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Old 4th May 2020, 21:32   #1
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A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad

Prologue: Being a travel enthusiast I am always up for long road trips. This travelogue is regarding my first long distance road trip across the country spanning 3800 km which I did in March 2014 on a Swift Dzire. Wanted to pen down this experience since long but given the fact that a lot of effort would go into compiling the old trip logs and recollecting the memories lead to procrastination on my part. Also as had not done extensive photography during this trip therefore choosing the photographs which could do justice to the narrative seemed tough. Finally the motivation to proceed came after I read a travelogue https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...hi-1998-a.html (Down the memory lane! Drive from Visakhapatnam to Delhi in 1998) by a fellow BHPian who had shared old road trip experience on the same route. So after putting off the initiative for long finally decided to take the call.

The very idea of this trip conceived impromptu way back in March 2014 after my maternal aunt received a wedding invitation from her family friend based in Hyderabad. She asked me if I could accompany her to which I happily agreed as I also knew the family very well as they had stayed as our neighbours for 5 years. Now as had received the invitation about 10 days prior to the wedding ceremony, therefore a quick planning was required. There were two travel options, railway or airway. But both seemed unfeasible as bookings were not possible at short notice. Nonetheless I was not interested in either of them as I foresaw an opportunity for a long drive across the country.

Infact it came as an opportunity to test the endurance of our new car which we had bought less than a year ago. After convincing everyone I took the onus of entire planning and logistics. Finally it was decided to drive down to Hyderabad. The trip members were me, brother and our aunt. Keeping in mind the senior citizen trip member i.e our aunt it was decided to plan for a leisurely paced nine day trip with six days for travelling to and fro and three days of stay at Hyderabad. So finally after stocking up the essentials to be carried we were ready to roll.

Journey: Chandigarh-Delhi-Nagpur-Hyderabad and back
Distance Covered: 3800 Kms
Timeline: 13th March 2014 - 21st March 2014
Vehicle: Swift Dzire VXi 2013


The Trip

Day 1
Journey: Chandigarh to Jhansi
Route Via: Ambala-Karnal-Panipat-Delhi-Noida-Agra-Dholpur-Morena-Gwalior-Dabra-Datia
Distance Covered:712 km


Route Map
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-route-map-day-1.png
Courtesy Google Maps

Although had decided upon for an early morning start at 0500 Hrs but eventually rolled out at 0615 Hrs. Reached Ambala Cantonment in about 35 minutes and finally were on the Grand Trunk road i.e NH-44. From Ambala onwards till Hyderabad the drive was on the stretch of the North-South corridor which runs from Srinagar in the North till Kanyakumari in the South. With highway being clear in the morning the Dzire was now cruising smoothly at 90 km/h. Reached Karnal at 0745 Hrs and had breakfast at Haryana Tourism’s Oasis Resorts. Crossed Panipat by 0830 Hrs and entered Delhi at 1000 Hrs. From Mukarba Chowk intersection took left on the outer ring road and crossed ISBT at Kashmiri Gate, Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Sarai Kale Khan and were finally on the Delhi Noida Direct Flyway (DND). After crossing Yamuna River took the Greater Noida Expressway which eventually leads to Yamuna Expressway. By 1115 Hrs reached Yamuna Expressway.

Yamuna Expressway
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5050.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5051.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5052.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5054.jpg

The worst of Delhi traffic was over and now it was a swift drive of 165 km till Agra. Resumed the journey at 1130 Hrs. With minuscule traffic and eight lane highway the Dzire further stretched its legs and was now cruising at 110 km/h. From there onward strictly heeded to the prescribed speed limit of 100 km/h. Stopped for lunch at a canteen run by the expressway authorities.

Stopped for lunch at highway side canteen
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5056.jpg

After having lunch started again and reached Agra by 1330 Hrs. Covered 165 km of Yamuna Expressway in about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Entered Agra from the west side on NH 19 and struggled to make way through the congested old city traffic. Finally after crossing Agra Fort and Sadar Bazar area were once again on NH 44. Refuelled before leaving Agra with the trip meter showing 481 km covered since morning. After leaving behind the Agra traffic headed straight towards Gwalior on NH44. The highway was mostly clear with only trucks giving company. Entered Rajasthan while crossing Dholpur City and after crossing the infamous Chambal ravines which were once infamous for dreaded dacoits reached Morena the first major city after entering Madhya Pradesh. By 1715 Hrs we were on the Gwalior by pass for which turned left 10 km before Gwalior city.

