[saumyachoudhury]

Hello Team BHPians, I am a 25 year old woman travelling from Delhi to Coorg after Christmas 2020. I will be accompanied by my sister and two pet dogs. I am seeking advice on routes.

I'm thinking of taking the route Delhi-Gwalior-Saugar-Indore-Nashik-Pune-Panchagani-Pune-Panjim-Udupi-Madikeri, with an overnight stay at each of the places. Please suggest if the route has good roads, alternative routes and anything in general to watch out for.

Saugar is on my itinerary because my Dad lives there, he works in the Intelligence Bureau. I will be staying there for a few days at his government residence.

This is the longest road trip I'm undertaking, around 2500 kms. We will be taking our Hyundai i10 Grand. It is in an almost new condition.

Since we are two women travelling, we will be avoiding night driving. I know how to drive but my sister does not, so I will be driving the entire route.

If a fellow BHPian is interested to join as a travel partner, do get in touch with me. My travel dates are flexible. Honestly, I'm also a bit nervous with us being two women on the Indian highway by ourselves. Please note you should be an animal lover as I am travelling with pets.

Looking forward to your advice.

[Engine_Roars]

I felt so good to read this at first & then reality kind of dawned in. Don't want to demoralize you neither do I want to be the spoil sport however this might be a tough task considering you are a solo driver & will be driving with 2 dogs. If you don't mind me asking, have you done any such trips in the past? If no, you might want to keep the stays a bit flexible so that you can extend your stay if the need arises.

Apologies, don't have anything to add on your route queries except, if you are in Pune and need any help, feel free to reach out.

[Eddy]

- Are you regular with road trips?
- 10 days on the road
- The only driver
- Additional responsibility of two dogs
- Only ladies

Please take care, I see too much of a risk in this endeavor.

Good luck and be safe!

[comfortablynumb]

Originally Posted by saumyachoudhury

Looking forward to your advice.

Unless you are going to Panjim & Udupi for sightseeing or visiting friends/relatives, I think this route from Pune to Coorg would be faster, with an overnight halt in Davangere.

Some related threads:

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/route...ovid-19-a.html (How to enjoy safe road-trips during Covid-19)

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...-opens-up.html (How to travel with precautions as India opens up)

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/road-...ong-drive.html (A Guide on Essentials of a Long Drive)

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/ownin...road-trip.html (ARTICLE: Preparation for an Indian Road Trip)

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/road-...e-drive-2.html (Physical & Mental preparation for a long distance drive)

Good luck!

[docsinghal]

I had driven from Delhi to Bangalore with my pet Ridgeback in a Polo GT in 2018 and then took another trip between the two cities in an Octavia in 2019. The first was through central India and the second one was on NH8 to Mumbai, Pune and then on to Bangalore.
We definitely enjoyed the drive on the first trip as compared to the second.
So, apart from the points raised by members earlier, I would like add the following.
1) Have you considered taking the route via Bangalore?
2) I can vouch for excellent and traffic free roads from Delhi to Bangalore if you take the Gwalior-Sagour-Nagpur-Hyderabad-Bangalore route. Not sure about the Sagour-Pune but of your route. Also, the same point, any specific reason to go via Panjim?
3) It will get crowded in an i10 for two plus 2 dogs if you want some travelling partner.
4) Have you checked with pet friendly hotels on the way? I am in the defence forces so we had stayed in our officers’ messes at all stops.
5) It’s winters, days will be short so your travel itinerary seems ok with limited driving hours per day.
6) I hope you are conversant with small routine maintenance tasks on long drives and do keep the RSA contact handy.

Long drives can be fun if done right, do prepare well and all the best.

[saumyachoudhury]

Mod note: Back to back posts, please use Multi Quote [Quote+] instead. Thanks.

I really do appreciate your concern. My parents are a tad bit worried as well. I'm familiar with driving on Indian highways but have not done a trip of this magnitude. The longest trip I did was Delhi to Santiniketan (a small town in West Bengal). Distance is 1400 kms approx. I drove through Lucknow, Gaya and Asansol on the way. I know the route fairly well too and have been there a couple of times.

I agree that I should probably keep the stays flexible. It would help me relax and be more prepared to drive the long distance. I would love to have some time to explore the destinations as well on the way.

Definitely, I will connect with you when I'm in Pune.

Originally Posted by Engine_Roars

I felt so good to read this at first & then reality kind of dawned in. Don't want to demoralize you neither do I want to be the spoil sport however this might be a tough task considering you are a solo driver & will be driving with 2 dogs. If you don't mind me asking, have you done any such trips in the past? If no, you might want to keep the stays a bit flexible so that you can extend your stay if the need arises.

