Bangalore to Nashik - Indian Roadie Preferred Route, Motoring Route, Driving Route, best route for road trip

Indian Roadie Preferred Route, Motoring Route, Driving Route, best route for road trip from 

Bangalore to Nashik/ Nasik (Bangalore_Nashik). 

Option 1: Loni - Theur - Wagholi road to go to Shikrapur & Chakan. Outstanding roads. One can avoid Pune by opting for this route.

Option 2: Via Pune. However, one might want to skip Pune route due to evening traffic in the city. 

Option 3: Drive via Aurangabad - Solapur to avoid Pune. 

Option 4: Or divert at Alephata to avoid Pune. 

Option 5: Via Vijayapura.

Note: These are user generated best routes. 

Abbreviations in use in Motoring Routes Of India, Indian Roadie Preferred Route, Motoring Route, Driving Route:

RA = Road Ahead.
ROR = Road on Right.
ROL = Road on Left.
NH = National Highway.
SH = State Highway.
NE = National Expressway.  

P.S: 

- Skip Online Navigation Maps 

- Skip Google Maps 

- User Generated Best Routes 

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* Motoring Routes of India, Best Route For Road Trip are initiatives by Indian Roadie (India's most admired road travel and automotive forum for matured roadies) and Marketingpundit. 

P.S: Search thousands of accurate and best route options for road trips throughout India, Nepal, Bhutan in: 

www.indian-roadie.blogspot.com, 

www.bestrouteforroadtrip.blogspot.com, 

www.facebook.com/MotoringRoutesOfIndia 

Bangalore to Kota - Indian Roadie Preferred Route, Motoring Route, Driving Route, best route for road trip

Indian Roadie Preferred Route, Best Route For Road Trip, Motoring Route, Driving Route from 

Bangalore to Kota  

(Bangalore_Kota), 

Pune to Kota  

(Pune_Kota): 

Bangalore ---- Tumkur ---- Chitradurga ---- Davanagere ---- Belgaum ---- Kolhapur ---- Satara ---- Pune (MH) (Balewadi Stadium on NH48) ---- Bhumkar Chowk Bridge over NH48 ---- Pimpri ---- Chinchwad (MH) ---- Moshi ---- Alandi Phata ---- Chakan (MH) ---- Bhama River Bridge ---- Shiroli ---- Rajgurunagar ---- Peth (MH) ---- Manchar (MH) ---- Kalamb ---- Meena River Bridge ---- Narayangaon (MH) ---- Vadgaon Kandali ---- Kukadi River Bridge ---- Sadguru Nagar ---- Chalakwadi ---- Chalakwadi Toll Plaza (NH60, MH) ---- Alephata (MH) ---- Malwadi ---- Bota ---- Dolasne ---- Gunjalwadi ---- Candanapuri ---- Hiwargaon Pawasa Toll Plaza (NH60, MH) ---- Sangamner (MH) ---- Nandur Shingote ---- IOCL Neev Petroleum, P4QC+42, MH SH45, Dodi Bk, MH 422606 on left of NH60 ---- Dodi Bk (MH) ---- HPCL Shri Bramhanand Swami Petroleum, Gat No. 46/3, Nashik-Pune Highway, NH60, Dodi Kh., Sinnar district, MH 422606 on left ---- Samruddhi Expressway, Sinnar and Gonde interchange ---- BPCL Aayushi Fuel Plaza, Gonde on left ---- Jio-BP Sai Leela Petroleum on right ---- BPCL COCO Sinnar on right ---- Gurewadi Phata ---- Sinnar (MH) ---- Mohadari ---- Shinde ---- Darna River Bridge ---- Nashik / Nasik (MH) (Indira Nagar Tunnel Jogging Track) ---- Nashik (Mumbai Naka Circle) (MH) ---- Sahyadri Superspeciality Hospital, Dwarka Circle, Nashik (on right of old NH3) ---- Godavari MIDC (on right of old NH3) ---- Godavari River Bridge ---- BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Panchavati, Nashik (on right of old NH3) ---- Apollo Hospital, Swaminarayan Nagar, Nashik on right of highway ---- Lokmanya Multispeciality and Accident Hospital, Dhatrak Phata, Nashik (on left of old NH3) ---- ROL: Dr Vasantrao Pawar Medical College, Adgaon ---- Adgaon (Nashik) ---- BPCL Adgaon (COCO) on left of old NH3 ---- Jio-BP Filling Station, Ojhar on left ---- Kadwa River Bridge ---- Pimpalgaon Baswant Toll Plaza (XRG+PH2, Mumbai-Agra NH3, MH 422209) ---- Pimpalgaon Baswant (MH) ---- Pimpalgaon Onion and Grapes Research Station on right ---- BPCL Shri Babu Dada Petroleum, Pimpalgaon Baswant on left ---- HPCL Thete Patil Petroleum (24x7), Shirwade Wani on left of highway ---- Shirwade Phata ---- Khadakjamb ---- Hotel Yashraj Family Restaurant, Vadalibhoi, MH 423117 on left old NH3 ---- Vadalibhoi (MH) ---- Sogras ---- BPCL Mharana Petroleum on left ---- Chandwad Toll Plaza (MH) ---- Chandwad ---- Rahud Lake on left (of old NH3) ---- Rahud ---- Jio-BP Filling Station, Chinchave on right ---- Chinchave ---- Umbrane ---- Mungase ---- Malegaon bypass (MH) ---- Daregaon ---- Jio-BP, Sayane Kh,  MH 423203 on left (of old NH3) ---- BPCL Zodge (COCO) ---- Zodge (MH) ---- MNGL (Mahanagar Gas Ltd) CNG & LNG Filling Station, Zodge on right ---- Arvi ---- Laling ---- Awadhan ---- Dhule bypass starts, Mohadi Upnagar (MH) (RA: Dhule city 4 kms. Keep right to continue on Dhule bypass/ old NH3. RTO Dhule on right of old NH3) ---- Dhule (MH) (Nagaon Bari, Tapi River water tanks, Oswal Nagar) ---- Manpur ---- Ratlam ---- Neemuch ---- Chittorgarh ---- Kota  

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* Rajasthan_Trails 

Note: These are user generated best routes. 

