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It was time to head back home. Our first overnight halt was Kolhapur and it took us 5 hours to reach. We woke up with a heavy heart, and after checking out from Ondas Do Mar resort in Goa, we started our journey towards Kolhapur. We breakfasted on paneer paratha in a Punjabi Dhaba and left further. This time we were taking the highway and not a local route so the journey was not as scenic as before. 

We took the Amboli route and the roads sometimes were bad but otherwise, it was a scenic journey, especially the Amboli ghat and the gigantic Amboli waterfall. We didn't go near the fall as it was heavily crowded – credits to the day being a Saturday – but we had a bowl of masala Maggi just opposite to it in one of the shacks. After a mini break, we left further for Kolhapur. We reached around 3:00 pm and lunched on spicy Kolhapuri misal. 

Since we had a whole evening with us, we started planning. It was Liverpool versus Manchester City, and as one of my colleagues is an LFC fan, we hunted down cafes that held the screening of the match. We contacted the LFC Kolhapur group on Facebook and through that, found a cafe named Grain De Cafe. Delighted, we were happy to have some kickass plan. The cafe is a nice little place with delicious inexpensive food. Though Liverpool lost by 5-0, the food made us happy.

Later, as my cousins live in Kolhapur, I called my sister to meet me. We all went to the DYP Mall, met her, and dined on pizza. Finally, after a 10-day wait, I was devouring pizza. The place was quite cheap – had one paneer tikka 8 inches for Rs. 130. It was around 9:00 pm when we headed back for our hotel Tanwani. We had booked non-AC rooms, so the experience was a little unpleasant. (Though when I'd woken up around 3:00 am, I felt cold and I took a blankie.)

The second last day of the journey had come to an end. We were leaving for Mumbai tomorrow and I was already disheartened.

Room - Rs. 315 (non-AC room)

Breakfast - Rs. 100

Maggi - Rs. 25

Lunch - Rs. 100

Snacks (Match) - Rs. 85

Dinner - Rs. 130

Petrol - Rs. 375

Total - Rs. 1,130

We woke up around 8:30 am, and after breakfasting on uttapam, left for Mumbai. We passed through the Lonavla route and boy! Was there some nasty crowd. It was Sunday, so people were all over the place. 

Nevertheless, after crossing Pune via the old Mumbai Pune Highway, we stopped at Kamath's for lunch. The sabzi, rotis, and dal tadka were so delicious, I still recall the taste! We soon reached Mumbai and then at our homes. The 10-day trip to Goa and Gokarna had come to an end, and it meant that the dull, mundane life was about to resume...

Breakfast - Rs. 95

Lunch - Rs. 260

Water - Rs. 20

Total - Rs. 375

Total trip expense - Rs. 11,327 + Rs. 3,000 (shopping) = Rs. 14,327

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Today was the last day in Goa and I woke up with a heavy cloud over my head. I wished we could rewind and go back to the day we were leaving for Devgad.

The last day involved some sightseeing, some shopping, and some relaxing on the beach. We started off with breakfast, for which, we had to search for this cafe named Baker's Street. We reached and found it to be an adorable little cafe, with old-fashioned interiors and wooden exteriors. I looked around to see people with their Macs, sipping coffee and breakfasting on some sandwiches while they worked along.

I imagined me with my laptop there and what a delight it would be to sit here amidst other workaholics who were wordlessly getting their work done. We ordered some cold coffee, sandwiches, and puffs, and my goodness, they were lovely. The best part is the cost. The cafe is so pretty with tasty food and fewer prices. Sure a must-visit spot if you're around Penha de Franca.

Our guts were happy after a full meal and we left for our rooms. On our way, since we were on bikes (sadly, without a helmet), the police stopped us. We pleaded them saying we were out for breakfast and they let us go after a warning. A lesson learnt.

TIP: If you're on a bike in Goa, always wear a helmet! The security is tight and you don't want to be miserable in the Party Capital.

