An Unforgettable Road Trip: Hyderabad to Goa & Beyond
The Beginning of an Exciting Journey
It was the year 2017 when we planned an exciting road trip to Goa with a group of ten people. Our group included a 60-year-old lady—my friend’s mother—and a small 5-year-old child, making the journey even more special. We started from Hyderabad in two vehicles at around 9 PM on a Saturday night. My husband drove our car, while the other vehicle was driven by his friend.
With immense excitement, we embarked on our journey, traveling through the night. By morning, we reached Belagavi, where we stopped for breakfast and freshened up. After a short break, we resumed our journey and arrived at our first destination, Amboli Waterfalls, by 5 PM. The sight was mesmerizing—crystal-clear water cascading down the rocks, creating a serene atmosphere. We climbed the rocks, played in the water, and soaked in the beauty of nature.
A Spooky Arrival at Malvan Beach
As the evening approached, we continued our drive and reached Malvan Beach between 7 and 8 PM. Upon arrival, I felt a bit uneasy—the house we had booked was right next to the beach, and the roads were eerily empty. It was only 7 PM, but the lack of people around made the place feel somewhat scary.
We soon realized that we hadn’t had any food since our brief lunch stop at 1 PM. Desperate for a meal, I requested the house owner to allow us to use their kitchen. They turned out to be incredibly kind-hearted people and offered us some freshly cooked rice. I prepared half-boiled eggs and omelets, and after a fulfilling meal, we went to sleep, exhausted from the long journey.
A Breathtaking Morning by the Beach
The next morning, we woke up to an astonishing sight. At night, we hadn’t been able to see much, but as the sun rose, we realized that the beach was just a few steps away from our house. It was an absolutely beautiful scene. We spent an hour playing in the water before getting ready for the day. Since it was Ganesh Chaturthi, the house owner’s family had prepared a delicious festive meal. We took blessings from Lord Ganesha and enjoyed the amazing homemade food.
Exploring Sindhudurg Fort & the Resilient Locals
After breakfast, we set out to explore Sindhudurg Fort, which we reached via boat. The fort was fascinating, and I couldn’t help but wonder how the locals survived in such remote conditions. They had no electricity, hospitals, or essential facilities nearby—everything required a boat journey to the mainland.
We also visited the Shivaji Chhatrapati Temple, which was truly impressive. However, as we were exploring the fort, it started raining heavily. Back at our beach house, the thoughtful owners had taken in our clothes, which we had left to dry, saving them from getting drenched. Their hospitality was truly commendable.
The Journey to Goa & Unexpected Challenges
We spent another night at Malvan and started for Goa the next morning, reaching by 5 PM. Our accommodation was prearranged, and my husband, along with his colleagues, decided to unwind at the beach with some drinks. However, things got a little chaotic when one of our friends created a scene, making it difficult for the rest of us to enjoy a peaceful night.
The next morning, we visited Baga Beach, where we had a fantastic time for a few hours. After getting ready, we explored Aguada Fort, one of Goa’s most famous landmarks, before having a delicious dinner and calling it a night.
An Unplanned Mishap & an Adventurous Ride to Dudhsagar Falls
The following morning, we planned to visit Dudhsagar Waterfalls. However, just before leaving, we noticed that our car’s front bumper had been completely damaged overnight by an unknown vehicle in the parking lot. I was worried it would spoil my husband’s mood, but he handled the situation calmly, and we continued our journey.
On our way, we stopped at Gokarna Temple for darshan and prasadam before heading towards Dudhsagar. Unfortunately, as we reached the trekking point around 4 PM, we realized that due to heavy rains, no vehicles were allowed to go further. The village seemed a little eerie, and the cloudy weather added to the suspense.
Just when we thought of turning back, a few bikers offered to take us to the waterfalls. They warned us that the route was dangerous and charged INR 500 per person. We agreed, and six of us set off on bikes, each carrying three people, including the rider.
The ride was nothing short of thrilling—we rode along railway tracks, crossed deep water lanes with the help of sticks, and found ourselves in complete darkness with no other humans around. My mind was filled with anxious thoughts: What if we don’t return? What if we go missing?
Despite the fear, our bikers guided us safely back to our cars. We paid them extra for their risky job and were grateful for their help. This three-hour adventure was something I will never forget.
Final Leg: Murudeshwar & the Journey Home
After our intense adventure, we were exhausted. Instead of continuing, we stopped near Gokarna for the night and rested at a hotel. The next morning, we visited Murudeshwar Temple, had a peaceful darshan, and then started our journey back to Hyderabad.
On our way back, one of our friends, who was driving the other car, dozed off at the wheel. We noticed the car swerving and immediately called out to him. Realizing the danger, we stopped at the nearest petrol pump, where we took a three-hour nap before continuing. Finally, we reached Hyderabad by 3 PM, marking the end of our unforgettable trip.
Final Thoughts
Throughout this journey, two people stood out the most—the 60-year-old aunty and the 5-year-old child. Their patience and endurance were remarkable, making the trip even more memorable.
From the scenic waterfalls to the thrilling forest ride, the calm beaches, and the warm hospitality of strangers, this trip was truly one for the books. It taught us the importance of resilience, adventure, and cherishing every moment life has to offer.
Would I do it again? Absolutely—but with better planning and a little more caution!
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