Kerala & Tamil Nadu, 2 weeks, November..

ashish2010 · Aug 29th, 2009, 03:54

Hi members

We (a group of 5 Delhiites, along with 2 infants) are planning a trip to Kerala/Tamil Nadu in the second half of November. While we have made an attempt at an itinerary with the help of IndiaMike, and other info over the net, we would like to invite your suggestions/advice on hotels/local experiences. Before the itinerary, a list of specific details
- We will be arriving via air from Delhi on 18-Nov, so Delhi-Kochi/Coimbatore/Chennai wont be a problem at all. Expect to reach by 2 pm on the first day.
- We have in our group one lady (aged 60), 2 couples (b/w 25-30) besides the infants.
- Our accomodation budget is between 2000-3000 per room for a night. So basically, we're looking for comfortable homestays, or small but lovely 3-star hotels. Any suggestions here would be the most welcome.
- There is no limit on transport budget as such (advantage of the large group!), but we're not looking to fly between the 2 states unless it contributes to significant saving of time. No issues commuting via train b/w long distances. Would actually love to be in a train journey as its a "Ghats" region.
- Besides me, everyone in the group is a vegeterian, so would request you to let know if any particular place is strictly non-vegetarian.

The proposed itinerary
Cochin - 1,2 night - Local sightseeing/markets/Cherrai beach
Munnar - 3,4,5th night - Take cab from Cochin - waterfalls on the way, Madupetty & Kondala lakes, Maraiyur & Chinnar, Walk through a tea garden. (please let us know if you have any personal recommendations on places to go once over here or on the way. Also any delightful tea garden which visitors can walk through)
Periyar sanctuary/Kumily - 6th night - Periyar lake @ 7 AM, Spice plantation visit (again looking for suggestion on a friendly plantation owner. Also, please suggest if we can do any short jungle trails. Have read earlier somewhere that post-monsoon, and that could very well mean November in Kerala, the forests are abound with blood-sucking leeches!)
Kumarakom - 7th Night - Drive through Idukku area for scenic views, and later visit the Bird Sanctuary. Stay here, or try to get a 2-night houseboat (I know they usually dont start after mid-day, but will look to pre-arrange)
Taking the first case, 8th & 9th night on houseboat - We can increase the budget for a superior boat (12-14K for 2 nights). Looking for any recommendations for a reliable operator who can give us a silent vehicle, and also has a arrangement of going into smaller picturesque canals. Also, can anyone suggest a scenic backwater route. And, whether we require an AC boat for this month.
Alight at Alleppey, Kollam or Cochin. Take the overnight (10th night) train 6128 (Guv Chennai Express) to Villuparam Junction, reaching at 17:00 the next day. Take an onward train/cab to Pondicherry.
Pondicherry - 11,12,13th night stay - Haven't researched this part yet.
Pondi to Chennai via East Coast Road - Take in Mahabalipuram, maybe Kanchipuram. Late in the day, reach Chennai airport directly to fly back.

Further questions (Apologies for the longish post)
1 - This trip is heavily loaded in favour of Kerala. Primarily because I have done TN before (Chennai/Madurai/Rameshwaram), and also because it is very difficult to do Kerala inside 10 days. I was tempted to do this a Kerala trip only, but was not impressed much by Trivandrum/Kovalam during an earlier trip. Even though the route from Kanyakumari-Trivandrum was lovely). Hence included Pondicherry, but still would like to reduce one day from Kerala itinerary to add to an easy east coast road experience, or to include any beautiful TN town. I think I can merge the 2nd Cochin day, and the 7th Kumarakom day together to do this. So, please suggest the itinerary for the extra released day :-)
2 - No more questions. This is a long post already. Thanks for reading, and awaiting your suggestions or corrections.

bonded · Aug 29th, 2009, 04:54

Why not visit Kanyakumari. The Guv Exp halts at Nagercoil in the morning.

ashish2010 · Aug 30th, 2009, 00:43

Hi Bonded, Thanks for your reply.

We didn't include Kanyakumari as then it would have been too far away to travel to/from Pondicherry. Wonder if there's any good connection from Cochin to any temple town in TN, such as Thanjavur/Chidambram.

