OK Guys, below is the travelogue.
Blr -> Hoskote -> Chintamani (ByPass -> Madanapalli -> Pileru -> Tirumala.
After long hours browsing, decided to take above route than usual
Blr -> Kolar -> Mulibagel -> Chittoor -> Tirumala.
Some quick Details:
====================
Traveled on: 30-Oct-2014 (weekday)
Returned on : 30-Oct-2014. Same day
Distance Covered: 515 kms (to-and-fro)
Vehicle: Nissan Sunny XL Diesel
Passengers: 3 Adults, 2 kids
Start Time: Bangalore (05:25 AM from BLR)
Reach Time: Thirumala toll gate - Security check (10.40 AM)
Breaks: approx. 1hr in total. (3 breaks)
Alipiri Start time: 5:40 PM.
BLR reach time: 10:30 PM (approx) - I remember because, Wify's and Mother's fav serial was not missed :) hehehehe
Breaks: 2 short break of approx 15 mins each)
I was able to make it in half tank as per fuel gauge shown in pic. :)
Thirumala uphill-downhill time not counted; since time limit is fixed now by TTD. :(
Thirumala:
===========
There was huge waiting line in front of Thirimal check point. we waited approx for 50-55 mins.
They check the vehicles thoroughly.
And, TTD has fixed the time limit.
Uphill: Min 28 mins
Downhill: Min 40 mins
Before reaching they levy hefty fine. so driver sedately on that 18kms stretch (40kmph will work)
They scan your toll receipts on reaching uphill. if it is RED color will be displayed, it will be heavy on your pocket.
For Blue color, i guess it is warning, they may let you go.
Darshan time: it took approx 1hr20 mins to darshan (may be because of weekday, weekend will have more pilgrims)
Please book online tickets (e-darshan) to avoid hassles on reaching there.
Also, if e-darshan booked, follow the dress code printed on ticket. Kurta-Payjama/dhoti/uttrayam for gents and Sari/Chididaar with duppatta for ladies.
No jeans/bermuda/sleeveless/short t-shirts allowed.
The Route:
==========
Blr -> Hoskote -> Chintamani (ByPass) -> Madanapalli -> Pileru -> Tirumala.
The road is in good condition. it is easy to maintain speed between 80-100 kmph.
Please don't go by poly-line shown in Google map. It has lot more curves than shown in poly-line.
All know
Blr -> Hoskote (it is 6 way lane)
we need to pay toll at Hoskote (16rs one-way, 24Rs return), even if we are turning towards Chintamani road.
Hoskote -> Chintamani.
For first 5-6 kms, road work is in progress. (infact it was being tarred while I was writting this)
After that it is a straight (----------------) stretch till Chintamani (around 50kms)
From
Chintamani -> Madanapalli(50 kms) road condition is good but road starts getting curves.
From
Madanapalli -> Pileru -> Alipiri the road has lots of curves. Since it is NH after Madanapalli, so road condition is again good.
Few times it reminded me as if I was travelling to Blr -> Mysore highway, because we get illogical speed breakers before village starts :)
The Traffic:
=============
Day Time:
When it comes to traffic, apart from 3 wheels I hardly found any truck or bus coming from front.
Or any truck/buss crossed me? Nah!!!!
So traffic is less/no on this entire stretch at DAY TIME.
Night Time (After 6PM IST):
I was wondering what would be the traffic on Chittoor highway; while I was experience more traffic on the same stretch I traveled few hours back :)
Lots and lots of HIGH been was welcomed by my eyes.
Trucks/buses started coming from opposite direction. And, same 3 wheeler were loaded with passengers.
This stretch has 2 manned railway crossings, for me it was open both the times. So no stopping to give way to train.
The Eateries:
=============
It is good to travel on this road, if you carry your own food. (We had carried our own breakfast)
Only 2 major cities I had crossed. Madanapalli and Pileru.
In Madanapalli, we have Andhra style resto. SLV/Nandhini etc etc.
In Pileru, I think I noticed one CCD.
Apart from that not many eating joints.
While coming back, had dinner kind of at Vanam resto (right opp. to Zoo (Thirumala)) - pic attached
The food was good, since it was 5PM, so not much options to eat. Roti/Dal/Fried rice.
rates were high. 20Rs for one tawa roti. Dal bowl was 40Rs and Fried rice was 95Rs.
Dal was good in taste.
Fuel Pumps:
===========
There are decent numbers of fuel pumps on the way. IndianOil/HP etc.
Night Driving:
==============
I was on this road till approx 10PM IST, and had good number of vehicles faced both to-and-fro.
Beyond that, I can't comment on night travelling on this stretch
Overall:
The route is good provided you are sedate driver :)
I wonder there will be more body roll who are travelling in SUVs/MUVs because of curvy road.
So, recommended for sedan's definitely, but SUVs/MUVs owners you need to be careful while cornering on curves.
Otherwise stretch is fine.
Pics:
======
1.zip -- Contains Hoskote->Chintamani and Chintamani -> Madanapalli way
2.zip -- road snaps/TTD toll check point queue
3.zip -- Vanam resto/and fuel gauge after returning.
View attachment 1.zip
View attachment 2.zip
View attachment 3.zip
