[RogueRobot]

Since nobody is responding to this thread (Pune to Delhi route : GQ or NH3?) nor on this one (Delhi - Pune / Which is the best Route), I decided to create a new one in the hope of receiving some good guidance.

I am going to drive from Gurgaon to Pune solo in a couple of weeks. I will only have 2 days to make the trip - one weekend. Monday office starts. Not possible to drive 3 days. So time matters (unfortunately).

Which is the best route to take, and where to make the night halt? I plan to start very early, 4 am - ish, and drive 14 hours a day.

Google suggests: Agra >> Shivpuri >> Guna >> Indore [Night Halt??] >> Dhule >> Sinnar (Nashik bypass) >> Chakan >> Pune.

Somebody else (Pune to Delhi route : GQ or NH3?) said "Instead of going via Indore-Guna-Gwalior you may opt for the Manpur-Ratlam-Neemuch route which is in equally good condition but with less traffic."

Considering my time constraints and that I will be driving solo in a puny Grand i10, would be very grateful for suggestions and guidance from experienced people on here.

[na_agrawal]

Originally Posted by RogueRobot

Indore [Night Halt??] >> Dhule >> Sinnar (Nashik bypass) >> Chakan >> Pune.

Considering my time constraints and that I will be driving solo in a puny Grand i10, would be very grateful for suggestions and guidance from experienced people on here.

Unfortunately I cannot comment on Gurgaon to Indore route, but I can very well help you in Indore to Pune section.

I drove this route last month in less than 11 hours. Relative's home in Indore (near airport) to my home in Pune (Hadapsar).

If you can start at 4-430 AM-ish from Indore as well, you'll reach Pune in full daylight.

I'll suggest this route - Indore - Sendhwa - Dhule - Sinnar (take left from NH and enter the state Highway.) - Sangamner - Chakan/Alandi - Pune.

Most people will suggest to continue straight and NOT take Sinnar route so that you can drive on NH. But it ultimately consumes more time as the state highway to Sinnar is less crowded and well built. However, I'll suggest to drive non stop here on this stretch and not take a break.

Secondly, check gmaps for traffic before touching Chakan, as the traffic sometimes may get quite dense, and it's better to take the Alandi road.

Also, I'll suggest to stop at Sai Car restaurant on the way. Great coffee!

I was in my i20 Active. I stopped on Reliance-BP-Jio pumps as they have the best toilets and are the least crowded. (Especially no trucks and buses on them)

Drive safe!
Feel free to ask more on this route if you may.

Cheers
~NA.

[antz.bin]

I can help with the remaining part since we did it in May/June, both ways in the Figo Diesel. I assume since Gurgaon is in Haryana, Trans Haryana Expressway should be connected.

I travelled from Chandigarh via the Trans Haryana till Narnaul, then continued all the way to Chittorgarh. Started around 6AM, reached by 4 PM.

There was plenty of daylight remaining but since it was half way to Nashik (my destination for day 2), I took my night halt.

You can continue further towards Mandsaur, Neemuch, Ratlam and halt when you need to.

The following day, reach the Agra- Mumbai highway using any route that Google tells you (via Dhar Road or via Manpur). Both are in excellent shape with hardly any traffic and then you can continue the journey as mentioned in the previous post. Don't forget to devour kachoris for your breakfast today, they are heavenly.

The only reason I am recommending Trans Haryana is because of the speed and safety factor. It is possible to not set foot on Haryana soil if you have the tank range and cross the entire state in 1 drive if you use that expressway. And it is practically empty with everyone driving the speed limit of 100 for over 300km.

Alternately, since Trans Haryana seems to be out of the way for you, you could opt for NE1 Delhi-Mumbai Expressway from Sohna to Dausa or wherever they let you go towards Jaipur and then continue the route I mentioned.

[chinkara]

Indore to Pune you have updated info above. Till Indore, my slightly dated info is that the road till Sawai Madhopur is good, beyond that it is middling - never too bad though. Time Dewas well - prone to lots of traffic.

[RogueRobot]

Originally Posted by na_agrawal

Unfortunately I cannot comment on Gurgaon to Indore route, but I can very well help you in Indore to Pune section.

Wow, NA, THANK YOU so much for the very detailed guidance!
Sorry for the late response as I was driving from Lucknow to Noida the other day.

Fantastic route suggestion, refill suggestion and definitely having coffee at Sai Car!

Let me just look up the route and I may come back to clarify if anything I have to !

