Hi All!!
Sorry it took so long for me to return with the info on the event!! Unfortunately since we have still not heard from the Govt O Guj about the event - I guess will to to strip it down to a informal get together and a flying-a-new-site fun!
As of now Gurpreet and Sanjay Pendurkar are 'on' with the plans of meeting on 30th Jan at Vadodara(Baroda) and heading out to Pavagadh to fly. We all can be generally there for about 4 odd days and 'check out' the site. In case if you wish to see the site on Google Earth use the coordinates - 22degree 28 min 14.32 second North and 73degree 30 min 55.75 sec East - this is for the take off which has been check out a couple of times.
You can copy paste this URL in the browser to see the site on Google Maps.
http://maps.google.com/maps?t=h&hl=en&i ... 33803&z=13Ofcourse you are most welcome to stay longer if anyone wishes to do so.
Pavagadh is a hill about 60 km North East of Baroda. with excellent road connecting the two. There is a ropeway to go up and there is a small hotel (very basic) run by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd. The tariff is ranging from 500/- per room per night for Non AC room to Rs.800/- for AC. This cost does not include any meals and taxes. 2 people can share a room and a third one can be added with the extra bed (extra cost).
This I feel is a good option as it will give us a chance to stay right there without any need to travel to the site every day.
Baroda (Vadodara) is very well connected in all ways. It has 4 flights from Bombay (3 jet+1 Indigo) and 3 flights from Delhi (1 Indian + 1 Indigo + 1 Jet). Almost all the trains running between Delhi and Bombay stop at Baroda including both the Rajdhani class trains.
The road between Bombay and Baroda is excellent and one can make it in about 5-6 hours with comfortable speeds via Vapi, Surat, Bharuch straight on NH8.
Baroda weather is generally pleasant in winters and the temp ranges around 25-30 degree Celsius max and about 15-18 degrees min. Only a light jacket can handle the windy outdoors during this time of the year.
Basic meals will be available on site and for foodies - Baroda city can sure offer something nice!!
I can be reached on 09824027674 for any further inputs/assistance. I will be more than happy to offer any kind of help/assistance needed. Also my regular email ID is
[email protected] - this gets almost immediate attention.
For more technical details - Gurpreet is an active expert on the forum and has done some basic checking out of the site - I am sure he will be able to answer your queries.
As for logistics - it will be nice if interested pilots can plan in time and inform me so that I can make the necessary ground arrangements.
Looking forward to see you and welcome ye all interested!!
Captain Rajiv