On Gwalior Jhansi Highway
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5065.jpg

The highway straight continues towards Gwalior City and onwards to Indore and Mumbai. Heading towards Jhansi crossed two important towns of Dabra and Datia. The four laning work was in progress enroute which lead to some delay due to diversions. Crossed over to Uttar Pradesh at Chiraula town and finally reached Jhansi at 1900 Hrs. After entering city headed straight to Hotel Sita which was our point of overnight stay located at civil lines. The final trip meter reading of the day read 712 km. Settled for the day after check in and had dinner by 2100 Hrs. After a long day on the road entailing a drive of 11 hours we all were sleepy now. Finally called it a day at 2230 Hrs.


Day 2
Journey: Jhansi to Nagpur
Route Via: Babina-Lalitpur-Rajwas-Sagar-Deori-Narsinghpur-Lakhnadon-Seoni-Pench-Kamptee
Distance Covered: 608 km


Route Map
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-route-map-day-2.png
Courtesy Google Maps

Started for the day at 0700 Hrs and got the tank refilled a little outside the city. Although had enough fuel to cover 400 km but nonetheless thought it to be wise to refuel as the route for the day passed through long secluded stretches by the country side. The destination for the day was Nagpur a good 600 km away. Soon gathered pace and by 0845 Hrs by passed Lalitpur City which is the last city before reentering Madhya Pradesh. Continuing further on NH 44 by passed Sagar City which is the first major city after entering Madhya Pradesh.

Beyond Jhansi on Lalitpur-Sagar stretch
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5070.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5073.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5076.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5078.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5079.jpg

The time was 1050 Hrs so we stopped for a quick snack which was our breakfast of the day consisting of potato chips and aerated drinks.
As we had to depart early from hotel so there was no point in waiting for the breakfast which was served from 0845 Hrs onward.

Stopped enroute for a quick snack
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5086.jpg

At Sagar by pass
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5087.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5088.jpg

A few trucks on and off were the only company through the day
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5091.jpg

Resumed the journey by 1100 Hrs and continued further on NH 44 towards the next major city of Narsinghpur. Enroute crossed Narmada River which is the life line of the states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Owning to four laning and widening work on the highway we had to take diversions a couple times which led to delays as the most of the stretches along the highway were isolated with virtually no one to ask for directions. The only companions were a few trucks which would spring up from the horizon after long gaps.

The long desolate stretches of the highway enroute
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5093.jpg

Nonetheless the desolate beauty of the countryside mesmerized throughout
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5095.jpg

Finally reached Narsinghpur at 1400 Hrs and thoroughly enquired about highway conditions ahead. From here onwards the road became more and more desolate with almost zero traffic. In between the local villagers riding motorcycles were the only company we had for long. After a one and a half hours drive reached Lakhnadon which is small town on the intersection of NH 44 and NH 34 coming from Jabalpur. The time was 1515 Hrs and the Nagpur was still a good 200 km away. As most of the stretches on the route were isolated with highway widening work in progress therefore couldn’t find a decent eatery. So the plans for lunch were shelved and it was decided to head straight for the final destination of the day.

On Lakhnadon-Seoni-Nagpur stretch
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5096.jpg

It had rained for a while bringing respite from heat
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5098.jpg

By 1415 Hrs crossed Seoni a small town in Madhya Pradesh which lies on the fringes of the Satpura Range. After covering 45 km reached the Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra border and entered Pench National Park as the highway crosses right through it. For next 40 km the drive was through dense forest and hills. Within the national park the national highway is two lane. The highway exits the park at Mansar from where Nagpur is 45 km. By 1800 Hrs we entered Nagpur City limits and headed for Hotel Siddharth Inn located in central avenue. The trip meter showed 608 km covered since morning in about 10 hours Freshened up after check in and had dinner by 2100 Hrs. That was the end of day two of journey.


