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Originally Posted by Kimified Google maps tells me that its 201 kms between Kamat and Sankam. I have driven extensively on the NH4 since I keep traveling to Chitradurga and Shimoga (My native place). I think it would take 2.5 hours given that there are no deviations due to road work. I guess it would be too early for lunch considering that I would be leaving early as well. I shall keep the Kohlapur option open as well. Its a 100 km more from Sankam. |
Yes, in case you are able to manage better than usual average speeds, Belgaum (Sankam) will be too early. However, I feel
Amar-Only Veg is still a better option considering the following reasons:
- It would take approximately 1 hour for you to reach Amar after Belgaum
- It would take at least 1H45M for you to reach the nearest option in Maharashtra (Mc Donalds on the left hand side, easily visible, Attached with a CCD also)
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1. Say I leave around 430 in the morning. When I would I be entering the Pune-Mumbai expressway approximately?
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With a 4:30AM start from Jayanagar, with good speeds you will enter expressway between 4:30 - 5:00PM easily.
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I have heard a lot about this road and it being among the best roads in India. Would be great if I could cover it in day light.
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Well, imagine a 6 lane concrete expressway between 2 Major cities with tunnels cutting across the Western ghats and making the whole drive completely stress free and cutting the travel time by 2 hours! All this more than 10 years back.
This is an excellent road with loads of hills dotted on both sides and post rains, you would enjoy the drive during the day. However, you need not drive in a way to target to cover this during the day. You can always take a spin on this some other time or may be during your return trip too.
Forget those bumpy sections on bridges and a few stretches, forget even those infamous accidents due to reckless driving here, forget all those morons hogging the fast lane at 55kmph hooked onto their cell phones, Drive safe and enjoy the expressway!
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2. Please suggest a few more places to eat between Kolhapur and Mumbai. Just in case we get late, or feel a need for a break, we can use these alternatives.
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Between Kolhapur & Mumbai you have so many options that you need to worry about.
The very first would be Mc Donalds few kilometers after you enter the MSRDC Arch cutting across the road.
There are 2
Vittal Kamats, first one near Karad and second one before Khedshivpur. These are usually known to have cleaner rest rooms and good fast food (along with usual Thali options) in Vegetarian.
The Vittal Kamat near Karad has numerous signboards indicating the no of Kilometers where this is located. You won't miss this for sure.
The Second Vittal Kamat will be after Mahabaleshwar Fork, attached to HPCL and a SBI ATM as well.
There is also Sai International on the right hand side (median cut right in front of it) 30 kms after Kolhapur (& 30 before Karad). Make sure you are slower when you are almost 25 kms after Kolhapur so that you don't miss this place else the next U-Turn If I remember is almost 4 kms ahead.
On Pune bypass, soon after you cross Wakad Signal (the only signal light on NH4) you have multiple options on service lane for your evening snacks and you certainly won't miss this looking at all the parked cars here.
Once you enter the expressway you have the Food court before Lonavala (well marked) and even after the Second (exit) toll booth. There are COCO Fuel Stations for you to refill that hungry car here and well managed rest rooms.
Enjoy your drive and have fun!