I ended 2021 with a short trip to Udaipur. And as the title of the post suggests, it was a road trip. An outing after more than 2 years was a much-needed one for me and my family. We just wanted to go out and relax a bit. As the wedding of my cousin was organised there, we couldn’t have got a better opportunity.
With all the planning and booking done by my uncle, all we had to do is drive to the destination and party. The main reason behind opting for the road trip was my eight-month-old son. It was his first trip and we didn’t know how will he react to that. So I got my car ready and decided to hit the road.
I was driving to Rajasthan for the first time. Being a resident of Ahmedabad, I have always preferred to drive towards South Gujarat over North. And the main and the only reason for that is the quality of the road. The roads of north Gujarat are under construction since I have learnt to drive. On the contrary, the roads of South Gujarat are so smooth that every driver loves to drive on them.
When I googled the distance and estimated time, my first thought was, if I had to drive South I would have covered this distance in half time. Keeping the roads of north Gujarat in, I was a bit worried about the roads of Rajasthan as well.
On the day of departure, I switched on the Google maps after taking the driver seat and we were off to our destination.
Till we exited Ahmedabad, the roads were super smooth. Then the story of diversions and the roads with potholes begin. It continued till we reached Himmatnagar. From Himmatnagar, google indicated us to exit the highway and enter the city as highway will take longer to reach the destination. We followed the map religiously as we wanted to reach the destination early.
And that route took us to the state highways which were small and mostly one way. I drove through farms, forests and houses around. I think I crossed around 20 villages before I landed on the national highway again.
Soon after taking a turn on national highway, the sign on it suggested that I will exit Gujarat and will enter Rajasthan through a toll booth ahead.
After crossing those villages, I didn’t want to enter those jungles and villages again. Google map showed that I am on NH 48 but after passing that toll, I didn’t know which turn will take me to villages again.
Surprisingly, as I drove on, the road became scenic and the national highway didn’t end till I reached Udaipur. While driving towards Udaipur, my focus was on the road so I didn’t enjoy the scenic view much but while coming back, my brother took the driving seat and I enjoyed the view on NH 48.
Yes, it was NH 48 and trust me, it is so well made and well maintained that even your car will smile while moving on that road.
I feel the authorities have done their job on that highway, now it is our responsibility to follow the rules and take good care of it.
It is a must-drive highway of our country. If you are living in Gujarat then you must drive to Udaipur through NH 48 at least once in your lifetime.
Road trips are fun but I agree with a new born, it is a bit challenging. The road condition plays a big role. good to know that your experience was a good one.
I remember from road trips from my childhood that Gujarat roads are a delight to drive on. Hope someday I get to drive on NH 48 too and have a similar memorable experience as you.
Yes you must plan a road trip around NH 48
Most important factor while travelling via roads is the right direction. Good that you got to enjoy the scenic views along highway in your return. When I travel with kids, I see the number of hours of travelling and takeup the less hours journey.
It has been long when we have planned any road trip. your post has made me tempted to plan one soon. yes, good roads are one of the most important factor that make our journey memorable.
Good to know that your experience was great. Indeed good road makes our journey memorable. Yes! enjoying scenic views is not possible when driving, that’s why now we make sure to go with the driver so that we can enjoy the trips together.
Yes, you must go with a driver to enjoy the scenes around.
We too have experienced the roads towards the south of Ahmedabad more and found them smooth as butter. The roads towards the north need to improve, glad to know that work is on and NH48 makes for some smooth driving.
It is so good to read about the Ahmedabad-Udaipur highway. I can’t wait to drive on this highway.
Road trips are always fun. But the drive must be smooth. Looks like you had a great experience in NH48. Let me hop. I get to travel sooner there.
Yes, you must.
I have been on this route and it’s really worth travelling once at least. I thoroughly enjoyed my road trip.
I am just returned from a trip to Uttar Pradesh and got an opportunity to visit many places via road. The infrastructure has just flabbergasted me, what pace our India is running when it comes to development, I am sure these highways would be amazing too.
National highway on route covering Rajasthan was great.
Road trips are so much fun, and if the roads and pit stops are comfortable it makes the journey more enjoyable. Great to know about NH48.
NH48 is the lifeline of Gurgaon. I agree barring a few patches here and there this particular highway is super smooth. In Rajasthan too at most places roads are super awesome. You inspired me to plan a road trip based on highway soon
Thinking to plan a road trip soon on NH48. Wonderful read.