[ranjitp1]

Originally Posted by issigonis

1. For Munabao, does one require any permit from the armed forces/ BSF?
If so, can anyone enlighten on the process?

no permits required to go to Munabao Rly Stn.The border is around 3kms from the station.But if you want to go to the Border,its quite a tedious process,permissions from BSF Company Commander at Gadra etc.You can also drive to Jaisalmer from Munabao via the Desert National Park (Munabao-Sundra-Jaisalmer).But the roads would be covered with sand and nil traffic except for BSF vehicles.

Originally Posted by issigonis

4. Any recommendations on acco in Barmer?

The Justa Sanchal is very good.For budget,very basic accomodation Circuit House or the RTDC Khartal.(both are next to each other).Call and book in advance.

Originally Posted by issigonis

5. Any information on BPCL COCOs on the

ii. Jaisalmer -Barmer highway

There is one at Barmer on the NH15 after Barmer town towards Tharad.

Originally Posted by issigonis

iii. Barmer - Sanchore - Deesa highway:

There is one at Sanchor,am sure more are there

[issigonis]

Originally Posted by ranjitp1

no permits required to go to Munabao Rly Stn.The border is around 3kms from the station.But if you want to go to the Border,its quite a tedious process,permissions from BSF Company Commander at Gadra etc.You can also drive to Jaisalmer from Munabao via the Desert National Park (Munabao-Sundra-Jaisalmer).But the roads would be covered with sand and nil traffic except for BSF vehicles.

>>>
Thank you.
Mr. Sanjay Shah of Justa Sanchal Fort hotel informed me that a permit is required from the Barmer District Collector(or her/his office) to visit Munabao. I had not specified the railway station or the actual border.
If I get permission to visit the actual border then I will definitely visit it.

I had thought of driving on the Jaisalmer -Munabao circuitous route (through the Desert National Park, but for two points - one, my car has low GC, and, two, I wish to see the relatively obscure sun temple at Devaka on the (normal) Jaisalmer - Sheo - Barmer highway.

Originally Posted by ranjitp1

The Justa Sanchal is very good.For budget,very basic accomodation Circuit House or the RTDC Khartal.(both are next to each other).Call and book in advance.

>>> I am considering Justa Sanchal Fort and Kailash International. Am banking on the presence of ONGC-Cairn in the region for clean hotel options, with secure car parking & WiFi (perhaps).

Originally Posted by ranjitp1

There is one at Barmer on the NH15 after Barmer town towards Tharad.

There is one at Sanchor,am sure more are there

>>>
Info. on BPCL COCOs very welcome!

I will have a range of about 400+ kms when I reach Bikaner, after refuelling in BPCL COCO Pali.{Pali-Jodhpur-Nagaur-Bikaner is 335 kms as per Google Maps.}

Therefore I will require one BPCL COCO (preferably) in Bikaner or on the Bikaner-Gajner-Ramdevra-Jaisalmer highway.

Regards

[pcpranav]

After a long time I came across this place - Munabao, feels nice. Allow me to take liberty and quote my experience.

I visited Munabao in Week1 of Nov-2010, along with my family, in my just few months old Xylo. That was our first big trip in Xylo, majoring covering Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Kumbhalgarh, Udaipur.
During the initial trip preparation stage, I had come across a nice Travelogue, which gave me a clue about such a place. Our main plan on this circuit was Palanpur - Sam (tent night stay), via Barmer, Devikot, Jaisalmer, and next day again stay at Jaisalmer. But I also had made an optional plan, to include a visit to Munabao.

After starting from Palanpur in the morning, we approached Barmer and took a right turn at a circle, going towards Jaisalmer, and stopped for breakfast. I did read the sign-board at that circle: right for Jaisalmer, and left for Munabao. While we were eating breakfast, I spilled the beans - a detour to visit Munabao, and then go to Sam via a different route! After a bit of hesitation, all were ready and thrilled to visit "last railway station" and "border area" !! I inquired the hotel guy and few locals, all telling me that Munabao road is quite isolated and without any facilities en-route, but nothing to worry; the road further can take us to Sam too. They asked to fill fuel at Ramsar, as there will be no bunk till Jaisalmer on that route! We all were excited and also filled diesel at Ramsar pump. Rarely we could see any passing vehicle, and no mobile signals.