Abbreviations used:  

RA = Road Ahead.
ROR = Road on Right.
ROL = Road on Left.
NH = National Highway.
SH = State Highway.
NE = National Expressway.  

P.S: 

- Offline Driving Routes In One Page 

- Best Intercity Driving Routes  

- Skip Online Navigation Maps  

- User Generated Best Routes 

- Choice of all road travel and automobile lovers who are consumers of products and services, too 

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. 
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* Motoring Routes of India, Best Route For Road Trip are initiatives by Indian Roadie (India's most admired road travel and automotive forum for matured roadies) and Marketingpundit. 

P.S: Search thousands of accurate and best route options throughout India in: 

www.indian-roadie.blogspot.com, 

www.bestrouteforroadtrip.blogspot.com, 

www.facebook.com/MotoringRoutesOfIndia 

Important DIY inspection of your car

Important DIY inspection of your car which are a must do. 

Gurgaon Sohna (22 kms) developed to 6 lane access controlled corridor

The project for 22 km length Gurgaon Sohna National Highway has been developed to 6 Lane access controlled corridor with aggregate elevated section of about 7 km at a capital investment of about Rs 2000 crore. 

For facilitating movement of local traffic, 3 Lane service roads have been constructed on both sides. The highway is being opened for traffic today. 

This section would also provide connectivity to Delhi and Gurgaon through Delhi-Mumbai expressway.

* Indian Roadie Infrastructure Projects

Dwarka Expressway being developed as the first elevated urban expressway in India

World Class Infrastructure in Delhi-NCR is under construction. 

Dwarka Expressway, also known as the Northern Peripheral Road in Haryana portion, is being developed as the first elevated urban expressway in India.

It is a 16-lane access controlled highway with provision of minimum 3-lane service road on both sides.

 

The Expressway connecting Dwarka in Delhi to Gurugram in Haryana is being developed at a total cost of ~INR 9,000 Cr. with total length of 29 kms out of which 19 kms is in Haryana while the remaining 10 kms is in Delhi.

Dwarka Expressway would have 4 multi-level interchanges (tunnel/underpasses, at-Grade Road, Elevated Flyover & Flyover above Flyover) at major junctions including construction of longest (3.6 km) and widest (8 lane) urban road tunnel in India.

 

The expressway begins from Shiv-Murti on NH8 (Delhi-Gurugram expressway) and ends near Kherki Daula Toll Plaza, through Dwarka Sector 21, Gurugram border and Basai.

 

The development of this prestigious project plays a pivotal role in the plan to decongest the capital city of Delhi. Once the Dwarka Expressway is completed, it would provide direct access to upcoming India International Convention Centre (IICC) in Sector 25 of Dwarka and will also provide an alternate connectivity to IGI Airport through shallow tunnel. 

The state-of-the-art Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) like Advanced Traffic Management System, Toll Management System, CCTV Cameras, Surveillance etc. would be part and parcel of this upcoming world class corridor.

Dwarka Expressway will have a massive feat of tree transplantation with 12,000 trees transplanted. 

The project is also an engineering ace that includes a 34 meter wide 8-lane highway, a first of its kind being constructed on a single pier. The project is estimated to consume 2 lakh MT of steel (30 times of steel used in Eiffel Tower) and 20 lakh cum of concrete (6 times of concrete used in Burj Khalifa) for its construction.

Dwarka Expressway will reduce pressure on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway (part of the Delhi-Jaipur-Ahmedabad-Mumbai arm of Golden Quadrilateral) and arterial roads that experience severe traffic congestion, primarily from the commuters of West Delhi. 50%-60% traffic on NH8 will get diverted onto the new expressway, thereby improving traffic movement towards Sohna Road, Golf Course Road and air. 

Once operational in 2023, it shall immensely help reducing the air pollution in Delhi-NCR as well. 

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* Indian Roadie Infrastructure Projects 

Kailash Mansarovar

কৈলাশ মানস সরোবর যাত্রাঃ 

যারা যেতে চান, নিচের তথ্যগুলো উপকারে লাগতে পারে।

- কেন্দ্রীয় সরকারের সাথে যেতে এবং  বেসরকারী সংস্থার সাথে যেতে প্রায় একই খরচা পরে।  সরকারী ট্যুরে দিনটা বেশী লাগে৷ কিন্ত বেসরকারী সংস্থার ট্যুরে  কয়েকটা দিন কম পরে। সেই হিসাবে ধরলে সরকারী ট্যুর সস্তা।

- সরকারী ট্যুরে মেডিকেল ফিটনেসের প্রচুর কড়াকড়ি।  যাবার আগে ঘনঘন স্বাস্থ্য পরীক্ষা করানো হয়। ফিট না হলেই বাতিল। কিন্তু বেসরকারী ট্যুরে অতো কড়াকড়ি নেই। একটি মেডিকেল সার্টিফিকেট জমা দিলেই চলে। তবে ওরা আগেই বলে দেয়,রোগ লুকিয়ে পরে অসুস্থ হলে তার দায় ওরা নেবেনা। এবং তখন  মাঝপথ  থেকে অসুস্থ হয়ে পরা যাত্রীকে ফিরিয়ে আনতে যা খরচা হবে, তা যাত্রীকেই বহন করতে হবে। এবং সেটা যাওয়ার খরচার প্রায় দ্বিগুন। সরকারী ট্যুরে সরকারকেই সে দায়িত্বটা বাধ্য হয়ে নিতে হয়। তাই এতো মেডিকেল ফিটনেসের কড়াকড়ি।

