All set for a driving holiday from Mumbai to Coorg

Beautiful serene beaches of Ganpatipule, crowded streets of Goa, and seashore divine temples of Karnataka, I am up for a real trip!

If India is full of hidden treasures, western coastline is one of those treasures. It is one of the must do excursion for every travel enthusiast. This summer vacation, we planned a road trip with an aim to be close to the shore as far as possible. 

The plan is, to start early from home (Mumbai) and reach Ganapatipule by afternoon. One can take expressway via Pune to Goa, which is fast if you are planning to go to South Goa. But for those who really what to enjoy scenic beauty of Maharashtra, old Mumbai- Goa highway (NH66 previously NH17) is perfect choice. Well, people do take coastal route but that's something little more adventurous for us. We have been till Murud on coastal road. Since it passes through towns and villages it does get crowded. So we decided to take the coastal route for some distance later. 

We will take old NH4 to reach to Mumbai-Goa Highway. We will be crossing beautiful Karnala. There are few options to stop for breakfast around.

The next important landmark is Pen and then Vadhkal naka. This is the point from where we will take left on Mumbai-Goa highway.

Next we will be following usual route via Nagothane, Indapur, Mangoan, Mahad and Poladpur.

Poladpur is an important tourist junction. As you can see in the map, it the point from where there is the diversion to Mahabaleshwar. This junction has lots of eateries. Continuing on NH66, the route is not so very happening.

Continuing towards Ganpatipule, we will cross Khed and Chiplun. Hopefully, I will get time to stop at the top of the hill where you can see the beauiful Vashishti river. This is one picture I clicked in my last visit. 

From Chiplun, we will head to Sangameshwar on NH66

The state highway from Samgameshwar will take us to Ganpatipule.

We are staying in Blue Ocean Resorts and Spa at Malgund beach in Ganpatipule. The hotel seems to be good in ambiance, but has mixed reviews in tripadvisor. We planned to stay for only one night and thus gave importance to the infrastructure so that we get the rest. I will keep you posted about the experience!

Next day, early morning, we will be heading towards Devbagh - a small town at Karnataka Border. I have planned to take the coastal road SH4 for some distance. We have been to this beautiful road, where you can see the Arabian sea from the mountain and from such a height it looks humongous.

We will be passing from Ratnagiri, which is home of Alphanso Mangos, and we are planning to have lots of them. We shall return to NH66, which will now convert to Kochi-Panvel Highway at Rajapur. Now we will be in driving away from the sea.

 We shall be crossing full length of Goa to reach Devbagh. We might halt at Goa for some shopping.

At Devbagh, we have booking at The Jungles Lodges and Resort at Devbagh Beach Resort. This is a Karnataka Government Resort located in a island crossing Kali river. We want to have lunch here as the package includes all the meals. They have huts on the beach with hammocks on trees. There are number of activities promised includes, Kayaking, Dolphin viewing and Barbecue dinner on the beach!! Looking forward to it. 

Next morning, we will head to Coorg. This journey promises to be the most scenic as we will be crossing many rivers, creeks and passing through coastal highway.

 We will be passing from the majestic Mudeshwar Temple.

 The coastal city of Mangalore will be on our way. We shall be leaving Kochi highway and will move towards east.

We shall be reaching our destination Coorg Cliff Resort on day three. We have booked the resort for three days and then will come back to Goa to stay for three days. 

Shall keep you posted!