a cycling loop round kerala - comments please

Ixion · Oct 5th, 2009, 01:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by lathish

Hey have some phone numbers handy,in case if you are stuck at some place and needs directions.As the senior member have said
people are not very good at judging distance and direction it good you get confirmation from couple of people and always ask direction to a group rather than a lone person you come across.The best bets are taxi stands and Tuk-Tuk/auto stands

I'm going to have Pundabees email address painted on my arm so i can email him with questions from the middle of nowhere!

Actually now have four different maps, each saying different things and showing different roads.

My biggest problem at the moment is trying to work out what to do regarding Munnar - Thekkady.

I have a dilemma - may post this in a different post. It's partly the distances, and partly the Christmas break.

choices:

(a) Christmas eve in Munnar - cycle towards Thekkady Christmas day; do it one day (100km + ouch!!)

(b) leave Munnar Christmas eve; make it all the way to Thekkady as above but arrive there Christmas day.

(c) leave Munnar Christmas eve; stay somewhere like Idukki or Nedumkandam; but there don't seem to be many places to stay on route, especially as it will be Christmas day.

The other question is regarding Periyar; I've been looking at the Tiger Trail at Periyar but there's such mixed reviews. It would be a nice break to have two days off the saddle, but the amount of trekking seems quite mimimal there. Any comments or thoughts welcomed

thanks

Ixion

pundabee · Oct 7th, 2009, 23:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ixion

My biggest problem at the moment is trying to work out what to do regarding Munnar - Thekkady.

I have a dilemma - may post this in a different post. It's partly the distances, and partly the Christmas break.

choices:

(a) Christmas eve in Munnar - cycle towards Thekkady Christmas day; do it one day (100km + ouch!!)

(b) leave Munnar Christmas eve; make it all the way to Thekkady as above but arrive there Christmas day.

(c) leave Munnar Christmas eve; stay somewhere like Idukki or Nedumkandam; but there don't seem to be many places to stay on route, especially as it will be Christmas day.

The other question is regarding Periyar; I've been looking at the Tiger Trail at Periyar but there's such mixed reviews. It would be a nice break to have two days off the saddle

The 110km from Munnar are doable in one day: It is mostly downhill and the road quality is mostly high. Add the nice scenery, and you have a pleasant few hours on the road.

If you do decide to stop over, I would avoid Idukki. Getting there is easy (downhill), but getting back out (towards Kattappana) would involve 15 or so kilometres uphill. Also, it is a very small place and off route. Nedunkandam is the obvious choice for a stopover if you feel the need. It is a reasonably sized town due to having government institutions for Idukki District. So, finding accommodation won't be a problem.

However, you may want to consider pre-booking in Thekkady. Christmas is highest (and that is high) season here for tourism. Additionally, there are thousands of pilgrims in town.

There are endless activities in Thekkady. Some are in the Tiger Reserve, but there are also village walks, border walks, tea factory visits etc. Also, you can cycle down the mountain (8km) to Tamil Nadu to visit Cumbum (that is the name, 25km from Thekkady, fantastic food) or go for a swim in one of the lakes near Lower Camp (illegal but possible). The Tiger Trail should be done as a two day trek for you to really benefit.

I don't recommend the tour boats in the reserve (essentially a waste of time and money), but bamboo rafting is a good one.

Ixion · Oct 8th, 2009, 05:32

Hey Pundabee

Thanks as ever for the reply.

I have decided as follows:

three days in and around Munnar, leaving there on Christmas Day; reservations made.

Cycle from Munnar to Kumily in one day; Jungle Stay Homestay on the 25/26/27 Dec - that's reserved.

I may do the trek in Periyar but am less keen as I think that I may be better off just finding a trek and guide outside the park and the KTDC staff will understandably be so paranoid about making mistakes that trekking for the next few months may not be worth doing....

Then head on to Kumarakom.

So I think I've got it all worked out now as far aw Periyar.

Thanks so much for your help; I'll have your email written on my arm in indelible marker - if I want guidance on the way, forgive me if I turn to you first!

And to all other IM'ers... I will post an account of my trip after the event.

Looking forward to it all...some trepidation but a lot of excitment....

Ixion

pundabee · Oct 8th, 2009, 10:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ixion

Cycle from Munnar to Kumily in one day; Jungle Stay Homestay on the 25/26/27 Dec - that's reserved.

Thanks so much for your help; I'll have your email written on my arm in indelible marker - if I want guidance on the way, forgive me if I turn to you first!

If you mean this one: Sumilayam Jungle View Homestay, I think you have made a good choice. The location is one of the best in Kumily, and the owner is a correct and good person (i.e. one of those hard-to-find people).

I'll PM you my mobile number. If you need help or advice whilst in Kerala you are welcome to contact me. Of course, being foreign myself, I won't know everything there is to know about Kerala, but we have plenty of local contacts who can contribute.

nairpriya2004 · Oct 21st, 2009, 03:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ixion

Cycle from Munnar to Kumily in one day; Jungle Stay Homestay on the 25/26/27 Dec - that's reserved.

I may do the trek in Periyar but am less keen as I think .

