[zenx]

Originally Posted by akroy

Excellent update zenx, and the tarmac reminded of the Putalapattu - Tirupati - Naidupet (SH61) where you can easily do 100-120kmph.

This route can be very handy for people doing Hampi trip since NH13 is not in the best of shape. How is the NH63 between Hospet - Bellary? You are telling it is dusty but is it potholed as well. How much time can you on expect to cover this stretch?
What was the total distance from Bangalore?

Abhi

After Bellary we had intermittently bad roads for almost 18kms, then the right at the fork to Kamalapur was all country roads is okish shape - 60kmphish. The first 18 had some decent stretches, some parts being resurfaced so no roads, and lots of potholes. Averaged about 50kmph between Hampi-Bellary through either route.

Yeah - between Hiriyur and Bellary its a peaceful 100-120 road, but with frequent pauses for rumbler strips (which, as I said, make sense in the context). After twilight, watch out for surprise carts along the edges of the road - especially in the face of oncoming high beams.

Total distance from Blore was nearly the same. Hampi market to home (Sarjapura Road near the ORR intersection) was 400, so maybe 380ish from Yeshwantpur Station.

[spadival]

Mumbai-Pune Expressway.. especially in the monsoon. Not many highways can boast of a ghat section or a couple of hill stations enroute. However, while the concrete surfacing is durable, it is a bit on the hard side, making for a harsher ride.

[king_julian]

I would like to vote for the the coastal road in Goa that goes from Margao to Palolem. This road goes past Betula beach, Cabo De Rama (Cape Rama) fort, Agonda beach, etc. There is a certain place where you can take your car over a creek by ferry if you so choose (I found out about this later) and continue the journey on the other side.

Thanks,
Amit.

[akroy]

Originally Posted by king_julian

I would like to vote for the the coastal road in Goa that goes from Margao to Palolem. This road goes past Betula beach, Cabo De Rama (Cape Rama) fort, Agonda beach, etc. There is a certain place where you can take your car over a creek by ferry if you so choose (I found out about this later) and continue the journey on the other side.

Thanks,
Amit.

Yes I also liked the curves when I took that road from Palolem which hit NH17 at Margao. Read my Goa Travelogue for mor details about ferrying etc.

Abhi

[vasudeva]

For me, concrete 6-lane roads have no meaning if traffic management is pathetic. I have been to Chandigarh many times, but drive in Delhi. From my experience, I can say that driving there is the least hassle free.

[avishkar41]

Called Express highway-1, this road also needs to be mentioned here. Though short in distance(90Kms) but thoro fun driving on it.

[sidkun]

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is great for sheer speed,connectivity and convenience.....but some of the best maintained roads overall I've seen are the state highways in Rajasthan. Also, the drive from Mota Ambaji through the mountains to Mount Abu was one of the most scenic that I've been on.

[blue_pulsar]

The NH4 is too good. I go for long drives on it starting from Bangalore, say like 100km. It is really good once you get of of Bangalore City

[manojgautham]

Grand Trunk road, I would say

[rev up..]

the 2 hr. drive from delhi to jaipur is one of the most finest roads i have ever driven on..and let me be frank..the mumbai-pune expressway is not even good..forget being the best..why is it getting all the votes?

[debkumarroy]

Agreed, the surface is not the best.
However, Considering the extremely difficult terrain it was built on, I find the Mumbai-Pune expressway amazing.
It's so beautifully laid out, it's almost a work of art.
I also remember what a pain this section of NH4 used to be before the expressway. This expressway has demonstrated how better infrastructure can lead to dramatic improvement in standard of living

[wanderlustindia]

Originally Posted by wanderlustindia

4. from Surat to the entry point of Mumbai city ... by far the best stretch of NH-4 I encountered

Correction: It is NH-8 and not NH-4. My bad.

[rev up..]

Originally Posted by debkumarroy

Agreed, the surface is not the best.
However, Considering the extremely difficult terrain it was built on, I find the Mumbai-Pune expressway amazing.
It's so beautifully laid out, it's almost a work of art.
I also remember what a pain this section of NH4 used to be before the expressway. This expressway has demonstrated how better infrastructure can lead to dramatic improvement in standard of living

if you are saying the premise is breathtaking and all that, wait till you see the jaipur-delhi drive. you will be eating your words.

[paragbm]

well I have not travelled all the roads mentioned in but here are some that come to mind:
1) Mumbai Pune expressway : It;s got all high speed turns, chicanes, lovely straights to speed, slow speed U turns. And if you are driving through in the monsoon that a fantabulous scenery. Part of the Pune lonavala strecth could do with a better surface.

2) Vadodra Ahemdabad expressway: I am not sure if that is what its called. But the road is cool, low traffic and just keeps going ... put your car in overdrive in Vadodra and chill out till you get to Ahemdabad. Could set a straight line speed record here

3) Rajasthan ; Road from a small village called Mandar ( If I remember right) to Barmer. The road goes through miles and miles of nothing.. all you see is a camels , sheeps and a occasional Army truck. This a national highway I think ( do not remember the number though).

[suzuki san]

I would say the Baroda - Ahmedabad expressway - called National Expressway 1. Its made of tar so smoother than Mumbai - Pune expressway and no danger of tyres bursting!!!!! Awesome road.