Alternatively, I am thinking of stopping over in Madurai in the same train (Guv Chennai Express). It reaches there at 11:00 AM. Then we can visit the beautiful temple & the city, and catch the overnight Pearl City Express to Villuparam (Dep 22:40 - Arr 04:40). I hope we can find a quick cab, or public transport to Pondicherry at that hour, as Villuparam should have good transport links. A question here, can we get a lodge in Madurai where we can keep our luggage till late evening, or is it advisable to book an overnight hotel, and leave for Pondy the next day by cab.

bonded · Aug 30th, 2009, 23:20

6866 Leaving Ernakulam at 22:15 reaching Trichy at 08:00 running daily. Thanjavur / Chidambaram can be done as day trips from Trichy.

There are trains from Nagercoil to Villupuram.

There is a early morning 2636 from Madurai to Villupuram. It would be adivsable to stay in Madurai.

ashish2010 · Aug 31st, 2009, 00:29

Cant thank you enough for the Trichy connection detail. The timings are perfect for the day visit to Trichy temples. I will book this train, and arrive at Trichy @ 8:00 am. Then will visit the Srirangam Ranganathan temple. And perhaps Thiruvanaikkoil with Jambukeshwar temple also. Will skip the Rockfort complex due to the stairs involved. In the evening will proceed along Cauvery banks (by a cab) to Kallanai dam spot (or perhaps Puliyancholai), and travel finally to Thanjavur for overnight stay. The next day, we will visit the Brihadeeswara temple first, soak in some of the city, and proceed further to Darasuram temple (Kumbakonam), and finally reach Pondy by late evening. In this itinerary, we will have to skip Madurai/Chidambaram, but would have covered atleast some of the magnificent Chola temples. Perhaps reason enough to a complete TN tour sometime laters

Would you also recommend any other sight along the East Coast Road while on the way to Chennai from Pondicherry. Besides Mahabalipuram, where we will make a stop.

Thanks again for your time.

ashish2010 · Aug 31st, 2009, 02:09

I have read in another TN post that the temples usually close between 12:00 and 16:00 hours. Is this true for the temples in Thanjavur/Trichy area also. Thx for your advice.

bonded · Aug 31st, 2009, 19:25

That is normally the case of all temples in Tamil Nadu.

It is advisable to start your day early in the morning.

bonded · Sep 1st, 2009, 02:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashish2010

Would you also recommend any other sight along the East Coast Road while on the way to Chennai from Pondicherry. Besides Mahabalipuram, where we will make a stop.

Thanks again for your time.

Cholamandal Artist Village, Muttukadu Boat House, Crocodile Bank are a few places to visit on the ECR road on the way to Chennai

bsprasad · Sep 1st, 2009, 13:22

Also Visit Tigers Cave, Just 3 Kms before Mamallapuram.

ashish2010 · Sep 2nd, 2009, 00:32

Thanks guys, really wonderful to get help here.

I remember visiting the Crocodile place some 8-9 years ago on the same route, and came back suitably impressed, as I hadn't seen such a thing on such a scale anywhere else in India. The rest of the options also sound good, and I will research them further. Cheers.

ribhu95 · Sep 2nd, 2009, 00:40

Ashish,

Your first post said - Kanchipuram...Kanchipuram is NOT on the way back from Pondy..

Also, while you drive down from Trichy to Pondy - Chidambaram is also on the way. And many more temples.

As has already been pointed out by other forum members, temples close between 12.00 noon to 4.00 pm or 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm.

I would strongly advise you to align your travel plans accordingly, pick and choose the temples you want to visit and spend quality time there - rather than aiming for quantity.

Cheers

ribhu

sharan_travelcrazy · Sep 2nd, 2009, 00:56

Ashish,

- Reg Periyar, please visit their official web site - http://www.periyartigerreserve.org/ for all comprehensive info on the place and programs offered. The morning to evening bamboo rafting program is highly recommended by IM'ers.

There are quite a lot of home stays in kumily but most of them are typically suitable for backpackers. If you hadn't already, please take a look at Periyar house, one of the 3 KTDC hotels inside the reserve - you are bound to get that true 'jungle' experience here

In case you are trekking/hiking in periyar, they provide you with some thick boot cloth to cover your legs which should provide you with reasonable protection from the leeches.

