7 Reasons That Will Waylay You on the GOA Highway

Driving to Goa to take a break? We say take a break from your break. And there are seven stops you can do just that. This is a list that will get a nod from the old hands who’ve been doing the Goa road for many years, what we feel are the real gems on the Goa road. And we are not talking Gantpatipule, Sindhudurg or Tarkali either; you will find those places on any tourist site. These are the places not many talk about because not many know them. All it needs is to abandon the 3-day-2-night mindset. We promise you will discover relaxation in a way no 5 star beach holiday can give. Hidden beaches, uninterrupted views, great seafood, farm plantations, village drives and bracing climate, all far from the mad tourist hordes. And a walk in any of the wadis (villages) with green farmhouses would make you chuck the Goa plan and just chill back here. So check your car batteries and rev up to the 7 most exotic places en-route from Mumbai to Goa!

Harihareshwar - From Pune (190 km) and Mumbai (210 km)

As the name suggests it is one of the abodes of Shiva. The temple is flanked by two beaches north and south and as any beach on the Konkan the hills stand guard. The beaches are long with soft sands and cool for most part of the year.

Shrivardhan - From Pune (163 km) and Mumbai (185 km),

Once you have done the Murud-Janjira-Alibhag stretch you will yearn for more. Shrivardhan comes up on the map perfectly placed as a small peninsular outgrowth into the Arabian Sea. Along with Harireshwar it forms a perfect twin holiday. It has a port that goes back a few centuries and we would recommend you do take in the Divegar beach while you are it because the road runs parallel to the coastline and you will wonder if it was possible to drive an open convertible.

Harnai - From Pune (201 kms) and Mumbai (235 kms)

Harnai is one of the more developed towns on the Konkan and it has small, clean tent resorts right on the beach surrounded by coconut trees. The drive in the area around Harnai is equally lovely offering elevated views especially on the way to the local Ganesha temple, the Suvarnadurga sea fort and the beautiful Karde beach. There is also Dapoli just close by which again has an immaculate water front and the Panhalekaji caves.

Guhaghar - From Pune (259 kms.) and Mumbai (280 kms.)

This is a quaint village that is now awakening to its own as one of the must-see weekend destinations for nature lovers. The local cuisine is served with love, there are shacks on the beach and walk on the beach in the night is only bettered by the sunrise in the morning.

Velneshwar - From Pune (288 kms.) and Mumbai (289 kms.)

Many people decide to drive down from Guhaghar to Ganpatipule and after thirty minutes of driving through the back roads, fall for an inviting sign that says Velneshwar MTDC just 2 kms. This is probably one of the most breath-taking locations for a government resort. It’s on a hill that overlooks the entire curve of the coast and you can see far, far into the horizon. The beach is absolutely virgin, there is lovely local food on the beach and the temple is many centuries old. Best part is the silence in the afternoon as you sit in the cottage on the hill and look at the surf.

Ratnagiri - From Pune (303 kms.) and Mumbai (325 kms.)

The magnificent horse-shoe shaped Ratnadurga fort is reason enough to come to Ratnagiri. But then the Konkan spoils you. First it lets you soak in the two blue water beaches - Aareware and Kalbadevi. Then quietly shows you a Burmese royal palace. Yes you heard right. The Thiba Palace was the palace in exile for the Burmese royal family. The sea food is limitless and in the monsoons the hills around is dotted with waterfalls. It’s a three day driving holiday by itself.

Vengurla - From Pune (395 kms) and Mumbai (538 kms)

What makes Vengurla special is that it is one of those rare colonial towns established by the Dutch in the 15th century. The feel is still there. And if you are not into history then well the blue waters are just so inviting on the Vengurla beach. Then maybe you can drive up through the trees into the hills to the hill station of Amboli lush with waterfalls. And drive down to the fort of Terekhol keeping watch on the Arabian Sea. And to relax and give your car battery some time off, just talk to a local fisherman and get a boat ride down the small creek with a box full of chilled drinks.

Please note that all distances are approximations and can vary depending on route.

Source URL: - http://bit.ly/1DTlKA5