Ixion

Dear ixion it is very nice that U R visiting to Our villages “best of luck “
Few points I want to point out to You
Cycling Munnar to Kumily (aprox 110 KM ) in a day is very hectic, my suggestion is that make it a two days affair, have halt at Nedumkadam or some other place. You add some more interesting places to Your plan, The road is narrow and hilly therein and also zig zag
You are traveling on Kumily to Kottayam NH 220 is a busy road during the Dec last weeks due to the Shabarimalai pilgrims so lot of traffic will be there many overcrowded minibuses and SUVs will bespeeding in this root keep some local contacts who can help You in a held ups.
Kumily to Vandiperiyar is sloping down and the Vandiperiyar to kuttikanaum is hilly tertian sloping upside then rest is mostly slopping down wards
Let me search some pic if can post it for U if U realy need to know More pls let me Know
with regards
nair priya

Ixion · Oct 21st, 2009, 03:18

Hello Nair Priya

Thank you so much for your helpful email...

Plans are a bit more definite now: I definitely need the time around Munnar - I want to take at least one day off from the bike and visit the dolmens and Chinnar. I'll think long and hard about splitting the journey from Munnar to Kumily in two but it's looking like one long day at the moment. But several people have said it's too much for a day so I need to take this seriously.

I'm going to go Kumily - Kottayam but was thinking of coming off the NH220 and heading down to Erumeli and Karakachal to Kottayam - do you know this road?

Thanks for your notes about Pilgrims on route - more reason to stay off the main road.

Thanks for the "good luck". Am excited about my trip.

Ixion

nairpriya2004 · Oct 22nd, 2009, 00:42

I'm going to go Kumily - Kottayam but was thinking of coming off the NH220 and heading down to Erumeli and Karakachal to Kottayam - do you know this road?

Thanks for your notes about Pilgrims on route - more reason to stay off the main road.

Thanks for the "good luck". Am excited about my trip.

Ixion[/quote]

hi

I just came back to home after a mahabaleshwer trip sen U R mail
i will post more may be today late hours
or now iam in my gmail id @gmail.com
nairpriya2004

nairpriya2004 · Nov 8th, 2009, 13:16

Dear ixion sorry I could not post a reply for Ur post
“ I'm going to go Kumily - Kottayam but was thinking of coming off the NH220 and heading down to Erumeli and Karakachal to Kottayam - do you know this road?” Changing the route from Kumily to Kottayam dose not make any advantage to you. Erumeli road is used by maximum pilgrims. I was checking the other possible route but that the road is very bad and lot of up hills and narrow Secondly the climate in Kerala especially in Thekkady and Munnar is some thing erratic U can expect rain any time so keep a good raincoat the temperature is expected to be around 12 °c(at Night ) at munnar at thekkady it will be more around 20 and munnar may be foge in the Night and morning hours . And on kumily route perumede to Kuttikanm also will be misty and fogy
So have good set of protective glowers and warm clothing is advisable since U r coming from a cold country U know better than me but U have all facilities to overcome the extreme .
Thanks and wait to here from U

Ixion · Nov 8th, 2009, 17:23

Dear Nairpiya

Thanks for your helpful reply especially about the erumeli road; will bring warm clothes and a waterproof. And some lights for those foggy mornings.

It's cold and wet in London at the moment - 3°c at night so Munnar still sounds better.

thanks again

Ixion

Digital Drifter · Nov 8th, 2009, 19:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ixion

Dear Nairpiya

Thanks for your helpful reply especially about the erumeli road; will bring warm clothes and a waterproof. And some lights for those foggy mornings.

It's cold and wet in London at the moment - 3°c at night so Munnar still sounds better.

thanks again

Ixion

If you're cycling and it's going be foggy, it'll be life saver if you bring the lights. Drivers here dont value pedestrians much less cyclists.

2 of them mounted as wide as the handlebars might pause them a bit in the fog, thinking you're a hulking vehicle of some sort.

Newyorker2010 · Nov 8th, 2009, 19:57

hi,

Sound very adventurous. I wouldnt dare to do that. Better choose the safe location. Cos traffic is kind of rush. Make sure dont do it in the night. Be safe. Am a newyorker originally from India explore India every year. will be in Keral on decmebr 12th any kind of assistance help please feel free to ask me.

nairpriya2004 · Nov 8th, 2009, 20:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ixion

Dear Nairpiya

Thanks for your helpful reply especially about the erumeli road; will bring warm clothes and a waterproof. And some lights for those foggy mornings.

It's cold and wet in London at the moment - 3°c at night so Munnar still sounds better.

thanks again

Ixion

last three days it is rtaining in kumily thekkady area and still countinue with regards

*jyoti* · Nov 8th, 2009, 20:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digital Drifter

2 of them mounted as wide as the handlebars might pause them a bit in the fog, thinking you're a hulking vehicle of some sort.

Wow! Those must be some HUGE handlebars.

I am a bit jealous of your trip. Crazy mad, yes, but sounds like a great adventure.