Day 3
Journey: Nagpur to Hyderabad
Route Via: Hinganghat, Pandharkawada, Pimpalkhuti, Adilabad, Nirmal, Dichpally, Kamareddy, Ramayampet, Medchal
Distance Covered:514 km


Route Map
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-route-map-day-3.png
Courtesy Google Maps

With the journey for the day being over 500 km therefore decided to start at a leisurely pace after having breakfast at the hotel itself. Checked out at 0945 Hrs and drove straight to join NH 44. The mid March sun had started hammering heat on the region and the temperatures had started to soar. Switching on the AC was now inevitable. Crossed Hinganghat by 1115 Hrs and reached Pimpalkhuti by 1315 Hrs.

On Nagpur-Hyderabad stretch
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5101.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5102.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5106.jpg

After crossing the Penganga Bridge entered Telangana. Crossed River Godavari at Soanpet . Finally after crossing Kamareddy, Ramayampet and Medchal, entered Hyderabad City at 1900 Hrs. The hosts have arranged our stay at Hotel Shri Krishna Grand, Miyapur, Hyderabad so from Medchal left NH 44 and turned on to Bachupally Road which took us straight to Miyapur intersection adjacent to which the hotel was located. After checking in the hotel called the host family to inform them of our arrival. The trip meter read 514 km covered since morning in about 10 hours. Later in the evening went for dinner hosted by the hosts at their residence at Kukatpally. That was the end of day three of the journey.

Last edited by Sheel : 6th May 2020 at 15:37. Reason: #11, over-speeding.
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Old 5th May 2020, 14:08   #2
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Re: A road trip and a wedding...Memoir of a 3800 km drive: Chandigarh-Delhi-Nagpur-Hyderabad and bac

Day 4, 5 & 6: Stayed in Hyderabad...Attended wedding...Sight seeing in and around city.

Day 4: Started off the day with breakfast at the hotel itself. The host family had arranged for our pick up from the hotel for their residence which was in a housing society. The day being the wedding day the host family was busy welcoming the guests. It was our first experience of attending a Telugu Wedding. In the morning some pre-wedding rituals were performed at their residence itself which went on till 1030 Hrs. The main wedding ceremony was in the evening at 2000 Hrs.

Pre-wedding ceremonies at the residence
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5121.jpg

The residential society of the host family
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5117.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5118.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5119.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5109.jpg

Views around
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5127.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5128.jpg

After the morning rituals the family arranged for our outing in the city. First we went to Inorbit Mall which is located at Cyberabad. Stayed at the mall for about hour and a half after which returned to the residence for lunch.

Inorbit Mall Cyberabad
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5134.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5135.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5139.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5140.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5141.jpg

At 1530 Hrs went to the famous Salar Jung Museum. The museum houses the vast relics collection of the Nizam of Hyderabad.

Some exhibits at Salar Jung Museum
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5147.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5148.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5149.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5150.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5151.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5152.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5153.jpg

Last edited by ssambyal1980 : 5th May 2020 at 21:20.
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Old 5th May 2020, 14:43   #3
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Re: A road trip and a wedding...Memoir of a 3800 km drive: Chandigarh-Delhi-Nagpur-Hyderabad and bac

Day 4: Continued...

Explored the museum for about an hour after which went to the most iconic landmark of Hyderabad i.e the Char Minar.

Charminar Hyderabad
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5173.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5175.jpg

Old city market around Charminar
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5177.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5181.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5185.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5186.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5190.jpg

After exploring the historical monument and the surrounding old city area we were dropped back at our hotel by 1830 Hrs. After relaxing for an hour we got ready to proceed to the wedding ceremony. The wedding function was at Naren Convention Centre located at a walking distance from the hotel. Reached the venue by 2030 Hrs.

At the wedding ceremony
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5193.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5194.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5195.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5207.jpg

Watching Telugu wedding rituals was an experience in itself as everything was new for us. The family rituals were to continue well past midnight so after dinner we returned back to the hotel at 0000 Hrs.

