Photo gallery and Travelogue
General information
We were a group of 6 enthusiastic boys and travelled from Goa to Dombivli (suburb of Mumbai) on bicycles. Travelling a distance of about 635 km, we completed the expedition in 6 days. It was a memorable journey along the National Highway (NH-17) passing thru North Goa and Konkan to Mumbai (Madgaon, Panaji, Sindhudurg, Kudal, Rajapur, Lanja, Ratnagiri, Khed, Mangaon, Pen, Dombivli). I still recollect the thrill, excitement and the exhaustion.
Apart from the primary aim to celebrate the spirit of youth and learning teamwork, hard work along with adventure and sports, we also intended to spread awareness about a pollution-free environment and encourage the use of bicycles. We were sponsored by the ‘National Youth Organization’ a sports organization having RSS roots.
Team-mates: Abhay Joshi, Kedar Bhagwat, Arun Sabnis, Kedar Navare, Devendra Rsibood, Priyank Thatte.
Warning: Long article. Be patient while it loads! [2,494 words, 25 photos]
Photographs
Background
I was searching for some adventure like this since a long time. I heard about this National Youth Organization and Mr. Manohar Kshirsagar who assists youngsters to plan their journeys. The 5 other guys had already registered. I knew the two Kedar’s but rest three – Abhay, Arun and Devendra were new acquaintances. Although I entered the group at the last minute and had no experience of such travel, I insisted to join the team.
We started our practise sessions about a month in advance. We spent up to 4 hours every morning to enhance our stamina and get to understand each other better.
Abhay, Arun and Kedar had participated in last year’s journey from Kolhapur to Mumbai. Abhay was chosen as our team leader.
Day 0
Bombay to Goa : We travelled to Goa by train with our bicycles tucked in the luggage compartment. After landing at Madgaon railway station in the evening and getting possession of our bikes, we were a jubilant bunch and started riding the bikes right there – on the railway platform itself! The Railway police intercepted us and threatened to penalize, but let us go when he learnt the purpose of our visit.
Enchanting Goa: Night stay was at Madgaon. Next day morning we reached Panjim, which is some 22 km away. Goa is a magical place and it had cast its spell on us already. No sooner than we reached Panaji, we went out to the beaches and sight seeing. At night we lubricated our bikes cleaned them and prepared ourselves for the arduous journey ahead.
Day 1:: Panjim to Kudal (70 km)
First interruption : We were flagged off early in the morning from Goa and proceeded on our path. The first disaster struck in a few hours when Arun’s tyre got punctured near Mapusa. Apparently Goa is a city of motorbikes and we had difficulty in finding a bicycle repair shop. Eventually we did find one and the owner was thrilled to meet us. He gave some extra supplies of spare parts free of cost.
Spirits : We had our lunch at a small roadside eat out on the Goa side of the Maharashtra – Goa border and then rested for some time under a giant tree. That was also the last time we relished the sight of small stores brimming with alcohol bottles!
Surprise : At about 30 km from Kudal (towards Goa), we were pretty exhausted and were looking for a good place to rest. A stranger stopped and enquired. He was so excited to know about us, that he insisted on visiting his house and stay there for some time. Typical Konkan house – thatched roof, earthen floor (शेणाने सारवलेले) , (I think you get the idea). A Tulsi vrindavan (तुळशी वृंदावन) and a marigold (झेंडू) flower garland (तोरण) over the door. The surprise came when we realized that the gentleman was Muslim, and was fasting for Ramzan.
First accident : Accidents! Yes, we had one right on the first day. By the time we reached our destination, it was pitch dark and visibility was null. Everyone had torches and we followed a disciplined order, but unfortunately, the road was not smooth. One of the lead guy’s bicycle tripped and the incident was so sudden that those behind him had not time to react, ultimately falling over one another. Fortunately, there was no serious injury, but it did have an impact on our morale.
