Road Trip from Pune to Goa: A Scenic Journey

Day 1 – The Drive

It was the 18th of October last year, and 5 am in the morning. Me and my wife both barely slept the last night but was raring to start a trip we had been waiting for sometime now. The car was ready and the monsoon had ceased a few days ago, with clear sky and a beautiful weather we started from our East Pune residence. All the way on to Mumbai – Bengaluru highway onwards to Kolhapur.

The 1st hour and half, it was a pleasurable ride with little or no traffic and the car zipped but cautiously maintaining the speed limit ( I always do this) onto the scenic Varandha ghats of Satara, which we glided through as the Sun was about to rise.

Onwards to Karad, the traffic started with being slow with numerous diversions it went standstill for a good 15 mins. I was reminded, the Diwali holidays have started and people are driving home, a stretch of 50 kms took us more than a couple of hours to travel. We had lost a good momentum and probably an evening we had planned for.

Once we had crossed Karad, we stopped for breakfast (I cant remember the name of the place) – a bit of Maharashtrian delightful Misal Pav and ran straight into a huge traffic of cars. Ah! It was the weekend before Diwali and everyone was driving back to their folks. Not much then for an hour or so of wading through traffic and taking diversions on the service lanes (new flyovers are being constructed). McDonald’s (my go to fast food restaurant, I don’t seem to get enough of it) was our next stop. My usual Maharaja Mac Burger (offcourse its chicken !!) meal kept us engaged for the next 40 mins or so. This stop not only lifted our mood but refreshed us for the remainder of the 270 odd kms left to reach Panjim.

We were welcomed into Karnataka via a place called Nipani (which was covered in 30 mins) and then back to Maharashtra and onto the scenic drive through the curls and curves of the Amboli ghat. The Amboli falls was a treat to watch.

It was past 7 Pm when we reached our hotel in North Goa’s Candolim. 14 hrs driven, exhausted and eager to rest a bit before we enjoyed the next 2-3 hrs. We checked-in.

Sea Food at Bob’s Kitchen

Right next to our hotel was a small eatery, Bob’s Kitchen. Dressed in Christmas flavour, we savoured on Rawa Fried Bombills (Colloquial name for Bombay duck – a popular seafood in the coastal region) with some Rawa Fried Pomfrets and then some main course.

Day 2 : Aguada Fort and Our Ginger South Goa

A small dash and off we went to Aguada. There was water sport, dolphin sighting boat/ferry rides along the way. We skipped a bit of adventure and went ahead to the fort directly.

It was hot, sultry and we huffed and puffed for an hour and a half. Rs 50 per pax (Indians, they will charge higher incase your a foreign national) paid to have an look on. The history and view both engaged us.

Then Straight off to Ginger Hotel for a sumptuous lunch. It was here where we stayed for the first time we visited. While I have stayed at Ginger across the country, this one remains special.

A couple of pints of beer with chicken kebabs, A veg started to accompany it. Main course included white steamed rice, fish in goan curry and a chicken curry with gravy. Lip-smacking!!

Drove straight back to our hotel in North goa, some one and half hours drive for 45 kms through the setting Sun. Yes, we had a post lunch adda (Bongs rendition of engaging in casual discussion on serious topics or casual) which was much need by the heart to follow our happy tummy.

Day 3 : The Beach finally !!

Yes, you read it right. It took us 3 days to reach the beach and chill. Kind of wanted to explore, with the thought – there’s more to Goa than its beaches. A fine brunch at the Jackson’s shack and back to our hotel – La Season’s Resort in Candolim, North Goa.

That night we decided to dine in house, Pepper it called and they peppered us with great food of Chinese cuisine of Rice, Veggies and Chicken.

Day 4 : A drive back

This time it was more relaxed, 10 hrs was all it took for us to reach home in Pune. Many a stop mid way. Customary Mac Donald stop and A south Indian brunch all the fuel we needed to be back home.. We were sad since we were back but happy that we just had enough time to decorate for Diwali.

See you in another journey. Until then, stay happy!