[revintup]

Originally Posted by dhanushmenon

How about a circuitous route?
Kochi- Gavi
Gavi- Munnar
Munnar - Kochi

Total distance 402 Kms.
We can add in Parunthumpara and Wagamon in between

That is a great idea. All the more because people can choose one or both the destinations as per their convenience.

I would be able to make it to only one destination but will still get to meet all you guys. Much better than missing the whole thing.

[jacs]

Originally Posted by dhanushmenon

How about a circuitous route?
Kochi- Gavi
Gavi- Munnar
Munnar - Kochi

Total distance 402 Kms.
We can add in Parunthumpara and Wagamon in between

I am glued to this this thread but at the moment unsure of my participation.


My few cents...

1) Need to book Gavi accomodation well in advance as only limited capacity they have.

2) There is another spot Ramakkalmedu between Gavi - Munnar route.

[dhanushmenon]

Originally Posted by jacs

I am glued to this this thread but at the moment unsure of my participation.


My few cents...

1) Need to book Gavi accomodation well in advance as only limited capacity they have.

2) There is another spot Ramakkalmedu between Gavi - Munnar route.

Good that this thread is gathering wind.
As for Gavi, does anyone have any contact number for us to confirm reservations? Or is there someone who can pull a few threads and ensure us accomodation there?
Kottayam bhpians can help I reckon

[voyageur]

Originally Posted by dhanushmenon

You should have posted the info here already than waiting for us to reply!
And I also knew that you would be cursing me as I was proposing this place. You wanted to go there a month back, and I dissuaded you.

I was not waiting for your reply basically, I was just searching where I saw the article. I found it and here it is. Not much info but would add up something.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/l...w/13096474.cms

But what I personally feel is it's not fit for a stay for this big a group, reason being that Madhurai is the nearest city and you don't want to take the extra pain of driving to Madhurai, when you have other better options.

Cheers

[dhanushmenon]

As per what transpires in the whatsapp circle of Kochi Bhpians, seems that not many are available on the 15- 18th weekend except EagleEye and me (ofcourse me).

So we can look at a shorter trip which can occupy a weekend.
Munnar is the obvious choice with "A BAD" resorts there for us to swear by.

Any other suggestions too are welcome

[mallumowgli]

I am following this thread interestedly - but will be able to make a commitment much later. Too many things planned for Aug - Sept. I need to work sometime too!!

I can make it for an overnight weekend trip to any of the mentioned spots - just that the dates should not clash with anything else

[alexpaul]

Originally Posted by dhanushmenon

As per what transpires in the whatsapp circle of Kochi Bhpians, seems that not many are available on the 15- 18th weekend except EagleEye and me (ofcourse me).

So we can look at a shorter trip which can occupy a weekend.
Munnar is the obvious choice with "A BAD" resorts there for us to swear by.

Any other suggestions too are welcome

Interesting turnaround but I am glued to this thread till the location is finalised.

I too believe Munnar can be the best bet followed by Nelliyampathy for an overnight stay.

[Kris_risk]

Just in case if it helps add to the confusion and though it might run-of-the-mill option, if time constraint is a problem (and the drive distance), an option to consider would be Kumarakom. Had recently taken a detour on way from Kochi to Trivandrum and spent an evening at a resort owned by the same group being discussed above and found it quite a nice spot for a Team-bhp meet. Relatively well priced, open lounge area, the pool and the lake view all seemed like a nice place for a long automotive lectures. (will put up a travelogue some time soon though been starved of time). There was ample space for cars to be parked safely as well.

In the meantime, if at Munnar, one not-so-usual place would be driving 40 km towards top station and there is an absolutely gorgeous place away from the bustle of the touristy stuff. Been there recently and the experience and service was fantastic.. Again beautiful place for a meet since there was a large and comfy lounge (and beautiful fire place) for those long auto-matic-auto discussions.

Isnt Gavi and Nelliyampathy two beautiful places but lack any good accommodation options?