Day 5: The day went by attending some post wedding ceremonies at the residence of the host family. After lunch later in the afternoon the host family arranged for a visit to the Hussain Sagar Lake and the famous Shri Krishna Temple located at Banjara Hills. That was the itinerary for the day.

Shri Krishna Temple at Banjara Hills
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5222.jpg

Last edited by ssambyal1980 : 5th May 2020 at 21:22.
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Old 5th May 2020, 16:47   #4
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Re: A road trip and a wedding...Memoir of a 3800 km drive: Chandigarh-Delhi-Nagpur-Hyderabad and bac

Day 6: The plan for the day was to visit the famous Ramoji Film City as advised by the host family. After breakfast at the hotel we started for the day at 0900 Hrs. After crossing the Hi Tech City we joined the Hyderabad Outer Ring Road near Gachibowli Extension. The Hyderabad outer ring road is an eight lane expressway with a speed limit of 120 km/h. The wide and smooth expressway was the perfect place to pump on gas after three days of choke a block city traffic. Pushed the Dzire to its limits. That was the first and the last time that the Dzire had been stretched that far. Sustained that speed for about 5 mins and then curtailed back to 100-110 km/h so as to be within the prescribed speed limit. After covering 75 km reached Ramoji Film City at 1020 Hrs. After purchasing three tickets boarded one of the buses, which take the visitors on the round of film city. Every bus has a guide who explains about various landmarks and studios which are located inside the film city. The ticket is inclusive of all the shows and joy rides in film city. In 2014 the cost of ticket was INR 800/- per adult. After a day well spent at film city we returned to hotel in the evening by 1930 Hrs.

Route Map
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-route-map-day-6.png
Courtesy Google Maps

Enterance to Ramoji Film City
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5228.jpg

The buses which take the visitors around
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5229.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5232.jpg

Inside one of the studios in film city
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5238.jpg

A film set depicting a railway station
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5243.jpg

The Butterfly park
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5251.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5257.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5261.jpg

Replica of Statue of Liberty inside film city
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5270.jpg

Artists presenting a traditional dance
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5287.jpg

While returning when we entered the city after exiting the ring road we were stopped by traffic cops as our vehicle registration was from outside the state. The traffic inspector said that since we have been driving in the city on an outside registration number hence we have to pay INR 10000/- as fine or else the vehicle will be impounded. We were completely taken aback. As per rule back then anyone who drives a vehicle with other state’s registration number in Andhra Pradesh for more than three months will be fined for not getting the vehicle registered in the state. After regaining my composure I politely told the inspector that we have arrived in Hyderabad only six days ago and as a proof I showed him the toll receipts. This satisfied the inspector to the core and at last he let us go. That was quite an unpleasant experience but nonetheless all is well that ends well. The dinner for the day was hosted by the host family as we had to leave the next day. The dinner was served at 2030 Hrs after which the chat session went on for an hour. Finally bade goodbye to the host family and thanked them for all their love and unmatched hospitality. That was the end of day six of the trip.


Day 7
Journey: Hyderabad to Nagpur
Route Via: Medchal-Ramayampet-Kamareddy-Dichpally-Nirmal-Adilabad-Pimpalkhuti-Pandharkawada-Hinganghat
Distance Covered: 509 km


Route Map
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-route-map-day-7.png
Courtesy Google Maps

After breakfast checked out from the hotel at 0830 Hrs. The day began on a seemingly relaxed note as the journey was going to be on a familiar route now. After all we had now achieved the veterancy status with being on the go on long uncharted routes for seventh day in a row. Finally after an almost non-stop drive of around 8 hours, reached Nagpur at 1650 Hrs. Checked into the same hotel (Hotel Siddharth Inn, Central Avenue) where we had stayed earlier. That was the end of day seven of the trip.

