Dil Chahta Hai was released around two decades back in 2003 and ever since, a Mumbai to Goa road trip has been a long held dream for many. We have all thought of driving over to Goa on a weekend with our friends and family, and indulging in discovering the beauty of the Maharashtrian-Konkan coast and the Arabian Sea. Here is everything you need to know before planning a road trip across these two states.
The 600 km long road trip is also one of the most breathtaking, one which you should take to experience first hand the scenic beauty of this land. The Mumbai to Goa route is well equipped with amenities, making it one of the easier trips to plan. There are two routes that you can take for the journey.
This route encompasses a roughly 11.5 hours trip with refreshment stops. It is a four lane road throughout, the only downside being that you have to pay a number of toll taxes. The journey first takes you to Pune via the Mumbai-Pune expressway in three hours, followed by the national Highway 4. From here you reach Belgaum, with Satara, Kolhapur and Sankeshwar lying in the way. The final stretch of the trip is a three-hour long drive from Belgaum to Goa, from where you can finally arrive at your resort or hotel.
A good place to stop for lunch and refreshments on the way would be either Kolhapur or Satara. The Kolhapuri Chicken is famous all over the country and many local eateries along the way offer it fresh.
This particular journey is sure to turn out the most scenic, with the roads lined by paddy fields, coconut as well as area nut plantations. The curves are windy and breathtaking and offer lush greenery all around, especially in monsoons. The first stop along the way is Panvel, which is also part of an important trade and commerce route, hence the area is lined with hotels, shops and basic amenities. Another popular stop along the way is Chiplun district where you can stop for lunch. The NH 66 then leads you too Sindhudurg, from where Sawantwadi lies close by. The final stretch is Sawantwadi to Goa, from where you can drive on to the place of your stay.
Ensure that you have had a good night’s sleep the night before to keep you fresh while driving. If you are travelling with friends, take turns driving and if you are going solo, book an overnight stay in one of the hotels to keep you fresh for the entirety of your ride.
Carry a spare tyre with you in case of an emergency. If in doubt get your car checked at one of the local mechanics on the way.
Follow the traffic rules and speed limits judiciously as most of these highways are used by trucks for goods transportation and traffic is quite heavy.
Take regular stops along the way to cool the vehicle down, freshen up and eat your meals on time. Additionally, carry some snacks or protein bars in the car to keep your energy levels high.
While the winter months, early summer and spring are the best time to visit Goa, if you are planning a trip during the monsoons, make sure to keep a check on the regular weather updates. The area is prone to frequent landslides during the monsoon, leading to route diversion, traffic and road blockage. Make sure of the road conditions and traffic situation before you decide to continue on for the day.