The lockdown gave plenty of opportunities to explore the beauty of Maharashtra by taking frequent road trips from Mumbai. We took many drives but only a few were long, and eventful, with moments and pictures enough to write full articles on. A few are below and growing every month. Stay tuned.
(1) A Konkan Road Trip Itinerary | Mumbai to Goa
Because why do something as mundane as flying to Goa, when you can frolic on endless beach sand, breathe in the heavy salt air, and eat freshly cooked spicy Konkan food en voyage? Here’s a majorly fun and scenic road trip itinerary starting from Mumbai and ending in Goa with beach stops along the way. The itinerary assumes stops on the onward journey, but you can mix it up and do a few on the return journey as well. Prepare to be well and truly tanned (I took this in April!) and happily exhausted. Go to the itinerary.
(2) A Konkan Road Trip Itinerary | Mumbai to Harihareshwar
We chose Harihareshwar to do a Konkan Coast drive, because, well… a room was available at the MTDC resort. All in all, it turned out to be a memorable trip, because we stumbled upon a great route on our way back. Much like the Sagari Mahamarg MSH4 route we did on our Goa road trip earlier. We will also go via part of MSH4 in this route. Go to the itinerary.
(3) A Monsoon Road Trip Itinerary | Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar
The monsoons have arrived in the Sahyadri Mountains. How about a Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar road trip? I mean, it has everything a good trip should have. The drive is spectacular, the wind is balmy, the mist hangs lightly and invitingly over the mountains, every turn of road has a waterfall to bask oneself in, and then… there is a deluge of pop-up food stalls along the road, selling delectable vada pav, bhutta and sweet chai. What’s not to love? Get the itinerary that also includes a short detour to the gorgeous Kaas plateau, one of Maharashtra’s seven wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Go to the itinerary.
Some exciting tour options:
- First, I go to TripAdvisor and check out top things to do, top places, and experiences. I use this to make a rough itinerary.
- From TripAdvisor I often go to Viator to book day tours. I love their user friendly platform and flexible cancellation policies. Compare their offers with GetYourGuide, which is great too.
- I book my accommodations in Booking because of their flexibility and that the bookings are easily cancellable. The mobile app is great and the genius discounts are on point.
- I recommend getting the Priority Pass. It gives you access to airport lounges and has helped me through many long waits. It’s definitely well worth the money.
- And I am literally always on Skyscanner. I get to see the best airfares, and the airline / third party providers offering them. Try the “From: origin city” to “To: Everywhere” option to ignite your imagination on where to travel to next.
