London to Mumbai by Road 2016 – Revisited
Day 89 – 24 November 2016
One Last Taste of Goa
It is hard to believe that tomorrow will be Day 90 of our epic London-to-Mumbai journey.
After travelling across Europe, Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Myanmar, and India, our destination is finally within touching distance.
But before leaving Goa behind, Team Kontiki was determined to enjoy every remaining moment.
After all, Goa has a habit of making people want to stay just a little longer.
Our first task of the day was to visit Hathi Mahal, part of the renowned Karma Royal Resorts network.
Located in Cavelossim, South Goa, and only about fifteen minutes from our resort in Benaulim, Hathi Mahal is regarded as one of Goa’s finest holiday resorts.
Ramesh needed to sort out a few matters relating to his timeshare membership, so while he attended to business, the rest of us took the opportunity to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Fortunately, everything was resolved smoothly, leaving the rest of the day free for enjoyment.
From the resort, we wandered down towards the beach.
The weather was perfect.
Warm sunshine, gentle sea breezes, and the soothing sound of waves rolling onto the shore reminded us why Goa is such a beloved destination.
We spent a leisurely few hours paddling in the sea, relaxing on the beach, and sampling the wonderful snacks and refreshments available from the beach shacks.
One thing that becomes very clear when visiting Goa is that resisting the food is almost impossible.
Every shack seems to offer something tempting—fresh seafood, spicy snacks, chilled drinks, and local delicacies.
The atmosphere is so relaxed and enjoyable that time seems to pass without notice.
As the afternoon unfolded, we found ourselves wishing we could stay for a few more days.
After months of constant movement, border crossings, repairs, and long driving days, Goa had provided exactly the break we needed.
On our way back, we made a short detour to the beautiful Taj Exotica Resort & Spa.
Its stunning gardens and elegant surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for a few photographs and a final glimpse of Goa’s luxury side.
By early evening, we returned to the Royal Palms Resort to freshen up before our final night out.
And what a night it turned out to be.
For our farewell dinner in Goa, we chose one of the state’s most iconic dining establishments—Martin’s Corner.
Anyone who has visited Goa and enjoys seafood will probably recognise the name immediately.
Martin’s Corner is legendary.
The restaurant buzzes with energy, laughter, music, and the unmistakable aroma of freshly prepared Goan cuisine.
Its reputation has been built over decades, and it is considered by many to be one of the finest seafood restaurants in the state.
The evening exceeded all expectations.
The food was outstanding, the atmosphere vibrant, and the service exceptional.
As we enjoyed our meal, we reflected on the incredible adventure that had brought us here.
From the motorways of Europe to the deserts of Kazakhstan, from the mountains of China to the muddy roads of Myanmar, and finally to the beaches of Goa, it had been a journey unlike any other.
One particularly memorable moment came when the restaurant’s owner personally came over to meet us after hearing about our London-to-Mumbai road trip.
She congratulated us on our adventure and kindly presented us with a complimentary bottle of Feni, Goa’s famous spirit traditionally distilled from cashew apples.
It was a thoughtful gesture and a wonderful souvenir of our time in Goa.
As we raised our glasses one final time, the reality began to sink in.
Tomorrow we would leave Goa.
Tomorrow we would drive to Mumbai.
Tomorrow our extraordinary 90-day adventure would officially come to an end.
So far, fortune had smiled upon us.
We had overcome countless challenges, travelled thousands of miles, and made memories that would last a lifetime.
Now there was just one final leg remaining.
With fingers firmly crossed, we hoped for a safe and successful arrival.
Location: Benaulim and Cavelossim, Goa
Weather: Warm, sunny, and perfect beach weather
Highlights: A final relaxing day in Goa and a memorable farewell dinner at Martin’s Corner
Most memorable moment: Receiving a complimentary bottle of Feni after sharing our journey with the restaurant owner
Places visited: Hathi Mahal, Cavelossim Beach, Taj Exotica, and Martin’s Corner
Food highlight: Outstanding Goan seafood and local specialities
Souvenir: A bottle of traditional Goan Feni made from cashew apples
Reflection: Wishing we could stay in Goa a little longer before the final push to Mumbai
Tomorrow’s destination: Mumbai – the finish line of our London-to-Mumbai adventure
Mood of the day: Relaxed, grateful, excited, and slightly emotional as the journey nears its conclusion
“Every great journey has a final sunset. As we watched another beautiful evening unfold in Goa, we knew that tomorrow would bring the final chapter of an adventure we would never forget.”
Join us tomorrow for Day 90, as Team Kontiki completes its epic London-to-Mumbai road trip and finally reaches the city that has been our destination for three unforgettable months.
