I started Cycling around 10 months back and my focus was on long distance cycling. Every endurance Indian cyclist's dream to participate in Ultra races. Deccan Cliffhanger is one of the Them. I was not prepared to participate in the race in Solo or Team category but we (Me and Renuka) got chance to be a part of the race as Crew member for my cyclist friends.
After the race, I and Renu decided to explore few beaches from South Goa for 2 days.
Bogmalo Beach
About Deccan Cliffhanger Race
Deccan cliffhanger is Ultra cycle race of 643 km (400 miles) starting from Pune to Bogmalo beach, Goa. The race is conducted by Inspire India and concept by Divya Tale (Head of Inspire India). This is an annual race which held on November month. Race comes with 2 categories as Solo and relay team race. Relay team category comes with a team size of 2,3 or 4. The race also offers All Men category, All woman team category, and Mix team category.
Check Website for More details: https://www.inspire-india.in
Race Route is Pune - Wai - Mahabaleshwar - Medha Ghat - Satara - Karad - Kolhapur - Nipani - Belgaon- Dharwad - Anmod Ghat - Bogmalo beach.
This year route was changed due to bad road condition in Medha Ghat and it was altered as Pune - Joshi Vihir - Wai - Bhilar ghat - Satara and further remains same.
Deccan cliffhanger (DC) solo race is a RAAM (Race Across America) qualifier which is known Worlds toughest cycle race.
DC race must have a support vehicle and crew members for all kind of support to Riders.
Day 1: 04 November 17: Pune to Goa
We participated in 4 men team category. Riders were Advait, Sunny, Kunal and Vishal. Crew team was Me, Renuka, Amruta, Ronit, and Vibhangi. Our flag off time was between 7:30 - 8 AM. Flag off was started from 5AM with Solo participants Fallowed by teams. There was individual flag off for everyone as time is calculated separately. Our 4 men team was split into 2 cars for better planning and smooth switching.
Our Deccan Cliffhanger Team... Ronit Dalvi missing in Photo
In Team race, one rider is on track and others are in crew car or at the switching point. Riders can switch their turn as many time as they want. It depends upon team's planning. We decided to switch rider after every 45 min on the highway and after every 5 KM in Pasarni Ghat. Crew members need to take care of Riders cycles, Navigation of race route, Right Food for Riders, help in technical issues, Riders health, preparing him for a ride and importantly to motivate the riders as 643km race requires high endurance!
Flag off Time... Sunny on Cycle
The race starts at the cliff project, Bhugaon. Most of the riders were together till Khambatki Ghat. Riders get separated While climbing Pasarni Ghat (Ghat to reach Mahabaleshwar) as it actually tests your endurance and climbing skills. The race goes in a smooth manner after Satara as route till Tondavli Ghat (After Nipani, Karnataka) is pretty flat with some up and downs.
Crew Cars at Katraj Climb
We were at the second position after Karad in 4 men team category. We crossed Kolhapur during sunset time. After sunset, the rule is simple...Rider has to ride the bicycle in the headlight area which means the distance between support car and cycle should not be more than 30-35 Feet. Crew members take responsibility for such rules, food supply, and navigation. Weather calculation changes after sunset as now rider have to face the chilled wind.
Rider: Sunny Khandale
Rider: Advait Khatavkar
Rider: Vishal Butte
Rider: Kunal Singh
Day 2: 05 November 17: Pune to Goa
We crossed Dharwad by 12 midnight. Next journey was to enter Goa via Mahavir forest. We spotted Wolf in the forest those were about to cross the road in front of Cycle. By early morning we entered Goa. We finish the race at 6.22 AM scurrying 2nd position. Finish point of Deccan cliffhanger race is Bogmalo Beach.
During Switching point... Vishal about to cross Kunal
Riders get Finisher medal and satisfaction of completing 400miles race on their faces. Few solo riders manage to finish the race in less than 30 hours which is qualification time for RAAM race. We had some photoshoot and rest on the beach. The entire team (Riders and Crew) worked hard to finish the DC 2017. We checked in the hotel for rest and we hardly got time to sleep from last 24+ hours. The award ceremony was arranged on Bogmalo beach from 7PM. The program started with Price distribution and result announced followed by Dinner. Party was over by 10:30 PM. This year, I participated in the race as Crew but next year, I will be a Rider for sure!
