Mumbai to Goa – A Self Drive Epic

Mumbai to Goa is always going to be an occasion to remember. The best way to enjoy this trip is by road. Many travellers now hire a car and plan a detailed itinerary that involves many enterprising stops along the way. Here are some of the highlights of the Mumbai to Goa journey – an epic adventure that charts the beauty of Western India.

Enroute NH4 Attractions

The NH4 is a good choice for a smooth Mumbai to Goa trip. Apart from diverse landscapes, there are many interesting stops on this 590-km route. The route’s first prominent city is Pune where one can catch a breath and relish some tasty snacks.

Satara is a recommended stop, especially for those who want to soak in some distinctive local history. The town is known for its old forts which also give it its name. Kas Plateau, located just 25 kms from Satara would make a good detour. It is famous for its wildflowers and orchids – August and September are the best months to see the biodiversity hotspot in its full glory. Close to Satara is Kolhapur, a city famous for its cuisine. Travellers are recommended to stop at one of its famous eateries and dig into a host of mutton dishes.  The city also boasts some landmarks like the Rankala Lake and the New Palace, an architectural delight and also treasure-trove of historical artefacts.

When in Goa…

As the road dips from the Western Ghats into the verdant climes of the coastal plains, one settles into a holiday mood. Maybe it is the idyllic air of Goa that causes this. India’s favourite state has many attractions. Driving across this small territory one can explore the many beaches that dot its dramatic coastline.

When it comes to sun, sea and cocktails, Goa has many enviable party sites. Baga Beach is arguably the most visited. It is a convenient stop and has many shacks and clubs that will keep everyone happily engaged. Candolim Beach is known for its water sports facilities along with high-quality wining and dining options. Anjuna Beach has a more bohemian setting and many like to throng its Wednesday flea markets before an evening of revelry. There are some offbeat and more secluded beaches in Goa which are worth a trip to. Kakolem, Velsao and Betul are some of them.

Apart from its beach attractions, Goa is also known for its many forts. Further inland, the backwaters and village attractions offer glimpses of an authentic Goan lifestyle, lost in the more commercial tourist-thronged areas.

Travel in Style

A road trip of such proportions needs to be done on one’s own terms. Self drive rentals offer complete privacy and total control over the pace of the journey. One can make impromptu stops and unplanned detours at will. It is pretty easy to hire cars in Mumbai. App-based platforms like Zoomcar offer a wide range of vehicles, from hatchbacks to SUVs, at very affordable prices. Assurances like 24/7 on-road support and GPS enabled travel adds to the security and convenience of choosing self drive.

Whether it is the melancholic monsoon beauty or the bonhomie of blue skies, Goa is a place where the best memories happen. Enjoy the experience in an uncompromised manner; get behind the wheel.

About the author

Hey! My name is Seema Gurnani , and am 23 year old solo travel blogger who loves to travel and explore new places and try delicious foods. And of course, I love pandas as well that's why my blog is named pandareviewz :) Read more

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