Mumbai - Goa Via Pune Expressway/Kolhapur Road condition

Hi Sourabh,

There are many ghats on NH17 and NO, they are not like the ghats on the Expressway to Pune.

The ghats are very safe, as long as you are not in a hurry. Follow the traffic rules and you should be fine. Be careful of the many villages on the road. 

If you are worried, take the expressway to Nippani and take right to Ajra, etc., as mentioned by Sanjay above. But, if you are a nature lover and like scenic roads, take the NH17. If you are a speed buff, take the expressway.

HI Guys , Back from Goa.

We took Mumbai- Expressway Pune- Satara- Kolhapur-Sankeshwar- Gadinglaj- Ajra- Amboli- Sawantwadi-Panjim route.

Left Mumbai at 5.15 Am & could reach only by 6pm to Panjim City. Total distance coverd from Mumbai Vile Parle to Panjim City 599kms.

Road from Mumbai to Sankeshwar appx 400kms is in a very good condition. Took right from Sankeshwar & the State highway was not in best of the condition. Surface was pretty uneven. Couldnt push car much. Wew also had to negotiate with TRailor Sugercane tractors & village bikers. Certainly these 200kms took most of our time. Amboli ghat except 1 patch of 30 mtrs where spome repair work was going on was in a good conditon.

NH17 up to Goa border is WORST. There NO ROAD. for 4 to 6 kms stretch. The biggest question in my mind was Why atleast 1 side of the road was made driveable & many more questions as any normal Indian would ask. Its a SHAME. We certainly do not deserve this.

I was constantly worried about my car.  She has never faced these abuses in past.

We took same route on return. Left Panjim by 6am. This time was better since we did not get any SUgercane trailors . Managed to reach Mumbai by 7pm.

Took Halt of 30/40 min at Macdonald KOlhapiur since kids were hungry. Took 2nd Halt at Amboli Ghat  for Vada Pav.

Except 12 to 13 hrs driving which we expected to complete in 10 hrs and Road condition  of NH17 rest was wonderful.

Cheers

I know you like driving (or eating) more than the photography, but must have tried at least a couple of pics on the way. How about posting them here.

BTW, thanks for the report.

Lol. Yes, Satish, expecting a few pics.

Sorry about the sad state of the SH, after Kolhapur. Now, don't tell us that you weren't warned.

Hi everyone,

when visiting Goa or to any other Beautiful place, Please dont think of driving fast on the roads. the reason is when we think of the speed, it irritates us and spoils the mood. Instead think on exploring new routes as it adds to adventure. We go on such outings to relax and unwind ourselves by enjoying the scenic beauty. so lets start relaxing ourself by not thinking on the speed factor. whenever and wherever we find the road conditions conduicive, we automatically up the speeds. thus we may not really loose time on our journey and still keep it in our mind as a happy memory.

do u agree that the thought of speed is a Devil and sometimes Life threatning...

u all mentioned about 2 routes to goa from mumbai

one is the NH17 - the only thing that is of concern is that it is 2 lane and u need an entire day (from morning to evening) to drive. take it to your advantage by planning to visit something like ganapati phule or any such places of interest. that ll add to ur excitement.

I had read that enthusiasts who plan their trip to goa via NH17 do skip some section of NH17 and take diversion and drive through state highways that passes through coastal villages and town parallel to NH. hope such things add more adventure.

the other route and sub routes that u all have mentioned is through Kolhapur and / or Belgaum. the various ghats like from Kolkapur to NH17 are Sakharpa, Gagan Bavda, Amboli ghat etc.

Ghats from Belgaum like Anmod (NH 4A), chorla ghat etc can be used. all these are major ghat roads.

So my point is when any one has so many options, why spoil the mood for travelling a few kms extra in an hour.

and one more thing is that

• The twisting and twining roads Meandearing all the way through hills plains, rivers and streams, seashore etc are those made for enthusiasts and
• The plain jane tolled expressways for the speedfreak who likes nothing but speed.

I Hope that anybody reading this doesnot feel this like a Gyan session. and if anybody feels offended, then Sorry in Advance.