Digital Drifter · Nov 8th, 2009, 20:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by *jyoti*

Wow! Those must be some HUGE handlebars.

got to fake it, m'am. And anyways this in the fog.

nairpriya2004 · Nov 8th, 2009, 21:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by *jyoti*

Wow! Those must be some HUGE handlebars.

I am a bit jealous of your trip. Crazy mad, yes, but sounds like a great adventure.

I am a bit jealous of your trip. Crazy mad, yes, but sounds like a great adventure.

New Delhiets what else can be? U pople R always jealous,Crazy, cunning and mad dont Understand adventure.

Oct 22nd, 2009, 00:42	#22
nairpriya2004 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: in Posts: 46	I'm going to go Kumily - Kottayam but was thinking of coming off the NH220 and heading down to Erumeli and Karakachal to Kottayam - do you know this road? Thanks for your notes about Pilgrims on route - more reason to stay off the main road. Thanks for the "good luck". Am excited about my trip. Ixion[/quote] hi I just came back to home after a mahabaleshwer trip sen U R mail i will post more may be today late hours or now iam in my gmail id @gmail.com nairpriya2004 Last edited by nairpriya2004 : Oct 22nd, 2009 at 00:51. Reason: adding few text

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Mach rides again: Slowly along the Narmada, Kerala, Coorg, loop north instead...	machadinha	India Travel Itinerary Advice	159	Sep 1st, 2009 01:36
Round Train Trip From Mumbai to Kerala	motty84	Indian Railways	8	Jan 20th, 2009 18:11
seeking comments on Kerala itinerary	gthaker	Kerala	5	Oct 20th, 2008 19:16
Kerala - What way round to do things!	katysays	Kerala	53	Apr 23rd, 2007 21:43
Cycling in Kerala	TonyMS	Kerala	16	Mar 13th, 2007 04:39

Oct 8th, 2009, 05:32	#18
Ixion Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: LONDON, UK Posts: 35	Hey Pundabee Thanks as ever for the reply. I have decided as follows: three days in and around Munnar, leaving there on Christmas Day; reservations made. Cycle from Munnar to Kumily in one day; Jungle Stay Homestay on the 25/26/27 Dec - that's reserved. I may do the trek in Periyar but am less keen as I think that I may be better off just finding a trek and guide outside the park and the KTDC staff will understandably be so paranoid about making mistakes that trekking for the next few months may not be worth doing.... Then head on to Kumarakom. So I think I've got it all worked out now as far aw Periyar. Thanks so much for your help; I'll have your email written on my arm in indelible marker - if I want guidance on the way, forgive me if I turn to you first! And to all other IM'ers... I will post an account of my trip after the event. Looking forward to it all...some trepidation but a lot of excitment.... Ixion

Oct 21st, 2009, 03:18	#21
Ixion Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: LONDON, UK Posts: 35	Hello Nair Priya Thank you so much for your helpful email... Plans are a bit more definite now: I definitely need the time around Munnar - I want to take at least one day off from the bike and visit the dolmens and Chinnar. I'll think long and hard about splitting the journey from Munnar to Kumily in two but it's looking like one long day at the moment. But several people have said it's too much for a day so I need to take this seriously. I'm going to go Kumily - Kottayam but was thinking of coming off the NH220 and heading down to Erumeli and Karakachal to Kottayam - do you know this road? Thanks for your notes about Pilgrims on route - more reason to stay off the main road. Thanks for the "good luck". Am excited about my trip. Ixion

Nov 8th, 2009, 13:16	#23
nairpriya2004 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: in Posts: 46	Dear ixion sorry I could not post a reply for Ur post “ I'm going to go Kumily - Kottayam but was thinking of coming off the NH220 and heading down to Erumeli and Karakachal to Kottayam - do you know this road?” Changing the route from Kumily to Kottayam dose not make any advantage to you. Erumeli road is used by maximum pilgrims. I was checking the other possible route but that the road is very bad and lot of up hills and narrow Secondly the climate in Kerala especially in Thekkady and Munnar is some thing erratic U can expect rain any time so keep a good raincoat the temperature is expected to be around 12 °c(at Night ) at munnar at thekkady it will be more around 20 and munnar may be foge in the Night and morning hours . And on kumily route perumede to Kuttikanm also will be misty and fogy So have good set of protective glowers and warm clothing is advisable since U r coming from a cold country U know better than me but U have all facilities to overcome the extreme . Thanks and wait to here from U

Nov 8th, 2009, 17:23	#24
Ixion Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: LONDON, UK Posts: 35	Dear Nairpiya Thanks for your helpful reply especially about the erumeli road; will bring warm clothes and a waterproof. And some lights for those foggy mornings. It's cold and wet in London at the moment - 3°c at night so Munnar still sounds better. thanks again Ixion

Nov 8th, 2009, 19:57	#26
Newyorker2010 Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: USA Posts: 6	hi, Sound very adventurous. I wouldnt dare to do that. Better choose the safe location. Cos traffic is kind of rush. Make sure dont do it in the night. Be safe. Am a newyorker originally from India explore India every year. will be in Keral on decmebr 12th any kind of assistance help please feel free to ask me.