Travel by car is interesting too, if planned properly. Recently(May 2010); I decided to travel from Nashik to Panjim Goa by car, leaving all the other regular modes & options available aside. I embarked on my journey to PANJIM from NASHIK by car;in two phases.
PHASE-1:
6.00am
NASHIK-Sangamner-(Pune Rd)-Bosari-(Right turn)-Nighdi-Chinchwad Rly Stn-
Chaphekar chowk-Aditya birla hosp-reach Mumbai-Bangalore Highway-(pass wakad.Hingewadi, Katraj tunnel)-Satara-Karad-reach KOLHAPUR(460 Kms. @ 3.00Pm)_.Rest overnight.
PHASE -2.
6.00AM
KOLHAPUR-Nipani-(Towards Gadhinglaj.find Hotel Kaveri @ 27Kms)-Right turn-Ajra-Amboli-Sawantwadi-PANJIM(180KMs@ 10.30am).
Total distance covered was around 680kms.
Total fuel needed @ 32litres of petrol.
Road conditions.Nashik -Pune .OK; Pune-Nipani.excellent(NHAI);. Hotel Kaveri-Sawantwadi.OK
Sawantwadi-Panjim.Good.
In all, if you have a passion for driving, do embark on this journey, as it is’t far as it seems.!