[Ertigiat]

Originally Posted by T.S.

Need suggestions. I will be driving to Goa (Candolim) starting on the 11th of Nov and I intend to take the Chorla route. The plan is to leave on the morning of 11th at around 10 pm, take a night halt by around 8 pm and then proceed to Goa on the 12th. What is the best suggested night halt location (for family) considering the next day I would have to drive 2 or 3 hours max to reach Candolim?

I believe you meant starting on 11th Nov at around 10 AM..

Belgaum should be your destination for halt. It makes perfect sense to drive 6/4 lane highway all the way till Belgaum. Take break and proceed after a good night's sleep.

Our friend and T-bhpain Vivek woould be of great help in letting you know decent place to stay for a night.

Originally Posted by vivek95

Taking Bhimgad route from Belgaum to Goa has an advantage of spotting some wildlife. I had encountered a jackal from very close when I was on a bike. I had to stop to let it cross and that guy in turned stopped and stared at me for a good few seconds but fleed the spot when I was about to click a pic with my phone camera. Some people have seen Tigers and Leopards as well. Mind you, this is a Kali Tiger reserve ( Dandeli--Anshi--Chorla--Tilari--Amboli region is a protected Tiger reserve ). Good chance of spotting Elephants and bisons too. I was riding alone here in 2015 April and some sections of this forest route are too eerie. Those strange noises scared the hell out of me and I crossed the forest without stopping anyhwere in between.

I totally agree with you. I have come across Peacock umpteen times. Other animals spotted by me are Jackal, Snakes & Bison. I am little wary of Bison. They can easily flung car off the road, if come in charging. It is rare to spot these in broad daylight, but if you enter the route at 6 PM you may get a chance to witness.

It is especially mesmerizing if you choose to travel early morning when gates open. I would recommend, be at the gates by 6 AM and you are sure to come across at least one of these animals as you enter.

[selfdrive]

Originally Posted by T.S.

What is the best suggested night halt location (for family) considering the next day I would have to drive 2 or 3 hours max to reach Candolim?

Sankam residency Belgaum
Hotel Ramdev, Belgaum
Wildernest, Chorla: a little expensive but different experience altogether

When we went to Goa last month, we were considering this place:
http://sankalphospitality.in/
Sankalp Bhumi farm resort.

As one of our kids fell sick, we had to delay departure by a day and ended up driving straight to Goa. So havent tried this place, but it looks interesting. Maybe some other bhpians have tried it?

Originally Posted by vivek95

Taking Bhimgad route from Belgaum to Goa has an advantage of spotting some wildlife.

We tried our best; drove slowly, all windows down, but the timing was not right. we were passing that area around noon.
All we saw were some butterflies.

Originally Posted by Ertigiat

It is especially mesmerizing if you choose to travel early morning when gates open. I would recommend, be at the gates by 6 AM and you are sure to come across at least one of these animals as you enter.

Next time will try to halt at Belgaum overnight and be at the gate at 6am; though it is a big challenge to do that with kids. Any decent stay options between Belgaum and Khanapur?

[Ertigiat]

Originally Posted by selfdrive

Next time will try to halt at Belgaum overnight and be at the gate at 6am; though it is a big challenge to do that with kids.

I understand. I think only once I was able to reach the gates at 6 AM with kids on board (When I literally dumped them in car right from their beds). Otherwise it was always solo drive.

Any decent stay options between Belgaum and Khanapur?

I am not able to recollect any decent option but if time permits you can stay in Bhimgad wildlife Sanctuary itself.

Shangri-La Village Resort

[TaurusAl]

Originally Posted by Ertigiat

I am little wary of Bison. They can easily flung car off the road, if come in charging. It is rare to spot these in broad daylight, but if you enter the route at 6 PM you may get a chance to witness.

Last time I was driving around 6 am, had crossed Amboli and headed a Ajara. A bison came in the way all of a sudden. I was driving at about 80. Looked like a bloody giant even in front of my XUV. I braked as hard as I could and the Bison and me exchanged stares.

Needless to say I was the one who was nervous to the core. To my luck he decided to cross the road and took a giant leap into the fields.


Any idea if the Ajara road is being repaired off late ? The Diwali traffic load is going to make it worse.

[nitinralli]

Everyone, DO NOT take Amboli route. Its a mess to say the least. Horrible roads. Just came back last Friday from Goa.

While going to Goa from Pune, i took Chorla route, and boy what a route it was. Scenic, smooth roads passing through forest (though didnt see anything, except humans) But i really started to appreciate this route when while coming back i took Amboli route

So do whatever, but do not take Amboli at any cost.

[vivek95]

Folks planning to do Mumbai/Pune to South Goa via Belgaum--NH4A ( the Bhimgad/Anmod ghat route ), please be aware that there is ban on heavy vehicles from entering inside Belgaum from 7 a.m to 8pm resulting in bad heavy traffic outside the city onto the Goa highway ( NH4A). Loads of trucks are parked on one half of the 2 lane undivided road leaving cramped space for movement of other traffic. This is just for your information and factor a delay of around 30 mins.

Same story for Chorla road, but not many trucks are parked on this route.

I will post further updates accordingly.

Originally Posted by Ertigiat

I believe you meant starting on 11th Nov at around 10 AM..

Belgaum should be your destination for halt. It makes perfect sense to drive 6/4 lane highway all the way till Belgaum. Take break and proceed after a good night's sleep.

Our friend and T-bhpain Vivek woould be of great help in letting you know decent place to stay for a night.