Apologies, don't have anything to add on your route queries except, if you are in Pune and need any help, feel free to reach out.

I really do appreciate your concern. My parents are a tad bit worried as well. I'm familiar with driving on Indian highways but have not done a trip of this magnitude. The longest trip I did was Delhi to Santiniketan (a small town in West Bengal). Distance is 1400 kms approx. I drove through Lucknow, Gaya and Asansol on the way. I know the route fairly well too and have been there a couple of times.

I agree that I should probably keep the stays flexible. It would help me relax and be more prepared to drive the long distance. I would love to have some time to explore the destinations as well on the way.

Definitely, I will connect with you when I'm in Pune.

Originally Posted by Eddy

- Are you regular with road trips?
- 10 days on the road
- The only driver
- Additional responsibility of two dogs
- Only ladies

Please take care, I see too much of a risk in this endeavor.

Good luck and be safe!

Yes, I'm regular with road trips! I totally agree with your causes of concern. I'm confident that I should be able to drive from Delhi to Madikeri, unless there's an unexpected problem en route. I prefer to drive not more than 8 hours per day and that's why I have decided to take quite a few stops.

I understand that being two women is a bit odd for such a long drive. But I have only had positive experiences on my previous travels throughout the country. Everyone, including shopkeepers, traffic police and truck drivers are very helpful when the need arises.

Originally Posted by docsinghal

I had driven from Delhi to Bangalore with my pet Ridgeback in a Polo GT in 2018 and then took another trip between the two cities in an Octavia in 2019. The first was through central India and the second one was on NH8 to Mumbai, Pune and then on to Bangalore.
We definitely enjoyed the drive on the first trip as compared to the second.
So, apart from the points raised by members earlier, I would like add the following.
1) Have you considered taking the route via Bangalore?
2) I can vouch for excellent and traffic free roads from Delhi to Bangalore if you take the Gwalior-Sagour-Nagpur-Hyderabad-Bangalore route. Not sure about the Sagour-Pune but of your route. Also, the same point, any specific reason to go via Panjim?
3) It will get crowded in an i10 for two plus 2 dogs if you want some travelling partner.
4) Have you checked with pet friendly hotels on the way? I am in the defence forces so we had stayed in our officers’ messes at all stops.
5) It’s winters, days will be short so your travel itinerary seems ok with limited driving hours per day.
6) I hope you are conversant with small routine maintenance tasks on long drives and do keep the RSA contact handy.

Long drives can be fun if done right, do prepare well and all the best.

I completely agree with you. I still have a ton of preparation left to do before hitting the road- servicing, buying accessories like a seat cover & a luggage rack, learning small routine maintenance from a mechanic.

Sounds great that you have travelled with your pet dog Ridgeback. My dogs love to get out of the city and enjoy nature. That is the reason I decided to take them on my road trips. We've been to Kullu-Manali, Jaipur, Dharamshala, West Bengal, Bihar and some nearby places near Delhi.

1) & 2) You're right. Delhi to Bangalore route is better. I don't have any reasons going to Panjim and Udupi except sightseeing. I'll skip them on the way.

3) The i10 car is pretty congested already. If I find a travelling partner(s), my sister and one of my dogs will take the train from Delhi to Bangalore. Dogs are allowed on Indian railways in the first class.

Since I am shifting permanently to Madikeri, I need to drive the car down for personal usage when I'm there.

4) There are some pet-friendly accomodation on Airbnb which I plan to book. I have checked with hosts beforehand.

I'm thankful that you've shared your points. It brings a new perspective to my travels

[FlashMustang]

Originally Posted by docsinghal

1) Have you considered taking the route via Bangalore?
2) I can vouch for excellent and traffic free roads from Delhi to Bangalore if you take the Gwalior-Sagour-Nagpur-Hyderabad-Bangalore route. Not sure about the Sagour-Pune but of your route.

I would second this. I have driven the Hyderabad-Bangalore route (once quite recently in late October) and it's fantastic. The same NH44 comes all the way from Delhi to Bangalore, and it should be a better route for you.
From Bangalore, take the NH75 towards Madikeri. I have taken this highway while driving from Bangalore to Mysore, and it was a great experience.

Originally Posted by saumyachoudhury

I prefer to drive not more than 8 hours per day and that's why I have decided to take quite a few stops.

Good planning. It would not hurt to plan an extra day's halt at each of the places where you intend to halt. It would give you the much needed opportunity to relax and rejuvenate for the next leg. And, if you feel up for it, you could also visit places of interest on your rest day.

Originally Posted by saumyachoudhury

If I find a travelling partner(s), my sister and one of my dogs will take the train from Delhi to Bangalore.