Last edited by Aditya : 7th May 2020 at 06:52. Reason: Mention of overspeeding
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Old 5th May 2020, 20:51   #5
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Re: A road trip and a wedding...Memoir of a 3800 km drive: Chandigarh-Delhi-Nagpur-Hyderabad and bac

Day 8
Journey: Nagpur to Jhansi
Route Via: Kamptee-Pench-Seoni-Lakhnadon-Narsinghpur-Deori-Sagar-Rajwas-Lalitpur-Babina
Distance Covered: 610 km


Route Map
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-route-map-day-8.png
Courtesy Google Maps

As the day’s journey was longer and through isolated stretches therefore we checked out at 0730 Hrs. First things first got the vehicle refuelled before exiting the city limits. Stopped for breakfast at small hamlet of Rukhad, which is located within the Pench National Park and Tiger Reserve. After a satisfying breakfast relaxed for a while and explored the natural surroundings. Resumed the journey at 1030 Hrs.

NH 44 is two lane while passing through Pench Tiger Reserve located in the Satpura Range
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5292.jpg

Breakfast at Bison Highway Treat Rukhad
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5294.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5295.jpg

The caretaker told the place is frequented by tigers during night
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5300.jpg

Boarding and lodging was also available
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5302.jpg

An old Banyan tree stood in the wilderness
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5306.jpg

After crossing Seoni and Lakhnadon reached Narsinghpur by 1230 Hrs where inquired regarding the road diversions as four laning work was going on beyond. Stopped for a while near the bridge over Narmada River. The beauty of the river meandering through the countryside was simply mesmerizing.

Beauty of River Narmada
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5308.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5309.jpg

By passed Sagar City by 1420 Hrs and took another short break by the country side fields. Jhansi was still a good 210 km away.

Desolate beauty of the countryside on Sagar-Lalitpur stretch of NH 44
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5312.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5313.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5316.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5317.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5318.jpg

Since there was almost zero traffic on the highway so had been cruising continuously at 100-110 km/h. Finally reached Jhansi by 1730 Hrs and checked in at the same hotel (Hotel Sita, Civil Lines) where we had stayed previously. That was the end of day eight of the trip.


Day 9
Journey: Jhansi to Chandigarh
Route Via: Datia-Dabra-Gwalior-Morena-Dholpur-Agra-Noida-Delhi-Panipat-Karnal-Ambala
Distance Covered: 708 km


Route Map
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-route-map-day-9.png
Courtesy Google Maps

Once again it was going to be a one long day on the road. After breakfast checked out from the hotel at 0830 Hrs. Crossed Gwalior by 1100 Hrs and reached Agra by 1330 Hrs. After crossing over Yamuna River turned towards the Yamuna Expressway. Stopped for lunch at expressway side canteen.

At Yamuna Expressway
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5322.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5323.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5324.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5325.jpg

The Formula One Buddh International Circuit as seen from expressway
A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5329.jpg

A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad-dscn5330.jpg

Reached Greater Noida by 1615 Hrs and entered Delhi at 1630 Hrs. It took more than an hour to make way through evening Delhi rush hour. Exited the city limits by 1745 Hrs. Finally after crossing Panipat, Karnal and Ambala Cantonment reached the base at 2130 Hrs. So that was all about our first long trip across the country. During the trip passed through eight states namely Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

Expenses for the trip were as follows:
1. Fuel: INR 15800/-
2. Tolls: INR 3278/-
3. Accommodation & Food: 12944/-
4. Misc: INR 5140/-
Total Expenses: INR 36984/-


Thanks a lot for reading and bearing with the narrative.

Last edited by ssambyal1980 : 5th May 2020 at 22:08.
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Old 6th May 2020, 02:19   #6
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Re: A road trip and a wedding...Memoir of a 3800 km drive: Chandigarh-Delhi-Nagpur-Hyderabad and bac

Thread moved from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing.
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Old 6th May 2020, 17:42   #7
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Re: A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad

In the lockdown times, great to come across travel threads. Nice travelogue and good pictures!

As it seems, you enjoyed the landscape... of six years ago.

In December 2013, I had travelled in the same route, I mean, the Jhansi - Hyderabad section. I was on my way from Lucknow to Kerala, and did stop at the MPTDC Bison Highway Treat at Rukhad, see the grand old tree... your travelogue reminds me of that time.

I travelled in the last year again. The Bison Highway Treat is not functional now, as the highway expansion work has been on, and, it looked, has taken some part of its premises.
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Old 6th May 2020, 19:52   #8
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Re: A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad

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Originally Posted by Vipin Kumar View Post
In the lockdown times, great to come across travel threads. Nice travelogue and good pictures!