Hotel Ramdev International, Hotel Sai Sangam international, Hotel Rohan Residency, Hotel Sanman Deluxe, Hotel Adarsha Palace, Hotel Native by Chancery are some of the most decent places to break for a night in Belgaum on your way from Mumbai/Pune to Goa. I am not including the names of the three 4 star hotels here. Apparently there is one new 5 star at Belgaum ( The Fern, UK 27 ) though I doubt it's only a 4 star.

Originally Posted by Ertigiat

totally agree with you. I have come across Peacock umpteen times. Other animals spotted by me are Jackal, Snakes & Bison. I am little wary of Bison. They can easily flung car off the road, if come in charging. It is rare to spot these in broad daylight, but if you enter the route at 6 PM you may get a chance to witness.

True that. I have spotted two full blown bisons as close as 3 metres away, when I was riding my Honda Dio on Chorla road at 6pm in the evening ( June 2013 ). Then, I rode by the side of a group of 4 bisons, about 20 metres far, when we guys did a one day picnic to Nersa village forests, Bhimgad zone. That was no road, actually a forest trail. In my car, haven't spotted even a dog. I think my luck is when I am on a bike , but don't want to run into an elephant someday . This Bhimgad is a more protected forest and route, so high chance of bumping into something when crossing the stretch early mornings there.

[car.lover]

Folks - planning to drive down to North Goa for Diwali along with family and a dog. Is Nipani-Amboli-Sawantwadi the way to go?

Had a specific question - is there a pet friendly stop recommended on the route? Was aiming to take a halt somewhere around Kolhapur and need some open space / pet friendly areas at the place we decide to halt for lunch.

Thanks in advance

[moralfibre]

Originally Posted by car.lover

Folks - planning to drive down to North Goa for Diwali along with family and a dog. Is Nipani-Amboli-Sawantwadi the way to go?

No way! That road is ruined beyond repair. Stick to Belgaum - Chorla route.

[TaurusAl]

Can anyone recommend good halt with non-veg food and clean toilets (for female passengers) somewhere before Chorla and after Belgaum ?

Since I used to always use Amboli and halt at Hotel Minerva in Ajara, I have to now find an alternative.

[varunsangal]

Originally Posted by TaurusAl

Can anyone recommend good halt with non-veg food and clean toilets (for female passengers) somewhere before Chorla and after Belgaum ?

Since I used to always use Amboli and halt at Hotel Minerva in Ajara, I have to now find an alternative.

After Belgaum there is not much to see/eat before the ghats. Plan to stop in Belgaum instead. There is a restaurant called Niyaaz, it has good non-veg food. The toilets are acceptable as well. There is a 2-3 car parking space right outside the restaurant, else, they have a bigger car park ~100-200 mts down the road which is usable and safe.

Niyaaz now has more branches in Belgaum, so you can choose, they are also in Goa, I remember seeing one near Panjim.

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation, commercial or otherwise with Niyaaz.

[Ertigiat]

Originally Posted by vivek95

Folks planning to do Mumbai/Pune to South Goa via Belgaum--NH4A ( the Bhimgad/Anmod ghat route ), please be aware that there is ban on heavy vehicles from entering inside Belgaum from 7 a.m to 8pm resulting in bad heavy traffic outside the city onto the Goa highway ( NH4A). Loads of trucks are parked on one half of the 2 lane undivided road leaving cramped space for movement of other traffic. This is just for your information and factor a delay of around 30 mins.

Thank you for the information. I am to travel early next week & will keep in mind situation to adjust my timings.

Originally Posted by car.lover

Had a specific question - is there a pet friendly stop recommended on the route? Was aiming to take a halt somewhere around Kolhapur and need some open space / pet friendly areas at the place we decide to halt for lunch

You can stop at Hotel Sai International or at Hotel Kauvery just after Nipani. These hotel have sufficient space for dogs to move around. In fact at Hotel Kauvery you might come across aged Labrador dog (Owner's pet).

Originally Posted by moralfibre

No way! That road is ruined beyond repair. Stick to Belgaum - Chorla route.

Never imagined the condition of road will get so worse. It was my regular route when Anmod route was in pathetic condition.

[moralfibre]

Originally Posted by Ertigiat

Never imagined the condition of road will get so worse. It was my regular route when Anmod route was in pathetic condition.

Mine as well until I drove on it a week and half ago. I wonder what really happened since the road is not subjected to heavy truck traffic. Reminds of it's pathetic state from 2004-09 time frame when getting to Uttur was a nightmare from Nipani.

[vivek95]

Originally Posted by TaurusAl

Can anyone recommend good halt with non-veg food and clean toilets (for female passengers) somewhere before Chorla and after Belgaum ?

Since I used to always use Amboli and halt at Hotel Minerva in Ajara, I have to now find an alternative.

The only fairly good stopover between Belgaum and Chorla is Hotel Delta, part of Delta cottage resorts at Kanakumbi. It falls on left side going to Goa. I had last visited this place an year back when the washrooms were good and food was okay. What I liked however was the location of this hotel, as it's situated bang in the middle of thick forests. I happened to spot a huge golden squirrel here.

Others are Wildernest and Swapnagandha resorts which are quite popular but I think they accept only prior bookings for stay.

[TaurusAl]

Originally Posted by moralfibre

Mine as well until I drove on it a week and half ago. I wonder what really happened since the road is not subjected to heavy truck traffic. Reminds of it's pathetic state from 2004-09 time frame when getting to Uttur was a nightmare from Nipani.

What if one uses Sankeshwar - Ghadinglaj road ? Avoiding Utur ? Is Amboli also broken ?

[moralfibre]

Originally Posted by TaurusAl

What if one uses Sankeshwar - Ghadinglaj road ? Avoiding Utur ? Is Amboli also broken ?

The ghat not so much. But, the road before Amboli is broken. I am not sure how Sankeshwar - Gadinglaj is right now.