I generally try to start around 3pm from Bangalore, this helps to avoid a very early morning start and the morning rush on the roads and toll-plazas during the long weekends and reach home before midnight to catch some good sleep. This incident will make me more careful while taking a break or even rethink on the night travels.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gadadhar (Post 4474525)

Read that filling of potholse is completed in the Kuthiran stretch. I am planning to drive through this leg next week, looking for a firsthand report to decide between taking the Chelakkara route.

Kuthiran route is fully patched up now and some stretches have been fully tarred. Had been through this route last week. No issues overall with this route. Definitely much better than Chelakkara route.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gadadhar (Post 4475085)

That video looks genuine and it is scary. Though we have heard of many such incidents on the Mysore Kozhikode stretch, Salem Coimbatore was supposedly safe and the traffic is not that thin even during the night.

The reason I couldn't digest everything is that.

The spot he mentioned should be somewhere near SAIL junction on the highway, which is always crowded anytime I had crossed.
Imagine 9 folks with a long sickle at a crowded highway which is well lit for the entire stretch
On a run from Bangalore ~ Coimbatore, why would you even stop around that junction to pee, it's the bad choice even from the privacy aspect :)
Can't rule out the chances of road rage which is prevalent.

That said still it is better any day to stop at toll booths, petrol bunks or any crowded restaurants which are plenty all along.

Cheers!

Quote:

Originally Posted by treadmark (Post 4475104)

The reason I couldn't digest everything is that.

The spot he mentioned should be somewhere near SAIL junction on the highway, which is always crowded anytime I had crossed.
Imagine 9 folks with a long sickle at a crowded highway which is well lit for the entire stretch
On a run from Bangalore ~ Coimbatore, why would you even stop around that junction to pee, it's the bad choice even from the privacy aspect :)
Can't rule out the chances of road rage which is prevalent.

That said still it is better any day to stop at toll booths, petrol bunks or any crowded restaurants which are plenty all along.

Cheers!

I couldn't find the exact time of the incident from that video. I guess even that stretch can get very deserted during the wee hours.

Road rage related incident is quite possible and I sincerely hope that is the truth. And I don't recollect a media report on this incident. If it is planned robbery, we may hear more such incidents till the culprits are nabbed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by treadmark (Post 4474933)

Saw this just now, not sure about the authenticity though, be cautious if driving at night.... it is about a robbery that had happened on 6th October near Radisson Blu hotel (Salem). 9 folks in 4 bikes waylaid and fled with all belongings, missed the car key during the commotion else they would have taken the vehicle too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gadadhar (Post 4475085)

Though we have heard of many such incidents on the Mysore Kozhikode stretch, Salem Coimbatore was supposedly safe and the traffic is not that thin even during the night.

I've heard another similar story, but from Chavadi area, between Coimbatore and Walayar. That stretch can get desolate in the odd hours, and there's a greater chance of getting mugged here than the Salem area. But, so far I have not come across any news item or verified account of such an incident.

Quote:

Originally Posted by treadmark (Post 4475104)

The reason I couldn't digest everything is that.
...

Quote:

That said still it is better any day to stop at toll booths, petrol bunks or any crowded restaurants which are plenty all along.

This is the most sensible thing to do

Quote:

Originally Posted by silversteed (Post 4475255)

I have a vague memory of hearing/reading about a horrific incident of accident victims being murdered and looted in the Chavady area, this was in the late 80's or early 90's.

Yes, this stretch till Walayar can be risky during the odd hours, it is deserted except for the border check-posts and police outposts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by silversteed (Post 4475255)

Quote:

Originally Posted by gadadhar (Post 4475313)

I have a vague memory of hearing/reading about a horrific incident of accident victims being murdered and looted in the Chavady area, this was in the late 80's or early 90's.

Not any more with the byepass from Amrita College even that stretch is safe nowadays.

Heard from my Mom, during late 70's my grandfather was driving down from Pykara (Ooty) to Thrissur and met with an accident head on with one of those mammoth Tamarind trees on either side. While he was trapped locals looted him before some good soul came for rescue.
So Chavady is like that for long

Cheers!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaisonjose (Post 4475446)

I am planning to drive to Kottayam coming weekend. My first preference is to go via Salem - Kumali - Kottayam route. Any known issues/challenges in this route after the recent rain and flood situations ? Anybody has travelled in this route recently?

It seems the Cumbum-Kumily stretch is closed and you will need to go via Cumbum Mettu. See the post below :

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/route...ml#post4473890