Second Position at Deccan Cliffhanger
Sunset at Bogmalo Beach
We all went out as friends planned my birthday celebration. At midnight, we had my birthday celebration by cutting the tasty cake. Our day ends at 2AM
Celebration Time
Day 3: 06 November 17: Goa
Advait and Me woke up early in the morning and went for Cycling. We visited Hollant beach which is very close to Bogmalo. Hollant beach is very small beach and hardly visited by tourists. Beach is clean surrounded by hills from 3 sides. We spend some time and returned to the hotel. All went to Pune by crew cars in morning Expect Me-Renu and Advait-Amruta.
Hollant Beach
Hollant Beach
We had Breakfast at Bogmalo beach and then relaxing time around Bogmalo. Our plan was to move towards the south and catch Bus for Pune by tomorrow evening. We did check out from Hotel and went to Mapusa by Local bus. We hired Bikes (which is common in Goa) to explore south Goa side.
It was 1 PM in clock so we had lunch at Benaulim beach. Seafood at Johncy's restaurant was tasty. We spend some time on the beach. The weather was pleasant even in the afternoon as it was bit cloudy. Our next destination was Coba de Rama beach. We somehow manage to reach Ag sunset time and witness beautiful Sunday along with a cup of hot coffee. Beach is not populated like another famous Goan beach.
Sunset from Coba de Rama Beach
After sunset, we returned to Benaulim beach to search for stay option. We got rooms at Woodstock Bamboo cottage. Rooms were very basic but manageable for night stay. After some rest, we had dinner in one of the shacks from Benaulim beach.
Day 4: 07 November 17: Goa to Pune
We woke up early and went to the beach. Hotel owner gave his own cycle for the ride as our cycles went to Pune in Car. Renu had some Yoga on the beach whereas I and Advait went for beach cycling. It was fun to ride a cycle on the beach.
Roadside Fish display...Early Morning Cycle Ride
Early morning on Benaulim Beach
After breakfast, Advait and Amruta left Goa for Pune. We check out from the hotel to visit a couple of beaches before catching a bus for Pune. we decided to visit Colva beach. the beach is famous for water sports, shacks and long stretched beach. After taking a stroll on the beach we came back to the parking area. Beach area has a huge market to buy clothes, footwear, gift articles and much more.
Colva Beach
Our next beach to visit was Betalbatim beach. Actually, it is extended part of Colva beach. It is logically separated by respective village/town area. Beach was less crowded than Colva beach. We went ahead and visited Majorda beach. Again it is part of the same beach. In fact, you will find same beach line from Arossim to Betul without any discontinuity. Different names to beaches were given as per nearby village/town. There were few shacks on the beach. Beach was occupied by Russian tourists. Even all restaurant boards were written in the Russian language. We left the beach and came back to Colva for Lunch. We spend an entire afternoon in one the shack.
Majorda Beach
We decided to spend sunset time at Varca beach as it is always less crowded than Colva. The road to reach Varca takes a right at main circle near Colva, for Benaulim and go straight till you see an old whitewashed church on your left. Take right to reach Varca beach. The road is surrounded by coconut trees so if you are travelling during Monsoon, the journey is pleasant.Varca beach is famous for its golden sand and flat seabed. We had a walk on the beach and settle down to witness the beautiful sunset from Varca.
Beach games at Varca Beach
Sunset at Varca Beach
We left beautiful Varca beach after sunset. We returned hired a bike at Mapasa and boarded 8PM sleeper Volvo for Pune. On next day morning, We reached home safely.
Expenses:
As this was pre-planned Race Fallowed Trip, I was unable to keep track of expenses. Will share few expenses details from Trip
Raikar Guest House, Bogmalo: INR 1200/- per Room
Pedro Restaurant: INR 1900/- for 4 people (Veg and Non-veg meal)
Woodstock Village Bamboo Cottage: INR 800/- per night
Beach Shack: INR 2200/- for 4 people (Veg and Sea Food)
Bike Rent: INR 300/- per day
Goa-Pune Sleeper coach bus: INR 800/- per person
GPS locations:
Bogmalo beach: 15.369221, 73.834616
Hollant beach: 15.370060, 73.862531
Coba de Rama beach: 15.103334, 73.925617
Benaulim Beach: 15.256959, 73.919196
Betalbatim beach: 15.292331, 73.908308
Colva Beach: 15.275785, 73.913541
Mojarda Beach: 15.309977, 73.902426
Varca Beach: 15.233130, 73.925986
Thanks for reading this Travel Blog. Happy travelling.
