[jacs]

Originally Posted by mallumowgli

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

Thanks. I recollect travelling via Nenmara in my childhood only. Anyways we'll keep this as an option if this 40KMs do not add much time difference.

[deetjohn]

Originally Posted by mallumowgli

Check this out : Additional 40kms, and better roads all through till Alathur.

I took the Alathur route when we came back from Bangalore in Oct '12. The road is narrow but brilliantly laid with yellow lines and reflectors on both sides and with a lot of elevation changes. And lush green on both sides. It was super fun to drive back then.

[Kris_risk]

In case if it helps with the planning, I had a reason to drive down via Alathur though couldn't drive upto Neliyampathi today (thought it is just 45km from Alathur).

The drive from Kochi to Trichur is good, thanks to the 4 track though some might consider the Rs 80 (two way) toll to be a bit high. The road ofcourse is wide but best to follow a convoy rules. The ride early morning today took us just less 1 hour to reach Trichur from Kochi.

Further the road from Trichur via Wadakanchery, Chelakara, Pazhayanoor, Alathur is good though narrow. Best to ensure to not get stuck in Trichur traffic.

Be assured of some fantastic views throughout your drive....the rain just made everything more beautiful..

[jacs]

Little .

I have planned a drive to Velankanni this Friday (9th Aug 2013) early morning. Stay there on Friday night and start back by Saturday afternoon. Anybody interested to join?

[jacs]

Guys,

I am updating my immediate travel plan, incase any of you have a matching schedule. Bingo! We shall drive together .

1) 14th Sept (Early morning) - Kottayam - Kumily - Dindigul -Salem - Bangalore

2) 22nd Sept (Early morning) - Bangalore - ? - ? - Kottayam (Yet to decide the route but I prefer a different one)

[dhanushmenon]

After having done an amazing drive meet to Marari beach in the month of June, which received an outstanding response, I think its time again to have a drive meet.

Heavy discussion has undergone on the whatsapp circle of Kochi Bhpians and Oct 20 is the date which has been finalised.
There were suggestions of an over night stay meet too. However, owing to many not being able to make it count, the decision has been taken for a one day drive meet.

Details as follows:

Driving to: Munnar

start in the morning
breakfast at Eastend Farmyard, Adimali
Early lunch at ABAD Copper Castle, Munnar (arrangement courtesy Mrs naveen.raju )
visit Mattuppetty dam and Top station (if time permits)
quick shopping for ladies in the evening at Munnar
start back by 1700

reach back Kochi by 2000 hrs

Total distance one way would be 156 Kms (including Top station and Mattuppetty dam) and 132 Kms (excluding Top station, but including Mattupetty dam)

Itenary is open for change on public demand.

Adding below the list of confirmed members.
Others please add on.

dhanushmenon
naveen.raju
deetjohn
rajoy123
figo_mba
Speed.Demon
vaisakhr

Looking forward to meet all Kochi Bhpians in this one.
Hope all will turn up in good numbers as it had been for the marari meet.

Above all, hope to meet some fresh faces too

[jacs]

Originally Posted by dhanushmenon

After having done an amazing drive meet to Marari beach in the month of June, which received an outstanding response, I think its time again to have a drive meet.

Oct 20 is the date which has been finalised.

Details as follows:

Driving to: Munnar

Looking forward to meet all Kochi Bhpians in this one.

Modified the list

dhanushmenon
naveen.raju
deetjohn
rajoy123
figo_mba
Speed.Demon
vaisakhr
jacs

Being a Sunday, I hope revintup will also join.

How about the new buddies philgrac on his ANHC, AshwinThekkan on his lovely Figo, recollect one more joining.

[dhanushmenon]

I have sent an email to philgrac. Hope he joins up.

AshwinThekkan has disabled email notifications and am unable to reach him.

Hope he reads through this thread. Thats the best we could hope

[coolclouds]

Thank you Dhanush for that sms. I am occupied on Oct 20 for the engagement of my sister in law but try to catch you guys as their house is located right on Kochi-Munnar road.

[nkg77]

Missing one more meet, I am stuck at Amsterdam till end of October :(

[dhanushmenon]

Originally Posted by coolclouds

Thank you Dhanush for that sms. I am occupied on Oct 20 for the engagement of my sister in law but try to catch you guys as their house is located right on Kochi-Munnar road.

Sure. Do keep track.
We will be leaving in the morning.
Probably, you can do a customary accompanying drive for 10 Kms or so with the convoy.
We hope to reach Adimali by around 9ish. So, working back, you would know what time to meet us.

Originally Posted by nkg77

Missing one more meet, I am stuck at Amsterdam till end of October :(

Yes Nirmal. I was about to send the sms to you too. But then I suddenly realised that you are abroad. See, Fb has its merits too.

[alexpaul]

Oh no not again ..I missed the last two meets due to personal commitment and this time again I have to skip the meet due to additional responsibilities on becoming a proud dad.

Hope you guys enjoy the planned meet and post some wonderful pics.

[naveen.raju]

Updated List:

() - denotes kids

dhanushmenon + 1 + (2)
naveen.raju + 1
deetjohn
rajoy123 + 1
figo_mba + 1 + (1)
Speed.Demon
vaisakhr
jacs + 1 + (2)
revintup

[mallumowgli]

Have a wonderful time guys. Am crazily tied up for the next two months. Also from Palakkad, Munnar is essentially a 2 day program - wont be able to spare 2 days!!

PS : Jacs, thanks for the heads up. Had not visited this page for some time

@Alexpaul : Congrats on the arrival of the little one!!

[figo_mba]

The road to Top station is really awesome.. The mattupetty dam is on the way and so it another dam where boating facilities are available. cant remember the name though I had associated it with voyageur somehow. Not sure why.

Anyways top station is not to be missed guys.