Drive: Bangalore to Tenali

We had done this road trip in August 2019. That time we had an excuse of moving a TV, this time we had none to justify, but we went anyway. Another difference - Last year we went via the standard route through Tirupathi - Nellore.

This time we took the Hyderabad route, for reasons below...
- One of our friend joining us to Tenali from Hyderabad
- Through Tirupathi was becoming too routine.
- Hyderabad route although longer offered a change in scenery and the flat straight highway was attractive.
Ride: My cousin's Honda BRV CVT.

Bangalore - Hyderabad

Bangalore to Hyderabad is a beautiful straight Highway (part of NH44) going via Anatapur - Kurool - Mahbubnagar.
We started from Bangalore in the early hours at 04:48hrs and crossed Bangalore in an hour. Not surprised, by traffic even at that hour in Bangalore. On Hebbal flyover due to an accident, and then at the Toll Plaza, where an over sized truck got stuck at one the gates, and it had to be our lane :)

We soon put that behind and started cruising towards Hyderabad. The highway spread out and we could see almost a km ahead. We relaxed and started enjoying the drive taking turns at the wheel.
This stretch is known popularly as barren & boring straight. However we found it very interesting with lots of character and fun to drive.

The scenery around was impressive with small rocky hillocks so typical of this area. The road was straight most of the time slightly turning around the hillocks and bypassing the small towns and cities.

The traffic was sparse in the morning and we made quick time. Our first stop was for a coffee at a small stall out of Bagepalli town at 06:47 hours. One thing in South India, you get delicious coffee at any small place from 5am. We started off in 6 min after the hot coffee gave us extra boost of energy.

At 07:24 hrs we slowed down a bit to see the HUGE KIA Motors factory on our right before Ananapur and after Penugonda towns.. It was spread over an enormous area. The economy in the surrounding villages must have gone up with the kind of jobs & affiliated industries this kind of global player might have brought. It was surprising to see several hotel, shops, village signages written in Korean.

We Stopped for Breakfast at Nandini Tea & Tiffns just before Anantpur at 08:04hrs. Had a plate of delicious, Idly & vada before continuing on.
Crossing Anantpur was quick and at 10:30 crossed Kurnool Town. Here we experienced some local traffic as it was a working day. Drove slow as this place is known to have speed interceptors and cams.
After Kurnool the traffic was a bit more, but not much to delay. The road was a bit bumpy with bits & pieces of patchwork. Overall good to drive.
We called up our Friend and arranged the time for pickup at Leonia Resort on Hyderabad ORR in the north. we expected to reach by 14:45 so stopped for Lunch at Sandarshini Udipi Pure veg hotel, Jadcherla at noon for 30 min. We took a Thali and was impressive. We had a bit more than what we would have liked on a drive, as heavy lunch can make you sleepy. However we kept company and did not feel the aftereffects.
To reach Leonia we took the Outer Ring Road (ORR) to the east and reached at 14:55hrs after 638kms.

Hyderabad - Tenali

Picked up our friend and continued on the ORR towards Vijayawada exit. This way we covered a little over 3/4 of Hyderabad ORR. Took the exit, passed Ramoji Film city & continued towards Tenali.  This was a regular route undertaken many times and we were aware of the pattern of traffic. The local traffic is chaotic and needs to be carefully avoided, maneuvered. 

Stop at Restaurant 7, Suryapet was of course mandatory. It has mouthwatering food. We took a plate of Mysore Bajji each & coffee. They have one of the best Mysore Bajjis after Tenali :)

Crossing Vijayawada is always a pain, however we were lucky not to get stuck in traffic and crossed the city very easily.  Reached Tenali home at 09:02hrs after 953.7km. Total drive time of 16hrs 14mins.
We were driving leisurely without hurrying and taking enough breaks & turns at the wheel. So we were not much tired mentally or physically. But yes the bed was very inviting.

Time Distance Chart