Day 2:: Kudal to Rajapur (92 km)
Break : After lovely breakfast we left Kudal early in the morning. The road wasbeautiful. The dark black tar road flanked by red soil and tall trees on both sides. We covered major distance before lunch time and then a tragedy struck. At Kankavli, Arun who was injured in yesterday’s accident complained of acute pain, and Devendra had health problems. We decided to send them both, accompanied by Abhay to Rajapur by truck.
Cursed by the Sun God : So we were only 3 guys now – Me, Kedar Bhagwat (KB) and Kedar Navare(KN). The post-lunch session was brutal due to increasingly scorching heat. All of us were covered from head to toe almost fully and even the faces were covered with towels. We looked like terrorists or motorists from Pune. Generous amounts of sun-block lotion could not prevent my exposed skin from being penetrated by sunrays and I started looking like a ‘red indian’.
Visitors : One of the interesting incident in the evening was to see a foreigner cycling along, on his hi-powered bikes with gears, flashlights, accessories and luxuries. The man was from Scotland and currently residing in Germany. He said that he travelled every year in India on bicycle. We had some good conversations with him. Next we met a group of biker boys who were travelling from Goa to Pune.
Chaos : In the evening, it started raining at 6 pm and we were at Kharepatan, approx 19 km away from the destination. Unfortunately, the three of us got separated from each other and had to travel the ghats alone. The rain was still overpowering and darkness was all consuming. Add to the blackout and the fact that I was drenched in the unexpected shower, the road was spiralling down sharp curves giving me sortof “near-death” experiences. I held the flashlight in one hand and attached polythene bags all around so that other vehicles could see me. It was tough, and I was virtually crawling. We had decided to gather again at the bridge across the river at the outskirts of Rajapur. I reached there and waited for a long time but none of KB or KN were in sight. So I decided to move on, find a telephone booth and call up the place where we were scheduled to stay.
Lost! : Rajapur is a ghostly town. On the meekly populated road, there was hardly any person in sight. Suddenly this dangerously looking man appears with a shawl on his shoulder, lantern in one hand and a stick in other. He asks my name – “थत्ते, म्हणजे तू भट का?” (”Thatte, does that mean you are a Brahmin?”) Already terrified by the earlier episodes, that question reminded me of the stories of ब्राह्मण द्वेश (hatred towards Brahmins) and scared me to death. There is a Muslim crematorium adjacent, adding flavour. The next moment he goes soft and says, “जा बाळ, इकडून जा, shortcut आहे” (”Ok kid, take this route, its shorter”). At other times I would have disliked anyone calling me बाळ (kid) , but anyway. Somehow I reached the main town and called up the place where I was expected. Other guys had already reached and were getting worrying about me. (Some of them thought I was dead already)
Finally! : That night we rested at Kedar’s uncle’s home in ब्राह्मण आळी (road with residence of Brahmins). I slept on a large wooden swing, close to an animal stable. Didn’t eat anything other than some rice (वरण भात)as I was feeling ill.
Day 3:: Rajapur to Ratnagiri (75 km)
Up ahead : The day started with a climb over a sharp gradient. In the afternoon we stopped at Lanja for lunch. We met a doctor who invited us to visit his home, where we rested for a couple of hours, showered and departed after thanking him profusely.
Six minus one : Our friend Devendra fell sick again so we sent him to Chiplun for a day’s rest. The rest of us then proceeded to Ratnagiri.
Interview : At Ratnagiri, the five of us stayed at my elder friend Satish Lele’s (popularly known as Lele kaka) place. We were also interviewed by Tarun Bharat newspaper, courtesy Mr. Bapat.
Day 4:: Ratnagiri to Khed (140 km)
Happy Birthday : This was the longest and the most difficult journey. Most of us were already fatigued by three days of continuous cycling. However we decided to meet this challenge anyway. We had lunch and shower at a petrol pump and I celebrated my bicycle’s birthday.
