Mumbai-Igatpuri Drive: Ghat Views and Road Insights

So driving time was around 4 hours. I would recommend trying out this route if returning from Nashik.

BHPian theCalmRider recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Went to Igatpuri from Mumbai on Wednesday. Here is my update:

Outbound Journey:

Mumbai -> Thane -> Shahapur -> Kasara
Google Maps: http://maps.app.goo.gl/oryMtF85bEjeH7m68
Plan was to leave at 7AM but ended up leaving at 8:30AM so the first quarter of the journey was spent in Mumbai traffic, which was still tolerable. Took about 1.5 hours to exit from Bhiwandi. Post this, the 'highway' had multiple diversions and few rough patches of road. After Shahapur the roads become better and after Kasara Ghat they are wonderful. Overall road was okay (considering 50% was only okay-ish) and traffic was moderate. Reached Igatpuri in 3Hr 20mins

Return Journey:

Igatpuri -> NH 160A -> Manor -> Mumbai via Ahmedabad-Mumbai Hwy
Google Maps: http://maps.app.goo.gl/ahcZi2zySAtEZgcX7
We had already headed out 50km north of Igatpuri and Google Maps showed us this route. It was 20km extra (30 mins more) from the previous route, but it would take the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Hwy. Wasn't very happy with the previous route taken, so decided to go for it.
The roads were two-way and narrow, but they had absolutely no vehicles. Roads were smooth with barely any rough patches. The driving experience was too good. The road passes through a very long Ghat which the locals called 'Amla Ghat'. Google Maps shows no such name, but I have linked the route above.

Attaching a few pics for reference:

The Ghat has a very beautiful view of the valley and I can only imagine how nice it will be during monsoons. Pics don't capture any of the view and all beauty is lost, still sharing one:

We started the journey at 12PM and reached Mumbai at 5:30 PM including a 45 min lunch break and small halts. So driving time was around 4 hours.
I would recommend trying out this route if returning from Nashik.

Alternative:

This route also explores a similar path, and Google had shown it to me while leaving: http://maps.app.goo.gl/LCxEgknAnAF8Y91A6. I think it may be a good choice as it bypasses the under construction highway. It rejoins the usual route just before Shahapur, which is nice. If anyone does try out this route, do post an update on it.

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