Cheers!
-Rogue Robot

[RogueRobot]

Originally Posted by antz.bin

I can help with the remaining part since we did it in May/June, both ways in the Figo Diesel. I assume since Gurgaon is in Haryana, Trans Haryana Expressway should be connected.

I travelled from Chandigarh via the Trans Haryana till Narnaul, then continued all the way to Chittorgarh. Started around 6AM, reached by 4 PM.

There was plenty of daylight remaining but since it was half way to Nashik (my destination for day 2), I took my night halt.

You can continue further towards Mandsaur, Neemuch, Ratlam and halt when you need to.

The following day, reach the Agra- Mumbai highway using any route that Google tells you (via Dhar Road or via Manpur). Both are in excellent shape with hardly any traffic and then you can continue the journey as mentioned in the previous post. Don't forget to devour kachoris for your breakfast today, they are heavenly.

The only reason I am recommending Trans Haryana is because of the speed and safety factor. It is possible to not set foot on Haryana soil if you have the tank range and cross the entire state in 1 drive if you use that expressway. And it is practically empty with everyone driving the speed limit of 100 for over 300km.

Alternately, since Trans Haryana seems to be out of the way for you, you could opt for NE1 Delhi-Mumbai Expressway from Sohna to Dausa or wherever they let you go towards Jaipur and then continue the route I mentioned.

Dear Antz,
Thank you so much for 'completing' it! As I mentioned to NA above, I was driving Lucknow to Noida hence the delay in replying.

Thank you for all the guidance, I will look at the route in detail and may come back if I have some niggles I want to clarify.

Cheers!
-Rogue Robot

Originally Posted by chinkara

Indore to Pune you have updated info above. Till Indore, my slightly dated info is that the road till Sawai Madhopur is good, beyond that it is middling - never too bad though. Time Dewas well - prone to lots of traffic.

Thank you user chinkara! I will look at this and be back before long!

Cheers
-Rogue Robot

[RogueRobot]

Originally Posted by na_agrawal

I drove this route last month in less than 11 hours. Relative's home in Indore (near airport) to my home in Pune (Hadapsar).

If you can start at 4-430 AM-ish from Indore as well, you'll reach Pune in full daylight.

I'll suggest this route - Indore - Sendhwa - Dhule - Sinnar (take left from NH and enter the state Highway.) - Sangamner - Chakan/Alandi - Pune.

.....Secondly, check gmaps for traffic before touching Chakan, as the traffic sometimes may get quite dense, and it's better to take the Alandi road.

Hi NA,

First of all, I am also going to Hadapsar - Amanora Adreno Towers (just realized!), so if you have the chance would be glad to meet up!

I have a few questions to clarify, if I may:

1. Indore to Sinnar -- it is showing to take a left at Chandwad, Lasalgaon, Naitale, Mhalsakor, through to Sinnar. That's the route you mean, right?
2. Near Naitale, it is asking to take left towards Dindori instead of continuing on towards Karanjgaon. Is that the route you took? Sorry if this is too detailed for you. Feel free not to answer.
3. Sinnar to Hadapsar .. it shows two routes. Bifurcates at Alephata: one continues straight through Chakan, Pimpri Chinchwad. The other takes left at Alephata, and takes through Malthan, Shikrapur, Bhima Koregaon, Wagholi, Kharadi. Which one do you think would be better?

Thank you for all the help!

Best regards,
-Rogue Robot

[RogueRobot]

Originally Posted by antz.bin

I can help with the remaining part since we did it in May/June, both ways in the Figo Diesel. I assume since Gurgaon is in Haryana, Trans Haryana Expressway should be connected.

Hi Antz,

Thank you. I see that starting from Gurgaon, the Trans Haryana Expressway will not be an option for me.

More likely looks the NE4 Delhi–Mumbai Expressway till Lalsot, then deviating towards Tonk (NH52) all the way till Kota (bypassing Kota).

From Kota there seem to be two options .. NH 52 and SH 27 all the way till Indore, or deviate from Bundi towards Chittorgarh, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Manpur.

Any idea which one would be better? Or do you think NE4 till Dausa >> Jaipur >> Ajmer >> Chhitorgarh will be a better route?

Any help would be very welcome!

Cheers,
-Rogue Robot

[caged_nomad]

Originally Posted by RogueRobot

Hi Antz,

From Kota there seem to be two options .. NH 52 and SH 27 all the way till Indore, or deviate from Bundi towards Chittorgarh, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Manpur.

Any idea which one would be better? Or do you think NE4 till Dausa >> Jaipur >> Ajmer >> Chhitorgarh will be a better route?

Any help would be very welcome!