Celebrities! : Our photograph and a small write-up was published in ‘Tarun Bharat’ (Ratnagiri, dated 4-Nov-03). It was a very wonderful feeling next day, as people would look at us and exclaim- अरे! ही तर पेपरातली पोरं! (‘Look! These are the boys from the paper!’) That was really wonderful. A short ‘preview’ of how it feels when you are famous!!
Split : Later, due to some silly disagreement, we split into two groups – Me and Kedar Bhagwat in one and Abhay, Arun, Kedar N in the other, later joined by Devendra. The two of us covered distance rapidly and reached Chiplun at around 6 PM. We had some sandwiches and carried some apples for the upcoming journey through Parshuram ghat (पर्शुराम घाट). The sky was crystal clear and was filled by sparkling stars, a view so enchanting that both of us stopped at the highest point on the ghat to admire the beauty. (We also got philosophical and started talking about life and relationships)
Soon we crossed the rest of the way fighting darkness until we reached the Shivaji Maharaj statue at Khed. The next group arrived a few hours later.
Day 5:: Khed to Mangaon (86 km)
Relaxed : This was a short(er) route and we were suffering from the tremendous exhaustion of previous day. So we started late and travelled steadily. First Kashedi ghat (कशेडी घाट) took almost 4 hours to cover. In the heat of the day, it was very cruel. After that it was flat land. We stopped occasionally for water, snacks and you-know-what. Between Mahad and Veer was located the Raigad Military School where I went for a summer camp.
Bombay Goa Highway (NH17) passes through mountainous terrain. That makes it difficult to travel. From Goa till Poladpur, the road was barely on a flat terrain or following a straight path. Extreme gradients and sharp twists and turns makes this road vulnerable to accidents.
Day 6:: Mangaon to Dombivli (128 km)
Blessings of the lord : At Mangaon, early in the morning, we were felicitated by the temple. After sufficient breakfast, we started on another lengthy but last section of our journey.
Crowd, smoke, noise : Things really changed after we reached Pen (Wadkhal naka actually). 6 days’ honeymoon in Konkan paradise ended abruptly and now it was the typical Mumbai culture that was starting. People wearing wristwatches and actually looking at the time. Everyone was late for something.
Roads were littered and air/noise pollution was too high. The earlier day, we all were really looking forward to reaching home asap, but now, wished konkan was here in Dombivli too…
Homecoming : We reached Shil fata by sunset and got cleaned up there. This was 12 km from the hometown and several school students had travelled till there to greet and welcome us. They were very curious to know about our journey.
Victory : Out of the six of us, only two members – me and Kedar Bhagwat completed the journey completely. Others suffered some problems due to which they had to travel in some vehicle with their bikes.
Achieved! : At the outskirts of Dombivli, friends and family members had gathered and we were given a grand reception. We went to the National Youth Organization office and had a small felicitation ceremony there. This was followed by more celebration and ‘other’ things later.
Next day
Aftereffects : All of us were mentally and physically stressed. We couldn’t sleep for long time the next day even if we wanted to. Our bodies refused to cooperate and it was a weird feeling of stiffness and numbness altogether. Finally we took our beloved bicycles and went around the town!
Reflections
There was so much to see, so much to learn, and so much to realize.
Hospitality in Konkan: The people of Konkan are extremely friendly (do I need to say that). Hospitality is great. All of us were born and brought up in the Mumbai City, and the only times we had seen Konkan was during holidays.
People were always curious to know, who we boys were and what were we doing at that place. Once we explained our motive, there were many instances when the common man went out of his way to congratulate us, encourage us and cheer us up. It doesn’t feel right to drink tea for free, but the चहा वाला (tea-seller) simply wouldn’t accept money; and this didn’t happen once or twice, but almost every day!
