Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar to Goa: A Thrilling Bike Trip
The Journey Begins: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar to Nashik
I embarked on my solo motorcycle trip from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, covering 212.6 km through a mix of smooth highways and rugged patches under the warm sun. The excitement of the open road, coupled with the thrill of an extended journey ahead, kept my spirits high.
Strategic stops for fueling up and luggage adjustments ensured a comfortable ride. The road had its fair share of challenges, but the thrill of being on two wheels made every mile worth it. The changing landscapes, from bustling city roads to vast open highways, set the perfect mood for adventure. By evening, I arrived in Nashik, concluding the first leg of my journey, eager for what lay ahead.
Day 2: Nashik to the Coastal Highway via NH66
From Nashik, my brother joined me, making the ride even more exciting. Having company on long-distance rides always adds a different level of comfort and enjoyment. We started early in the morning, with the cool breeze making for a refreshing start to the day.
Our first stop was at Shahapur (110 km) for tea and biscuits, where we took a moment to soak in the serene morning atmosphere. The roads were inviting, but as fatigue started creeping in, we took a much-needed break (66 km later) before pushing ahead towards the scenic coastal highway. The ride was gradually transitioning from plains to more lush surroundings, making it a visual delight.
Instead of stopping at Mangaon for lunch as initially planned, we opted for a delicious meal at Navratna Restaurant in Wakan (86 km later), arriving at 12:44 PM. The break allowed us to recharge, refuel, and soak in the beautiful surroundings before continuing on.
The post-lunch ride was smooth, with picturesque roads adding to the adventure. A quick nimbu pani stop (145 km after Wakan) helped keep us refreshed before reaching our next fuel stop (5.5 km later). Every stop added to the experience, and every new road made the journey more rewarding.
Arrival in Goa: Sun, Sand & Local Delights
After an exhilarating day of riding, we finally reached our stay in Candolim at 12:30 AM, checking into a 1BHK apartment at Highland Beach Resort, Candolim, conveniently located behind Newton Supermarket. The accommodation was perfect for unwinding after the long journey. Our stay cost ₹4,463.10 for 3 nights for 3 persons, booked via roomzaway.com.
The next day, my school friend joined us, adding to the fun and making our Goa experience even more memorable. We spent the day exploring Candolim’s seafood market, indulging in fresh catches while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. The streets of Goa had a charm of their own, with lively markets, beautiful beaches, and the laid-back vibe that the place is famous for.
In addition to relishing the local delicacies, we also did some shopping for Goa’s famous cashew nuts and Fenny, ensuring that we took a taste of Goa back home with us. The breezy NH66 coastal route made our time in Goa even more magical, adding an extra thrill to the trip before we geared up for the return journey.
The Return Journey: Goa to Pune – A Chilling Ride
My brother and I started our return journey from Goa, stopping for fuel after just 5.7 km. We wanted to ensure we had enough fuel for the long ride ahead, as we anticipated fewer fuel stations on the way. Our first break (148.1 km later) was for tea and snacks before we continued on Maharashtra’s highways.
The roads were smooth, but the temperatures started dropping as the night deepened. In Kolhapur, we made a must-visit dinner stop at Usha Dining, savoring the legendary Tamda-Pandra Rassa, a staple of Maharashtrian cuisine. The warmth of the food gave us the much-needed energy boost to tackle the night ride ahead.
However, the ride took a challenging turn as the temperature dropped drastically, making the journey incredibly tough. The chilling winds made every kilometer feel longer, but we pushed through the biting cold and finally reached Pune at 4:54 AM (380 km from Goa), utterly exhausted but filled with another unforgettable memory. The post-Satara stretch was the smoothest, offering some relief after a grueling ride through the cold.
Final Stretch: Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar – Solo Once Again
Back on my own, I set off on the final solo stretch from Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The freezing cold persisted, making it the most challenging part of the trip.
Approximately 30-35 km before Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, I had to take an unplanned stop at a small tea stall, where I warmed up beside a bonfire before resuming the ride. The warmth of the fire was a savior, helping me gather the energy to finish the ride. After this much-needed break, I powered through the final kilometers and finally reached Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar at 5:30 AM (281.5 km covered), successfully completing this epic motorcycle adventure.
Key Takeaways from My Motorcycle Road Trip
✅ Total Distance Covered: ~1,772 km
✅ Fuel Stops: 3
✅ Best Road Conditions: Post-Satara & NH66 coastal highway
✅ Toughest Stretch: Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (extreme cold)
✅ Most Memorable Stops: Shahapur, Wakan, Goa, Kolhapur
✅ Unplanned Nap Break: Near Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar beside a bonfire
Final Thoughts: A Journey to Remember
This solo and group motorcycle trip tested my endurance and resilience like never before. From scenic coastal highways to freezing night rides, every stretch had its own charm. The ride was filled with stunning landscapes, delicious food, and thrilling roads, making it a trip worth every kilometer.
From the early morning rides through foggy highways to the late-night battles with the cold, every moment added to the adventure. This trip was not just about covering miles; it was about experiencing the road in its rawest form, taking in everything it had to offer.
As I recover from this epic journey, I’m already thinking about the next big adventure on two wheels. Where should I ride next? Let me know your suggestions!