[jacs]

Originally Posted by dhanushmenon

As for Gavi, does anyone have any contact number for us to confirm reservations? Or is there someone who can pull a few threads and ensure us accomodation there?
Kottayam bhpians can help I reckon

Gavi is far from encrochment of private operators and hence we need to depend on what KTDC has. My friend's brother went couple of months back and it was economic and worth it. Shall try to get more pointers.

Originally Posted by Kris_risk

Just in case if it helps add to the confusion and though it might run-of-the-mill option, if time constraint is a problem (and the drive distance), an option to consider would be Kumarakom.

In the meantime, if at Munnar, one not-so-usual place would be driving 40 km towards top station and there is an absolutely gorgeous place away from the bustle of the touristy stuff. Been there recently and the experience and service was fantastic.. Again beautiful place for a meet since there was a large and comfy lounge (and beautiful fire place) for those long auto-matic-auto discussions.

Isnt Gavi and Nelliyampathy two beautiful places but lack any good accommodation options?

Options are there but limited unlike Munnar.

Kumarakom/Allepey is ruled out as we did one very recently.

[dhanushmenon]

Originally Posted by jacs

Options are there but limited unlike Munnar.

Kumarakom/Allepey is ruled out as we did one very recently.

True. Options at nelliyampathy are limited.

Moreover, kumarakom drive is not peaceful. It will be more like a rat race

[revintup]

Originally Posted by dhanushmenon

As for Gavi, does anyone have any contact number for us to confirm reservations?
Kottayam bhpians can help I reckon

Gavi reservation is a straightforward process. You contact them, and after confirming availability transfer booking amount into their account.

Contact numbers :
Tel: +91 4869 223270
Mob: +91 99474 92399
Email: gavi@kfdcecotourism.com

Here is the website: http://gavi.kfdcecotourism.com/. Its pretty informative.

But I think the roads were never good and add up the monsoon and the condition now is anybodys guess.

[dhanushmenon]

Originally Posted by revintup

Gavi reservation is a straightforward process. You contact them, and after confirming availability transfer booking amount into their account.

Contact numbers :
Tel: +91 4869 223270
Mob: +91 99474 92399
Email: gavi@kfdcecotourism.com

Here is the website: http://gavi.kfdcecotourism.com/. Its pretty informative.

But I think the roads were never good and add up the monsoon and the condition now is anybodys guess.

Gavi is out of consideration revintup.
I had spoken with the management there and what was offered did not entice the multitude, especially with 'the family and kids' parts playing in.

We are looking for a window of everyone's availability when we can atleast drive out for a weekend. If it's Munnar, so be it.

[mallumowgli]

Originally Posted by Kris_risk

Isnt Gavi and Nelliyampathy two beautiful places but lack any good accommodation options?

Originally Posted by dhanushmenon

True. Options at nelliyampathy are limited.

There are a few good options at Nelliyampathy. If this place is decided, then let me know - I can book. The only obstacle would crossing the Pattikkad-Kuthiran stretch for Kochi guys!!

[jacs]

Originally Posted by dhanushmenon

We are looking for a window of everyone's availability when we can atleast drive out for a weekend. If it's Munnar, so be it.

Munnar is more inclusive compared to Gavi. Its no doubt a good weekend getaway.

Originally Posted by mallumowgli

There are a few good options at Nelliyampathy. If this place is decided, then let me know - I can book. The only obstacle would crossing the Pattikkad-Kuthiran stretch for Kochi guys!!

Yes Praveen. Cannot imagine the Kuthiran drive, you remember how I shifted to Dindigul route while driving from Bangalore. In my 8 years drive between BLR - KTM, only twice I would have driven troublefree via Kuthiran. Any alternate routes to Nelliyampathy even if it takes 20-30KMs extra.

[mallumowgli]

Originally Posted by jacs

Any alternate routes to Nelliyampathy even if it takes 20-30KMs extra.

Check this out : Additional 40kms, and better roads all through till Alathur. It has been around 2 years since I took the Alathur-Nenmara road, hence cant comment on the same authoritatively. However have not heard any bad reports from people from that area

https://www.google.com/maps/preview#....6792044&fid=0

PS : The new version of google maps is irritating