Entertainment : Reading number plates of passing vehicles and guessing their behavior was a good (and perhaps the only) entertainment while cycling. A mere glimpse of “MH-05” would mean so much to us! Some of the “MH-05” drivers even offered us cucumbers and snacks simply because they were
proud of fellow Dombivlikars. Then there were typical arrogant “MH-01,02,03” cars, and how can we forget “MH-12”- bad road discipline !! (MH-05 are vehicles from Dombivli, 01, 02, 03 from uptown Mumbai and MH-12 from Pune)
Entertainment exceeded : Road signs carried creative and amusing messages. For example-
“Drive slowly to reach home early”
“Control your nerves on the curves”
Or more in marathi-
मोह टाळा, नियम पाळा (restrain your urges, follow the rules)
झोपला तो संपला(if you sleep, you are dead)
मनाचा ब्रेक, उत्तम ब्रेक(control of mind is the best speedbreaker)
Diversity : We were 6 youngsters, from different backgrounds and thoughts. It was very natural that we fought with each other. But everyone was aware that his ultimate aim was to successfully complete this task. The arguments, decision-making, peace making, etc. was all in fun and was taken in right spirit.
Conclusion : It was extreme challenging, physically, Our bodies were subjected to do the maximum, a test of stamina and perseverance. But apart from that, it tested our capacity to work in a team, ability to lead, keep our cool and take the right decisions. It gave us confidence about ourselves and was a tremendous morale booster. Most importantly, it was an enjoyable adventure.






















[…] ed, Mangaon, Pen, Dombivli). I still recollect the thrill, excitement and the exhaustion. Read about it here. And do comment! […]
Hi i am another priyank. Outstanding expedition. How did you do it?
Hi Priyank ,
This is Tejas , hope u remember me . We participated in Taluka and state level science exhibition together in 7 th std (constant burning lamp– guy ) !! Well u have developed a fabulous web-site , and the collection of your articles is simple awesome . Just keep it up , great job indeed .
One hell of an effort guys…..keep it up.
If there are similar events like this I would like to jump in.
Priyank,
I have always been reading your blog, was wondering why didnt i get apportunity to go through your GOA tirp, must been my mistake. Well GALLON effort, as i have always known you a typical adventure boy, who loves riding his babe. I am so glad to say that, this first “BIG” Bicycle i drove was never the less owned by you.
Keep going Man…
Regards,
Sushant Chaudhary
(Sunny)
great job friend.
tremendous effort.
i wonder if u carried a cycle pump and a puncture kit?
how is membership of Youth Organisation available.
Hi Priyank!
This is nabonita here http://www.priyank.com is one of my favourate site. i want to participate for bycycle expedition of goa this year. I am from bhopal, Madhya Pradesh please guide me from where i can get its program and where to contact for this. This time i do not want to miss it.
Hi Priyank ,
That’s a great achievement! , Although I’m not as courageous as you are , I’m willing to go to Goa from Thane via Malvan(my native place) on Motorcycle. I just wanted to ask – how safe is that road?
As i’ll be inviting my friends for it, i’ve to lead it.
It will be great, if you can throw some light on safety issues.
-Shashank
hey guys,
Looks like you guys have already tasted the blood. Well i am cyclist myself and have been criss crossing the country for a while. coming to the point, I am looking for partner/partners for my next expedition. Probably an intercontinent stint. If any of you guys are seriously interested into this than let me know and we will see how it works out.
cheers,
Zeeshan
hi there! read your blog … great job man!!
im planning a similar trip with my friends and need your advice on a few things.. can we talk on the phone or meet for a bit
my name is anand and my number is 9820146788.. i live in juhu, mumbai
fantastic priyank, Hats-off to u n ur group!!
superb effort, not just to ride all the way from goa on bicycle, but also to catch even smallest of incidents u experienced like the one u’ve described at rajapur near the muslim crematorium.