-এদেশের বেসরকারী সংস্থাগুলো সাধারনত কাঠমান্ডু হয়ে নিয়ে যায়।কেউই নিজেরা নিয়ে যায়না। কাঠমান্ডুর কিছু এজেন্সি আছে, যাত্রীদের তাদের কাছে পৌঁছে দেয়। যেমন সম্রাট ট্যুর এন্ড ট্রাভেলস। ওরাই আসলে সব দায়িত্ব নিয়ে যাত্রীদের নিয়ে যায়। এদেশের ট্রাভেল এজেন্সী যাদের মাধ্যমে যাচ্ছেন, তাদের শুধু একজন থাকে সঙ্গে। পরিস্কারভাবে বলতে গেলে, এদেশের ট্রাভেল এজেন্টরা দালালের কাজ করে। সরাসরি যদি কাঠমান্ডুর এজেন্সীর সাথে যোগাযোগ করা যায়, খরচা বেশ কিছুটা কম পরে। তবে ভিসার জন্য পাশপোর্ট তাদের কাছে পোস্টে পাঠাতে হয়। সেখানে একটু রিস্ক থেকেই যায়৷ এখানকার ট্রাভেল এজেন্টের মাধ্যমে গেলে, এদের কাছেই পাশপোর্ট দিলে এরাই ওদের মাধ্যমে ভিসা করিয়ে রাখে। 

- সরকারী সংস্থা আগে উত্তরাখন্ডের লিপুলেখ পাস  দিয়ে নিয়ে যেতো। ট্রেকিং এর পরিমানটা একটু বেশী ছিলো। তাই দিনও বেশী লাগতো। পরে আর একটি রুট যোগ হয়। তা হোল সিকিমের নাথুলা পাস। 

-যাত্রা শুরুর আগের দিন বেসরকারী সংস্থা প্রত্যেক যাত্রীকে একই রঙের জ্যাকেট এবং প্রত্যেকের জন্য আলাদা আলাদা নির্দিষ্ট নম্বরযুক্ত  ক্রিকেট কিটস ব্যাগের আকারের ঢাউস একটি ব্যাগ দেবে। আপনার প্রয়োজনীয় মালপত্র তাতেই নিতে হবে। আপনার নিজস্ব লাগেজ থাকবে কাঠমান্ডুরই হোটেলে। কাঠমান্ডু থেকে গাড়ী বা বাসে প্রথমদিন রওয়ানা হয়ে নেপাল তিব্বত সীমান্তের শেষগ্রাম  কোডারীতে পৌঁছে দেবে। তারপর হেঁটে ফ্রেন্ডসিপ ব্রীজ পার করে চায়না অধিকৃত তিব্বতে ঢুকে পরতে হয়। ব্রীজের প্রান্তে এক  মস্তোবড়ো বিল্ডিংএ চাইনিজ অফিসাররা কাগজপত্র পরীক্ষা করে তিব্বতে ঢোকার অনুমতি দেন।   এরপর চায়নার বাস বা  গাড়ীতে যাত্রা।  তিব্বতে ঢুকে প্রথম দুটো রাত  acclimatization এর জন্য কাটাতে হয় নিয়ালম এ( ১২,২১০ ফুট)। তৃতীয় রাত কাটাতে হয় পারায়ং এ(১৫,১২৪ ফুট)। চতুর্থ দিন সরাসরি  মানস সরোবর (15,060 ফুট) নিয়ে যায়।  মানস পরিক্রমার পর চতুর্থ দিন মানসের ধারেই রাত্রিবাস। পঞ্চমদিন  কৈলাশের সন্নিকটে দারচেন(১৫,০১০ ফুট)। পরদিন যমদুয়ার পার হয়ে, পা'য়ে হেঁটে কিম্বা খচ্চরের পিঠে চেপে আড়াই দিনের কৈলাশ পরিক্রমা শুরু হয়। 

- যারা যাবেন একটা কথা অবশ্যই খেয়াল রাখবেন। তিব্বত চায়নার অধীনে বলে চাইনিজ কারেন্সি 'ইয়ান' চলে। দুর্গম জায়গা বলে  ডলার চট করে  চলেনা। তাই বিদেশে যাচ্ছেন বলে অহেতুক ডলার নেবার কোন প্রয়োজন নেই। সম্ভব হলে নিজের ব্যাঙ্ক থেকে টাকা ভাঙ্গিয়ে সরাসরি ইয়ান নিয়ে নিন। অথবা কাঠমান্ডুতে টাকা ভাঙ্গিয়ে ইয়ান নেবার বহু জায়গা আছে। ফেরত আসার সময় ওরাই আবার ইয়ান নিয়ে টাকা দিয়ে দেবে। এতে ট্রান্সফরমেশন চার্জ অল্পে  হয়ে যাবে। কিন্তু টাকা ভাঙ্গিয়ে  অহেতুক ডলার নিলে, টাকা থেকে ডলারের জন্য, তারপর ডলার থেকে ইয়ান এর জন্য, শেষে আবার ইয়ান থেকে টাকা পেতে সেটার জন্য বাড়তি অনেক টাকা ট্রান্সফার চার্জ বেড়িয়ে যাবে।

বেসরকারী সংস্থার ট্যুরটি  কাটমান্ডু  থেকে কাঠমান্ডু ধরে মোটামুটি ১২ দিনের। সরকারী সংস্থার দিল্লী থেকে দিল্লী ধরে লাগে ১৮ দিন। সাধারনত জুন, জুলাই, আগস্ট মাস  এই যাত্রার সময়। আমরা ২০১৩ সালের ১৮ই   জুন কলকাতা থেকে রওয়ানা হয়েছিলাম। সেসময়  কলকাতার ট্রাভেলিং এজেন্টকে মাথাপিছু খরচা দিতে হয়েছিলো ৮৮ হাজার টাকা। ফ্লাইটের খরচা বাদ দিয়ে।  যারা প্রকৃতপক্ষে ট্যুরটা করিয়েছিলো, কাঠমান্ডুর সেই 'সম্রাট ট্যুর এন্ড ট্রাভেলস' এর রেট ছিলো তখন মাথা পিছু ৭০ হাজার টাকা। খচ্চরে কৈলাশ পরিক্রমা করতে চাইলে খরচ পরতো ২০ হাজার টাকা।

এখন শুনেছি  সরকারীভাবে যাত্রার খরচাটাই  দুলাখ ছাড়িয়ে গেছে।

( নীচের ছবিটা কৈলাশের পাদদেশে সুর্য ওঠার ঠিক আগে এক আশ্চর্য আলোয় তোলার সুযোগ পেয়েছিলাম)।

পুনশ্চঃ

অনেকেই মানস সরোবরের ছবি দেখতে চেয়েছেন। কিন্তু গ্রুপে একটির বেশী ছবি পোষ্ট করা যায়না। কয়েকজনের প্রশ্নের উত্তরে এই কমেন্ট বক্সেই কিছু ছবি পোষ্ট করেছি। একটু খুঁজলেই পেয়ে যাবেন। 

Courtesy: Abhijit Dasgupta

Completely stripped Land Rover Defender base vehicle before starting the build on a new Marshland galvanised chassis

After 2 years of work, we are almost there.