We went back and the management called for housekeeping. Until the guy was cleaning our rooms, we shopped something from the stalls outside our hotel. I bought a couple of shorts, a dress, and two tops, and I loved what I shopped. We came back to the room and changed for lunch.

I wore a white day dress with a pair of blue-shaded sunglasses. We lunched at an Udupi restaurant because we were still looking for budget-friendly meals. We then decided to step out around 4:00 pm as I had noticed a sunburn on my neck. 

It was around 4:30 pm when we left for Aquada Fort. However, instead of the fort, we went to the lighthouse, which was nearby and had a better sea view. We saw an exotic piece of land from the top and decided to explore that area.

We changed into swimwear topped with coverings and hurried to the Calangute Beach. Since it was an offbeat opening to the beach, the crowd was less. We could witness the sunset, but as always, couldn't go in the water. We just sat on the edge and enjoyed the waves that delicately touched our bodies.

We then showered to wash off the sand. After changing into a dry set of clothes, it was time for dinner — the last of its kind in Goa...
We thought of screwing our budget and went to a modest shack Flying Dolphin instead. Its food was tasty and the view celestial. The service was cordial and the ambience romantic...this diner doubtlessly is one of the recommended shacks around Calangute.

We then went to our rooms and I was terribly sad since the day had ended and the night too. Tomorrow we were to leave for Kolhapur and then day after, for Mumbai...

Room - Rs. 445 (AC room)

GST for room - Rs. 108

Breakfast - Rs. 225

Lunch - Rs. 105

Dinner - Rs. 310

Total - Rs. 1,193

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After a night at Gokarna, we were going back to Goa today. We booked two nights at Ondas Do Mar Beach Resort, which is situated in Calangute. For this, we woke up at 8:30 am and after a blissful sleep, I was certainly refreshed.

We breakfasted on some sandwiches with a big glass of tea. The view from this eatery, which was overlooking Kudle Beach, was so scenic and beautiful. Since it was early morning, there weren't many people around.

While we were loading our luggage into the cars, a local approached us. He recommended a place named Vibhuti Falls – a scenic place near Yana, Karnataka. We googled it up and were impressed looking at the pictures. We had to take a short detour to reach this place, but this extra distance was truly worth it.

Off we left. We crossed picturesque trails on our way. Finally, we reached a point where someone asked us to stop the cars. We stopped to find policemen who were stationed there to check people's bags.

TIP: Do not carry liquor to Vibhuti Falls since the police check your bags. Also, make sure you have your license and other car-related documents.

We passed the barriers and were marvelled seeing the trees and the smooth road towards the falls. I was assuming it to be a natural waterfall, and though it indeed is a natural waterfall, the surrounding area is maintained by the government. 

We reached the area where we had to park our vehicles and start walking towards the falls. This site is well-kept and I was jarred looking at the wooden dustbins, benches, and directional boards that added to the beauty. One of the boards made me extremely nervous though – "Help us protect leopards." In my mind, I was thinking how it should be the other way round, "Protect me from leopards."

This particular board downed my excitement a little and I was constantly looking around. In this whole area, only eight humans (plus a tiny human) were present and I needed an authority badly. I was just hoping I don't die of a leopard attack, that too in a foreign state!

We reached the falls and it was full of liveliness and vigour. Such dense the flow of water and such white the foam! What a beautiful, crystalline water and what a stunning location! Vibhuti Falls, doubtlessly, should be in your itinerary if ever you come to the southwestern zone of Karnataka. It would also make an ideal picnic spot or a perfect weekend getaway for the Kannadigas. 

We splashed in the cold, clear water for a half-hour, and then after snapping pictures, we came up. Since it wasn't a pre-planned activity, we had to dip in wearing our jeans. We changed our clothes outdoors as the restrooms were shut. Pleased to be in dry clothes, we headed back to Goa.

After going further, we stopped at Hotel Tarang en route National Highway 66 (Kochi Panvel Kanyakumari Highway) for lunch. The food was one of the best we had had on our trip. Soft chapati with creamy paneer tikka masala, followed by spicy dal tadka and soothing jeera rice – Ah! This is a must-visit diner on this route.

