Some construction is still happening between Bhandara and Bhilai which slows one down considerably due to bad condition of the diverted roads.
BHPian streetfighter recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
I did another trip (third trip from Mumbai to Odisha) from 7th to 18th Dec 2024 with family in my C5 Aircross. Overall, the drive was a pleasant experience as most of the road constructions, especially around Raipur city, are completed. Some construction is still happening between Bhandara and Bhilai which slows one down considerably due to bad condition of the diverted roads. Inside Odisha, the Sambalpur to Angul stretch road-work has also been mostly completed, which makes journey smooth.
Day 1: Mumbai to Bhandara – 820 kms, approx 12 hours
On the Samruddhi Expressway
Halted here in the evening for a break, at Haldiram’s Store. Checked the hotel above and found it to be decent, so stayed here for the night.
Day2: Bhandara to Angul – 650 kms – 13 hrs
Singhoda Temple. During the drive, I do take small stops in between just to stretch, snack and click pictures.
River Mahanadi
The secret admirer 
In my earlier post I had mentioned about Odisha’s own coffee variant, the Koraput Coffee, named after the place it comes from. During my visits, I make it a point to get my quota
Another noteworthy place I visited was the “Mission Shakti Bazar. This is an initiative by the Govt of Odisha to empower women and encourage the sale of local produces, art and culture. They have a great collection from foodgrains, to spices, coffee, honey, handmade soaps, art and handicrafts, clothes and many more. Must visit if you are in Bhubaneswar.
I also visited the Dhauli Shanti Stupa
Visit to Sun Temple Konark
Visit to nearby Chandrabhaga Beach
The Jagannath Temple, Puri. The authorities have made great efforts and beautified the temple corridor with excellent facilities. But once inside the temple, it is utter chaos with crowd not managed well. Once inside the temple for darshan, it is a mad rush with absolutely no rules or queue. I hope the temple administration will do something about this to prevent a stampede like situation.
Nandankanan Zoo, Bhubaneswar. They have a good collection of animals, birds and reptiles, do visit if you have kids.
Parting shot from the return journey.
While entering the Samruddhi Expressway, I was flagged down by some traffic policemen. They did the customary driving licence and RC check (I guess they were also checking if I had any traffic fines pending on me). The policemen than asked if I had Nitrogen filled in the tyres, I answered in the negative. He suggested I should use Nitrogen for better safety. Then he suggested I drive within speed limit, take small breaks every 100-150 kms and that there are fuel stations on the way. This was a good advice and good initiative.
See ya all again in the next trip
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