[CANPUSH]

Has anyone traveled on Kolhapur-Gagan Bawda route recently? What is condition of this road post Monsoon?
I believe that area received very heavy rains this year.

I am traveling tomorrow to Kudal hence need to make choice between Amboli, Ponda and Karul ghat.

[Sawyer]

Amboli remains the safest bet. Bypass Sawantwadi by taking the right turn over the bridge a few kilometres before getting there, and then the right turn onto Nh17 takes you to Kudal.

[comfortablynumb]

Originally Posted by Sawyer

Amboli remains the safest bet. Bypass Sawantwadi by taking the right turn over the bridge a few kilometres before getting there, and then the right turn onto Nh17 takes you to Kudal.

Is this bypass useful for folks travelling to Goa too? Or would it be better to go via Sawantwadi town?

I'm starting for Goa (Calangute) on Sunday, and still in 2 minds whether to take Amboli or Chorla.

Cheers,
Vikram

[Sawyer]

No, this bypass joins NH17 on the northern side, so it doesn't make sense for southbound traffic to Goa. Amboli route does not have a viable Sawantwadi bypass for Goa. In your case, I suggest Amboli, keeping Chorla in your pocket as an alternative if the roads are bad on the drive out.

[parsh]

Originally Posted by CANPUSH

Has anyone traveled on Kolhapur-Gagan Bawda route recently? What is condition of this road post Monsoon?
I believe that area received very heavy rains this year.

I am traveling tomorrow to Kudal hence need to make choice between Amboli, Ponda and Karul ghat.

Last I had been on those routes was last new year, did both GaganBawda and Sawantwadi-Amboli routes onward/return. Both were equally good and bad to say one better than other. The rains would have caused similar situation on either I guess.

If you have to go upto Kudal or even upto Goa, your better bet from speedy travel perspective maybe, Pune-Kolhapur-GaganBawda-Vaibhavwadi-NH17 (smooth 4 laned NH66 now)-Kudal

[Sawyer]

Perhaps Gaganbawda to Kudal is better; but certainly this is not the case for Goa. Because all other things being equal, that leaves you longer on the slower nh17 when compared to nh4.

[CANPUSH]

Originally Posted by suzuki san

The road between Ajra and Amboli had worsened in the last two weeks.
A lot more potholes and several deep ones as well which could not be avoided.
I also found the road from NH4 - Nipani and Uttur to Ajra to be quite "lumpy" - though maybe that's the effect after having driven on the super smooth NH4 for the previous couple of hours.
SS

This observation made me think about Whether to stick to Amboli or to choose Phonda or Gagan Bawda.

I think tomorrow I will stick to Amboli. If I find it bad on return I will take chance with Gagan Bawda.

Had it been Goa, no second thoughts for Chorla. As on date that is the best and fastest way to get into Goa.

I hope soon the will start NH17 (NH66) widening the way they have done in Zarap-Patradevi section!

[Trojan]

Originally Posted by CANPUSH

This observation made me think about Whether to stick to Amboli or to choose Phonda or Gagan Bawda.


Had it been Goa, no second thoughts for Chorla. As on date that is the best and fastest way to get into Goa.

I think by Phonda ghat you are referring to the route through Radhanagari sanctuary?

That would be my pick out of the options, my observation has been that it has far lesser traffic resulting in a far more pleasant drive.

Cheers!
SD

[Lobogris]

Originally Posted by CANPUSH

This observation made me think about Whether to stick to Amboli or to choose Phonda or Gagan Bawda.

I think tomorrow I will stick to Amboli. If I find it bad on return I will take chance with Gagan Bawda.

Can you please provide an update after you take the Amboli route tomorrow? I am in a dilemma over this route as well. Thanks in advance!

I am confused between Mollem, Chorla and Amboli routes when I drive next week to Delhi from Goa. On the way in I took the coastal route from Ganpatiphule and then NH17 in to Goa.

[vivek95]

All those heading to Goa from Mumbai/Pune, better stick to the routes from Belgaum for good roads.

For North Goa --> Belgaum--Chorla ghat--Sanquelim-Bicholim-Assnora-North Goa

For South Goa --> Belgaum -- Khanapur -- Ramnagar -- Anmod ghat -- Mollem -- Ponda bypass -- Madgaon/ South Goa

For Panjim,Donapaula,Miramar,Old Goa take the Chorla route.

[comfortablynumb]

Originally Posted by vivek95

All those heading to Goa from Mumbai/Pune, better stick to the routes from Belgaum for good roads.

For North Goa --> Belgaum--Chorla ghat--Sanquelim-Bicholim-Assnora-North Goa

For South Goa --> Belgaum -- Khanapur -- Ramnagar -- Anmod ghat -- Mollem -- Ponda bypass -- Madgaon/ South Goa

For Panjim,Donapaula,Miramar,Old Goa take the Chorla route.

Thanks vivek95. I took the Chorla - Sanquelim - Assonora - Calangute route while going and Old Goa - Mollem - Anmod - Belgaum route on my way back to Pune. Both are in great shape, barring the odd rough patches and diversions on the Anmod route.

After Anmod check post, I turned left to go via the shorter route through Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary (extremely scenic). This road joins Anmod to Khanapur directly and saves almost 20 kms over the Anmod - Ramnagar - Khanapur route. It is a single lane narrow road, but in decent shape and open only from 6 AM - 6 PM.

Cheers,
Vikram

[somitra1981]

Quick update on the Pune - Goa route (08th /11th October) went via Belgaum - Chorla route both ways, road is absolutely amazing. Its butter smooth to be precise. Pune - Satara diversions are a nuisance but the surface is ok.

[akshay380]

What's with these people hanging out outside toll booths asking someone for a drop in lieu of free toll? I warned two if them of complaining.

In other news, anmod ghat road in KA section is already breaking apart though it was tarred just few months back.

[honeybee]

Originally Posted by akshay380

What's with these people hanging out outside toll booths asking someone for a drop in lieu of free toll? I warned two if them of complaining.

Usually the toll booth staff leaving at odd hours. If they miss their drop vehicle/shuttle or find it inconvenient, they usually hitch a ride. I have obliged them a few times, but within city and on my daily drive routes.

I suggest you should refuse if not comfortable, but please appreciate the location and timing of their work practically forces them to beg for a ride. And they never ever stop a family in a car, always a single or two males.

[akshay380]

Originally Posted by honeybee

Usually the toll booth staff leaving at odd hours. If they miss their drop vehicle/shuttle or find it inconvenient, they usually hitch a ride. I have obliged them a few times, but within city and on my daily drive routes.

I suggest you should refuse if not comfortable, but please appreciate the location and timing of their work practically forces them to beg for a ride. And they never ever stop a family in a car, always a single or two males.

Oh I do drop off people whenever I find them reasonable but this was during broad day light, one at 9am and second at 10.3am. Both happened around Karad area and the persons didn't appear like staff.