[champ27]

Originally Posted by gadadhar

Both the roads are scenic, plan to use different options for coming and going. As suggested, plan to start early, these roads can be misty during the evenings and you will also cross the forest stretches during the day.

Yes, I nearly did the same. Took the Theni route while going and Udumalpet- Dharapuram connecting to NH7 before Karur on the return trip to Bangalore.

Return trip was not that good. Got stuck in a bad traffic jam near lakkam waterfalls due to some badly parked vehicles. Lost 2 hrs due to this jam. When I checked with the locals, they said it's a routine affair due to unruly parking habits of tourists. Even the road surface on this route till lakkam waterfalls and also in patches till udumalpet was not as smooth as compared to the Theni route. By the time I reached Udumalpet, I was really irritated.

I would always be wary of taking this route again because to me the chances of getting stuck in a jam near lakkam waterfalls looks highly likely.

There was no such drama while going to munnar taking the theni route.

[gadadhar]

Originally Posted by champ27

Yes, I nearly did the same. Took the Theni route while going and Udumalpet- Dharapuram connecting to NH7 before Karur on the return trip to Bangalore.

Return trip was not that good. Got stuck in a bad traffic jam near lakkam waterfalls due to some badly parked vehicles. Lost 2 hrs due to this jam. When I checked with the locals, they said it's a routine affair due to unruly parking habits of tourists. Even the road surface on this route till lakkam waterfalls and also in patches till udumalpet was not as smooth as compared to the Theni route. By the time I reached Udumalpet, I was really irritated.

I would always be wary of taking this route again because to me the chances of getting stuck in a jam near lakkam waterfalls looks highly likely.

There was no such drama while going to munnar taking the theni route.

Sorry to hear about the bad experience on the Marayur Udumal route, I suggested this route for the scenic view of the tea estates and the sandal forest.

Parking near Eravikulam National park and Lakkam falls has always been an issue since there is no proper parking place and vehicles are parked on the main road side. I have been lucky and has never got stuck here.

[champ27]

Originally Posted by gadadhar

Sorry to hear about the bad experience on the Marayur Udumal route, I suggested this route for the scenic view of the tea estates and the sandal forest.

Parking near Eravikulam National park and Lakkam falls has always been an issue since there is no proper parking place and vehicles are parked on the main road side. I have been lucky and has never got stuck here.

No worries at all. It's good to try new routes. The route was indeed scenic, just that I was not so lucky on that particular day.
Just wanted to highlight the problem of parking in that area so that prospective travelers are aware

[razeetg]

Originally Posted by champ27

No worries at all. It's good to try new routes. The route was indeed scenic, just that I was not so lucky on that particular day.
Just wanted to highlight the problem of parking in that area so that prospective travelers are aware

Originally Posted by gadadhar

Sorry to hear about the bad experience on the Marayur Udumal route, I suggested this route for the scenic view of the tea estates and the sandal forest.

Parking near Eravikulam National park and Lakkam falls has always been an issue since there is no proper parking place and vehicles are parked on the main road side. I have been lucky and has never got stuck here.

The Udumal route was normally supposed to be the "better" route until a few years ago (one year?). I believe that's around when they fixed the Theni route. Very scenic, but not worth a 2 hour wait. I don't think its *that* common either. I took the Theni route for the first time. Did some experimenting and lost a lot of time, but nothing due to problems enroute. My destination was Adimali, so I didn't actually have to touch Munnar.

[nma83]

How is the Sathyamangalam-Avinashi route to Munnar from Bengalooru?
Asking for a friend. He is willing to explore the less travelled road if the surface is not bad. He has an infant in tow though.

[eko]

Originally Posted by nma83

How is the Sathyamangalam-Avinashi route to Munnar from Bengalooru?
Asking for a friend. He is willing to explore the less travelled road if the surface is not bad. He has an infant in tow though.

The road is good. Has plenty of hair pins. Very scenic. But very few eateries on way. Bannari Amman temple just after the ghat.

[Indian]

Originally Posted by landcruiser123

Hello BHPians,
(I'm checking in to club Mahindra on Tuesday.)
Is this the route to take-- Bangalore-Salem-Dindigul-Batlagundu-Theni-Bodi-Munnar?

Hey, Can you pls update on the drive from Bangalore to Club Mahindra via the route that you have mentioned. I am planning for the same destination from Banaglore in the coming weekend and wanted to get any suggestions on the route / hotels for breakfast etc. I am planning to have 5 AM start from Bannerghatta road.