Later, nauseated by overeating, we stopped at the Karwar Warship Museum for a loo break. We surprisingly were exhausted and this break relieved us. We resumed and then after a long ride, we were in Goa. Unpredicately, our return journey from Karnataka to Goa was tiresome. 

We stopped at one of the chaat stalls after reaching Goa to refresh ourselves and had sev batata puri. (I was almost about to have beef, but thankfully I peeped in while the cook was preparing the dish; I wanted to eat cutlet pav, but then dropped the idea since the cutlet was made of beef and not my friendly potato.) 

We were still an hour away from reaching our abode and I was turning impatient. Finally, there it was! Opposite to some local stalls, our area was blessed with shopping opportunities. We checked into our home for two nights. Our hotel Ondas Do Mar – meaning "sea waves" – was a lit resort. We were offered complementary drinks and the welcome was warm and cordial.

We got freshened up for dinner. I wanted to shop essentials like a mobile charger and a travel-sized face wash, and we were so annoyed by the lack of general stores in Calangute. After the purchase, we went to an Udupi restaurant for dinner. We had crossed our budget and we were trying to go as light as possible. After devouring onion uttapam, we went back to our rooms. It was time to sleep on the luxurious bed.

Breakfast - Rs. 175

Petrol - Rs. 225

Lunch - Rs. 200

Snacks (Chaat) - Rs. 35

Room - Rs. 455 (AC room)

GST for room - Rs. 108

Dinner - Rs. 130

Total - Rs. 1,328

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Today we were to leave for Gokarna. We were thrilled for this maiden visit, though I have been to parts of Karnataka before. I had even read about how you can see more of hippies here. 

I was keen due to the solace I would experience since it was less populated than Goa. After paying GST for our Amigo Plaza rooms, we left for Karnataka. We encountered such beautiful roads on our way that we often thought of stopping by and enjoying the beauty.

After a journey of two hours, we finally crossed the Goan border and reached Karnataka. We had planned on going to the Angediva island as on the maps we could see a narrow road surrounded by water and rainforest. But on reaching that area, we realized it was the naval base and that the gates were guarded. I wished I could pass through.

Soon after an hour, we were at Gokarna. It took almost more than an hour to find our cottages and we were so pissed at the lack of directional boards. I hope the Karnataka Government does something about this! (Though you can see there's massive development ongoing and I'm assuming within a couple of years, Gokarna would be blessed with good roads and other needful resources.) So I even met four Russian travellers who were looking for Kudle Beach. Poor chaps were struggling for directions. The Google Maps are devoid of innate locations as well so you would get lost during your inaugural visit here. (And if your cottages are not popular in that area, then the situation gets even worse.)

The best thing to do is ask the locals. Our cottages – Shri Umamaheshwar Cottages – were assumed as a temple by the locals. They directed us to an opposite direction and we lost our tempers.

Finally, we got off our vehicles and descended down the hill towards the Kudle Beach. There the cottages were! Chaotically situated amidst other abodes. After the formalities, we went to our rooms to find them terribly shady. We were heavily disappointed! After our Roy and Ron apartments, this was the second feeble shelter we were staying at. Personally, I wanted to shift from this place as soon as possible. I was even worried about changing clothes here! 

Since our bags were in our cars, we climbed back to collect them. We were discussing how shifting our base was the best we could do. For the same, we enquired at cottages/hotels in Gokarna, but in no vain. We were hungry as it was 5:00 pm and we had had nothing since our breakfast at 8:30 am. 

We thought of going back to Goa and how much we missed that place. Goa suddenly felt like home. We tried booking hotels there, but sometimes the internet, sometimes the battery, and sometimes the unavailability of the rooms couldn't let us book. Disappointed, we finalised on spending that night at Gokarna.