We reached Munabao and parked our vehicle at a barricade. The BSF officer told us we could only see the railway station (3-4 min further walk), but to visit the actual border we need permit from Barmer itself !! we did enjoy our visit at railway station, clicked lots of pics. Its quite deserted, but a well maintained place. A family used to stay near the station, we offered some chocolates / wafers to the kids. After spending about an hour, we proceeded towards Sam - once even missed the left turn to Sudasari DNP, but soon realized & returned, else we would have reached Jaisalmer! Driving across the desert, seeing the Sun going down - it was all so good, but also we were in hurry to reach our destination. Upon reaching Sam (RTDC Sam Dhani Tents) at late evening, we were told that due to certain reasons tents cannot assigned, and they quickly arranged us to a nearby private property, tent-based accommodation. Good that we didnt miss the folk-dance show. Next day we saw many such tent establishments, of different price ranges & facilities. The (customary!) Camel ride in early morning was nice. Unfortunately, just like many of other trips, I couldn't write a TL, but still cherish the memories of that lovely trip.

Fuel Bunks on this circuit: (Sanchore - Munabao - Sam - Jaisalmer route):
Today I zoomed in the Google map, and found many (not sure which all are working!):
- HPCL: https://goo.gl/maps/fazUKrJ8PoJ2
- HPCL: https://goo.gl/maps/guyFi27q8Ut & nearby HPCL: https://goo.gl/maps/gkbnfNKprxM2
- https://goo.gl/maps/yMcSdR6JPQp
- IOCL: https://goo.gl/maps/Dz6pXZA3UMo & nearby https://goo.gl/maps/Ni2T6xFXhhk
- IOCL: https://goo.gl/maps/DG9xVhe6H4T2 & nearby https://goo.gl/maps/8oB4GM3Tt2u
- Reliance: https://goo.gl/maps/wU8w1FPQExn & nearby IOCL: https://goo.gl/maps/V3njvk1t8HU2
Near to Barmer:
- BPCL: https://goo.gl/maps/jjXcpJLVBP62 & nearby HPCL: https://goo.gl/maps/GbGHGCb7BAR2
- https://goo.gl/maps/oRGGiNBSBM32
- HPCL: https://goo.gl/maps/oU9oRCbDd3H2 & nearby IOCL: https://goo.gl/maps/FgbqDWibakm

Barmer-Munabao section:
- https://goo.gl/maps/vzLb5vY6EmF2 & nearby https://goo.gl/maps/tQzcqNfbFHH2
- HPCL: https://goo.gl/maps/iFhq6D8BFN12 & nearby IOCL: https://goo.gl/maps/zECPD9YGr892 & nearby https://goo.gl/maps/NLra9g3HDWF2


Today I briefly searched for Munabao and looking at the images, I realized a lot has changed, and station seems to be renovated & modernized. Not sure of the roads though.

The route map I took: https://goo.gl/maps/T8VZwyARes82

Some of my camcorder captures! Road from Munabao to Jaisalmer :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuxVCaYkn8A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=janc7TjYqVE

Folk Dance at Sam:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_i-NoL5Yco

Our Tent stay:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c24dfVkdob4

Regarding Munabao, rather than me telling much, better you enjoy the place yourself. It will be an worthwhile experience.

best regards,

[issigonis]

>>>

I have finalised my Thar drive for February as follows :

Day 1 : 17th Feb. : Bombay - Luwara - Mehsana (overnight halt) : 588 kms; refuel at BPCL COCO Luwara, Bharuch

Day 2 : 18th Feb. : Mehsana - Palri - Jodhpur - Soila - Bikaner : 635 kms; refuel at BPCL COCO Palri & BPCL COCO Nagri at Soila

Day 3 & 4 : 19th & 20th Feb : Sightseeing in Bikaner

Day 5 : 21st : Bikaner - Gajner Palace - Phalodi - Jaisalmer : 338 kms; refuel at BP (BPCL, no Petrocard) at Phalodi

Day 6 & 7 : 22nd & 23rd Feb. : Sightseeing in Jaisalmer

Day 8 : 24th Feb. : Jaisalmer -Devaka sun temple - Barmer : 174 kms
Sightseeing in Barmer

Day 9 : 25th Feb. : Barmer - Kiradu temples - Munabao (to the Indo-Pak border subject to getting a permit from the Barmer District Collector) : 273 kms; refuel at Shree Mahadev Auto Diesels, Barmer

Day 10 : Barmer -Sanchore - Modhera sun temple - Vadodara : 506 kms; refuel at BP Sanchore II or I

Day 11 : Socialising & sightseeing in Baroda

Day 12 : Vadodara - Luwara - Bombay : 406 kms; refuel at BPCL COCO Luwara, Bharuch

Hotel acco booked. Eateries on the way for lunch & tea stoppages yet to be finalised and will be subject to last minute decisions.