We started with a Land Rover Defender base vehicle which we fully stripped down before starting the build on a new Marshland galvanised chassis. We completed a full nut and bolt restoration, sending all running gear components to be reconditioned.
We then built a Habitation Pod on the back - the pod structure is made from an aluminium frame and skin, with each piece being handcrafted using an English wheel. Once the pod structure was complete, we insulated the interior with 60 mm of closed cell insulation.
The pod interior was then cladded using 20 mm strips of bamboo, all with bead and cove routed into each strip to allow the wood to follow the curved shape of the pod. We then made the furniture out of aluminium and again skinned in bamboo, and made the counter tops out of locally source oak.
The induction hob and a compressor fridge are powered by a Victron system, with a 200 ah Batter and 3 Kw inverter. This system is charged by the engine power as well as two 111 W solar panels which are on the roof.
The weight of the truck as it sits now is just over 2,500 kg, which we think is lighter than you might guess.
For updates of when this is all happening, follow: 
www.instagram.com/duckworthoverland/?hl=en
or
www.facebook.com/DuckworthOverland/
Even more info on website: www.duckworthoverland.com 
- Tom Duckworth 

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* Vanlife 

* Conversion For Vanlife

* Vanlife Stories Worldwide 

Selfbuild Peugeot Boxer 2006 in progress for regular vanlife

7 weeks ago we bought our first Van project! Peugeot Boxer 2006 still a few little bits to do, but this is what we've done so far! Absolutely love it. Lots of hard work and late nights but definitely worth it for any one debating it. 

- Sophie Plant 

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* Vanlife 

* Conversion For Vanlife

* Vanlife Stories Worldwide 

Selfbuild van with windows

Due to old age this will be our first and last self-build. A big thank you to my husband for building us our retirement present. 

Don't be deceived it's not a campervan, but we will enjoy my hubbies hard work. 

It's a van with windows! 

- Carol Dilger 

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* Conversion For Vanlife

* Vanlife Stories Worldwide 

Fixed portable shower for vanlife

We now have a fixed portable shower for our vanlife.  We still need to do some final touches. 

- William Malone 

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* Conversion For Vanlife

* Vanlife Stories Worldwide 

Indian Roadie preferred hotel in Jharkhali, Sundarbans (April - September 2022)

Jhore Jole Jongole - Indian Roadie Preferred Hotel in JHARKHALI, Sundarbans, West Bengal for the period April 2022 to September 2022.

Indian Roadie Preferred Hotel in Lataguri, Dooars, West Bengal (April - September 2022)

Unique Inn - Indian Roadie Preferred Hotel in LATAGURI, Dooars, West Bengal or the period April 2022 to September 2022.

Indian Roadie preferred hotel in Munnar, Kerala (April - September 2022)

Greenridge Hotel - Indian Roadie Preferred Hotel in MUNNAR, Kerala for the period April 2022 to September 2022.

Indian Roadie preferred hotel in Jispa, HP (April - September 2022)

Gemur Holidays - Indian Roadie Preferred Hotel in JISPA, Himachal Pradesh for the period April 2022 to September 2022.

Leopard hit by a car at Chandanpuri near Malegaon, off the Dhule - Nashik highway

This is a video of a leopard which got stuck after being hit by a car at Chandanpuri near Malegaon, off the Dhule - Nashik highway in June 2022. 

With innumerable greenfield highway projects in India, such incidents will become more frequent. 

Motorists and bikers should exercise caution. 

Alibaug to Malvan road trip

I have done this trip Alibaug to Malvan covering most of the places on coastal route. Places which you must visit- Alibaug (beach, nothing great but starting point) - Korlai (light house) - Kashid (beach) - Murud - Janjira (beach and sea fort - closed in monsoon)-  Diveagar (beach) - Shekhadi (road along sea) - Shrivardhan (house of first Peshwa)- Harihareshwar (Temple and Pradakshina Marg)- Vesvi Bagmandala ferry- Bankot(remains of sea fort)- Velas (turle hatchery)- Harnai (Sea fort)- Murud beach- Dapoli (big town in the region for stay)- Keshavraj Temple- Tamastirth- Chandika Devi Dabhol- Dhopave by ferry- Enron Power Plant- Anjanvel fort and lighthouse - Guhagar beach and many stay options - Tawsal - Jaigad ferry - Ganapatipule (famous Ganesh temple) - Areware road (coastal road) - Ratnagiri (district place, Thibaw palace, Sawarkar smarak, Ratnadurg fort) - Pawas (mango orchards and ashram) - Purnagad (you may use 4x4 here to reach top of the fort)  - Vijaydurg (must visit sea fort) - Kunkeshwar (sea side shiva temple) - Malwan. 

So the route requested by you I have done it on the bike last November and the road is good enough and wide for a SUV. It is one of the most scenic route of Mumbai Goa highway. But to enjoy it you require patience since there are several beaches along the way that you would like to enjoy.

1) please refer the attached map only. Gmaps will keep pushing you towards the main highway. Also you would need to use 3-4 ferries to cross water bodies. Some ferries may charge you some may be free. Follow this route Mumbai - alibaug-  kashid - murud - dighi - diveagar - harihareshwar - dabhol - guhagar - jaigad  - ganpatipule - ratnagiri - vijyadurg - devgarh - malvan - tiracol. After taking tiracol ferry the goa border started.

