Day 04 19 Mar 2017 We decided to drive around and explore more of Goa’s coastal gems, sampling local cuisine and enjoying laid-back moments at beach shacks and cozy restaurants. Our first stops were Calangute and Baga beaches. They were busier and more crowded, but still enjoyable for a change of atmosphere. From there, we…
Day 03 18 Mar 2017 We spent the entire day unwinding on the beach — swimming in the warm, clear waters, enjoying soothing massages, sipping chilled beers, and indulging in delicious food. Candolim Beach was peaceful and pleasantly uncrowded, making it the perfect place to relax. While walking through the streets of Candolim we also…
Day 02 17 Mar 2017 After a quick breakfast, we were back on the road. We shared the driving, though Pratik took the lion’s share behind the wheel. He quickly adapted to India’s chaotic yet charming traffic, navigating bustling towns and winding mountain roads like a natural. Despite its size, Kontiki handled the terrain beautifully.…
After Kontiki’s epic London-to-Mumbai road trip in 2016, the trusty motorhome was parked at our home in Eru, Navsari quietly resting after its grand adventure. Then came March 2017, when my brother Raj, his wife Pushpabhabhi, their son Pratik, and daughter-in-law Meera arrived in India and stayed with us at Kshitij Bungalows. Pratik had a…
Day 05 – The Journey Home All good things must come to an end. After an early breakfast, we packed up and began our return journey, retracing the same route back to Navsari. The drive felt shorter this time—perhaps because our minds were full of memories: rain-soaked mountain roads, lively beaches, laughter, and the simple…
Day 04 17 July 2013 – Culture, History, and a Birthday Surprise This day was dedicated to exploring Goa beyond its beaches. We began with Fort Aguada, a 17th-century Portuguese fort overlooking the Arabian Sea. Built to guard against Dutch and Maratha invasions, it also housed a freshwater spring that supplied passing ships—hence the name…
Day 03 16 July 2013 – Beaches, Markets, and a Bit of Racing Having our own car gave us the freedom to explore. We set off toward Anjuna Beach, but along the way, something unexpected caught our eye—a go-karting track. Naturally, we couldn’t resist. The karts were a little worn, but that didn’t dampen the…
Day 02 15 July 2013 – Slow Rhythms of Goa The next morning, Goa worked its magic. We woke late, unhurried and relaxed—exactly as one should in this coastal paradise. After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we wandered down to the beach. The monsoon drizzle meant fewer crowds, giving the shoreline a peaceful charm.…
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…