There was too much traffic in the evening, but it was not a problem to maintain 90-100 km/h almost all the way.
BHPian edunata recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
At first I planned a short picture only travelogue, but I was so overwhelmed with the 5000 KM driving experience, I cannot restrain myself for a long writeup. So, brace for long travelogue.
The Spiti circuit was in my thought for a few years, but taking a small hatchback through the Kunzum – Gramphoo road was one of the main deterrents in this plan. Finally, last year, I tried to execute the trip, excluding the Kunzum – Gramphoo part.
Debdeep (dip27in), provided a rough itinerary, but as my son’s college opening date collided with the trip dates, we had to cancel the plan and divert it towards Nepal for a short trip (obviously on our trusted hatchback)
This year the plan surfaced again. This year I have a ready reckoner…. the detailed travelogue of Niladri (milebreaker) (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave…tata-hexa.html. This made my life much easier. A few calls to Niladri, and my plan was finalised. Debdeep and Niladri both inspired me to go to Pin Valley, but I was not very much convinced to take my small and low GC hatchback on a road which never saw any tar.
Initially it was planned as a 13-day trip, but due to some exigencies, we have to curtail the trip to 9 days. We didn’t have any booking beforehand; all bookings were made either on the move or on the previous night or after reaching the hotel. The final itinerary came out like this.
Day 0 – start from Kolkata
Day 1 – reach Lucknow
Day 2 – Parwanoo
Day 3 – Close
Day 4 – Tabo
Day 5 – Accident
Day 6 – Accident
Day 7 – Narkanda
Day 8 – Varanasi
Day 9 – Kolkata
Our journey date was scheduled on Saptami night. All preparations made, bags were packed……suddenly my wife fell ill and the journey plan was cancelled (thank God no bookings were made). Next morning, she confirmed that we may resume the trip. After consulting a doctor, the plan was back on track. After the trip, we realised this event actually pointed towards some more eventful days ahead.
On Ashtami night, when lakhs of puja revellers were thronging the Kolkata streets, we started our loooong journey. After a 21-hour journey we reached Lucknow, and checked in Hotel Gomti (a UP tourism hotel) at Hazratgunj. On the way, during breakfast, I made the online booking of the property. The road conditions were a mixed bag. West Bengal roads are being widened, so there were many diversions, but not a problem for us because we passed those areas in the night time. Jharkhand roads are mostly excellent. Bihar roads are in a very bad condition. Road widening is going on, so the condition is easily understandable. For further reference, I would like to mention that the usual Durganti cut we take from NH19 for Purvanchal Expressway, the road is in shambles. In the first stretch you will find numerous speed breakers and after that the road condition is pathetic.
Smile! You are going to Lucknow!
Somewhere near Lucknow!
After reaching Lucknow, the drill was simple, freshen up and visit Dastarkhwan for dinner and crash into bed.
BHPian edunata recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
Day 2
Next day after breakfast, we started our journey towards Parwanoo. Going through Lucknow Agra expressway and then Yamuna expressway was a great experience.
Entering Lucknow Agra Expressway
My personal opinion is that the road quality is much better on the Purvanchal Expressway. From Yamuna expressway we entered Eastern Peripheral expressway and were surprised to see the speed limit on EPE is 120kmph, whereas all the long expressway has a speed limit of 100kmph. It was a pretty tough job to maintain 100 kmph on these beautiful expressways.
Sonipat Toll Plaza
NH44 is another experience. There was too much traffic in the evening, but it was not a problem to maintain 90-100 kmph almost all the way. Sadly, we have to let go the famous dhaba experience at Murthal, as the time was not in our favour. Had dinner at ‘Palace Haveli’ near Ambala. Very good food at this price point, and obviously sparkling clean toilets. We reached Parwanoo HPTDC hotel at about 11:30 pm. We had been informed beforehand about our late arrival, so the check in was easy. But the condition of the hotel is a big concern. It is very disheartening to see the poor condition of the property.
Continue reading BHPian edunata’s travel experience for more insights and information.