I might suggest against this idea. Companionship can really make or break such a long journey. Plus, if you need any assistance, you might feel more comfortable asking your sister than a new acquaintance. Your sister and yourself would be able to support each other better during the trip - mentally and emotionally. Having someone who knows you by your side is irreplaceable. They would be able to identify (from knowing you all these years) through early signs if you should take a break from the driving for a bit, keep an eye out for the kinds of places where you might be comfortable for a lunch break, and many more. The trip would be so much safer doing it along with your sister to someone you barely know.

Plan well in advance, research the entire route through Google Maps, and plan your stops for re-fueling, food, and breaks.

Originally Posted by comfortablynumb

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/road-...ong-drive.html (A Guide on Essentials of a Long Drive)

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/ownin...road-trip.html (ARTICLE: Preparation for an Indian Road Trip)

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/road-...e-drive-2.html (Physical & Mental preparation for a long distance drive)

These are very useful threads.
I make it a point to read these threads as a refresher for myself prior to every road trip, and they have helped me immensely.
Plan, plan, and then plan some more, and I'm confident you would be able to execute a memorable trip.

I'm sure many helpful BHP-ians would be here to support you with tips and suggestions for the various segments of this road-trip based on their personal experience traveling those segments.
Cheers and happy planning!

[saumyachoudhury]

Originally Posted by FlashMustang

I would second this. I have driven the Hyderabad-Bangalore route (once quite recently in late October) and it's fantastic. The same NH44 comes all the way from Delhi to Bangalore, and it should be a better route for you.
From Bangalore, take the NH75 towards Madikeri. I have taken this highway while driving from Bangalore to Mysore, and it was a great experience.


Good planning. It would not hurt to plan an extra day's halt at each of the places where you intend to halt. It would give you the much needed opportunity to relax and rejuvenate for the next leg. And, if you feel up for it, you could also visit places of interest on your rest day.



I might suggest against this idea. Companionship can really make or break such a long journey. Plus, if you need any assistance, you might feel more comfortable asking your sister than a new acquaintance. Your sister and yourself would be able to support each other better during the trip - mentally and emotionally. Having someone who knows you by your side is irreplaceable. They would be able to identify (from knowing you all these years) through early signs if you should take a break from the driving for a bit, keep an eye out for the kinds of places where you might be comfortable for a lunch break, and many more. The trip would be so much safer doing it along with your sister to someone you barely know.

Plan well in advance, research the entire route through Google Maps, and plan your stops for re-fueling, food, and breaks.


These are very useful threads.
I make it a point to read these threads as a refresher for myself prior to every road trip, and they have helped me immensely.
Plan, plan, and then plan some more, and I'm confident you would be able to execute a memorable trip.

I'm sure many helpful BHP-ians would be here to support you with tips and suggestions for the various segments of this road-trip based on their personal experience traveling those segments.
Cheers and happy planning!

Appreciated. After your recommendations, my new route is going to be NH44 from Delhi to Bangalore.

You're right- I did not think about how adding an unfamiliar travel partner can make things tough. I guess I'll go along with the initial plan. Though my sister doesn't drive, she always rides the shotgun and watches out for anything unusual. She is also a very practical person- she can fix a thing or two and great with navigating.

I will read the threads you have shared. This is exciting!

Thank you once again for taking the time out to help me plan out this rather venturous trip.

[srishiva]

Wouldn't staying at hotels be good if they allow pets? Will be much safer and easier to ask for any information if you need anything for onward journey.

Enjoy your trip and will wait for the travelogue

[saumyachoudhury]

Originally Posted by srishiva

Wouldn't staying at hotels be good if they allow pets? Will be much safer and easier to ask for any information if you need anything for onward journey.

Enjoy your trip and will wait for the travelogue

I will try to book a combination of both- apartments and hotels wherever possible. Having an entire apartment to myself is good when traveling with pets, because of the privacy and space. It is also easier to walk them in residential colonies than in commercial areas.

I will check the best I can find, when it comes go both types of accommodations and see what works best.

Will definitely be sharing my travel experiences here.

[Raghu M]

I think all the fellow Bhpians have given you the required information and caution to follow while on the trip. I'd say just buckle up, stay safe and enjoy the ride. I'd love to do such drives where am the only driver. Look forward to the trip and have a blast!

[FlashMustang]

Originally Posted by saumyachoudhury

travelling from Delhi to Coorg after Christmas 2020.

Did you make this trip?
Hope you had a safe, pleasant, and an uneventful journey.
We would love to hear your experience from the trip.
Take care and best wishes from the community!