- Once you cross mahabalipuram on the ECR, there is nothing really worth stopping (read muttukadu, tiger cave, etc) except for the crocodile bank perhaps

tittooraju · Sep 2nd, 2009, 01:59

Hi
that itinerary in itself is guite huge..
I would recommend aathirappilly water falls also to your route..
There is a not so popular route to reach munnar from aathirappily.

cochin- chalakudy- aathirapily- sholayar-valpara- aaliyar-udumalpettu-chinnar- marayur- munnar
it takes around 12 hours with breaks for food.
You can stay at aathirapily and proceed the next day..
(Never go to any water theme park in the way except veegaland which is in cochin.).
The journey for 50 kms from aathirapily is through thick forest and you may get elephants or bysons on your way if you are lucky..(i have got).
From valpara to aaliyar , within 25 kms there are 42 hairpins and you get a breathtaking view of the aaliyar dam from various spots on the way..
Road is good except for a 12 km stretch..
You can definitely try it out..
Bye..

tittooraju · Sep 2nd, 2009, 16:06

There is an indigenous way of avoiding leeches..
Mix the powder of cigarettes in water and wash your exposed areas with that just before you start walking..
It has been found to be useful..

ashish2010 · Sep 2nd, 2009, 22:27

Thanks Sharan, Raju & Ribhu for your replies. They have been most helpful. I will now try to get a booking at the Periyar House, rather than Kumily, for the 'experience'

. I had earlier noticed the recommendation for the Bamboo rafting trip in other IM posts, but hadn't considered it because of the babies in our group. But even if we're not able to do the raft, staying inside the sanctuary for the night should be exciting. We can couple it with short jungle treks (with the additional leech-proof knowledge, it looks more do-able now :-)

Raju's description of the Aathirapily falls route was lovely to hear. I will try to work my itinerary around that, even if I have to stay one day less in Munnar. I wouldn't want to miss such a scenic route.

Yes Ribhu, I agree it will be better to spend quality time at each of the temples, rather than just rushing through them. I had indeed planned to spend around 2-3 hours visiting each temple, and have come across the introduction to SriRangam temple, Darasuram & Brihadeeswara temple in a brilliantly written IM travelogue. There was another reference to a lesser known, but exquisite temple at probably Mayiladuthurai, but due to the paucity of time, will not be including it. Anyways, the itinerary looks so packed at this moment of time, I am in doubt whether I will be able to visit these three temples in the two days I have planned to do. Will work it out, and post my revised itinerary shortly.

Aug 29th, 2009, 03:54	#1
ashish2010 Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Delhi Posts: 9	Kerala & Tamil Nadu, 2 weeks, November.. Hi members We (a group of 5 Delhiites, along with 2 infants) are planning a trip to Kerala/Tamil Nadu in the second half of November. While we have made an attempt at an itinerary with the help of IndiaMike, and other info over the net, we would like to invite your suggestions/advice on hotels/local experiences. Before the itinerary, a list of specific details - We will be arriving via air from Delhi on 18-Nov, so Delhi-Kochi/Coimbatore/Chennai wont be a problem at all. Expect to reach by 2 pm on the first day. - We have in our group one lady (aged 60), 2 couples (b/w 25-30) besides the infants. - Our accomodation budget is between 2000-3000 per room for a night. So basically, we're looking for comfortable homestays, or small but lovely 3-star hotels. Any suggestions here would be the most welcome. - There is no limit on transport budget as such (advantage of the large group!), but we're not looking to fly between the 2 states unless it contributes to significant saving of time. No issues commuting via train b/w long distances. Would actually love to be in a train journey as its a "Ghats" region. - Besides me, everyone in the group is a vegeterian, so would request you to let know if any particular place is strictly non-vegetarian. The proposed itinerary Cochin - 1,2 night - Local sightseeing/markets/Cherrai beach Munnar - 3,4,5th night - Take cab from Cochin - waterfalls on the way, Madupetty & Kondala lakes, Maraiyur & Chinnar, Walk through a tea garden. (please let us know if you have any personal recommendations on places to go once over here or on the way. Also any delightful tea garden which visitors can walk through) Periyar sanctuary/Kumily - 6th night - Periyar lake @ 7 AM, Spice plantation visit (again looking for suggestion on a friendly plantation owner. Also, please suggest if we can do any short jungle trails. Have read earlier somewhere that post-monsoon, and that could very well mean November in Kerala, the forests are abound with blood-sucking leeches!) Kumarakom - 7th Night - Drive through Idukku area for scenic views, and later visit the Bird Sanctuary. Stay here, or try to get a 2-night houseboat (I know they usually dont start after mid-day, but will look to pre-arrange) Taking the first case, 8th & 9th night on houseboat - We can increase the budget for a superior boat (12-14K for 2 nights). Looking for any recommendations for a reliable operator who can give us a silent vehicle, and also has a arrangement of going into smaller picturesque canals. Also, can anyone suggest a scenic backwater route. And, whether we require an AC boat for this month. Alight at Alleppey, Kollam or Cochin. Take the overnight (10th night) train 6128 (Guv Chennai Express) to Villuparam Junction, reaching at 17:00 the next day. Take an onward train/cab to Pondicherry. Pondicherry - 11,12,13th night stay - Haven't researched this part yet. Pondi to Chennai via East Coast Road - Take in Mahabalipuram, maybe Kanchipuram. Late in the day, reach Chennai airport directly to fly back. Further questions (Apologies for the longish post) 1 - This trip is heavily loaded in favour of Kerala. Primarily because I have done TN before (Chennai/Madurai/Rameshwaram), and also because it is very difficult to do Kerala inside 10 days. I was tempted to do this a Kerala trip only, but was not impressed much by Trivandrum/Kovalam during an earlier trip. Even though the route from Kanyakumari-Trivandrum was lovely). Hence included Pondicherry, but still would like to reduce one day from Kerala itinerary to add to an easy east coast road experience, or to include any beautiful TN town. I think I can merge the 2nd Cochin day, and the 7th Kumarakom day together to do this. So, please suggest the itinerary for the extra released day :-) 2 - No more questions. This is a long post already. Thanks for reading, and awaiting your suggestions or corrections.