As it seems, you enjoyed the landscape... of six years ago...

I travelled in the last year again. The Bison Highway Treat is not functional now, as the highway expansion work has been on, and, it looked, has taken some part of its premises.
Thanks a lot for going through the narrative and for your kind words of appreciation. Good to know about your experience on the same route. Guess your drive from Lucknow to Kerala must have been quite exciting. As you have said a lot must have changed by now as back then four laning work was in progress near Narsinghpur on the Jhansi-Nagpur section. The section of the highway which used to pass through Pench National Park used to be two lane back then as such the NHAI must have went ahead with its widening to facilitate the passing of heavy vehicles.
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Old 7th May 2020, 11:29   #9
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Re: A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad

Great to read such highway cruises. Hope you enjoyed that drive through Pench with some good drizzles/cloudy weather. I had been through that Jhansi to Nagpur stretch and Nagpur to Hyderabad stretch twice. Both the time we had issues for food. After Jhansi you don't have a proper highway Dhaba till you reach Seoni. There are many desolate MP tourism buildings though. Again after Buti Bori/Hinghanghat almost nothing in those border areas. But this helps in gaining good speed and covering a lot more distance. In these routes we need to pile up food and then proceed. In fact I did Jhansi to Hyderabad in single stretch in April 2018. I started at 5:30 AM from Jhansi and stopped at Hyderabad by 9:30 PM. Absolutely no stoppage from Jhansi until Buti Bori in Nagpur-Hyderabad highway by 01:00 PM except for a refill. Again an early dinner stop at about 75 Km to Hyderabad.
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Old 7th May 2020, 13:53   #10
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Re: A road trip and a wedding...Memoir of a 3800 km drive: Chandigarh-Delhi-Nagpur-Hyderabad and bac

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Originally Posted by ssambyal1980 View Post
…… Finally the motivation to proceed came after I read a travelogue https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...hi-1998-a.html (Down the memory lane! Drive from Visakhapatnam to Delhi in 1998) by a fellow BHPian who had shared old road trip experience on the same route.
A well compiled travelogue after 6 years . You have managed it very well to liven up the write-up with good photographs too!
Thank you very much ssambyal1980 to have gone thru my post and also to have quoted the same in your travelogue. It feels nice to have motivated you for penning this travelogue of yours. My first trip from Visakhapatnam to Delhi joined with your route at Nagpur. But I followed the Hyderabad route in my second Visakhapatnam - Delhi run in 2018. Therefore, reading thru your travelogue which is dotted with good photographs made me reminisce my trip of 2018. There was a minor variation in the route from Hyderabad to Jhansi w.r.t yours viz Pench; I had skipped that part and had taken the road thru Chindwara. That route also was very desolate and I was hoping to reach Narsinghpur as the fuel needle was precariously positioned!
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Originally Posted by ssambyal1980 View Post
Day 4: Continued...

Explored the museum for about an hour after which went to the most iconic landmark of Hyderabad i.e the Char Minar.
Nice photographs of Charminar. There are good eateries around. One which I remember is Shadab, if you are a non vegetarian.
https://goo.gl/maps/t8ukSqtVVtowCAo77

Did you not see the Light & Sound show in Golconda Fort? If not, will recommend you to watch that during your next visit.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ssambyal1980 View Post
Day 6: The plan for the day was to visit the famous Ramoji Film City as advised by the host family.
Ramoji City looks empty from your photographs! Maybe the framing for the shots or was the attendance thin during your visit? It is one of the famous tourist spots in Hyderabad.