Visit south Goa and Jog fall were on my list from a long time. We got 4 days breaks from office routine and we decided to visit south Goa. We also planned a day trip to Jog Falls.
Travelers for this trip were I and Wife Renuka
Travellers....
About South Goa and Jog falls
From the tourism point of view, Goa is mainly divided into 3 zones known as North Goa, Panjim, and South Goa. North Goa is famous for parties and nightlife whereas South Goa is famous for beautiful beaches and peace. South Goa consist of regions like Mornugoa, Salcette, Quepem, Sanguem and Canacona. Famous beaches are Colva, Benaulim, Cavelossim, Agonda and Palolem beach. Konkani is the local language of a majority of the people in South Goa. English, Hindi, and Marathi are understood well whereas Portuguese is also spoken by few people.
To reach South Goa from Pune/Mumbai by fastest route is, Mumbai - Pune - Belagavi (Karnataka State) - Mollem (Goa State) - Ponda (Do not confused with Phonda from Maharashtra State) - Margao - Your selected destination from South Goa.
Another Route is Mumbai - Mangaon (From Pune you can reach Mangaon via Tahmini Ghat) - Chiplun - Sawantwadi - Mapusa (Goa State) - Cortalim - Margao - Your selected destination from South Goa.
Goa International Airport (Mainly known as Dabolim Airport) is well connected by International flights as well as by Domestic flights. Goa is well connected by Indian rail-line and regular trains run between major cities of India to Goa. Margao (Also known as Madgaon) is biggest and busiest railway station in Goa.
Jog falls is located in Shimoga and it is 2nd highest fall in India. It was ranked 13th in the world as per tourist visit count. It is located on Sharavathi River and its gigantic view can be seen during peak monsoon time. Drive to Jog fall from Coastal line of Karnataka goes through Dense forest.
24th Sept 2016: Pune to Sernabatim (Distance: Appro 473km)
We left Pune by 6 AM in the morning. Our parents joined us till Kolhapur and we dropped them at our relative's place. We had breakfast at Vithal Kamat restaurant near Karad town. After leaving parents, We move ahead for our planned South Goa trip.Drive after Belagavi was fantastic. It goes through dense forest Bhimgad wildlife sanctuary. We reached our Heaven Goa Guesthouse hotel located in Sernabatim.
The hotel consists of AC and NonAC rooms. Rooms are clean, bed with mosquito net and 24 x 7 hot water is available. It has nice swimming pool. If you are a pet-friendly person then this is the best place to stay. They have 5 Dogs (3 labrador and 2 street dogs) and 6-7 cat as a pet. We enjoyed our time playing with them. View from NonAC rooms is tempted you relax with coffee and book. you get Pool view from NonAC rooms. Hotel runs by Swiss lady Karin.
For evening, we went on Colva Beach. Due to the monsoon, we decided to avoid swimming in the sea. Colva beach is famous for beach shacks and long stretched beach. Monsoon clouds gather in the sky hence we missed the sunset. After taking a stroll on the beach we came back to the parking area. Beach area have a huge market to buy clothes, footwear, gift articles and much more. Heavy monsoon forced us to visit beach shacks. We had some snacks and went back to Hotel for some rest.
Colva Beach
We heard a lot about Restaurant Martins corner Salcettee area. It is a Multi Cuisine a la carte restaurant serving Goan, Indian, Tandoori, Continental Chinese and known especially for tasty Seafood. The place is visited by a celebrity like Amitabh Bachchan, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and much more. you can see the visited celebrity photo collection on the wall. The food was very tasty and live music was played. It was the perfect start to taste Goan dishes.
