By Suresh Radder*
Dharwad: California and San Francisco are thousands of miles apart from Mumbai and Hubballi. However, an objective analysis and comparison of these regions reveal many interesting facets, making the study worthwhile.
GDP on par with India: California is the most developed state with the highest GDP, 3.9 trillion US dollars, comparable to our Indian GDP. California, like Mumbai, lies on the western coast and is a business capital, while the US state spreads across from the Mexican border along the Pacific Ocean for around 900 miles.
615 kilometres apart: San Franciso and Los Angeles are about 615 kilometres (382 miles) apart by road on the most direct route i.e. through 1-5 highways typically taking about 6-7 hours by car and depending on the traffic and stops midway.
9-10 hours from Mumbai to Hubballi: On the other hand, it takes 9-10 hours from Mumbai to reach Hubballi via Pune depending upon the route you opt for and traffic and road conditions. This journey covers places like Pune, Sangli and Belagavi and is 569 kilometres away. In a way, the distance is by and large almost the same as that between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Must-see places between San Francisco and Los Angeles: Just like the Mumbai-Hubballi highway, there is no dearth of numerous scenic spots all along the way from San Francisco to Los Angeles and more so along the renowned Pacific Coast Highway also known as Highway 1. Let us have a glance at some of the best stops midway:
1. Half Moon Bay: It is no doubt a small city on the California coast and to the south of San Francisco boasting a string of beaches all along, including the Half Moon Bay State Beach. The rugged beaches, coastal trails and charming small-town vibes enthral the visitor apart from offering several relaxing spots, coastal trails, ocean views and mouth-watering fresh seafood.
2. Santa Cruz: The city is on the central California coast with specialities like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Natural Bridges State Beach, and redwood forests and is considered the best mix of beach fun and exploring nature.
3. Monterey: Here, the attractions are the Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and scenic 17-mile Drive. It is astounding for marine life enthusiasts and has stunning coastal views.
4. Carmel-by-the-Sea: It is a quaint village known for its art galleries and Carmel Beach apart from a romantic and artsy coastal vibe.
5. Big Sur: The place is known for the Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach (known for its purple sand), McWay Falls, and the Ventana Wilderness. It is also typical for its Iconic cliffs, dramatic ocean views, and hiking.
6. Hearst Castle (San Simeon): This historic estate, with stunning architecture and panoramic views, is better for history buffs and luxury lovers.
7. Morro Bay: Morro Rock, kayaking, and birdwatching are special features that ensure a laid-back coastal town experience.
8. San Luis Obispo: Bubblegum Alley, Mission San Luis Obispo, and nearby vineyards are tourist spots and quirky attractions with wine tasting.
9. Pismo Beach: As the name suggests, this place is known for its wide sandy beaches, dune buggies, and clams, which provide opportunities for beach activities and dune exploration.
10. Santa Barbara: Is known for its Spanish-style architecture, Stearns Wharf, and wineries. The location is a charming blend of culture, shopping, and coastal beauty.
11. Malibu: Near Los Angeles, iconic beaches like Zuma Beach and Point Dume, as well as celebrity sightings, are destinations with a chic coastal vibe.
Duration: One needs to spare at least three days to enjoy the journey fully.
Scenic places between Mumbai and Hubli via Pune:
The drive from Mumbai to Hubli via Pune is a scenic route with many beautiful places to explore, especially if you love hills, forts, and greenery. Here's a list of scenic and interesting stops:
1. Lonavala and Khandala: Here are some of the interesting features-
Bhushi Dam, Tiger’s Leap, and Karla & Bhaja Caves. The area is a treat for lush greenery and misty hills during the monsoon and is ideal for Nature lovers and monsoon travellers.
2. Pune: Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, and Parvati Hill are sought-after places here amid a vibrant cultural atmosphere and delicious food. The place is nothing like a mix of history and urban charm.
3. Satara: The Kaas Plateau (Valley of Flowers of Maharashtra), Thoseghar Waterfalls and the Sajjangad Fort ensure a serene spiritual experience. The landscapes and peaceful treks are stunning.
4. Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani (Optional Detour): Arthur's Seat, Pratapgad Fort, and Venna Lake are the main attractions along with the Strawberry farms, and breathtaking viewpoints like Sydney Point in Panchgani. It is like a typical hill station getaway.
5. Kolhapur: The Mahalaxmi Temple is a pilgrimage centre; the Rankala Lake and Panhala Fort are tourist spots while the place is famous for the native Kolhapuri cuisine and missal pav. It is a nice destination for both, cultural and historical stops.
