Saturday, January 5, 2013

Maiden Trip.. Goa to Bangalore (624 kms) 26th Nov'12

Tata Nano... the cheapest in the world and Legendary Ratan Tata's dream car made its debut in 2009 in India  Ever since its debut in India, lots have been said about this car. Some say, its not powerful enough, some called "its just a city car", it can't run more than 100 kms a day, car will catch fire if you speed high, wont last too long in the market etc. Well, my experience driving this car since I bought in November 2012 and 4000 kms has been really satisfying and cherished ones. Here through this blog I will share my experience with my Nano and our journey together.....

Goa to Bangalore.....

Statue at Dona Paula-Goa
This was my Nano's maiden road trip covering 624 kms. I was accompanied by my dear friend Ravi Kujur. Since its was still new one on the road, I hit the car at an average speed of 60-70 kms/hr and made it to Bangalore in 13 hours. The drive to Bangalore from my home Goa is a beautiful one with lots of greenery and woods of the western ghats, the deep blue sea of Karwar coast and the wonderful driving experience through the Bangalore Pune Highway.

The entire trip so very comfortable and never felt tired. Its was quite warm outside (30 deg C) but that A/C of this car was pretty cool enough to keep me motivated to drive. I clocked between 60-70 kms/hr during the trip though I could go even further especially on Pune- Bangalore Highway. But kept my thrill in control as the car was still new.

Tunnel as you enter  Karwar
We did make multiple stop to refuel the car and also for us. One does find multiple fuel station along this stretch of road but when it comes to good refreshment areas, one can barely count. One has to take a detour to get some good food. My best pick along the way will be Kamat Upchar as it gives decent food. We did find 3 of them along my way... Ankola, Hubli and one i guess was at Ranebennur. Well there are many more around but when it comes to hygiene I would choose Kamat Upchar as they are much better among rest. I wished if Cafe Coffee Day considered opening a few outlets along this route. One thing best I personally found on this way was tender coconuts vendors... they are ample and during this season and heat they are the best bet. If one has time then one should try Fish Curry Rice in Karwar town and Davangere Benne Dosa. When it comes to most disliked part in the entire drive, it would be the number of toll booths. The moment you get into your groove with the car, speed  and just when you enjoying the drive.. comes the toll booths. I really wished, if there was only couple of toll booth or they used smart cards instead. But  all in all the Pune-Bangalore Exp Highway is really good to drive.

Karwar Beach
We started our trip from Home in Goa around 8:30 am and arrived at my place in Bangalore (Bellandur) around 9:30-10 pm. My previous road trip with family and kids, I clocked the same distance in 10-11 hours with Toyota Innova. When compared to that, my new Nano with an average speed of 60-70 kms/hr, I reached my destination in 13 hours with a average mileage of 24/liter with A/C which is pretty good. The entire journey was good and comforting. The seats are comfortable, ample leg room for both people seated behind and in front, very cooling A/C, good speed and power and great driving experience. No doubt, It a great value for money and I look forward to more adventures and drives with my Nano Buddy!

Places to See: Palolem Beach, Karwar Beach, Karwar Harbour and Naval Ship Museum.
Places to Eat: Fish lovers should try to have some fish curry rice in Karwar and Davangere Benne Dosa

Karwar Harbor
Karwar Harbor
Karwar Coast