Expenses:
Car Petrol: INR 2000/-
Toll 1 in MH: INR 80/- (One way)
Toll 2 in MH: INR 55/- (One way)
Breakfast at Vithal Kamat: INR 365/- (for 4 People)
Toll 3 in MH: INR 58/- (One way)
Toll 4 in MH: INR 68/- (One way)
Toll 1 in KA: INR 50/- (One way)
Toll 2 in KA: INR 50/- (One way)
Goa Entry for Car: INR 250/-
Heaven Goa stays: INR 2400/- for 3 nights
Snacks in Colva: INR 360/- for 2 people (Panner starter, finger fries, and cold drinks)
Dinner at Martins Corner: As per your ordered dishes (Approx 1000/- for 2 without drinks)
25th Sept 2016: South Goa
The day begins with heavy rainfall. We took enough rest and enjoyed our time with Pets in the hotel. Monsoon took a break at 10.30 AM and we left the hotel to explore South Goa. Our first destination was Varca Beach. Due to the monsoon, Only we were on the beach.
Varca Beach
Road to reach Varca takes a right at main circle near Colva, for Benaulim and go straight till you see an old whitewashed church on your left. Take right to reach Varca beach. The road is surrounded by coconut trees so if you are traveling during Monsoon, the journey is pleasant.Varca beach is famous for its golden sand and flat seabed. Monsoon cloud was dominating over sunlight. We took walk on the beach. Due to the monsoon, there is no shacks were opened on the beach. After spending half an hour we left for our next destination
Varca Beach
Our next destination was Mobor beach and Betul Beach. Heavy rain started during our journey to Mobor. Paddy fields, Coconut trees, and rice plantation made our journey pleasant. When we reached the beach, clouds were disappeared and bright sunlight started shining the golden sand. few tourists were on the beach. we went in sea water which was chilled. Caveslossim beach, Mobor beach, and Betul beach appear as one beach. It is logically separated by respective village/town area. In fact, you will find same beach line from Arossim to Betul without any discontinuity. Different names to beaches were given as per nearby village/town.
Mobor Beach
Mobor Beach
After spending an hour, we went on Betul beach. You can take a walk towards creek and end portion of the beach is known as Betul beach. To avoid the walk, we went by Car. Road is narrow and frequently use by tourist. Beach was spoiled by locals and not at all maintained. We hardly spend 20 min on the beach and left for lunch.
Betul Beach
We heard about The Fisherman Wharf restaurant from Friends and locals.It is located close to River which offers you a beautiful view. Seafood was tasty with good ambiance. We had our Lunch and then went ahead for Agonda beach.
DND me as its Monsoon time...Sal River, South Goa
Agonda is one the best beach from South Goa. The hilly roads leading up to the beach is serene with greenery everywhere. Beach is in curved shape covered by mountains from both ends. Sand is golden and soft. The sea is a bit rough here and the beach becomes deep at places so not very suitable for swimming especially during high tide.The water at certain points can be tricky as there are rocks and shells below and one does need to be careful.
Agonda Beach
Agonda Beach
Beach consist of many shacks to enjoy the food. As we visited at the end of monsoon hence shacks repair work was in progress.We took a walk on the beach and then decided to return. To avoid the coastal curved road, we took Mumbai-Goa National highway till Chinchinim and then reach Hotel via Varca. Due to Monsoon, sunset view from the beach was not an option for us.
Agonda Beach
Crazy Travellers
We went to the hotel and spend some time in the swimming pool. For dinner, we decided to visit Benaulim beach. Benaulim beach is extended part of Colva Beach. It has few Shacks located on the beach. Shacks which offers Sea view are Johncy's restaurant, Pedro's Restaurant and Rafael's restaurant. These 3 are open during monsoon whereas few other shacks open after Monsoon period. We went to Johncy's Restaurant. All hotels were hardly occupied with any tourists. We had lovely grilled Snapper fish and some Punjabi meal. Jog fall day trip was planned for tomorrow.
