London to Mumbai by Road 2016 – Revisited
Day 85 – 20 November 2016
Crossing the Western Ghats to Paradise
After leaving Bengaluru, Team Kontiki was finally heading towards a destination we had been looking forward to for weeks.
Goa.
The very thought of a few days of relaxation by the sea was enough to put everyone in good spirits.
Shortly after joining the highway, we received a phone call from our friend Ramanbhai from the UK. He was staying at a hotel in Bengaluru and kindly invited us to join him. Unfortunately, by then we were already well on our way out of the city and committed to our route westward.
Reluctantly, we had to decline his invitation and promised to catch up another time.
As evening approached, we stopped in the small town of Shiggaon and checked into Hotel Panchvati for the night. After a comfortable rest, we enjoyed breakfast and prepared ourselves for what promised to be one of the most scenic drives of our journey through India.
The route towards Goa did not disappoint.
The weather was beautiful, the roads were generally excellent, and excitement was building with every kilometre.
One of our first stops was at a roadside stall selling freshly crushed sugarcane juice.
Served cold and sweet, it was wonderfully refreshing and exactly what we needed before continuing our drive.
As we travelled further west, we noticed an unusually large number of motorcyclists on the road.
At first, we wondered what was going on.
Later, when we stopped at a restaurant, curiosity got the better of us and we asked a few riders where they were coming from.
Before long, several of them gathered around Kontiki, eager to hear about our London-to-Mumbai journey.
We exchanged stories, posed for photographs together, and learned that they were returning from a large bikers’ gathering in Goa.
It was another reminder of how travel creates instant friendships between people who share a passion for the open road.
Soon we entered the magnificent Western Ghats, one of India’s most spectacular mountain ranges and a UNESCO World Heritage region renowned for its biodiversity and stunning scenery.
The roads became increasingly winding and dramatic as they climbed through the hills.
Sharp bends, sweeping valleys, dense forests, and breathtaking viewpoints made the drive both exciting and memorable.
Although the route demanded concentration, the road surface was generally very good, allowing us to enjoy every moment.
By now, anticipation was growing.
After travelling over 14,000 miles across Europe and Asia, we were only a few hours away from one of India’s most famous holiday destinations.
At one point we encountered a railway crossing where the barriers remained down for nearly half an hour.
Rather than becoming frustrated, we made the most of the delay.
A group of monkeys had gathered nearby and seemed very interested in our presence.
With plenty of leftover rotis and food from previous meals, we happily shared some of it with our furry audience, providing entertainment for both them and us while we waited for the train to pass.
Finally, the barriers lifted and we continued our journey.
At around 2:00 pm, Team Kontiki rolled into Benaulim, one of South Goa’s most attractive coastal villages.
Our destination was the Royal Palms Resort, where our friend Ashok from Leicester had kindly arranged accommodation through his timeshare membership.
As we checked in, a wonderful feeling came over us.
For the first time in many weeks, there was no rush.
No border crossings.
No long driving days.
No repairs.
No deadlines.
Just a few days of well-earned relaxation.
After freshening up, we set off on foot towards Benaulim Beach, about twenty minutes from the resort.
The walk itself was pleasant, passing through quiet lanes lined with palm trees and colourful guesthouses.
Then, suddenly, the Arabian Sea appeared before us.
The beach was beautiful.
Golden sands stretched into the distance, fishing boats rested along the shoreline, and the warm sea breeze carried the unmistakable atmosphere that makes Goa so special.
Along the beachfront were dozens of restaurants and beach shacks, leaving us completely spoilt for choice.
After some deliberation, we settled at Johncy’s Restaurant & Bar, one of Benaulim’s well-known beach shacks.
It proved to be an excellent decision.
With cold drinks in hand, our feet in the sand, and the sound of waves rolling onto the shore, we finally began to unwind.
The food was superb, the atmosphere lively, and the setting almost perfect.
As darkness fell and the beach lights illuminated the shoreline, we reflected on how far we had come.
From Leicester to France, Germany, Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Myanmar, and across India—our journey had been extraordinary.
Now, for a few precious days, we could simply relax and enjoy Goa.
And for anyone who has ever visited Goa, reading these words will probably bring back memories and perhaps even a little longing for its beaches, sunsets, seafood, and carefree atmosphere.
Distance travelled: Approximately 450 km
Route: Shiggaon, Karnataka to Benaulim, Goa
Weather: Sunny, warm, and perfect for travelling
Highlights: Crossing the spectacular Western Ghats and arriving in Goa
Most memorable moment: The first sight of Benaulim Beach after months on the road
Interesting encounter: Meeting motorcyclists returning from a major bikers’ gathering in Goa
Fun moment: Feeding monkeys while waiting at a railway crossing
Accommodation: Royal Palms Resort, Benaulim
Dinner: Beachfront feast and drinks at Johncy’s Restaurant & Bar
Mood of the day: Relaxed, accomplished, and ready to enjoy a few days in paradise
“After nearly three months of driving across continents, the sight of the Arabian Sea at Benaulim felt like a reward. Goa wasn’t our destination, but it was exactly where we needed to be.”
Join us tomorrow as Team Kontiki settles into Goa life, swaps long driving days for sandy beaches, and enjoys a well-earned break before the final run to Mumbai.