Anyway, enjoyed reading your experience. Thank you
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Old 7th May 2020, 17:44   #11
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Re: A road-trip and a wedding! Memoir of a 3800 km drive - Chandigarh - Delhi - Nagpur - Hyderabad

Quote:
Originally Posted by KPR View Post
Great to read such highway cruises. Hope you enjoyed that drive through Pench with some good drizzles/cloudy weather...
In fact I did Jhansi to Hyderabad in single stretch in April 2018. I started at 5:30 AM from Jhansi and stopped at Hyderabad by 9:30 PM. Absolutely no stoppage from Jhansi until Buti Bori in Nagpur-Hyderabad highway by 01:00 PM except for a refill. Again an early dinner stop at about 75 Km to Hyderabad.
Thanks a lot…Yes the best part of the trip was drive through Pench Tiger Reserve in the Satpura Range. Drive through hilly stretch of the dense forest was quite exciting. Was expecting some wildlife visual treat but couldn’t get lucky as it was day time nonetheless birds and monkeys did give a good company. Good to know about your experience on this stretch. You are right that beyond Jhansi its hard to find a proper eatery. We too had to skip our lunch twice on the stretch. Instead we relied on snacks and drinks we were carrying. Most of the 600 km stretch between Jhansi and Nagpur is isolated with virtually zero traffic. So its better to stock up with food and drinks before rolling out. Yes the Nagpur-Hyderabad stretch is also isolated beyond Hinganghat as such we skipped lunch on this one too. Nonetheless zero stoppage ensures a swift non stop drive which saves on time. Kudos to you for covering the Jhansi–Hyderabad stretch of 1100 km in 16 hours. That must have been one of a drive. Keeping into account the good road conditions and from the experience gained on the route can endorse that Chandigarh-Delhi-Hyderabad drive is doable in two days. For first day’s drive the route can be Chandigarh-Delhi-Agra-Jhansi-Sagar and for day two it will be Sagar-Narsinghpur-Nagpur-Hyderabad, thus covering about 900 km per day. Sagar City is ideal to break the journey as it’s an important hub with decent accommodation options. Thanks for sharing your valuable experience.

Quote:
Originally Posted by bimal_67 View Post
A well compiled travelogue after 6 years .
Thank you very much ssambyal1980 to have gone thru my post and also to have quoted the same in your travelogue. It feels nice to have motivated you for penning this travelogue of yours. My first trip from Visakhapatnam to Delhi joined with your route at Nagpur. But I followed the Hyderabad route in my second Visakhapatnam - Delhi run in 2018. Therefore, reading thru your travelogue which is dotted with good photographs made me reminisce my trip of 2018. There was a minor variation in the route from Hyderabad to Jhansi w.r.t yours viz Pench; I had skipped that part and had taken the road thru Chindwara. That route also was very desolate and I was hoping to reach Narsinghpur as the fuel needle was precariously positioned!
Thank you sir for your kind words of appreciation. Its never too late to share travel stories and who else can justify this better than you. Nice to know that you too covered the same route in 2018. Regarding the route deviation you have mentioned, the route via Chhindwara is also almost equidistant but it entails drive through state highway which are mostly two laned. During the planning stage of my trip I too had envisaged going through Narsinghpur-Gondi-Chhindwara-Nagpur stretch but instead opted for Narsinghpur-Seoni-Pench-Nagpur stretch as the latter was better with it being a four laned national highway. Passing through Pench National Park is the high point of Jhansi-Nagpur route.

Quote:
Nice photographs of Charminar. There are good eateries around.Did you not see the Light & Sound show in Golconda Fort? If not, will recommend you to watch that during your next visit.
Thank you sir…During visit to Charminar we concentrated only on exploring the monument due to narrow time window. Similarly Golconda Fort was not in the itinerary due to pre planned wedding schedule. Nonetheless would love to visit the Fort as and when time permits as I have keen interest in archaeological sites and their associated history.

Quote:
Ramoji City looks empty from your photographs! Maybe the framing for the shots or was the attendance thin during your visit? It is one of the famous tourist spots in Hyderabad. Anyway, enjoyed reading your experience. Thank you
During the day of our visit there were good number of visitors to the Ramoji film city but still the footfall was not quite high as it being a working day(Tuesday) of the week. Moreover since it was the third week of March the summer heat had started setting in as such most of the visitors remained confined to the studios and auditoriums during the afternoon. Thanks sir for going through the narrative and taking out time to share your valuable experience. Keep posting.

Best Regards

Last edited by ssambyal1980 : 7th May 2020 at 17:50.
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