Road Trippin’ – From Mumbai to Goa: A Journey of Adventure and Discovery

Hey there, fellow adventurers! This blog could be your ultimate guide to an out-of-the-ordinary road trip to Goa.


Your Road Trip, Your Rules

The thrill of the open road is all about embracing freedom, and there’s no better way to do that than hitting the road in your own vehicle. A self-driven road trip gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and savour every moment of the journey. But driving from Mumbai to Goa in your own car is definitely no small feat.

The roads may be excellent—the open, six-lane national highway is a pleasure to drive on, especially for those accustomed to Mumbai's bumper-to-bumper traffic. But the journey is long… yes, 12 hours, if you attempt it without stops… and navigating the trucks and deserted ghats, can be tiring and a bit overwhelming for us city folk.

This road trip doesn’t have to be just about reaching your destination—Goa. Make it about the journey and the hidden wonders worth exploring along the way. Give yourself more than a day or two for the trip, and it will definitely be worth writing about.

But before you get revved up, a little preparation goes a long way. First and foremost, ensure your car is ready for the road. Get a thorough check-up of the engine and tyres. You don’t want any breakdown surprises along the way, as help can take quite some time to arrive on this route. Make sure you have emergency numbers handy—ambulance, police, and a 24×7 car towing service.

For added safety, keep a car fire extinguisher and a window glass breaker along with your car mechanical kit. It may seem like a lot of safety advice, but we city folk aren’t used to being stranded in the middle of nowhere...


Unveiling Mountainous Charms, Wildlife, and a Bit of Adventure

If you’re looking for a bit of adventure along the way, or want to immerse yourself in the serenity of the Maharashtrian mountain range, or if it’s the chirping birds and their vibrant colours that captivate you—then this road trip is certainly for you.

Kolad


Kolad is a small, prosperous village situated on the banks of the River Kundalika in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. This hamlet is blessed with lush greenery, set against the majestic Sahyadri mountain range with its beautiful valleys and marshlands.

Kolad

Karnala Bird Sanctuary

This could be the most exciting pit stop along the way… About 120 km from Mumbai, so roughly a 3-hour drive en route, this is a must-do if your road trip is planned during the monsoon season. You could add a visit to the Karnala Bird Sanctuary if you're interested in spotting migratory birds in a more organised setting.

However, this entire region is teeming with such birds, and those with a keen eye for nature will spot them all around. The main attraction in Kolad is ‘Kundalika River Rafting’, though the river also offers other adventures like kayaking, river zip-lining, boating, hiking, and climbing up through roaring waterfalls. This is an ideal base for an overnight camping stop. But if camping isn’t your preferred choice, there are a variety of homestay options along the riverbanks as well.

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Raigad Fort


If you're more of a history enthusiast than an adventurer, this region holds a wealth of heritage. The ancient Raigad Fort, once the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Maratha Empire, is a site where history comes alive. Situated en route to Goa, it's about 190 km from Mumbai.

Sindhudurg Fort


Sindhudurg Fort is a stoic piece of architecture standing amidst the mighty Arabian Sea, with its walls narrating tales of valour for centuries. You might consider visiting this fort on your return journey, as it is approximately 130 km from Goa and about 535 km from Mumbai en route to Goa.

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Ganpatipule Temple

For those seeking a spiritual experience, the majestic Ganpatipule Temple, located in the quaint town of Ganpatipule, is positioned approximately 375 km south of Mumbai, tracing the picturesque Konkan Coast.

It is a small town of about 100 houses, and the temple sits peacefully on the tranquil shores of Ganpatipule Beach – a truly enchanting sight. The serene ambience and breathtaking ocean views will leave you in awe. This beach also has some decent accommodation options if you wish to rest overnight.

Dandeli

While this next stop I propose is a destination in itself, it’s a place worth mentioning. Dandeli, in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, may be a bit of a detour from your main road trip to Goa, but if this journey is all about wildlife and adventure, then you can’t miss it. Nature and adventure are at their bountiful best in Dandeli, with its unparalleled scenic beauty along the banks of the Kali River.

Dandeli has it all—jungle safaris, birdwatching, whitewater rafting, kayaking, camping, and more. So, if it’s not on the list of stops for this itinerary, mark this destination in your calendar for another time.

Moving on, a few lesser-known yet equally enchanting places you can visit en route include Tamhini Ghat Waterfalls, Ghoshala Fort, and Panhalakaji Caves.

One of the lesser-celebrated towns on the 530-kilometre journey to Goa is Sawantwadi. Sawantwadi is a land of artisans and is a lesser-known epicentre of many handcrafted art forms. Famous for Ganjifa art and lacquerware, it is home to many skilled artisans. The Royal Family of Sawantwadi revived these art forms by opening their palatial doors to enthusiasts worldwide.

The Sawantwadi Palace, now a boutique hotel, is a must-visit—not only to experience a humble royal touch of local art and culture, but also as an oasis of tranquillity, offering the finest fusion of local flavours and Michelin-star culinary experiences.

Your Taste Trek

Authenticity is the essence of any journey of exploration, and good food enriches not just the body but the soul. To truly enjoy this road trip, you simply can’t do it on an empty belly! Here are some charming eateries peppered along the Mumbai-Goa highway.

As you drive through the picturesque landscapes of mountains and coastal towns, be sure to indulge in a feast of mouth-watering, local highway-style dhaba food.

Here are a few to choose from along the way:

Shreekar the Dhaba, Kolad


This popular roadside eatery in Kolad is a favourite among road explorers. Open until 11:30 pm, Shreekar The Dhaba serves mouth-watering Punjabi dishes and delectable South Indian snacks at budget-friendly prices, ensuring you won’t go hungry, whatever the time.

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Motel Visava & Dine-N-Drive Restaurant, Mahad


Discover a delightful retreat in Mahad at Motel Visava, where you can also enjoy a Cozy stay in their hotel rooms or charming cottage—a great spot to rest.

An adjoining Dine-N-Drive Restaurant offers a variety of comfort food options, including indulgent pizzas, flavourful pav bhajis, crispy pani puris, and savoury dosas.

Highway Eatery – NH17 Dhaba


Located along National Highway 17 in Maharashtra, this spot offers authentic Maharashtrian and Goan food, making it a great stop on your journey. The must-try dishes here are the Vada Pav, Fish Thali, and Sol Kadhi. If you can’t find this, there are plenty of other options along the highway.

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Seaside Café – Malvan Delights

This is another great pit stop to fuel your belly with amazing fresh seafood, located in the Malvan district in Maharashtra. Their Malvani fish curry and bombil fry are the must-haves.

Cultural Eatery: Udupi Sagar

As you cross into the Karnataka border en route to Goa, this restaurant is a saviour for vegetarians. They serve delightful South Indian specialities like Masala Dosa, Idli-Vada, Filter Coffee, etc.

Hotel Deepak Deluxe, Chiplun

Nestled in a picturesque spot, Hotel Deepak Deluxe is located in Chiplun, Maharashtra. It boasts a warm and inviting ambience that perfectly complements the mouthwatering coastal seafood they serve.

Locals and travellers can’t get enough of this place, and for good reason—their fresh catches are out of this world. And don’t even get us started on their thali! Packed with authentic Konkani delights, it’s like a taste of paradise on a plate.

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