6. Belagavi (Belgaum): The Belgaum Fort, Kamal Basadi (Jain temple), and Gokak Falls are the major attractions with lush green surroundings and pleasant weather. It has both, a mix of history and natural beauty.
7. Dandeli (Optional Detour): Adventure activities like river rafting, wildlife safaris, and trekking are the highlights. Syntheri Rocks and Kavala Caves are other attractions and are known for Nature and adventure enthusiasts.
8. Hubli
*Nrupatunga Betta (a small hill offering panoramic city views).
*Unkal Lake for a serene evening stroll.
Best for: Relaxing before you continue further.
Now, let us focus on Tips for the Trip:
Best Time: Monsoon (June to September) enhances the natural beauty, especially around Lonavala, Satara, and Mahabaleshwar.
Roads: Stick to NH48 for a faster journey but take short detours for scenic spots.
Duration: Allocate 2–3 days to enjoy the stops comfortably.
The primary mountain ranges between San Francisco (commonly confused with "San Transistor") and Los Angeles are part of California's diverse geography. Key ranges include:
1. Santa Cruz Mountains (near San Francisco):
Located south of the Bay Area, this range is home to lush forests and redwoods.
2. Diablo Range: Extends southeast from the Bay Area, paralleling Interstate 5, and includes Mount Diablo.
3. Santa Lucia Range: Found near the central coast, this range includes Big Sur and stunning coastal cliffs.
4. San Gabriel Mountains: Located closer to Los Angeles, this range contains popular peaks like Mount Baldy (Mount San Antonio).
5. Tehachapi Mountains: These form a natural boundary between the Central Valley and Southern California.
6. Transverse Ranges: A group of east-west mountain ranges near Los Angeles, including the San Bernardino Mountains.
These ranges contribute to California's varied ecosystems and are significant geographical features in the state.
Between Mumbai, Pune (Poona), and Hubli, the landscape is dominated by the Western Ghats (Sahyadri Hills), one of the most prominent mountain ranges in India. Here's a breakdown:
1. Mumbai to Pune: The Sahyadri Hills are prominent in this stretch.
Key mountain features include:
- Matheran: A small hill station near Mumbai.
- Lonavala-Khandala: Known for scenic valleys and forts like Rajmachi and Lohagad.
- Sinhagad Fort: Near Pune, historically significant and scenic.
2. Pune to Hubli: Continuing through the Western Ghats, the terrain includes:
- Mahabaleshwar Range: A prominent section with plateaus and lush greenery.
- Koyna Range: Known for the Koyna Dam and wildlife sanctuary.
- Chorla Ghats (near the Goa border): Part of the Sahyadri range, these are densely forested hills.
The Western Ghats define the route, offering biodiversity, historical forts, and scenic landscapes throughout the region.
Now, let us focus on North Karnataka and what developments can be made in North Karnataka:
The distance between Belgaum and Hubli is about 100 km and is the same distance between Sharjah and Jebel Ali industrial zone in Dubai.
The projects that have been developed in Dubai between Bur Dubai and the Jebel Ali industrial zone are:
1. Metro connectivity
2. World Trade Center
3. Two international airports
4. Amazing high-rise building, Burj Khalifa
5. Financial center
6. World-class hotels such as Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab
7. Media City
8. Knowledge village
9. Software parks
10. Palm Island Projects (residential and world-class hotels)
11. Residential projects such as Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lake Towers. Projects mentioned against 10 and 11 rival the Manhatten in New York
12. World-class Malls
What can be done between Hubli and Belgaum:
1. International Airport between Belgaum and Hubli @ Kittur such that flights can fly across the world
2. World-class private educational institutes around Dharwad. Let Ambanis, ADANIs TATAs and Bilas focus on these world class Universities.
3. Push Software industries and Silicon industries Between Belgaum and Hubli.
4. Push Automobile, forging industries beyond Belgaum
5. The Important one is the golden triangle formed by Goa, Hubli and Belgaum. Push the entertainment industries towards Goa
6. Establish a metro network between Hubli and Belaum as a means of excellent transport system for the Industrial corridor developed between Belgaum and Hubli
7. Lastly all these projects have to be implemented without disturbing the beautiful nature we have along with the Western Ghats.
*Suresh Radder has worked in Sharjah and lived in UAE for 20 years from AD 2000 onwards. He has seen the extent and amazing development in Dubai. He is bothered about the development only happening in Bangalore and not happening in North Karnataka. He just intends to create awareness among the people of North Karnataka so that the public can appeal to the government of Karnataka as well as to the government of India to develop the industrial corridors.
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