A Solo Adventure: Bangalore to Goa by Motorcycle

The year 2017 wasn’t the best time for me. Recovering from Dengue had taken a toll on my spirits, leaving me feeling low and in desperate need of a pick-me-up. I desperately wanted an escape after all the medications, fear, and strict routine and applied for leave in my office. My initial plan for a trip with my flatmate fell through, but instead of letting that dampen my mood, I decided to embrace a solo adventure. It isn’t easy to plan a solo trip, that too if you’re still recovering from a deadly disease but I decided to give it a shot to explore my inner self.

Solo Adventure Begins

With a backpack full of essentials and a trusty Yamaha R15 by my side, I set off from Bangalore on a Monday morning after informing my flatmates. They were still asleep so nodded their head and wished me luck. I left my apartment at 9 in the morning and the initial hours were a test of patience.

The typical Bangalore traffic kept me crawling for two hours and left me frustrated. Discouraged, I almost turned back, considering a quick lunch at a highway dhaba and calling it a day. I thought it would take a long time to reach Goa as it took me 2 hours within Bangalore itself. But then, a realization struck: this might be a challenge, but it could also be an incredible experience.

With renewed determination, I pressed on. I finally touched the highway after 2.5 hours of piercing through the traffic. From there, I started cruising. After 250 kilometers, a welcome sight – a roadside dhaba! Refueled and re-energized, I took my first stop there. It was 12:45 in the afternoon and the weather was mild hot. I had my meal and continued my journey. Up until here, the journey was smooth and I did not face any difficulties.

The weather, however, decided to add some drama. Rain lashed down, transforming the scenic route into a wet wonderland. Without a raincoat, I got soaked to the bone, but there was no stopping me. I was riding on an expressway and there were no sights of shelter so the rain played its deal. Onwards I rode, the thrill of the ride pushing aside any discomfort. I had no other option but to keep going. The weather did slow down my speed and gave me chills down the spine because of the sudden fall in the temperatures.

For almost 45 minutes, I rode the bike in the rain and got some relief after the weather turned bright. I was completely drenched and shivering during my ride but the excitement didn’t stop me. The breeze during the ride dried my clothes and I started feeling comfortable. My nonstop journey brought me too close to the Konkan area and the highlight – A breathtaking glimpse of the Doodh Sagar Falls cascading down the hillside.

I was completely in awe of this view and soaked in its beauty. Ten hours later, with a tired but satisfied grin, I rolled into Panaji, Goa. Spotting the city’s name board was a moment of pure relief and accomplishment. I felt like a conquerer as my wheels touched the Konkan city.

I searched for the hotel, rode my bike, and finally checked in to a hotel in the heart of Panaji. After a tiring journey, I took a shower and informed my friends of my arrival – they were equal parts surprised and impressed! It was a super tiring day so I had my meal in the nearby eatery and went off to sleep around 10 PM.

The next day, I connected with my elder cousin, who was living in Goa at that time. He insisted I visit him. Though I was excited when I left Bangalore, but when I finally arrived in Goa, a touch of loneliness did set in. I called my friends and expressed how lonely I felt as I saw a group of people around everywhere but I’m the only solo backpacker here.

They sensed my plight and without hesitation, booked a flight to Goa that very evening! Bam, It was a surprise for me. I had tears seeing them. Their arrival transformed the trip – we had a blast at Baga Beach, savoring delicious food, puffing on hookah at beach shacks, and simply enjoying each other’s company.

The next day, My 2 friends and I went to my cousin to meet him. He was located in Mapusa, a lush green township in the heart of North Goa. I was meeting him after many years so excitement prevailed and we chatted for a long time. I told him about my solo ride and he couldn’t believe it. He showed concern and informed me to be careful about these trips in the future as they can get risky.

He asked me about my return plans and was initially apprehensive about my return trip when I told him I was going to take the same route on my bike. Happily, we left his place and he wished me luck for my onward journey. He even urged me to take a bus and transport the bike separately. But my resolve to complete the adventure on my own terms was strong.

The next day, I bid farewell to Goa and my friends, who hopped on a bus back to Bangalore. The return ride took 10 hours, but with each passing mile, the feeling of accomplishment grew stronger.

This solo trip to Goa was more than just a journey; it was a transformation. It taught me the power of pushing past comfort zones, embracing challenges, and discovering a hidden well of strength within myself. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences come wrapped in a little bit of fear and a whole lot of determination.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your courage, and embark on your own solo adventure. You might just surprise yourself!

Check out my other blog on my solo trip to Singapore.

If you’re planning an adventure trip to Goa, book your activities on Thrillophilia.