Cheers,
-Rogue Robot

I drove from Delhi to Pune via Indore last week. The roads are good all through. Indore to Pune was approximately 13 hours for me, I am a sedate driver (90-100). If you have a heavy foot you might be able to do it in under 12 hours.

[na_agrawal]

Originally Posted by RogueRobot

Hi NA,

1. Indore to Sinnar -- it is showing to take a left at Chandwad, Lasalgaon, Naitale, Mhalsakor, through to Sinnar. That's the route you mean, right?
2. Near Naitale, it is asking to take left towards Dindori instead of continuing on towards Karanjgaon. Is that the route you took? Sorry if this is too detailed for you. Feel free not to answer.
3. Sinnar to Hadapsar .. it shows two routes. Bifurcates at Alephata: one continues straight through Chakan, Pimpri Chinchwad. The other takes left at Alephata, and takes through Malthan, Shikrapur, Bhima Koregaon, Wagholi, Kharadi. Which one do you think would be better?

Hi RR,

Refer to the below pic, this should make things clear.



Follow the Gmaps Blue Line as is. Take the left after Naitale and drive straight to Sinnar. I took this one. When I was planning my route, it showed me the one in RED. (that curve of RED). But when we were actually driving, it showed the one in Blue.



Secondly, wanted to highlight this as well. Your luck may play spoilsport. Lasalgaon has a railway crossing. On my onward journey (From Pune to Indore) I reached here when it was closed. But here comes the savior, the highlighted route in dark blue is actually an underpass below the railway track!! Gmaps wont show you this.

The approach road is bad, I will suggest to look at the traffic and locals, if they are taking the underpass, tag along. If you don't want, you can wait at the crossing. I took the risk and went ahead with the locals on this route. Many cars followed me as well. It saved me from huge traffic pileups. Just a 200-300 metres offroad detour.

And for your last query, stick to what Gmaps show you at that time when you are about to reach Pune. It all depends on traffic conditions. Also, since you will be coming in the monsoon season, traffic in city can get quite erratic and it might prove useless to plan now.

I live maybe about 3 kms away from Amanora! We can definitely have a chat once you are here.

Cheers.
~NA

[RogueRobot]

Originally Posted by na_agrawal

Refer to the below pic, this should make things clear.

Thank you, thank you! Crystal clear! That's exactly what I had asked, left after Naitale to Sinnar, and avoiding the loop around Karanjgaon (the red loop) and instead driving straight through, the blue one.

And what a heads-up regarding the Lasalgaon railway crossing! This will surely be on my mind as I approach the place, and, road and water conditions permitting (my car's ground clearance isn't great), I'll keep a keen eye out for the rail underpass!

Thanks once again, and see you, hopefully soon, in Pune!

Cheers,
-Rogue Robot

Originally Posted by caged_nomad

I drove from Delhi to Pune via Indore last week. The roads are good all through. Indore to Pune was approximately 13 hours for me, I am a sedate driver (90-100). If you have a heavy foot you might be able to do it in under 12 hours.

Thanks Nomad, I presume you would advise me, like NA above, to just take whichever route Google shows from Gurgaon to Indore as well, given that roads all along are good.

I'm in about the same range in terms of speed, so 12-14 hours to reach Indore, stop in the outskirts, and next day start early and follow Maps till Pune is the way to go.

Thanks and cheers!
-Rogue Robot

[antz.bin]

I guess going via Indore is also a good option. I haven't been north of Indore on that route for 10 years so I wouldn't know. The route I suggested is better suited for someone coming from Chandigarh or Amritsar.

Regarding the part where you are bypassing Nashik via Lasalgaon, its not that big of a deal. If you don't want the hassle of the railway crossing, just go via Nashik. It won't take much longer in terms of time this way either. I just checked on google and it is hardly a 9 minute difference. The bargain here is that you get no compromise excellent roads all the way. My friend who travelled from Chandigarh in his Abarth Avventura a day after me took this route both ways without issues. You can check out the Nashik Bypass route here: https://goo.gl/maps/Q3s9unHmkCXjACD59

While coming in to Nashik from Dhule side, there is a loonngg flyover that helps avoid most of the city traffic. You could go all the way to Adgaon or even Dwarka and take the Nashik-Pune highway from Nashik itself.

Nashik to Nashik Phata (/Kasarwadi Pune) takes just about 4 hours when driving at the posted speed limit.

Regarding your concern w.r.t. waterlogging. There is not much rain around here for the past 10 days at least. Neither in Nashik nor in Pune. You should be good on that front.