Off we took our heavy luggage and went down the hilly area to our cottages. After dumping our stuff, food was the only thing on our minds. We went to the Green Garden Restaurant for fries and some drinks. This was an alcohol-free shack so I was secretly happy. Overlooking the clean Kudle Beach, this evening was certainly refreshing. We then took a stroll on the sand, which was covered by boys playing cricket and cows straying. I was wondering what the cows were doing on the beach! For a second, just leave me alone, animals! As the cows' companions, there were dogs wagging their tails too. 

I did not enjoy the stroll on the beach because of this very reason. Habituated by no-nonsense beaches in Goa, the animals and the cricket ball disturbed my peace. We went back to the shack for dinner. This eatery has an extensive menu covering Israeli to Mexican food. If ever you come here, definitely try this cabin out. We were all delighted to try out dishes so we ordered a shakshouka, which was served with pita bread, and a huge burger, which came with fries. That evening corrected all the troubles we had to face since morning and enjoying the incredible sunset, I dined on world's best dishes. 

I was pondering how one must visit Gokarna if they want to relax, drink booze, and forget about worldly existence. I, however, recommend this place only after few more years. Once the place is developed and equipped with appropriate resources, it would be a happening spot. Away from the hustle and authorities, Gokarna is meant for unwinding oneself.

We were sitting at the Green Garden Restaurant until it was 10:00 pm, and then after sipping a mug of warm coffee, we went back to our rooms. The room appeared better than before, maybe due to the good lighting. We spread a sheet on the bed and dozed off under the fans. I got one of the best slumbers here so far, which is absurdly true...

Breakfast (of 2 Amigo Plaza mornings) + GST - Rs. 325

Room - Rs. 275 (non-AC room)

Petrol - Rs. 330

Dinner - Rs. 250

Total - Rs. 1,180

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Today we were to discover food on our way towards North Goa. We were to shop something at the flea market on the Anjuna Beach, which is located in North Goa. And as we were staying at South Goa, there was an hour ride planned in the itinerary.

We woke up as foodies and swore to eat at the Goa's recommended restaurants. We searched down the Cherry Tomato bistro but it was shut. We later drove to The Station, which is located on the Kochi Panvel Highway in the town of Nuvem. Pleased by the archaic look, we were hoping to get good food here.

The service at The Station is warm and cordial. We ordered Fried Mushroom Spinach Balls along with a Lemon Soda and Tropicana's Mango drink. Delighted with the cheesy spinach flavour, the politeness of the staff, and the old-fashioned ambience, this is a recommended diner in South Goa.

We further left for the markets and our first of its kind was the Mapusa market. It was a huge disappointment as I was expecting a bohemian-styled flea market (something resembling Anjuna's market), but this just had stalls of mundane items.

TIP: If you're thinking of getting antiques and all the boho-type, standard Goa-styled items in the Mapusa market, then you're totally wrong! You only get necessities like vegetables, decent clothes, accessories at Mapusa and it's nothing glam.

Since Mapusa let us down, our next stop was the trusted Anjuna flea market. I have already been here and the mirrored antique pieces along with embroidered goodies had driven me crazy hitherto. We went through the narrow lanes shadowed with trees and it was so soothing to travel here. 

We reached the beach and there was no market anywhere. We asked the natives and they guided us stating the market is closed due to the ongoing season.

TIP: If you're in Goa during monsoon, all the flea markers are shut! They open somewhere around November or December. What the hell, yeah?

We were even more disappointed this time because I was all dreamy of catching the best stuff at the Anjuna's. What to do next was the question and the solution was to eat! We looked for a couple of recommended diners and they were all shut. What was happening to the Party Capital? I agree that it was an off-season, but are you serious? Where do the hungry travellers eat?

We then found a lovely place in the recommendations and it was located at a cliff! The Shalai resort is a little away from the Anjuna Beach and is a pure luxury. A recommended resort for food as well for stay, I'm sure this would make a heavenly abode. 

