What to expect on your Mumbai to Goa Road Trip and why this has to top your travel bucket list.

This is part one of my South India Coastal Route on Triumph Tiger. I wanted to explore the beautiful coastal routes of India to the South of Maharashtra all the way to Kanyakumari. Keep reading to find out how far I made it.

Packing List for Mumbai to Goa Road Trip

Following are some of the essentials that you need to pack on your road trip from Mumbai to Goa. You can consider this as a general packing list for any road trip.

1. License, and other vehicle documents and photo ID proofs
2. Tissues or napkin
3. Power bank
4. First Aid Kit (Also, basic medicines for nausea, fever, headaches, stomach ache)
5. Camera kit and gear
6. Helmet
7. Riding jacket and gloves
8. Spare tyre (if you’re driving a car)
9. Hydration bag or bottle of water
10. Puncture repair kit
11. Make sure you have strong lights for riding/driving in the dark
12. RT-PCR Test
13. Protein bars and Flapjack (High protein snacks are not only healthy but also give you energy as you munch)

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A post shared by MSK (@msk_s1991)
 

Mumbai to Goa Bike Trip Itinerary

I left from Mumbai at 4am for my first ride after lockdown. After riding continuously from Mumbai to Lonavala, I took my first halt at Lonavala at 5:30am. Lonavala is a part of the Sahyadri Hills in Maharashtra. It is a famous weekend destination for travellers from Mumbai and Pune. It’s known for the waterfalls, lakes and pleasant weather surrounded by lush green mountains.

From Lonavala, you move towards Pune and Satara. You can cover this distance within 3 hours. Have lunch and move toward Kolhapur and Belgaum. After taking a short break at Belgaum, continue your journey to Goa.

After Lonavala, I took a stop for breakfast at Karad at around 8:30am. I witnessed the panoramic sunrise from the highways, just what I needed after 7 months of lockdown. After one last halt somewhere after Kolhapur near Nipani, I entered Amboli Ghats and finally Goa.

I chose to stay at Calangute in Goa with a couple of friends. Goa is not a destination, it is a feeling. It is my second favourite place to be after Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Since it’s close to Mumbai, one can also plan a trip to Goa overnight, without much preparation.

Best Time for Mumbai to Goa Road Trip

November to January is the peak season in Goa. You will see a lot of crowds coming to Goa to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve. However, any time from October to June is the best time for Mumbai to Goa road trip. A lot of places are closed during monsoon. Also, the roads might be best to avoid during the rains.

Is my Bike Eligible for a Long Ride?

The total distance you will cover from Mumbai to Goa and back is around 1300 KMS. And another 200 KMS for exploring Goa. It would be preferable to have a fully working condition vehicle for your road trip. Do not take a chance and compromise on the health of your car/bike.

Right from Royal Enfield Bullet to KTM, or Bajaj Pulsar, TVS Apache, Yamaha, and Suzuki, all bikes are eligible for Mumbai To Goa Bike trip. However, I would not suggest KTM RC models because it is like a sports bike and might not be comfortable for your back for such a long ride.

Mumbai to Goa Bike Trip Route

You can choose from 3 options – NH48 to Belgaum to Goa, NH48 to detour towards Amboli Ghat to Goa, and NH66. The NH48 route is more straightforward and faster. NH66 will take you through Panvel – Kolad – Chiplun – Sawantwadi to Goa, which is a scenic road through the villages and towns of Maharashtra.

Some Things to Remember

• Get enough sleep before your journey.
• Avoid driving or riding at night. Start early in the morning by 3-4am, to reach Goa before sunset.
• If you have never gone for a long ride before, it would be best to have some company.
• Don’t miss anything from the packing checklist.
• Take frequent breaks at good locations, so you can enjoy the journey without making it strenuous.
• Prep your car/bike a couple of days before the journey. Take the vehicle out for a spin before you take it out for a ride.
• You can carry extra when you’re travelling by car. But you can’t carry extra on the bike. Avoid carrying unnecessary things.
• Always keep a puncture kit and repair tool handy.

Places to Visit in Goa

Goa is an ultimate paradise right from commercial beaches to hidden getaways. From North Goa to South Goa, you can explore the following places in Goa depending on where you stay.

Ashwem Beach

Ashwem beach is tucked away from the other crowded and commercial beaches of Goa. It is an ideal place for tourists who enjoy quiet places and solitude. You will not find any water sports and other adventure activities here.

Anjuna Beach

Anjuna is a small village in north Goa, around 20 KMS away from Panaji. The most famous attractions near Anjuna Beach are Chapora Fort, Anjuna Flea Market and the Albuquerque Mansion. Chapora Fort is where the famous Bollywood song Dil Chahta Hai was shot.

Baga Beach

Baga Beach is one of the most famous tourist spots in Goa and has the most number of hotels and resorts. Tito’s lane near Baga beach is a hot spot and the hub of Goa with maximum clubs and pubs in the vicinity. Cafe Tito, Cafe Mambo, St. Anthony’s Shack, Brittos are some of the famous restaurants here. Calangute Beach, the largest beach in Goa is situated next to Baga.

Panaji

Panaji, the capital of Goa, is known for it’s colonial buildings, churches and easy going lifestyle. This small heritage city of Goa is a gem of a place, with a lot of places to see such as – Immaculate Conception Church, Fontainhas, Casinos and Dona Paula Beach.

Palolem Beach

Palolem is the most scenic beach in Goa lined with never-ending coconut trees and bamboo huts. The waves here, however, are not so gentle and you will only find experienced swimmers floating in the sea. Patnem Beach, Cola Beach, Colomb, and Canacona are some of the attractions near Palolem.

Dudhsagar Falls

Dudhsagar Falls is one of India’s tallest waterfalls. It is located on the Mandovi River around 60 km from Panaji by road and 80 km south of Belgaum. Dudhsagar Falls is the perfect place for adventure freaks, who love trekking and off-beat destinations. The sight is unbelievable and the trek is worth the sweat.

Level one of my South India Coastal Route Series, which offers a trip along the western coastline of India, ended at Goa. Next up is Goa to Gokarna. Such road trips last a lifetime, and I hope you remember it forever.

I hope my blog helps you with your road trip from anywhere in India to Goa. Until next time, Live Your Life, Live Your Dream.