2) You can stay wherever your day ends. All the places had some good hotels.

3) Jaigarh, harihareshwar, ganpatipule, aare warry beach, malvan etc are must see places.

4) No fall along the way. Atleast when I went there. Don't know about monsoon time. But be ready to face wrath of coastal sun heat. During the day it becomes very hot and humid.So bear that in mind.

5) Don't remember the name but of the places along the route there is a fortress built in the middle of the sea. 

Stay at Baug Guhagar. It's a nice homely place on the Konkan coast.

Spiti circuit from Ahmedabad in Ford Ecosport in June 2022

Finally completed my most awaited road trip planned across Himachal Pradesh in my own ford ecosport with wife Hiteshri Jadhav. 

Single handedly drove over 5053 kms in 19 Days i.e. 5th of June to 23rd of June, 2022. 

Ahmedabad - Jaipur - Shimla - Sangla - Chitkul - Reckong peo - Nako - Tabo - Dhankhar - Mud village - Kaza - Langza - Hikkim - Komic - Key - Kibber - Chandratal Lake - Manali - Bir - Barot - Dharamshala - Mcleodganj - Dharamkot - Dalhousie - Amritsar - Jaipur - Ahmedabad

Things we carried with us were own tent with mattress and blankets for camping in Chandratal, Mud Village etc. Rest of the nights were spent in homestays and Zostels. Also carried a portable stove for cooking own fresh food. 

Highlights of the roadtrip were Chandratal lake, Hikkim - World's highest post office, chicham bridge - world's highest cable bridge, drove through the world's most treacherous roads and ofcourse divine monestries.

We tried all the local delicacies like Laphing, Momos and Himachali thali in Himachal. Amritsari famous pehlwan ke kulche, gyan di lassi and authentic punjabi thali in Amritsar. Samrat ki Kachoris with rabdi ghevar in Jaipur.

There were few obstacles for sure in middle of the trip but that's how road trips would be right! There were no proper roads, passed through waterstream, reverse driving on narrow lane for a kilometre approx, and ofcourse harsh weather. Overcame every odds with mental support of my wifey and yeahhh we are already planning for another roadtrip in near future.

I've heard people say "Raste khubsurat he manzil se bhi", we felt so in this trip. The greatest part of road trip isn't the destination but it's all that wild stuff happens along the way. Himachal is truly paradise, mesmerizing landscapes and serene nature. 

Courtesy: Hardik Maisuria (https://www.facebook.com/hmaisuria16) 

Details about Waynad (Kerala) 

Wayanad hill station is 280 kms from Mangalore and 230 kms from my place, Puttur. It is 280 kms from Bengaluru. From Mangalore side, Madikeri is 90 kms. The road is good, scenic through sampaje that.. There are good food options at Madikeri.  You can enter Madikeri, take second right and head towards Virajpet (30 kms) where also you have good Udupi hotels. From there Kutta, the border town is 50 kms and if you take left steep turn you can enter Nagarahole Forest sanctuary. Bit since you have to exit from the opposite hunaur side. You can not club it with Wayanad trip. Once you cross Kutta check post and go left you are in Kerala and there is an animal safari in jeeps facility. It is available in morning and evening time. 

The road goes through beautiful thick forest and you may encounter wild animals also. We had a chance encounter with four wild elephants right in the road. From here  you proceed and about 15 kms before waynadu take left turn, drive for 10 kms and you are in kuruva island, which is scenic with boat ride and all. Return back to the high way go towards waynadu and in 25 kms you are in kalpetta where you have any number of hotels of all range..5 kms from kalpetta you reach vaithiri and you find pookade lake and boating. 

25 kms to east of kalpetta you reach edakallu caves which is atop a huge rocky mountain.. Climbing the steps is very tedious and is not advisable for old, sick and even fun loving folks.. Even the site at the top is not so impressive.

15 kms to south you have chembra peak which is meant for trekking..proceed further you find suchupura falls, 20 kms to west of kalpetta you have Vanasura dam site, which is fairly impressive. If you are returning from there to coastal Karnataka, you need not go back to kalpetta, instead you can proceed further and rejoin madikeri route.

If you are from Bengaluru, you need to take Mysore.. Gundlupet.. Sulthan Batheri.. Wayanad road.. From Wayanadu you can drive east and go to Ooty (120 kms) also.

For tourists who are looking for one day outing, wayanadu is an option. Resorts, trekking, ziplines , boating are available.. 

Courtesy: Vishweshwara Bhat (April 2022) 

Gurgaon - Dalhousie - Khajjiar - Chamba - Sach Pass - Killar (Pangi Valley) - (Killar - Kishtwar cliffhanger till HP/Jammu Border) - Udaipur - Keylong - Shinko La - Manali - Kasol (Parvati Valley) - Gurgaon  - Approx 2000 KMs - 6N/7D - From approx 750 ft (230 mts) to 16580 ft (5000 mts)

 

Tolls Paid - 635 (Fastag) + 400 (Cash)

 

Diesel - Rs.14000 

We left in early October 2020 for Chamba and beyond. The ultimate destinations or the key areas of interest were Sach Pass (that I've been wanting to do for the past couple of ears since my Spiti trip), Shinko la (or also known as Shingo La/ Shinku La) and the recently opened and trending Atal Tunnel. And to do this amazing drive all I needed was a wheel in my hand and four on the road. 

 

It was important that we do this soon within the first fortnight of October as it could snow anytime soon and these passes would have closed. 

 

Day 1 : Gurgaon - via WPE - Chandigarh - Ropar - Jalandhar - Pathankot - Dunera (if interested, one can take a detour of 40 kms to Atal Setu) - Banikhet - Dalhousie 

Distance: Approx 670 Kms 

Time: Approx 16 hrs (effective driving time approx 12-13 hours)

Stay: Hotel Manimahesh, HPTDC

Roads Status: Don't know when all flyovers construction will finish on Ggn-Chd route, currently it causes quite a few bottle necks and jams. Chd-Jalandhar via Ropar/Nawashahar has become a cream and took us only about 2 hours as there was hardly any traffic on that route. Roads after Pathankot till HP border are messy and broken. 

