Pune-Goa Road Trip: Why the Anushkura Ghat Route is the Better Choice Over Kolhapur Route

The Journey Through Anushkura Ghat: Smooth Sailing

The journey started early in the morning from Pune at 4:20 am. The roads up to Satara were pretty good, even on the Khambatki Ghat, which is known for being a bit tricky. However, after passing Satara and heading toward Karad, the roads got a little bumpier, with some diversions and sudden dips. Not the worst, but definitely something to be mindful of.

After crossing Karad and heading towards Anushkura, the drive became nothing short of magical. The morning was a bit foggy, the traffic was almost non-existent, and the road was in great shape. It felt like driving through a serene landscape with smooth roads and no interruptions. After the ghat, there was a short stretch that was a little rough, but nothing major to worry about.

After hitting NH66 after Oni, the roads were buttery smooth. Sure, there were a few sharp turns that required some braking, but overall, it was a really pleasant drive. The only interruption came at the Goa-Maharashtra border, where there were police speed guns after a small construction diversion. Other than that, the drive was smooth, and arrived at Arambol, Goa, by 1 pm without any issues.

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The Return Trip via Kolhapur: Not So Smooth

For the return journey, the Amboli Ghat route was not in good condition —narrow roads, broken edges, and a lack of road signs made it a bit of a headache. There were rough patches every few hundred meters, and although traffic was light, the condition of the road made it a stressful part of the journey.

After crossing Amboli, the route through Ajara, Uttur, and then towards Madhyal was surprisingly much better, especially up until Nipani. But from Nipani to Kolhapur, the roads were full of diversions. While they weren’t as bumpy as the earlier stretch, they still caused delays. Some diversions had poorly constructed speed breakers that we had to navigate carefully to avoid damaging the car.

The final stretch from Kolhapur to Pune was relatively uneventful but it was clear that the Kolhapur route had more obstacles to deal with.

Why Anushkura Ghat is the Better Option

When it comes down to it, if you don’t need to go to Kolhapur, the Anushkura Ghat route is the clear winner. The road conditions from Karad to Anushkura are far better, and the drive itself is a lot more scenic and peaceful. On the other hand, the Kolhapur route has its share of rough patches, narrow roads, and frustrating diversions that can make the trip feel longer and more tiring.

So, if you’re looking for a smoother, faster, and more enjoyable drive to Goa, it is highly recommended taking the Anushkura Ghat route. It’s a more straightforward, stress-free option that will make your road trip much more enjoyable.

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A Few Tips for the Journey

Take Breaks: Make sure to take multiple breaks for stretching, breakfast, and bathroom stops. Some rest areas don’t have the best facilities, so it’s a good idea to carry pee-safe sprays for hygiene.
Watch Out for Speed Breakers: The Kolhapur route, in particular, has some poorly made speed breakers that can be tough on your car, so keep an eye out.
Traffic: Leaving early in the morning is the best way to avoid traffic and make the most of a quiet drive.

In the end, the Anushkura Ghat route offers a much more pleasant experience, both in terms of road quality and the overall atmosphere of the journey. If you’re planning your next trip from Pune to Goa, it is recommended to take this route instead of the Kolhapur route.