Taking our vehicles all the way up the hill was a task — the road was bumpy and there were more stones than sand. We somehow entered their huge gates and on reaching the resort, we were awestruck! Such an exquisite retreat with a celestial view of the Anjuna Beach. Classy furniture with an amiable crew, this place is no lesser than nirvana!

We sat on the plush turquoise sofa and ordered drinks. I chose a Virgin Fruit Punch like always. We requested Veg Crispy for the starters and it was divine. After devouring red Thai Curry with steamed rice, we marked the end of our lavish, scrumptious lunch. The only reason why we could tolerate this day was due to this restro!

Our next halt was the famed Chapora Fort. Since the day Dil Chahta Hai was screened, this fort has gained an overnight stardom. We reached the fort to find a lot of people. The boys were recapturing the DCH trio and the couples were redefining love sitting on the barriers, overlooking the sea.

I am not fond of places with too many people and Chapora Fort was nothing distinctive. We started back for our shelter in South Goa. There was a sea of vehicles on the road so it took us more than the usual time to get back.

Relieved after entering our rooms, the next mission was to search a nice place for dinner. We thought of revisiting the Boomerang Bar and Restaurant and had a plate of fries and cheese balls there. Next, we went to another diner named Leda and devoured pasta with vanilla-topped waffles for desserts.

Satisfied with the food, we sure were a little guilty of over-splurging and hoped to save the next day...

Room - Rs. 400 (AC room)

The Station - Rs. 150

Shalai - Rs. 675

Parking (outside Chapora Fort) - Rs. 5

Boomerang Bar & Restaurant - Rs. 245

Leda Restaurant - Rs. 257

Total - Rs. 1,732

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We woke up at 8:30 am and had to quickly decide whether to stay in the current apartment or move to a different shelter in North Goa or better yet, stay in South Goa. According to our itinerary, we were to stay somewhere southwards.


The clock was ticking and before it was 10:30, we had to pack and check out. We booked a beautiful hotel a little away from the Colva Beach. We booked for one night and then satisfied with our decision, off we went to South Goa. The distance between Calangute and Colva is around an hour. The weather was horribly sunny and my clothes were short. Somehow we managed to reach Colva.

Looking at our hotel pictures while booking, we were eager to see it in actuality. After reaching our hotel – Hotel Amigo Plaza – we got pleasingly comfortable. Such a warm little place with plush bedrooms! We were relieved after coming here; it was like experiencing the "from rags to riches" for real.


Source: Cleartrip

The first thing we did after entering our room was blowing the AC at 18 degrees. We hadn't had breakfast and were starving! I changed into a sheer white top paired with cutesy floral shorts. We were going to the beach!

TIP: If ever you come down to Colva Beach and want to relax on an uninhabited stretch of sand, then take the narrow lane opposite to Amigo Plaza, which goes straight to the beach.

Owing to the hotel manager, we were delighted to take this short-cut! The beach was a paradise on earth and I swear, I have never been to a more exquisite seaside before. Clean sand, aqua blue spread around, a stylish shack, and good company – this was the finest afternoon in the full trip.

We brunched at a beach shack, Boomerang Bar and Restaurant, which no doubt, is a must-visit place. Overlooking the scenic landscape and comfortably devouring some really tasty food, we spent our entire noon here. The Finger Chips, the Maaza, the Cheese Sticks, and the Indian yummies Paneer Butter Masala with Garlic Naan were heavenly! I just can't emphasize on how astounding this place is! A perfect diner to spend a tranquil time – it's as if you go to a different state of mind here.

We stayed until 4:00 pm as dipping inside was not an option. We went back to our rooms for a swim in the hotel's pool. We were a little disappointed as the swimming pool was not well maintained. After a refreshing shower, we changed into dry clothes.

After the sun shone mildly, we went back to the beach. Sadly, due to September, we were prohibited from swimming. So we just dipped our legs, clicked a few pictures, and went back to the rooms. It was time for dinner and since we'd spent a lot on the brunch, we decided to go a little pocket-friendly this night.