lately i’d been to konkan myself for a 8-day long holiday with couple of friends n purposely avoided takin my friend’s car. we wanted to get the feel of native konkan, travel in lal-dabba ST buses n live with the locals instead of hotels. we did it.
n ur descriptions very much match my experiences. perhaps thts y i liked the article so much. 😉
in fact ur travalogue has inspired me to jot down my experiences too.
photo album is grt too!
cheers
Awesome expedition buddy… kudos to ur team!!
u’ve inspired me to do something similar…
would get in touch with u for more info
cheers!
satsang
HI PRIYANKA,
Good Article. Me and My friend leaving delhi in few days by road to goa. Checked ur web useful information. Keep it up
Sandy
Hi Priyank,
Soory for being late, but yes couple of months back i had been to all the places you mentioned in your expecition. BElive it was time when i felt like not going back, or if possible atleast extend my stay. Neways for all konkanis this land is very close to God own land “Kerala” in terms of nature.
Regards,
Sunny
I don’t have my own website, but after going through your website, I feel to have one. Anyway, to recollect some memories, I am Archana Parmar’s husband, working in Aker, Norway. Archana & Durva have come along with me here in Norway.
You have wonderful appetite for writing, sense of humour presented in a simplistic way..(I love it). And your way of exploring everything in life. This is Awesome attitude of yours. Keep exploring and writing good texts on your website. I wish, I had more time to read all the stuff, but gotta do some work. May be when I find time, I shall read everything listed on this site.
Take care…
Ashwin
Hi,Priyank. Great expedition. I made a cycling trip with a friend from Kolkata to Hyderabad in October last year. It took me 11 days. This year we are planning a trip from Bombay till the end of Goa (ie. Goa-Karnataka Border). Itd be great if we could talk some time. Itd really help me get some tips about the route. Can you mail me sometime? I don’t carry a phone but if you mail me your number I’ll give you a call.Once again, kudos on the expedition.
Cheers,
Rahul.
send detail of trek & sport
amazing journey!!
its time for me to buy a bicycle & go on such rides 🙂
Nice to see u in to photos but it will be grate to meet u and be with for the next cycling expedition
Hi Priyank,
It’s my first pitstop at http://www.priyank.com and I’m certain I’ll be coming back for more!
Congrats on this bicycle expedition. The travelogue was long, but worth reading! I like your style of breaking up the whole day into events (break, chaos..and the like) unlike time slots (before lunch we did this…etc)
Keep Writing~!
and Keep Travelling`!
Awesome trip. Your trip and its simple description makes me too want to do some long bicycling trip. Keep up the good work…
I was enthousiastic to read your story about cycling through India. Me and a friend – both from Holland – are cycling through India. We started in Chennai, crossed to Cochin and are now in Hampi/Hospet. From here we are going to Goa. It is a wonderful experience to be cycling through India and we enjoy it greatly. You wrote in your story that you found a good bicycle repair shop in Goa. Can you give us any directions or – even better – an address? Because we are on such a long trip (have done 3.600 km now and plan to do another 10.000 over the next 6 months) – we have to have some servicing done to our bikes. Goa would be the perfect place for it, because we will be there for a little while.
It would be very helpful to get some more information from you.
Kindest regards,
Nico de Milliano
from Holland
Thanks for your message Nico. I will send a reply on your personal address. It’s great to find someone biking in ‘real’ India. Had I been in India, I’d have met you definitely. Regards and best wishes!
Hi Priyank,
My name is Harry, I am English and live and work in Oman. Firstly, congratulations! I found this site while I was doing some research for my own trip from Bombay to Goa. I am cycling with 3 other friends. I see there are two options, either the NH17 or the beach road, and that each have their pluses and minuses. The NH17 is probably quicker and more direct but is it safe as it is a very busy road? The beach road sounds like it might get a bit annoying to have to wait for boats? Any advice would be great!!
All the best,
Harry
Hi Harry, I sent you an email. Thanks for the message. 🙂
Hi Priyank, do you have a telephone number I could contact you on to have a chat about the above??