[RogueRobot]

Originally Posted by antz.bin

While coming in to Nashik from Dhule side, there is a loonngg flyover that helps avoid most of the city traffic. You could go all the way to Adgaon or even Dwarka and take the Nashik-Pune highway from Nashik itself.

Nashik to Nashik Phata (/Kasarwadi Pune) takes just about 4 hours when driving at the posted speed limit.

Thank you antz! Very helpful that Nashik Bypass route link, tip on the long highway.

Now to actually make the trip, and maybe decide at the time of passing Chandwad whether to take the Lasalgaon route or the Nashik Bypass.

Driving next weekend, will update here, after! Thank you all!

[RogueRobot]

Okay, time to reccord my experience now of driving from Gurgaon to Pune, in July 2023.


Day 1 - Sunday, 23 July 2023 >> Gurgaon to Indore
Distance travelled >> nearabout 800 km.
Route taken >> Rajiv Chowk Gurgaon - NH 248A (Badshapur - Sohna elevated highway) >> NE 4 (Delhi-Mumbai Expressway) till Lalsot >> diverted from Lalsot to NH 23 >> on to NH 52 .. Niwai >> Tonk >> Deoli >> Bundi >> Kota bypass road (over Hanging bridge) >> Jhalrapatan >> Agar >> Ujjain >> Ujjain Ring Road >> Sanwer >> Indore

Drove solo.

Started 4 am - very much dark. Good thing too, found Rajiv Chowk quite empty that early in the morning. The elevated highway till the start of NE4 is a joy .. and then NE 4, oh, what a joy. 4 well paved, reflector-installed lanes of pure bliss, the only highway in India (afaik) with a speed limit for cars of 120 kmph.





(You have to excuse what appears to be a watermark, that is actually a dedication on my dashboard to a dear dog who was lost recently.)

Note, however, that not all the 'rest stops' along the way are operational; in fact few of them are. So if you wish to make a stop and find one teeming with people, don't wait for the next one.

This was an example of a rest stop where you can only 'rest'. And possibly, for men, only relieve.



Near Lalsot, I found many vehicles turning away from the NE4 at Lalsot towards Tonk, and Google recommended that route too. I opted for it against my better judgement, trusting Google's accumulated wisdom of the many against that of my inexperienced one. Also, at that point, I wasn't very sure if the highway till Sawai Madhopur was operational, because whenever I had checked GMaps before, this is the route it had recommended, irrespective of time of day.

I have an affinity for going into hinterland highways where you are passing through fields and can stop at any time, as against the monotony of 4-lane unending highways, so I didn't mind it much, but at places the roads were not all that good.

I later met a guy coming back from Indore, and he said the highway is fine till Sawai Madhopur. So below image will tell you the route I took, against the one I recommend now, with hindsight.



I took the Tonk-Deoli-Bundi diversion because the route distance wa showing a good 15 mins less for travelling a good 40 km extra! But maybe sticking to the NE 4 till Sawai Madhopur is still the better option.

And this was the scenery to go with it.



Till Kota it was mostly uneventful, but the 'Hanging Bridge' of Kota was an unexpected sight to behold.



Just after crosssing the Hanging Bridge, I took a short detour to fill up at BPCL Petrol Pump https://goo.gl/maps/jnSF1Gv3i4uqTBk59 which turned out to be a COCO pump. Double the joy for this Bengali as it was situated at 'Tagore Nagar'



Off I went. Soon, after a right turn at Dara, the road (NH 52) goes into the Mukundra Tiger Reserve. Here the road is just a 2-way highway (2 lanes, one going, one coming), however the scenery and the weather makes it worthwhile.



After crossing Jhalrapatan, near Madhopur (not to be confused with Sawai Madhopur), you have to pass under a bridge and deviate away from NH 52, on to SH 27, all the way till Indore via Ujjain. Here there is shortcut you can take as well, however this stretch of road is not in good shape. See below.



From here on, it's pretty straightforward. After passing a place called 'Ghatiya', the road becomes truly ghatiya, so I guess you get fair warning. Bypassing Ujjain, even through the Ujjain Ring Road, is a pain, the roads are not good. Eventually you arrive at Indore.


In Indore I stayed at Hare Krishna Vihar Colony, somewhere near Decathlon store and close to the AH47 / NH52 that bypasses Indore altogether. I arrived late .. around 7:30 pm and started early the next day, so there was no chance for me to enjoy Indore's famous poha :(. But never mind! We'll get there next time!

[sinharishi]

Originally Posted by RogueRobot

arrived late .. around 7:30 pm

How was the overall route? In terms of road condition. Would you recommend this vs Agra-Gwalior-Guna-Indore?