  

Sometimes the most interesting tours are the detours and Atal Setu was one of them as it was completely unplanned and a surprise visit. We had no idea about it until we saw a sign board near Dunera (about 40 kms short of Dalhousie). Enquired a little (there weren't many people around 8 pm) and decided to take the detour and visit it. We reached there to only find Atal Setu closed for the day with complete darkness around with only a police checkpost nearby. After a sweet talk, the police personnel were kind enough to allow us to visit the bridge, take pictures, experience the cool breeze coming from the lake underneath. They even offered to have a few a drinks with them. It was an interesting one for sure!

 

There is an HP entry toll after Dunera and then a cantonment entry charge before Dalhousie. The incline primarily starts after Dunera. One interesting thing we observed was a very clear sky with millions of stars visible a few KMs after Pathankot itself. We checked into HPTDC Hotel around 10:00 PM where govt. was offering 40% flat discount on rack rates till 31st Dec, and the staff (actually only man on duty) was kind enough to provide us a double room upgrade along with the discount which was like icing on the cake after a long day behind wheels. 

Info from Wiki - Atal Setu (Basohli) near Pathankot is a 592 mt long cable-stayed bridge on the Ravi river commissioned to nation on 24 December 2015 by former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikkar. The bridge is situated on Dunera(Pathankot) to Basohli road and built to improve connectivity among three states of India- Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. This bridge is first of its kind in North India and fourth of its kind in nation. The other such three bridges are in Mumbai (Bandra-Worli sealink), Allahabad (Naini) and Kolkata (Hoogly).

 

Day 2: Dalhousie - Daini Kund - Kalatop - Khajjiar (Mini Switzerland of India) - Chamba 

Distance : Approx 50 Kms

Time: Approx 4 hrs of driving time including detours

Stay: Hotel Ravi Arena, near Chamba on Chamba - Bharmour road 

Road Status: Roads are mostly narrow and broken in parts. Road widening work going on between Khajjiar and Chamba, so you can expect a few roadblocks in between. Road to Kalatop Forest Reserve is NOT a tar road and one has to pay a car entry charge of INR 250. Though it is optional and one can park before the check post and walk through 2-3 kms to the FRH. Sign boards there advises to preferably walk in groups due to presence of black bears in that area. Looking at the overall distance and then a li’l walk around FRH, we were glad we decided to pay and drive instead of walking inside that jungle :P There is a small village kind of set up inside with a couple of eating joints where you can enjoy Maggi, Pakodas etc sitting on a terrace, enjoying the cool winds and amazing views of Pir Panjal range and forest around.  

 

We initially had some alternate plans to do a few lesser explored full day driving routes, but by the time we could check out, it was late for that and we decided to enjoy the day at ease, relax and explore the areas around Dalhousie and Khajjiar. The best part was all of these places hardly had any tourists and we could actually enjoy the calmness, peace and serenity. One can also do few activities like paragliding, horse riding etc. around Khajjiar , or visit famous Nag Temple there or just sit back and relax in the vast and beautiful meadows surrounded by Deodar trees. It is popularly known as Mini Switzerland of India for a reason :).  

 

I'd also recommend a short trek about 2-3 Kms from Danikund (which we actually missed). Someone told us later it take you to the highest peak in that area and offers an amazing 360 degree view including great view of Pir Panjal Mountain range. 

 

In case anyone don't want to see Dalhousie etc., you can head directly to Chamba from Banikhet and need not take the Dalhousie detour.  

 

Day 3: Chamba - Bairagarh - Sach Pass - Killar 

Distance: Approx 160 kms

Time: Approx 11 hrs including ample photo and other breaks and wait time at road blocks. 

Stay: Hotel Shivay at Killar

Roads: The roads from Chamba till Bairagarh and few kms further are fine and tarmac and thereafter the adventure begins. Narrow to very Narrow mud & stone roads with JCBs and 2 way traffic , few beautiful waterfalls, glaciers and of course lots and lots of loose soil dust. Note that Jio Fibre cabling work is in progress in this area, so roads become sort of further narrow due to digging. 

 

It was an important day for us as we were to head towards Killar via much awaited first milestone around which this trip was planned - 'Sach Pass'  located at an altitude of about 4500 meters (abt 14800 ft) :) . It is also known as Gateway to Pangi Valley. It took us about 4 hours to reach Bairagarh (~ 90kms) from our Hotel where we took a good brunch break followed by some security formalities at a Police Check post few kms ahead of Bairagarh. And thereafter the real fun began with adventure roads/no-roads. In about 3 hours to Sach Pass top from Bairagarh I guess we covered about 30 kms and climbed an altitude of about 7500+ ft. 

 

Trust me, once you reach the top, the feeling is completely awesome. Since it was Oct and about 3 pm odd in the afternoon, we were only accompanied by a single car for a while and then we were all by ourselves enjoying the tranquillity in the cold winds with a few glaciers around (yes they were still there awaiting fresh snow season anytime in a couple of weeks). Since we had to reach Killar which was still about 3-4 hrs away and with only 1 small dhaba enroute, alas, we had to begin our descend sooner than we’d have wanted to! Enjoyed a Maggi break at the Dhaba and reached Killar around 7pm. There are only 3-4 stay options at Killar, so it is advisable to pre-book your stay in advance. 

 

Day 4: Killar - Sansari Nalla (Killar Kishtwar Cliffhanger route) - Killar - Udaipur - Kirting (village before Tandi)

Distance: 150 kms 

Time: 9.5 hours including breaks and abt 1.5 hours of road block. 

Stay: Ranika Home Stay at Kirting 

Roads: Tarmac roads only start from Udaipur towards Keylong, so except for about 20-25 odd kms, we drove on bad to very bad roads whole day. Road widening and tarmac work is going on but that was only for 3-4 kms in between Killar and Udaipur as of now. 

