Mumbai to Goa Ride: A Must-Do for Road Trip Lovers

Nature is a constant reminder of our valued fortune. How many times do you introspect your life from a vantage point and how often do you realize that there is a vast Universe outside of Earth that probably has no life at all?

Well, if you leave concrete jungles aside and wander in midst of nature often, you will be enlightened in a heart-touching way. And since scientists haven’t yet found any traces of greens and blues anywhere in a billion galaxies like we have on Earth, we have a million reasons to be proud of it.

Probably that’s the reason why travelling by road is the thing to do. Unlike trains and flights, while travelling by road, one has the discretion to choose halts and take in the gregariousness of the Earth.

One such place to discover is Goa. Yes, Goa- the famous tourist destination that expats and locals so dearly throng in last months of the year.

How to Reach Goa from Mumbai by Road:

1. The Bombay Goa Highway via NH66 (Panvel-Khed-Chiplun-Sawantwadi-Goa)

• Distance: 577 kilometers
• Time: 12-15 hours nonstop

This route, while being quite scenic, is also prone to accidents owing to narrow routes, sharp turns and village cattle blocking the road. If travelling during monsoon it is even more difficult to drive due to frequent landslides.

2. Mumbai to Goa via NH4 (Mumbai-Pune-Satara-Kolhapur-Belgaum-Goa)

• Distance: 590 kilometers
• Time: 11 hours nonstop

This route starts with the Mumbai-Pune Expressway which is populated by cars but is quite safe. Scenic beauty is plentiful on this route, especially during monsoon; hills, waterfalls, rivulets, tunnels and much more. After all, what is a road trip without some adrenaline rush, right!

Even though Google maps will tell you that it takes 11 hours, in no way will you reach in the stipulated time. Why? Because, you are bound to make a lot of stops, sometimes to click pictures of waterfalls and hilltops alongside the road or to appreciate the greenery and palm trees along the entire route.

Kicking it off!

You can start off your Goa adventure by visiting Baga beach, Calangute beach and Anjuna beach all of which are the most visited beaches of Goa. Here you can shop your heart out at the Midnight Fair: situated right on the beach, it mostly offers imported antiquities for decor.

If you’re not yet there, set out to explore secluded beaches like Ashvem beach, Arambol beach and Morjim beach. All of these beaches have serenity and little paradises to offer. The grey clouds and shiny waves present a unique opportunity for self-realization. You can also sit around a bonfire, enjoy some comfort food in a shack and enjoy the calm.

The beauty of the Western Ghats multiples manifold during monsoons, i.e. between June and August. You will find the highway laden with green lichen, moss, and red soil that lend it a picturesque look. Also, the incessant rain water gets trapped in the hills, and takes the form of stunning waterfalls. The best natural waterfalls which do not dry even when the monsoons get over include, Ranpat, Marleshwar, and Amboli.

Goa offers all kinds of experiences to choose from.

For history lovers, one place that you should not miss is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO world heritage site with tons of history attached to it.

If you are a typical foodie, Goa has something for you as well. Start with Poi, a local bread that looks like pita, with some pork sausage & coffee for breakfast, a fish-thali at Starlight for lunch and for dinner head out to the classic Britto’s.

Have you been on a road trip like this? Let us know your experiences in the comments section below.