Italian Invasion: A group of Fiats drive to Kalhatti, Ooty After the drive to Vagamon (Italian Invasion: Vagamon) the activity among the FIAT aficionado was lukewarm. Everyone was busy in their own way and drives just didn't happen.
After a lot of deliberation we did plan Nelliyampathi, but had to drop that due to the floods and it was business as usual and we just didn't plan anything.
Fast-forward to 2019 and the usual rumors of FIAT shutting shop was back again! I say again since I have been hearing that news since my childhood days
Anyways, would like to dedicate this amazing drive to Kalhatti to all those noble souls out there who were having a field day writing obituaries for FIAT. Those guys were the inspiration for us to get back on drive mode! The plan:
As usual it started over whats app and after discussing multiple options we settled out with Ooty (as it often happens). We started hunting for accommodation options and stumbled upon a property in the Kalhatti ghat. The property looked good and all were fine for it, but then, we were unable to contact them! Maybe we thought the place was shutdown but recent reviews on the place meant otherwise. So with double mind, we started planning alternatives and luckily we get a response back from them on whats-app.
That is when we came to know that the property owner was an Italian and was away in Italy! They were very happy to have a FIAT group coming over and the deal was finalized. As people would be aware the Kalhatti ghat is being restricted for downhill traffic after some fatal accidents. Since this place was midway, there was no other option, but the owners said they will issue passes and that it would not be an issue.
With accommodation taken care of, we were all itching for the D day! We had to gather from Chennai, Bangalore and Coimbatore. All of us decided to take the Friday off. People were supposed to reach Coimbatore either Thursday night or Friday morning. Plan was to reach Kotagiri for lunch which meant we reach the property only by evening. A good half a day gone!
I have to blame only myself for this. It was due to my hype on the Hari mess in Kotagiri so guys wanted to lunch there! But then, no regrets either as for us the journey is what matters than the destination. Day 0:
Thursday late evening myself and DRIV3R start from Bangalore in his Punto. I was taking my Palio for the drive from Coimbatore. So the compass was left behind in Bangalore. We were pretty late to start.
Same evening the Chennai guys too started. Some of them were to halt at Annur / Kumarapalayam and all of us were to catch up at Mettupalayam the next morning.
Chennai boys were turning heads already. It was a Punto Abarth and Palio S10!
Last edited by h14 : 6th June 2019 at 00:23.
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