Sep 2nd, 2009, 00:56	#12
sharan_travelcrazy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Chennai Posts: 194	Ashish, - Reg Periyar, please visit their official web site - http://www.periyartigerreserve.org/ for all comprehensive info on the place and programs offered. The morning to evening bamboo rafting program is highly recommended by IM'ers. There are quite a lot of home stays in kumily but most of them are typically suitable for backpackers. If you hadn't already, please take a look at Periyar house, one of the 3 KTDC hotels inside the reserve - you are bound to get that true 'jungle' experience here In case you are trekking/hiking in periyar, they provide you with some thick boot cloth to cover your legs which should provide you with reasonable protection from the leeches. - Once you cross mahabalipuram on the ECR, there is nothing really worth stopping (read muttukadu, tiger cave, etc) except for the crocodile bank perhaps __________________ Munnar \| Wayanad \| Thekkady

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Aug 29th, 2009, 04:54	#2
bonded Account Closed Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 492	Why not visit Kanyakumari. The Guv Exp halts at Nagercoil in the morning.

Aug 30th, 2009, 00:43	#3
ashish2010 Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Delhi Posts: 9	Hi Bonded, Thanks for your reply. We didn't include Kanyakumari as then it would have been too far away to travel to/from Pondicherry. Wonder if there's any good connection from Cochin to any temple town in TN, such as Thanjavur/Chidambram. Alternatively, I am thinking of stopping over in Madurai in the same train (Guv Chennai Express). It reaches there at 11:00 AM. Then we can visit the beautiful temple & the city, and catch the overnight Pearl City Express to Villuparam (Dep 22:40 - Arr 04:40). I hope we can find a quick cab, or public transport to Pondicherry at that hour, as Villuparam should have good transport links. A question here, can we get a lodge in Madurai where we can keep our luggage till late evening, or is it advisable to book an overnight hotel, and leave for Pondy the next day by cab.

Aug 30th, 2009, 23:20	#4
bonded Account Closed Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 492	6866 Leaving Ernakulam at 22:15 reaching Trichy at 08:00 running daily. Thanjavur / Chidambaram can be done as day trips from Trichy. There are trains from Nagercoil to Villupuram. There is a early morning 2636 from Madurai to Villupuram. It would be adivsable to stay in Madurai.

Aug 31st, 2009, 00:29	#5
ashish2010 Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Delhi Posts: 9	Cant thank you enough for the Trichy connection detail. The timings are perfect for the day visit to Trichy temples. I will book this train, and arrive at Trichy @ 8:00 am. Then will visit the Srirangam Ranganathan temple. And perhaps Thiruvanaikkoil with Jambukeshwar temple also. Will skip the Rockfort complex due to the stairs involved. In the evening will proceed along Cauvery banks (by a cab) to Kallanai dam spot (or perhaps Puliyancholai), and travel finally to Thanjavur for overnight stay. The next day, we will visit the Brihadeeswara temple first, soak in some of the city, and proceed further to Darasuram temple (Kumbakonam), and finally reach Pondy by late evening. In this itinerary, we will have to skip Madurai/Chidambaram, but would have covered atleast some of the magnificent Chola temples. Perhaps reason enough to a complete TN tour sometime laters Would you also recommend any other sight along the East Coast Road while on the way to Chennai from Pondicherry. Besides Mahabalipuram, where we will make a stop. Thanks again for your time.

