Mumbai to Goa Road Trip: Your Guide to Routes, Pit Stops & Adventures
Ready to rev your engines and hit the road on the iconic Bombay to Goa road trip? Know that this road trip is not just about driving, it’s an experience of India’s landscapes, flavours, and culture. Beginning with the maddening pace of Mumbai, the road widens up with picturesque views of the coastline, rolling green hills, quaint landscapes and many more such beautiful spots. No matter if you’re travelling from Mumbai to Goa by car for a vacation, a perfect goa road trip with friends or even a perfect memorable honeymoon trip to Goa, each mile promises some adventure attached to it. So, hold on tight as we explore all the needed details in planning this extraordinary travel trip.
In this Blog
When is the best time for a Mumbai to Goa road trip?
First things first, if you want to make the most out of your journey from Bombay to Goa, the time is now. The best time to visit Goa is in the months of November and December when the weather is quite pleasant and the skies are largely clear. As luck would have it, this is also the wedding season and hence, a perfect time for a honeymoon in India. However, if you don’t mind a little bit of crowd, the months of February to early March are perfect. But avoid the monsoon months July through September due to heavy rains that make roads slippery and at times, impassable.
Route 1: Mumbai to Goa via NH 48
By far this is the most popular option that many take while travelling to Goa by road. The travel from Mumbai to Goa by road via NH 48 is the fastest route and makes for a super comfortable drive. It is 604-kilometre stretch and will take somewhere around 12 hours to reach Goa. The traffic on this route is quite manageable. One of the main reasons why this is the fastest road to reach Goa is because it offers a smooth driving experience, thanks to regular maintenance and minimal road closures. However, make sure to keep a check on live updates through news and other possible information before travelling to avoid delays and mishaps.
The road map from Mumbai to Goa:
Popular places to visit while travelling from Mumbai to Goa by road:
- Karnala Bird Sanctuary: With over 200 species of birds, the Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a must visit if you are a bird enthusiast. This sanctuary also provides a nice walking trail that offers a relaxing break from the drive. Make sure to get some great pictures of the birds.
- Imagica Theme Park: Quite the needless excursion but if you’re up for some excitement, take a break and go to Imagica for heart-pounding roller coasters, live performances and some wholesome entertainment, it’s quite the fun.
- Khandala: The mountain views of Khandala are hard to neglect, especially with Dukes Nose and Tigers Leap offering great vantage points, enhancing the experience of the journey.
- Kune Waterfall Viewpoint: This breathtaking three-tiered waterfall plummets from 200 meters, making it one of the biggest waterfalls in India.
- Kolhapur: Known for the temples, the spicy Kolhapuri cuisine and its unique hand-made chappals, this is a perfect pit-stop for people who love history and culture.
- Belgaum: One of the lesser-known places near Goa, Belgaum is a quaint town that combines old forts, breathtaking waterfalls like Gokak Falls, and serene shrines like the Shri Malikarjuna Temple.
Route 2: Mumbai to Goa Via Bengaluru-Mumbai-Pune Highway
This journey from Mumbai to Goa by road is quite delightful scenic journey with paddy fields, coconut, and area nut plantations all along the route. Although this route is a bit longer and takes about 13 hours but honestly offers stunning views. Also, this is by far not the best for those that suffer from motion sickness. Again, make sure to keep a check on live updates through news and other possible information before travelling to avoid delays and mishaps.
Popular places to visit while travelling from Mumbai to Goa by road:
- Sarasgad and Sudhagad Forts: Located in Durshet, these forts give the opportunity for trekking, rappelling, and even river crossing for those who seek adrenaline rushes.
- Mahad: The towering Gadhapur fort combined with its trekking trails and the remarkable Gandharphale caves, makes Mahad a standout destination. It is rich in local stories and scenic beauty, making it a favourite among tourists travelling from Mumbai to Goa by road.
- Chiplun: This pretty town, situated on the shores of the Vashishti River, has wonderful beaches, the historically renowned Parusharama Temple and many green hills surrounding it.
Essential Tips for an Amazing Road Trip from Mumbai Goa
Bear in mind these important tips for trip to Goa by road so that you have a lovely and pleasant journey:
- Start Early: When you leave early, you are able to steer clear of the ‘What the Hell’ irritating traffic, as well as, enjoy the cooling morning temperature.
- Pack Wisely: Be prepared for anything – bring food, carry a first-aid kit, a power bank, and extra batteries for your camera.
- Plan for Food: People from Maharashtra will surely understand the importance of local dhabas that offer everything from vada pav to cool coconut water. So, make it a point to go recharge your essentials.
- Plan for Stopping Places: For those who desire to not complete the drive in a single day, there is the option of spending one night in Kolhapur or Belgaum for some much-desired sleep.
Other Ways to Reach Goa
Well, if you’re not too keen on the long drive then are quicker ways to Reach Goa apart from road way. Let’s take a look at them.
How to Reach Goa by Train
If zooming about in a car is not your thing, then why not travel from Mumbai to Goa by train? It’s a great means of enjoying the view on the way. The distance has a prevailing number of approximately 13 daily trains operating on it with travel duration tending to be approximately between 8 to 9 hours. A terrific option is the Tejas Express which is a wonderful combination of speed and comfort. Check out the IRCTC website for the latest train schedules and to book tickets.
How to Reach Goa by Flight
If you are someone who likes reaching destinations quicker, then travelling from Mumbai to Goa by flight would be the best option as it would take you about an hour to reach. If you are departing from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, the flight ticket could range anywhere between Rs. 2,000 to 5,000. You will arrive at Goa Airport (GOI) and from there you will have no trouble taking a cab or renting a car to go to the gorgeous beaches of Goa.
After you get there, you can just chill out at the beaches or experience the vibrant nightlife in Goa. The so-called small state has much to offer whether it is beach shacks at Anjuna and beautiful calmness of Palolem to charming houses with prominent Portuguese architecture. With such great combination of cuisine, culture and relaxation, Goa is definitely one perfect place for a honeymoon in India and otherwise too. Villas, restaurants and beaches in Goa are definitely appealing to couples and friends.