After a flawless day, we went back to our rooms for a sweet slumber. But before that, impressed with the hotel, we extended our stay for another night.

EXPENSES SPLIT UP – per person

Room - Rs. 400 (AC room)
Brunch - Rs. 425
Dinner - Rs. 150
Total - Rs. 975

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We started off and when we reached this route, we were marvelled! Towards our right, there was a beautiful, clean beach, the beach of Taramumbari. A must-visit spot if ever you cross this route. Not a single soul on the sand! All we could see was bright blue paint spread across the sky and the water. What a lovely sight! Without a doubt, we stepped down and clicked few gorgeous shots. We were grateful for the caretaker who suggested this route. We were bursting with joy not because of the short-cut but because of the smooth road and the breathtaking view besides. 

TIP: If you're seeking tranquillity of mind, come to Devgad and stay at the MTDC resort that overlooks the Taramumbari beach. 

TIP: If on a trip you're planning to stay at cheap hotels, always carry two sheets with you – one as a bedspread and one as a blanket!

Total - Rs. 1,004

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After reaching our Devgad lodge at 10:00 pm the previous night, we had decided to cut everything off until late the next day. After a good night sleep, we woke up around 9:00 am. The cold water was perfect to prepare us for the sunny weather outside. I changed into a travel-cordial attire and tied my hair up; it was presumed to be a gleeful day!

We left our hotel to begin our travel; our first mission was to look for a favourable hotel for breakfast. We were hoping to get a plate of spicy, hot misal and we found a cosy, little eatery, which looked promising. Pleased with the local taste of the misal, our next halt was Vijaydurg Fort.

This historic beauty is around 45 minutes away from Devgad. After crossing the green patches of land and lush caves made out of trees, we neared the fort. We could feel the vibes –– ancient fortification, the moss mightily declaring its place, and the historically soothing air. We were certainly approaching the fort...

As we neared, we saw a lot of eateries and hash-houses along the route. We narrowed down to the entrance of the fort and the neighbouring area looked shabby with wrappers and bottles thrown around. We entered through the first door, and my immediate inward reaction was not something you would want to hear. I had assumed the fort to be diminutive and so I was a little disappointed! However, when we walked further, the reality was totally contrary.

TIP: If Vijaydurg Fort is on your itinerary, then a camera, a bottle of water, and some sun protection are highly recommended. (BONUS: You're bound to have many pictures here, so wear good clothes!)

After about hundreds of photographs and more number of poses, we were dying of dehydration. Unfortunately, there was no water and hence the mention of carrying a bottle above. The only reason why we were breathing was the incredible scenery around us.

TIP: The gates to Devgad Fort close around 5:00 pm; so if you're planning to visit it, do it in the morning.

TIP: Do not even think of fancying the Devgad Beach; it's untidy and not worth it at all.

We sat on the narrow lane that overlooked the beach below; we thought we had nowhere else to go, however, we still had the Wax Museum to visit. 

Total - Rs. 875

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TIP: Always take the local route; explore the interiors; talk to the locals, go past the sometimes-bumpy, sometimes-scenic route. 

TIP: 1. The route before reaching Rajapur does not have petrol stations, so it is suggested that you fill up the tank before taking this route. 

2. You get petrol at a higher price in one of the shops at Rajapur. Just ask the locals around! One litre of petrol is sold at Rs. 90.

Hotel Diamond at Devgad is a luxuriously pleasing lodge. We had booked it beforehand and it turned out to be surprisingly good. There was just one sweet person taking care of the hotel and he was efficient at his work. We hurried to our bedrooms and changed into nightwear. At last! We were on the land after a journey of 15 hours. 

We decided on visiting the Vijaydurg fort. This historic beauty is around 45 minutes away from Devgad so there hardly was any travelling to do. We then extended our stay at this hotel for another night and slept off peacefully; there was no travelling to do the next day...

Travel route: Mumbai – Panvel – Lonavla – Pune – Satara – Karad – Shahuwadi – Vijaydurg – Devgad

Total - Rs. 1,535

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