Aug 31st, 2009, 02:09	#6
ashish2010 Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Delhi Posts: 9	I have read in another TN post that the temples usually close between 12:00 and 16:00 hours. Is this true for the temples in Thanjavur/Trichy area also. Thx for your advice.

Aug 31st, 2009, 19:25	#7
bonded Account Closed Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 492	That is normally the case of all temples in Tamil Nadu. It is advisable to start your day early in the morning.

Sep 1st, 2009, 13:22	#9
bsprasad Account Closed Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Chennai Posts: 468	Also Visit Tigers Cave, Just 3 Kms before Mamallapuram.

Sep 2nd, 2009, 00:32	#10
ashish2010 Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Delhi Posts: 9	Thanks guys, really wonderful to get help here. I remember visiting the Crocodile place some 8-9 years ago on the same route, and came back suitably impressed, as I hadn't seen such a thing on such a scale anywhere else in India. The rest of the options also sound good, and I will research them further. Cheers.

Sep 2nd, 2009, 00:40	#11
ribhu95 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 265	Ashish, Your first post said - Kanchipuram...Kanchipuram is NOT on the way back from Pondy.. Also, while you drive down from Trichy to Pondy - Chidambaram is also on the way. And many more temples. As has already been pointed out by other forum members, temples close between 12.00 noon to 4.00 pm or 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm. I would strongly advise you to align your travel plans accordingly, pick and choose the temples you want to visit and spend quality time there - rather than aiming for quantity. Cheers ribhu

Sep 2nd, 2009, 01:59	#13
tittooraju 20LEGEND Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Home sweet home.. "Kerala" Back from a journey of a lifetime.. Posts: 149	Hi that itinerary in itself is guite huge.. I would recommend aathirappilly water falls also to your route.. There is a not so popular route to reach munnar from aathirappily. cochin- chalakudy- aathirapily- sholayar-valpara- aaliyar-udumalpettu-chinnar- marayur- munnar it takes around 12 hours with breaks for food. You can stay at aathirapily and proceed the next day.. (Never go to any water theme park in the way except veegaland which is in cochin.). The journey for 50 kms from aathirapily is through thick forest and you may get elephants or bysons on your way if you are lucky..(i have got). From valpara to aaliyar , within 25 kms there are 42 hairpins and you get a breathtaking view of the aaliyar dam from various spots on the way.. Road is good except for a 12 km stretch.. You can definitely try it out.. Bye..

Sep 2nd, 2009, 16:06	#14
tittooraju 20LEGEND Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Home sweet home.. "Kerala" Back from a journey of a lifetime.. Posts: 149	There is an indigenous way of avoiding leeches.. Mix the powder of cigarettes in water and wash your exposed areas with that just before you start walking.. It has been found to be useful..

Sep 2nd, 2009, 22:27	#15
ashish2010 Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Delhi Posts: 9	Thanks Sharan, Raju & Ribhu for your replies. They have been most helpful. I will now try to get a booking at the Periyar House, rather than Kumily, for the 'experience' . I had earlier noticed the recommendation for the Bamboo rafting trip in other IM posts, but hadn't considered it because of the babies in our group. But even if we're not able to do the raft, staying inside the sanctuary for the night should be exciting. We can couple it with short jungle treks (with the additional leech-proof knowledge, it looks more do-able now :-) Raju's description of the Aathirapily falls route was lovely to hear. I will try to work my itinerary around that, even if I have to stay one day less in Munnar. I wouldn't want to miss such a scenic route. Yes Ribhu, I agree it will be better to spend quality time at each of the temples, rather than just rushing through them. I had indeed planned to spend around 2-3 hours visiting each temple, and have come across the introduction to SriRangam temple, Darasuram & Brihadeeswara temple in a brilliantly written IM travelogue. There was another reference to a lesser known, but exquisite temple at probably Mayiladuthurai, but due to the paucity of time, will not be including it. Anyways, the itinerary looks so packed at this moment of time, I am in doubt whether I will be able to visit these three temples in the two days I have planned to do. Will work it out, and post my revised itinerary shortly.