Many thanks,
Harry
Emailed!
hi priyank myself ayur we r also a group of eight boys we r also planning a trip to goa on bikes so can u just tell u’r experirnce in ghats is it really dangerous to drive in ghats is therea alternate route to reach goa
Hi Mayur, I sent you an email. Hope you received it.
Hi Priyank,
I am planning to do something similar (bombay to goa on bicycles), at the end of next year.
It would be really helpful if you could tell me in a little detail about the kind of training you underwent, and anything else that might be good to keep in mind while planning such a trip.
And my other question is similar to Harry’s…I’m really scared of heavy traffic, and time is not gonna be an issue, so wouldn’t the smaller roads by the coast be better?
Hi Upasna,
Thanks for stopping by.
We trained for about a month, doing 20-40km per day, which I reckon is not much. Probably being at that age helped. Also, we decided to stick with NH17 because its pretty straightforward and we had only a week. I have heard some people ‘walking’ along the beach road for a month to Goa. However as you may have guessed, there is no such road, it is a bunch of broken fragments with unpredictable and undependable connections. I am not even sure if there are connections everywhere!
Hope that helps. 🙂
Nice writing. Missed the pictures though..
Visit my travel blog at http://www.chalatmusafir.wordpress.com
Thanks Sanjeev!
hey bro, i had been planning to visit goa on a bicycle……well i had planning this trip from quite sometime now………and i dont have any friends to accompany me so im alone……..and i want to know how safe is the journey……….and some tips
and please if u can give me your no.so that i can clarify any doubts…
I will send you an email.
hi frnds we (myself and my frnds) had a round trip to goa from mumbai on our bikes. totally we have clocked 1600 kms, we started our trip on 27th feb 10 afternoon and come bck to mumbai on 5th march 10 late night. trip was amazing and after driving bike for so long distance we are really exhausted.
Hi Lalit that is incredible! I wasn’t sure if you are talking about a motorbike or a bicycle. 🙂
Hi Priyank,
I would like to do the same journey but am new to such adventures. Can you tell what one need ( equipment,excercise )to know to start something like this ?
Swapnil, I will send you an email. Usually you’d just take basic repair materials and practise regularly. Most important thing to have though is mental resolve.
Hi Priyank
Congrats for the successful completion of ur biking expedition.I am from Dombivali and a vivid cycling fan and would love to participate in cycling expeditions. I have been to Cycling expedition in the Kullu valleys in Himachal pradesh which was a thrilling experience. I and my friend Tejas Thatte are intereseted in doing the similar cycling tour like the one u did..probably mum to Goa or Mum to Nagpur…Or we are also looking forward to join you in case u are scheduled to start another cycling trip in future.. Please Please let me know if we can join u or not..
Appreciate ur efforts and adventures !….Keep it up !
Thanks
Nilesh puranik
9920319366
Thankyou Nilesh, I will send you an email.
I am going to pedal from Panaji to Mumbai please let me know the kms first and the gradient of the road and halting places which should be good one
Hello Solanki,
Hope you got my email. Goa and Mumbai both being on the coast, there is no net loss or gain in elevation. However, western ghats are notorious and you’ll find yourself climbing them all the time. It wasn’t that difficult, but then I was quite young ten years ago, haha.
Hiii all my frndz its amazing travell yar we done bt very less from andheri to lanavala bt we try this long jorny
[…] ‘done’ something for a while, be it travel or adventure or both. Back in 2003, I biked 650km (6 days) from Goa to Mumbai. In 2005, I went on a trek in the Himalayas and saw glaciers and snow […]
Hi Priyank,
Good writing and humour in it.
I wish to ride for Pune – Goa in December. ( Long plan )
Need some tips and route.
Also suggest a bicycle. ( I have a MTB )
Hey,
It was fun reading your experience and best of luck for the future.
keep cycling and keep writing.