[landcruiser123]

Originally Posted by Indian

Hey, Can you pls update on the drive from Bangalore to Club Mahindra via the route that you have mentioned. I am planning for the same destination from Banaglore in the coming weekend and wanted to get any suggestions on the route / hotels for breakfast etc. I am planning to have 5 AM start from Bannerghatta road.

Hi,
The route you mentioned was what I used and it was pretty good. At no point was the road bad, but ghat roads in Kerala are pretty narrow.

Green kitchen family restaurant in Theni was excellent. (Use Google maps)

For your return, there's an alternate route to descend which is devoid of traffic. Go towards the South Indian Bank ATM from club mahindra and take a right. Should be doable in most cars. Just check with the local drivers before taking this route.


Have a great time.

[Gokrish]

Originally Posted by landcruiser123

For your return, there's an alternate route to descend which is devoid of traffic. Go towards the South Indian Bank ATM from club mahindra and take a right. Should be doable in most cars. Just check with the local drivers before taking this route.


Have a great time.

The route you are referring to joins Kumili Road back at Bodimettu checkpost, right? I had taken this route during August 2016 and found it to be doable and saves time too! But, for most part of the drive, the Road wears a deserted look!

[landcruiser123]

Originally Posted by Gokrish

The route you are referring to joins Kumili Road back at Bodimettu checkpost, right? I had taken this route during August 2016 and found it to be doable and saves time too! But, for most part of the drive, the Road wears a deserted look!

Correct.
I used this in May 2017. When I spoke to the local drivers, they first ask which car you're taking.
Since I was driving an Innova, they asked me to ahead without any hesitation. I'm sure almost all cars could have gone on the route, but it maybe bad during heavy rains.

[Vik0728]

Hi guys,

I am planning to drive down to Munnar next week, and stay at Fragrant Nature Munnar (Hotel).
The address mentioned on the website is:

Bison valley road Pothamedu

I am planning on taking the Bangalore-Salem-Dindigul-Batlagundu-Theni-Munnar route.

Is this the right route, or should I consider any alternate routes? Any additional info that I must be aware of will be much appreciated.

[NPV]

Originally Posted by Vik0728

I am planning on taking the Bangalore-Salem-Dindigul-Batlagundu-Theni-Munnar route.

Is this the right route, or should I consider any alternate routes? Any additional info that I must be aware of will be much appreciated.

I think the place is near Poopara (as per a google search), so this route should be fine.
Alternative route is via Udumalaipet-Marayoor, but you will reach Munnar town first and then need an hour or more to get to Poopara.

[Vik0728]

Originally Posted by NPV

I think the place is near Poopara (as per a google search), so this route should be fine.
Alternative route is via Udumalaipet-Marayoor, but you will reach Munnar town first and then need an hour or more to get to Poopara.

Thank you NPV, I think you may have got it slightly wrong here buddy.

As per Google search, this resort is about 3.6Km from Munnar Bus Stand, which I am assuming is closest to city center.

[praful]

Originally Posted by NPV

I think the place is near Poopara (as per a google search), so this route should be fine.
Alternative route is via Udumalaipet-Marayoor, but you will reach Munnar town first and then need an hour or more to get to Poopara.

Originally Posted by Vik0728

Hi guys,

I am planning to drive down to Munnar next week, and stay at Fragrant Nature Munnar (Hotel).
The address mentioned on the website is:

Bison valley road Pothamedu

I am planning on taking the Bangalore-Salem-Dindigul-Batlagundu-Theni-Munnar route.

Is this the right route, or should I consider any alternate routes? Any additional info that I must be aware of will be much appreciated.

Actually the resort is closer to Munnar than it is to Poppara

https://goo.gl/maps/aUQc2He1fVq

Might make more sense to do the Marayoor route instead. But in terms of time it would probably take the same time time via the Theni-Bodi stretch too. But then the Marayoor stretch can't match the beauty of the Poppara - Devikulam - Munnar stretch

[redcruiser]

Hi BHPians,

I am planning for a Vagamon trip in the last weekend of August. In order to have a relaxing journey and reach the Hotel (Winter Vale) at the right time for check in,I am planning for an overnight halt somewhere enroute. Supposedly if I start on a thursday evening(5pm from Whitefield) then which place would be the best for a night halt?

Will be taking BLR-SALEM-Dindigul-Theni-Kumily-Vagamon route. I hope this is ok?
Please let me know if any bypasses that I can take around major towns.