Day 01 14 July 2013 – Into the Monsoon: A Road Trip Begins
In June 2013, just as the monsoon clouds rolled across western India, our journey began. My daughter Shital and her husband Shiv had just completed an ambitious round-the-world backpacking adventure, and India was their final chapter. While they were visiting us in Navsari, an idea sparked—why not drive to Goa?
Goa, once a Portuguese colony for over 450 years until it became part of India in 1961, has long been a magnet for travellers. Its blend of Indian and European heritage, palm-fringed beaches, and laid-back charm made it the perfect destination for our spontaneous escape.
And so, at 5 a.m., we set off in our trusted Honda CR-V—myself, my wife Hansa, Shital, and Shiv—hoping to cover nearly 1,000 kilometres before nightfall.
Our route took us through familiar towns—Vapi, Manor, and Vasai—before turning at Ghodbundar Road toward Thane and onto the Mumbai–Pune Expressway. We paused briefly near Lonavala, a hill station famous for its misty valleys and chikki sweets, to refuel both the car and ourselves.
From Pune, we pressed on through Satara, Karad, and Kolhapur. Just before Belgaum, we turned toward the Western Ghats—a UNESCO World Heritage mountain range known for its biodiversity and dramatic landscapes.
The rain, which had spared us most of the day, finally arrived with force. As we climbed into the Ghats, the skies opened. Sheets of rain blurred the winding roads, and fog crept in, reducing visibility. Shiv took over the wheel, navigating carefully through the serpentine mountain paths. Water cascaded down the roadside like miniature waterfalls, and our mobile signal faded in and out, forcing us to rely on instinct and occasional detours.
Darkness fell, making the journey even more challenging. But as if on cue, the rain eased just as we approached the outskirts of Panjim, Goa’s charming capital—known locally as Panaji.
Another 45 minutes brought us to Calangute and finally to Baga Beach, the lively heart of North Goa. It was around 9 p.m.—16 hours after we had begun. Tired but relieved, we began searching for accommodation. Luckily, on Baga–Arpora Road, we found a welcoming spot: Mykonos Hotel.
With Goa’s vibrant nightlife calling, we soon found ourselves at a beachside shack. The air was warm, the drizzle gentle, and the sound of waves soothing. We began with chilled beer and wine—much deserved after the long drive—before settling into a delicious meal by the sea.
