Travelling on the Mysore highway

I drove down to Mysore last weekend on the old highway (probably the only highway we will have, with BMIC getting into controversy). With most of the work of making it a 4-lane road finished, it is a pleasure to drive on the road now. Compare this with the situation even a year back, when you would choose to rather be whipped than driving to Mysore in a small car. There are a few precautions to take on this road, though.

First, you will want to know which side of the road to drive on, the left or the right. The answer is "either". However, remember that if you are driving on the right side, you must have your head lights on :-)

Second, remember that the tractors have the highest right of way on the highway. It may be belonging to a farmer and a former Prime Minister may not take it lightly if you even honk at a farmer. Tractors need not turn on the head lights while travelling on the right side.

Third, how fast can you go? Answer is "depends". If you are within 10Kms distance of any village, be cautious about people crossing the road at their own sweet pace, cattle resting on the road, etc. All the time, keep a watch for vehicles coming directly at you (their right side), with their lights on. There is no exhilaration like travelling at 120kmph and suddenly realizing that there is a huge truck heading right at your car and you may be dead meat any moment. When you reach Ramanagar, be watchful for potholes. Small cars can get lost in some of them. Also, a handful of speedbreakers are intelligently placed in places where you least expect them, so watch out. I guess politicians promise for each village, apart from water, hospital, etc, two speedbreakers.

Should I overtake from left or the right side? Answer is "whichever lane is free". It is common to see trucks/autos travelling at 20kmph on the right lane and they don't intend to shift to left lane at all, so there is no meaning in sticking to rules.

Finally, where do I eat on the way? Answer is "Kamat Loka Ruchi". It is almost a unwritten rule that all cars must stop at Kamat to experience a urban, sophisticated feeling they are most used to in Bangalore - lack of parking space. After you manage against all odds to get a place to sit, you will be surprised to know that food is expensive, but not good! Masala dosa sucks big time. Coffee is not worth the Rs.12 they charge. I know this place used to be good, but I guess they have too many customers now to care about quality anymore. I hope it is so only on weekends.