 

Given the Covid restrictions by J&K, the cliffhanger road of Killar - Kishtwar wasn't really part of plan, however, we finally decided to go a few kms (in opposite direction) and experience it before we head towards Keylong. And as you know 'Yeh Dil Maange More', so we kept going for about 20 kms or so till the HP -Jammu Border at Sansari Nala. It was totally worth it and thanks to this short stint, we got our hands on a 30kg Box filled with fresh and yummy local apples from a village famous in that region for the same. 

 

While heading towards Udaipur there was a long jam (abt 4-5 hrs) some 20 kms short of Tindi due to blasting work by BRO. Thankfully we were behind schedule due to the morning stint and thus were stuck there only for about 1.5 hrs :D.  Minus the dust, the surroundings were beautiful with the Chandrabagha river flowing in the valley and a couple of nice waterfalls visible from a distance. It was already about 8pm when we reached Udaipur, took a short Thupka break and called a couple of hotels at Keylong. Since they told they had no availability, so we decided to stay at whatever we get enroute, and then the blessing in disguise happened. The Home stay we found in a small village named 'Kirting' at about 9500 ft, was amongst one of our best stays during the entire trip. Interestingly, they were closed this season due to Covid but I guess a warm talk over the phone worked and they let us stay. The hosts were absolutely amazing and treated us with great food, the famous seabuck thorn tea from their own farm, and some special local things to make it so very special for us. 

 

Day 5: Kirting - Tandi - Darcha - Sumdo - Shinko La - Darcha - Jispa

Distance: 160 Kms

Time: 4 hrs till Shinko La including breaks and about 3 hrs while coming back. 

Stay: Kolong Retreat, Kolong near Jispa

Roads: One word - Treacherous. It's like a runway till about Sumdo and then you got to make your own roads, haha! Remember that Shinko La became motorable only in recent couple of years and a lot work is going on at good speeds, however, between Sumdo and Shinko La higher GC is needed at multiple spots. From Sumdo at about 11000 ft we climbed about 5500+ ft in a li'l less than 20 kms to reach Shinko La top (16580 ft). On a lighter note, inspired from a Jeep Compass guy I met there, ours was probably the first Hyundai or first Hyundai SantaFe to reach Shinko La.. Lol ;)

 

I'd fall short of words to express the feeling I went through as we reached Shinko La top. I've driven through higher passes like Khardung La etc., however, the sense of achievement and accomplishment here was very very different. Maybe it was because of the treacherous terrain, or may be because a very few travellers have yet been there, or maybe it was that small yet beautiful lake at the top, or it was the extremely chilly winds or maybe it was just a cocktail of all of it and more. 

 

The road via Shinku La is an alternate route connecting Zanskar Valley to Himachal. Earlier the only road was the road from Kargil. We wanted to go a few kms further down from Shinko La towards Kurgaikh/Zanskar, but as we got to know that the road is blocked due to a landslide, we decided to rather enjoy a li'l more time at the top and the lake before heading back towards Jispa. After all, if you keep something pending then you're better motivated to visit the place again :)  Very few accommodations were open at Jispa due to COVID and they all were mostly full due to sudden weekend rush, courtesy Atal Tunnel. Anyway, we were lucky again to find at decent place to have a good night's sleep at a cozy hotel located at 11500 ft about 3kms uphill detour from the main highway near Jispa. This was I guess our highest altitude overnight stay during the entire trip. 

 

A word of caution, to monitor and take care of your O2 levels around Shinku La pass. BTW, a long  (approx 13 kms) tunnel is under initial stages at Shinko La to make it an all-weather road and an alternate route esp. for defense services.

 

Day 6: Jispa - Atal Tunnel (Rohtang Tunnel) - Manali - Bhuntar - Kasol - Manikaran Sahib - Kasol 

Time: About 6 hrs with ample breaks. 

Distance: 170 Kms. 

Stay: Chalo Kasol Camps. 

Roads: Good Roads mostly all through. Bhuntar - Kasol - Manikaran Sahib is also all tarmac though narrow. 

 

So the main excitement for the day was the current biggest talk of the town these days 'Atal Tunnel'. We were neither first nor last to cross it but for sure a lot of respect to BRO and everyone involved in making of this state of the art marvel which is World's Longest Tunnel above 10000 ft. It is approx 9.02 Kms long with speed limits of 40 near Entry and Exit and 60 in the rest of it. It's a 2 lane all-weather tunnel connecting various parts of HP especially Lahaul district that earlier used to get disconnected from ROI during winters due to heavy snow at Rohtang Pass. It has also helped in reducing travel distance by about 47 kms on Manali-Leh route and about 2-3 hours of travel time (do not forget the long jams that could lead to additional time).

 

A few Kms between Sissu and North Portal of Atal Tunnel were very scenic with golden Autumn trees around and about half a KM before the North Portal, the road was outlined with vehicles and people standing to take pictures making it a sort of picnic spot. 

 

We initially thought of staying at Manali but by the time we reached there we decided to head to Kasol instead as that was another place which has been on wishlist for a while. We headed straight to Manikaran Sahib first for darshan. It is also famous for its hot springs and Gurudwara complex has a Shiva temple too. There is a multi-level car parking available and of course not to miss the langar. The road further goes to Tosh but we heard it's not in great condition with lots of traffic jam. 

 

Post darshan, prashad and a hot cup of tea, we moved back towards Kasol where we were lucky to get a nice river side wooden cottage. Since it was dark by then we spent rest of our evening exploring lovely Kasol market. Do not miss to visit Evergreen Café and Jim Morrison Café for some finger licking food. One can also go for a few short treks around and explore a few villages around, or just sit by the river side to relax, or do some bonfire in the evenings.  

 

Day 7: Kasol - Bhuntar - Bajaura - Rahla - Mandi - Ner Chowk - Sunder Nagar - Bilaspur - Swarghat - Panjhera - Nalagarh - Pinjore - Chandigarh

Distance: Approx 280 Kms. 

Time: While this should have taken us not more than 8-9 hours, but due to a long multi hour traffic jam near Swarghat it took us almost 11 hours. 

