National Highway 61 facilitates the smooth movement of goods and people from one region or state to another, fostering trade and commerce within the states. It plays a crucial role in the growth and development of the economy. Therefore, National Highway 61 is one of the crucial routes of India's highway network.

National Highway 61 is an East to West going highway. It goes through two states and connects several important places, including towns and cities.

States Falling Under National Highway 61 (NH 61)

National Highway 61 goes through 2 states, Maharashtra and Telangana.

Entry and Exit Points of National Highway 61

The entry and exit points of National Highway 61 are in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra and Nirmal, Telangana, respectively. Between these two connecting points are several junctions with other major highways within the long route of NH 61.

Following are the different types of vehicles allowed on this national highway:

• M1 category vehicles (vehicles used for carrying passengers having not more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat)
• M2 and M3 category vehicles (vehicles used for carrying passengers consisting of nine or more seats in addition to the driver’s seat)
• N category vehicles (vehicles used for the carriage of goods)
• Motorcycles, Quadricycles and Three-wheeled vehicles

Here are the speed limits set by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highway:

• Motorcycles: 80 km per hour
• Quadricycle: 60 km per hour
• Three-wheeled vehicles: 50 km per hour
• Motor vehicles with not more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat used to carry passengers: 100 km per hour
• Motor vehicles having nine or more seats in addition to the driver’s seat used to carry passengers: 90 km per hour.
• Motor vehicles used to carry goods: 80 km per hour

If you are driving through NH 61 and time is not a concern, here are the famous places in Maharashtra you can explore near NH 61:

1. Pune

Once the base of Peshwa, it is one of the most important cities in Maharashtra. Some of the tourist places you will find near the highway are:

• Shivneri Fort
• Aga Khan Palace
• Dagdusheth Halwai
• Ganpati Temple
• Osho Ashram
• Vetal Tekdi
• Shaniwar Wada

2. Mumbai

Mumbai is famous for its film industry and street foods mainly. You must visit the famous places here like:

• Elephanta Caves
• Chowpatty Beach
• Kanheri Caves
• Jehangir Art Gallery
• Siddhivinayak Temple
• Sanjay Gandhi National Park
• Haji Ali Dargah
• Mahalaxmi Temple

3. Dhule

You must visit the following destinations if you arrive at this place via the National Highway 61:

• Laling Fort
• Thalner Fort
• Songir Fort
• Bhamer Fort

4. Lonavla

If you come to lonavla, here are some destination you must stop by:

• Tiger's Leap
• Bhaja Caves
• Karla Caves
• Bhushi Dam

5. Hyderabad

Here are some of the tourist places near the NH 61 that attracts tourists throughout the nation:

• Charminar
• Golconda Fort
• Ramoji Film city
• Hussain Sagar Lake
• Birla Mandir
• Jala Vihar

6. Khammam

Khammam district is one of the culturally and historically important places in Hyderabad near the highway. It is known for the places like:

• Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple
• Palair Reservoir
• Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary
• Swami Ayyappa Temple

7. Warangal

Warangal, one of the major cities in South India, still carries the remnants of Kakatiya dynasty. Following are the places you must visit at Warangal:

• Bhadrakali Temple
• Ramappa Temple
• Thousand Pillar Temple
• Warangal Fort

8. Adilabad

If the rich beauty of nature attracts you the most, you can visit Adilabad and the famous tourist destinations available there, including:

• Gayatri falls
• Kuntala falls
• Pochera Falls

While you are driving or riding on NH 61, here are some aspects you should abide by to ensure safety:

• Take necessary breaks  to avoid mental or physical exhaustion since NH61 is a route with long stretch.
• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you and try to stay on a single lane in your ride.
• Keep a map of the route of NH 61 with you handy as it will you plan your journey properly.