With great interest I was following the 'Wild in Waynad' thread, this being a place so near to Bangalore, but was not explored by me. But the dates of that meet coincided with previous engagement, and I decided we would go in the first opportunity itself. And that first opportunity looked like on 21st-22nd Feb, just two weeks after the TBHP event.
We tossed this idea to our neighbours Soumili and Nabarun (we have travelled to Ooty earlier with them), and they readily accepted. Next thing was to book the hotel. I delegated that task to other three, after chosing the hotel and the scheme.
For the hotel choice again I went ahead with choice of TBHP and chose Hotel Woodlands in Kalpetta. For the non-AC room, the rates are Rs. 780 (for room only), 825 (room + breakfast), 1215 (room + breakfast + lunch / dinner), 1650 (room + breakfast + lunch + dinner). We thought 400 odd rupees for 2 persons meal is costly and the hotel being in the town we will get other options as well and decided to go for C.P. plan, i.e., room + breakfast.
From the Wild in Wayanad thread I knew that the group managed to get some discount, so gave that info to others (you see I have delegated the task to rest three as mentioned). Though I was not hopeful as the TBHP gang was large (the website talks about corporate discount for 20 pax group), but what the heck, let's try it.
Soumili called up the hotel and enquired about the availability and then very nicely asked 'is it possible for you to give any discounts?' and obviously got the answer in negative. Gargi took over, first talked to the person at the reception, then followed with a call to the manager next day morning, and finally managed to get a 10% discount on the rates
![Big Grin](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.png)
. So we booked the room, transfered the money to the account told. Asked for a mail confirmation but due to some issues, unknown to us, the hotel mail didn't reach us. However we requested for the SMS confirmation, Mr. Zibin Mathew, Manager of the hotel sent that promptly.
We planned for a packed program for two days, and thought it will be better to carry the breakfast rather than stopping for it. So 19th and 20th evening after office hours Soumili and Gargi prepared cake, chicken sandwitch and dhokla. Hmm, another added attraction.
After reading through the TBHP posts and other websites, thought of covering Muthanga WLS, Edakkal Caves on the way to Kalpetta, cover Tholpetty WLS in the evening. A hike to Chembra on next day morning, followed by Pookot lake and Laddiki before heading back to Bangalore in the afternoon. Obviously as we explored the places, the plan changed, as the time allotted was not enough in some places
![Smile](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.png)
, details later.
On the way back from office on Friday, I went to Concorde Motors, my usual service station, got the windscreen water filled in and parking light changed (the FRS one had a blown fuse). Got the tank full in the nearest IOC petrol pump and checked the air pressure in all the tires. The Safari is ready to run.
20th Friday, bags were also packed and we hit the bed keeping in mind we would have to start by 4:00 am.