> Intend to have my car serviced (incl. engine oil & oil filter change) at least one week before start. I plan to refuel every 400 odd kms, although the DTE/range on highways drives is typically 800+kms.

Anyone interested in driving in a convoy welcome; riding shotgun - please send a PM.

Regards

[pcpranav]

Originally Posted by issigonis

....

Day 10 : Barmer -Sanchore - Modhera sun temple - Vadodara : 506 kms; refuel at BP Sanchore II or I

Hi,
While starting from Mumbai, start early morning to avoid the traffic jam at Vasai Creek (a.k.a. Fountain Hotel signal). Same applies when you try to enter Mumbai, try not be very late in evening.

For Day-10, I have plotted a map, maybe you could include some places, depending on schedule, if not seen earlier.
Rani Ki Vav (Stepwell) at Patan is quite beautiful, and part of UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. Further ahead is Adalaj Vav, another beautiful place. Vintage Car Museum and Vintage Village could also be good experience in the evening.

Also, you may like to take a pic next to board saying "Tropic of Cancer is passing from here" ! See this map : I have marked the coordinates and this board (Tropic of Cancer line) would be not very far from Shanku's water park.

During last year Diwali holidays, we did see a trip :
Vadodara - Patan - Modhera - Palanpur (night stay) - Mount Abu (night stay) - Vadodara.

best luck for your trip.

regards,

[pcpranav]

Some good food options, based on my own experience: Mumbai to Vadodara route:

Shree Datta Snacks at Palghar : apart from regular food, also serves typical Maharashtra fast-foods like vada, misal, thali-peth, kothimbir-vada, sabudana wada/khichdi. Good for breakfast stop. MAP

Vithal Kamats at Palghar : (just bit ahead of Shree Datta Snacks). All regular food, also offer a buffet breakfast. MAP

Girnar Kathiyawadi Hotel at Navsari: many hotels by same name, not sure if they related. Quick service, tasty food, many variety. MAP

Umbadiyu (or Matla Undhiyu). Typical Gujju delicacy. In winters, stretches between Vapi to Navsari on NH8, you could see many stalls/shacks. This is absolutely street food experience, but indeed a tasty variety. Its surely spicy, and see if you could get buttermilk or sugarcane juice, which many shacks also sell. Experience!

Sugar 'N Spice: multiple outlets

Special Tea and Sukhi Bhel : just few meters before start of Golden Bridge, Ankleshwar. (But if you going via Sardar Bridge route, then this place will be missed). Few small shops/shacks. Ask for Masala Special Tea. Been popular as "Patel's Tea", but any of few shop is just fine & same. MAP

regards,

[issigonis]

Originally Posted by pcpranav

Hi,
While starting from Mumbai, start early morning to avoid the traffic jam at Vasai Creek (a.k.a. Fountain Hotel signal). Same applies when you try to enter Mumbai, try not be very late in evening.

best luck for your trip.

regards,

>>>
Thank you.
Very informative post .

I intend to start early, mainly to avoid the chaotic driving manners of our denizens on the road; expect lorry traffic to be heavy, as always. An early start might well mean that I do not have to stop early for breakfast but carry on till Sugar & Spice cum BPCL petrol pump at Dungri, well beyond Valsad.

The same applies to my return journey.

Originally Posted by pcpranav

Hi,
For Day-10, I have plotted a map, maybe you could include some places, depending on schedule, if not seen earlier.
Rani Ki Vav (Stepwell) at Patan is quite beautiful, and part of UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. Further ahead is Adalaj Vav, another beautiful place.

best luck for your trip.

regards,

>>>
I have done the Vav at Adalaj, Rani ki Vav, Modhera sun temple earlier; I have included Modhera this time as I am interested in revisiting it and comparing it with other sun temples. I might be tempted to stop by at Rani ki Vav at Patan as I will pass through Patan, but, as I have to do Modhera and have a couple of pit stops, I might run out of time, although I will be driving just about 506 odd kms that day.

Originally Posted by pcpranav

Hi,
Vintage Car Museum and Vintage Village could also be good experience in the evening.

best luck for your trip.

regards,

>>>
Not this time.

Originally Posted by pcpranav

Hi,
Also, you may like to take a pic next to board saying "Tropic of Cancer is passing from here" ! See this map : I have marked the coordinates and this board (Tropic of Cancer line) would be not very far from Shanku's water park.

