Mumbai to Goa and back via Chiplun: My thoughts on the road conditions

The exact route that we took was Mumbai - Khopoli - Pali - Nizampur - Mangaon - Khed - Chiplun - Sangameshwar -Sakharpa - Rajapur - Goa.

BHPian RM Motorsports recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

On the weekend of 6-7 December, plans happened to visit Goa to attend the Bryan Adams Concert in Bambolim. The concert was happening on 17th Dec. So decided to leave on 15th and return on 19th Dec. There were 3 of us. Luckily got a very good deal on stay at a boutique hotel in Anjuna. However flights were super expensive with around 15-18k per person for peak hour, and a little less for odd / red eye hours.

So finally decided to drive to Goa and after a bit of research decide on this route. Same route for onwards Goa and also on return.

Mumbai - Khopoli - Pali - Nizampur - Mangaon - Khed - Chiplun - Sangameshwar -Sakharpa - Rajapur - Goa.

Left at 3.30am on 15th Dec and reached Anjuna at 1.30 pm with two halts about 1/2 hour each. First at Visava Motel, Mahad for tea & breakfast and 2nd one at Hotel Sanket, Sakharpa for some stretching and light snacks.

While returning left Anjuna at 6.30am on 19th Dec and reached home (Dadar) at 4.30pm, again with two halts of half hour.

Now coming to the roads:

Home to Mangaon, upto Khopoli it's normal city roads and then the expressway. However from Khopoli to Mangaon roads are quite good, but since it was very dark and with poor street lights, it was a challenge to stay alert and watch for unmarked speed bumps. Also the road from Pali to Mangaon has lot of curves and blind corners which one has to be cautious about. But during daytime it is a joy to drive.

Mangaon to Chiplun. Once you take NH66 from Mangaon, road is a bit broken at places with paver blocks at a few places upto Lonere. But from Lonere upto Chiplun, it's super smooth with a few broken patches like before / after Kashedi tunnel. But you can maintain a good speed and cover a lot of time.

Chiplun to Sangameshwer. Once you enter Chiplun and you cover whole city through service lane / diversion as a flyover is being built. Alter Chiplun you can make a steady progress but at a slower pace as there are quite a few diversions. Roads deteriorate as you approach Sangameshwer.

Sangameshwer to Vatul. Sangameshwer - Devrukh - Sakharpa is a narrow single lane but road quality is very nice. However again plenty of small speed bumps will get you irritated. However after Sakharpa, due to construction work, road gets quite bad for about a kilometer or two. Post that again fantastic road upto Vatul. Lots of ups, downs, twists and turns, a driver's paradise. Enjoy while such roads lasts.

Vatul to Goa (Anjuna). Once you are back on NH66 at Vatul, it's "Pedal To the Metal" baby. Fantastic roads but concrete roads will make a lot of tyre noise and a bit of bouncing for cars with soft suspension. Just be a little careful about stray dogs / cattle. Keep your speed in check and nothing much to worry about. However, the roads will tempt you to floor the A pedal.

Caution: Around Rajapur there are a few unmarked speed breakers (not speed bumps), which will catch almost 90% of the drivers unaware. Whole patch was marked with black tyre marks.

Upon entering Goa, speed limit reduces drastically, however, I did not find any cops or speed guns.

Once the whole NH66 is complete it will be a breeze to drive to Goa from Bombay, but looking at the pending work, it might take another year and a half or two. Till then enjoy whatever roads are ready without paying any TOLL.

Overall it was a good relaxing trip with pleasant weather. Bryan Adams was worth the drive because I LIVE TO DRIVE.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.