Roads: From Bajaura we took an alternate route via Rahla towards Mandi as the roads via regular Aut Tunnel route are in bad condition. It took us almost 2 hours from Bajaura to Mandi as the roads were narrow and there was more traffic than expected, however, the roads were good, scenic and some additional perks of getting yummy japani phal, walnuts, seedless pomegranate directly from the local farmer. 

 

Roads from Mandi till Swarghat are good to average and thereafter between Nalagarh to Pinjore is totally awesome roads and late at night there was hardly any traffic on that stretch. One can also take a diversion from Baddi towards Chandigarh, however, we took a slightly longer route via Pinjore. 

 

We were happy to be back at base thankful to God to be able to see and accomplish more than we had thought of, the wanderlust desires of this li'l heart are never ending asking for more. 

Courtesy: Umang Singla

 

After Srinagar... it was time to take traditional Leh circuit.

Day 1_Srinagar to Kargil 200km / Hight 2676mtr

Sonmarg (81km) cutoff 6am to 10am

Zojila (20km) Dras (42km) war Memorial (10km) Kargil (54km)

Road condition was at its best.

Zozila was very well maintained so no issues at all. 

Short documentary at War Memorial is a good addition.

Tip of the day - Start early, enjoy zero photo bombing at Sonmarg and escape from Zojila before traffic starts.

Day 2_Kargil to Leh 280 km/ Hight 3500mtr

Mulbekh Chamba Statue (36km) Namika La (15km) Fotula (37km) Lamayuru Monastery (15km) Moon land (3km) Basgo plains(72km)  Indus Zanskar Sangam (9km) Magnatic Hills (4km) Pathar Sahib (3km) Guest House Leh (25km)

Spent evening at Shanti Stupa and then at Leh Market.

Road condition- Effortless drive.

Tip of the day - Take lot of photo break and make them as drink break too... consume lot of water. Dont miss sunset at Shanti Stupa.

Day 3_Leh local

Used this day for acclimatize.. fill Dizel stock... refill food stock.

Visited Thiksey Monastery(21km) Hemis Monastery Museum (25km) Rancho School and Cafe (28km) and Back to Hotel (15km)

Again evening spent at Leh Market.

Tip of the day - Along with shopping at Leh market also visit Army item stores at Karu. Best place to buy value for money heavy duty woolen socks and gloves.

Day 4_Leh to Turtuk  and stay at Hunder 300km/ Hight 3160mtr

South pullu (24km) Khardungla top (14km) North Pullu (15km) Ktop View point (17km) khalasar Dhaba (23km) Nubra Filling Station (5km) Diskit Monastery (16km) Diksit pump (5km) Hunder (8km)

Hunder to Turtuk (90km) Thang border Village (10km) Nubra Camp (95km)

Road condition - End to end good roads. Khardungla after road widening and carpeting just like any other La.

Nubra to Turtuk - Awesome route but due to lot curves and Shyok river company besides the road collar you need to be very careful after dark. While in return journey from Turtuk to Nubra got stuck at a critical high hill turn in heavy sand strom... Army Tata Safari was behind me to encourage me to stay stand still till for 10 minutes till that strom pass through... once in a lifetime experience.... real feeling of Darr ke Aage Jit Hai!!!

Tip of the day - If you are targeting to visit Turtuk then start early and try to come back to Hunder before sunset else take halt at Turtuk.

Hunder to Merak 200km / Hight 4325mtr

Hunder – Agham (51km) – Shyok Village (47km) – Durbuk (16km) – Tangste (10km) –First view of Pangong Tso (31km) - Spangmik (14km) Man (9km) Merak (11km)

Road condition - Agham to Shyok Village entire road is made of river pebbles which slows down the speed but its manageable than the old road through Shyok river bed. Rest all smooth tarmac.

Tip of the day - To enjoy real beauty of Pangong atleast drive till Merak. Homestays at Merak is undoubtedly better than crowded tent stays at Spangmik.

Merak to Hanle 150km / 4500 Mtrs

Merak to Numa (25km) to Chushul War Memorial Park (3km) to Rezang La War Memorial (13km)  Loma bend (50km) Hanle (51km)

Road Condition- After few km from Merak till Loma no roads... only durt track befor ane after Rezang La War Memorial. 

Loma to Hanle good road.

Tip of the day - wait till sun get on to the head... the beauty of Pangong will change with sharp Sun bright sun rays.

Hanle to  Karzok Tso Moriri 160km / 4600mtr

Hanle – Loma (51 KMs) – Turn left -  Nyoma (22 KMs) – Mahe (25 KMs) – Sumdo entry (10 KMs) – Tso Moriri / Korzok (53 KMs)

Road condition - After Loma till Karzok its almost broken roads or kachha roads.

Hanle to Umling la and back can be done in 9-12hrs. Could not able to do it due to daughter's health issue. Do not cut lose on water consumption, AMS can hit you anytime.

Tip of the day - Hanle to Loma is one of the best route with lot of different colors of sand combinations can be seen so enjoy the views with color variations.

Karzok to Gemur 320km

Longest and most patience checking day!!!

Karzok to Sumdo (43km) Tso Kar (37km) pang Debering intersection (22km) More Plains (30km) Pang (12km) Gata loops (53km) Sarchu (24km) Baralachala (32km) Suraj tal (3km) Zing Zing Bar (19km) Darcha (21km) Jispa (9km) Gemur Camp (4km) 

Road Condition - its all kaccha road of100km till pang Debering intersection where road connects to Leh Manali highway. Most of section is under construction so may be in near future we can see good tarmac on this route.

Tip of the day - Today is a last day for you to admire the beauty of Leh Ladakh terrain so keep your phone and camera aside and enjoy the vista's around you with your naked eyes.

Gemur to Manali 100km

Once you will be in Manali the world will be changed... the crowded mall road...noise... rush.... mountains hidden under hotel buildings... make u feel either let's go home or let's hit back the hills again.... and that's the point when your plans for next vacation or nextbdrive start cooking.... 

For me from this point onward it was a straight forward drive till home with a one day halt at Jaipur. 

(Road trip from Jaipur to Ladakh and back narrated in the first person by Sandeep Chalke)