During last year Diwali holidays, we did see a trip :
Vadodara - Patan - Modhera - Palanpur (night stay) - Mount Abu (night stay) - Vadodara.

best luck for your trip.

regards,

>>>

I will keep a sharp eye for the Cancer hoarding.

[Dr.Q]

I am planning a road trip to rajasthan and will be driving from Mumbai to Jaisalmer. Can anyone share the condition of the highway stretch from Deesa to Sanchore? Can I drive to Sanchore directly from Deesa or do I need to take a detour to Tharad and then move along to Sanchore?

[Shanmd]

Originally Posted by Dr.Q

I am planning a road trip to rajasthan and will be driving from Mumbai to Jaisalmer. Can anyone share the condition of the highway stretch from Deesa to Sanchore? Can I drive to Sanchore directly from Deesa or do I need to take a detour to Tharad and then move along to Sanchore?

It's a straight road. Quite a good road too. A bit heavy traffic during daytime. Free passes for cars at all tollbooths.

[abs182]

I want to know the best route to Khumbhalgarh. Should I opt for Udaipur Jaswantgarh and than uphill which is 100 kms or Udaipur-Nathdwara-Khumbhalgarh? Which is best route and less stressful?

Also what are the road conditions from Khumbhalgarh to Rankpur and what will be the travel time?

I'll be coming from Gujarat via Shamlaji.

Thanks

[AJ-got-BHP]

Originally Posted by AJ-got-BHP

Have planned a trip from KOLKATA to Rajasthan in OCTOBER 2016 !!

I will be travelling with family i.e.- Me, my wife, my 5 year old daughter and my 6 months old son. My concern are with two of the drives :

• DAY 6 - Jaipur to Jaisalmer - 567Kms
• DAY 13 - Udaipur to Agra - 635Kms

Any update on the time that these stretches can take and the suggested route to be taken for the above stretch ?

Completed our RoadTrip to Most Bits of Rajasthan from Kolkata in the month of October 2016. It was a good 15-16 Day trip with family, i being the only person driving and our's the only car on the trip. Places covered - Jaipur, Jhunjhunu, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bera, Udaipur, Jaipur and Neemrana.

Sharing a Link to my Travelogue for everyone's reference : http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...rajasthan.html

A lot about certain road conditions have also been shared in the extensively detailed Travelogue with lots of pictures which will give an insight about the road conditions as well and what one can expect. Hope it helps the Forum and everyone Travelling to Rajasthan

[Dr.Q]

I drove through Rajasthan recently, roads to and from Jaisalmer are being relaid so expect bad or non existent roads in that stretch but only in small patches. Jodhpur to Udaipur and back into Gujurat are all in top condition.

[varunraizada]

Hi Guys,

Is Mumbai to Jaisalmer doable in a day ? What would be the best route to take? Via Ahmedabad or via Udaipur?

Further, would Jaisalmer to Amritsar be doable in a day ?

I would be solo driver, but don't mind the long drives. Don't mind leaving at around 4am, but would prefer to stop driving when the natural light dies out.

If the routes are not doable, where could be the stop over in each of the above routes ?

@Pranav - Awesome Route videos, does the road have cactus all through, or do you find stretches with plain sand ?

[ranjitp1]

Originally Posted by varunraizada

Hi Guys,

Is Mumbai to Jaisalmer doable in a day ? What would be the best route to take? Via Ahmedabad or via Udaipur?

Tentative drive times:Ghodbunder Ahmedabad:7-8hrs,Ahmedabad-Jaisalmer:10hours

Leave it your discretion to decide what is your comfort zone,Ahmedabad is the ideal stopover location

Originally Posted by varunraizada

Further, would Jaisalmer to Amritsar be doable in a day ?

It is going to be one long drive,I suggest take a break and drive the next day

[kdp]

Originally Posted by ranjitp1

Tentative drive times:Ghodbunder Ahmedabad:7-8hrs,Ahmedabad-Jaisalmer:10hours

Leave it your discretion to decide what is your comfort zone,Ahmedabad is the ideal stopover location



It is going to be one long drive,I suggest take a break and drive the next day

I was just looking for this answer. I am planning the Jaisalmer trip in the next week. The outward leg is via Udaipur(and a two day halt).

On the return trip we are a bit constrained for time and we're looking at a stop at Ahmedabad. Google maps shows a direct route bypassing Udaipur. What is the current condition of the road? Or is the time you described a return via Udaipur and Jodhpur?