Planning to Kerala has always been a challenge, specially when it comes to driving. If I ask anybody about the driving in kerala, I'd get a question back "Are you crazy?"
Few lines about this homestay. Rooms are clean. But still need some maintenance. There is no TV in this house and if you are looking for any entertainment, all you need to do is "talk".
But it depends on individuals. We got little bored but in the night had a sound sleep as this place is absolutely silent. Food served was average and not so impressive. Other than that there is nothing great about this place though they charge 1250/- per person for Dinner & Breakfast.
Instead I'd suggest Jade homestay. It is cozy though they charge the same price.
We started off from Nagarhole after morning walk in the plantation by 10 AM. Reached Kannur by 4 PM. Started hunting for hotels (as it was a last minute plan) but checked at many places. We couldn't find any. After roaming inside Kannur for almost 2 hours, finally we found a place called "Asian Heritage" which is in Kasargud road. To our surpise it was a clean and new hotel. We paid around 1200/ INR and it has 24 hours check out facility. 31st night in Kannur was very average and not much of activities around.
This is the beach view from Mascot hotel.
From hotel that we stayed, we got some places of interest to visit in Kannur.
First we visited Thalassery beach which is around 15 KMS from Kannur. We got lost in between but somehow managed to get into that place. No sign board or anything :(
The photos that you see are taken on Jan 1st 2011. There were hardly any people on the beach. Its a different experience to drive on this beach.
We left Kannur on Jan 1st and reached Mysore. It was crowded for obvious reasons (new year). We visited chamundi hills too but couldn't visit the temple.
Overall it was a average trip. Its not just because it was unplanned trip but rather a boring trip because of the place.
Well ! They are true. People drive like maniac in Kerala. I still couldn't figure out why!!!
Anyways, that is my honest opinion. I don't think cab drivers in bangalore can beat them.
In order to celebrate new year - 2011, we had a major plan to visit Munnar / Thekkady / Kovalam for a week. Since my wife couldn't get a week's time off (but got 2 days off 30 and 31st), I had to reconsider my plan. So, we decided to visit Kannur (Cannanore ).
Our plan was to halt in nagarhole and then proceed to Kannur.
Route :
Bangalore -> Nagarhole (224 KMS) -> Kannur (141KMS)
[More details about directions - Google map]
My review summary :
Likes :
1. Driving in nagarhole is a great experience. It is better than driving in Bandipur
2. Thalassery beach drive was an amazing experience
3. Staying overnight in Nagarhole homestay was good. One can get a peaceful sleep.
4. Kerala sweets (halwa) was great.
5. Driving inside Bramhagiri forest was a chilling experience.
6. Pineapple & Mango dipped in sweet and chilli juice.
Dislikes :
1. Road maniacs in Kerala throughout. On a single lane road they can drive in 90KMPH and overtake too... oooooouch... Saw couple of accidents too. No surprise!!
2. Food was a major problem through out. No good veg hotels.
3. If you don't book accommodation prior reaching that place, then you are in soup.
4. Irpu Homestay at nagarhole was so-so. It was a boring place. Food served was pathetic. I had stayed in other homestays in coorg but this one was a let down.
5. Kannur is definitely not a tourist place.
6. Cemetery near Beach.. sucksss..
7. Average roads
8. Too much of traffic
Overall rating [ 10 being best - 0 being "Forget it"]
Nagarhole homestay - 5
Kannur - 3
My recommendation is NO to this place. Only best thing is the beach drive and nothing else.
Journey:
We started off from Bangalore at 12:30 PM on 30th Dec 2010. It was a bright and sunny day. Stopped at Kadambam near Chennapattana for lunch. Had good puliyogare and sweet Pongal and headed towards Nagarhole.
Took a deviation from Ranganatittu, joined Hunsur Road, reached hunsur and then entered Nagarhole.
It was a great view of forest in the evening. By the time we entered nagarhole forest it was 5 PM. Though we couldn't sight any rare animals but the drive was amazing. I always love to drive in the forest.
Check this out
Check this out
Bangalore -> Ranganatittu -> Hunsur -> Nagarhole
Stayed in IRPU homestay. Few pics of it
But it depends on individuals. We got little bored but in the night had a sound sleep as this place is absolutely silent. Food served was average and not so impressive. Other than that there is nothing great about this place though they charge 1250/- per person for Dinner & Breakfast.
Instead I'd suggest Jade homestay. It is cozy though they charge the same price.
We started off from Nagarhole after morning walk in the plantation by 10 AM. Reached Kannur by 4 PM. Started hunting for hotels (as it was a last minute plan) but checked at many places. We couldn't find any. After roaming inside Kannur for almost 2 hours, finally we found a place called "Asian Heritage" which is in Kasargud road. To our surpise it was a clean and new hotel. We paid around 1200/ INR and it has 24 hours check out facility. 31st night in Kannur was very average and not much of activities around.
This is the beach view from Mascot hotel.
From hotel that we stayed, we got some places of interest to visit in Kannur.
First we visited Thalassery beach which is around 15 KMS from Kannur. We got lost in between but somehow managed to get into that place. No sign board or anything :(
 |
| Entrance to drive in beach |
The photos that you see are taken on Jan 1st 2011. There were hardly any people on the beach. Its a different experience to drive on this beach.
We left Kannur on Jan 1st and reached Mysore. It was crowded for obvious reasons (new year). We visited chamundi hills too but couldn't visit the temple.
Overall it was a average trip. Its not just because it was unplanned trip but rather a boring trip because of the place.