Johncy's Restaurant at Benaulim Beach
Expense:
Breakfast in hotel: INR 120/- (2 omelet with toast)
One Coffee: INR 40/-
Lunch at Fisherman Wharf: INR 1142/- for 2 people (Mocktails, veg Starter dish, Fish starter, and prawns Thai curry with rice)
Car petrol: INR 2300/-
Dinner at Johny shacks: INR 1648/- (Veg starter, Full grill red snapper fish, Veg Punjabi dish, Roti and Cold drinks)
26th Sept 2016: Day trip to Jog Falls
We woke up by 5 AM and left Hotel by 5.30 AM for Jog fall. The distance between Colva and Jog Fall is around 224km. It required around 4.5 to 5 hours without any break. The best route to reach Jog fall is Colva - Varca - Join Mumbai-Goa Highway - Polem (Goa State) - Karwar (Karnataka) - Kumta - Honnavar - Take a left at Honnavar for Fall - Drive for around 62km to reach Jog Fall viewpoint.
The journey from Honnavar to Jog fall goes through the dense forest. Keep an eye open while traveling through the forest as it is the home of rare mammal spices lion-tailed macaque. We enjoyed forest journey. Road condition is good to expect few bad patches. To Save time, We purchase fruits and had our healthy breakfast.
Jog fall view from British Bungalow viewpoint
By 10.30 AM we reached at First viewpoint of fall. It is British Bungalow converted into Government house. You cannot view all 3-4 falls from this place. Jog Fall appears much closer from this place. We saw Fall and then decided to go to Mayura hotel owned my KTDC. You can view entire fall from KTDC hotel premises.
Jog Falls
Jog Falls
KTDC hotel built viewpoint area to enjoy the fall. You can see all 4 waterfall from this place. The view is simply amazing. During peak monsoon, water flow appears much bigger. In Monsoon, most of the time valley is covered with fog or cloud hence better to keep extra time in your hand. You can book a room at Mayura hotel to spend the weekend in the lap of nature.
Jog Falls
There are multiple points built to view Fall from different angles. We spend more than 1 hour to capture nature beauty in camera. As I said earlier it is 2nd highest fall in India. It was ranked 13th in the world as per tourist visit count. Fall is beautiful and best to watch in monsoon when it is in full swing.
Jog Falls
One can enjoy the falls having a top view or you can opt to take 1500-1600 steps down to reach the bottom of the falls to enjoy the beauty. Entry in water pond is not allowed. Just a caution the climb is a lot steep so ensure you carry water bcoz while coming up you will be dehydrated.
We at Jog Falls
We left this beautiful place by 1.30 PM and had our lunch at nearby Dhaba. We left by 3 PM. As compare to last 2 days, the weather was clear so we decided to enjoy sunset time at the beach in Goa. We started our journey towards Polem which is the first beach after entering into Goa state.
Polem Beach, South Goa
We reached Polem before 6 PM. We unable to view sunset because of few monsoon cloud but the weather was just a perfect. Twilight shades in the sky were wonderful. No one was on the beach and it gave us feeling like our private beach. It was a wonderful evening. We left this place after 7 PM.
Polem Beach, South Goa
Lovely Polem beach
Our last destination was Palolim beach. We have visited this place during our Costal Karnataka Trip. It was our one of the favorite place from South Goa. After some shopping time at Palolim, we went on the beach for Dinner. Hardly 2-3 beach shacks were opened. The entire beach is full of Beach shacks which open after 10-15 Oct or after Monsoon.
There was hardly any tourist on the beach which was an unusual sight for Palolim. Beach is famous for its powdery sand, bluish green waters, and sea facing shacks. The beach is very beautiful and water is peaceful with very mild waves. I found this beach with the decent crowd (both Indians and foreigners) as compared to North Goa beaches.We had our tasty Dinner at Famous restaurant shacks Draupadi. Thet serves delicious seafood. We came hotel after dinner.
Expense:
Jog fall car entry: INR 30/-
Jog fall entry: INR 20/- for 2 person
Maggi at Jog Fall: INR 25/-
Lunch at Dhaba: INR 170/- (Veg dish, Roti, and Cold drinks)
Goa Entry: INR 250/-
Dinner at Palolem: INR 840/- (Mocktails, Fish starter, and Pasta)
27th Sept 2016: South Goa to Pune
We woke up by 7.30 AM and visited Sernabatim beach. We went to the beach for a walk. It is extended part of Colva beach. We had morning walk and came back to the hotel. We pack up our bags and left heaven Goa guesthouse hotel. We had heavy breakfast in Shivsagar restaurant at Colva. we decided to drive via Amboli ghat as the drive from Amboli in monsoon is pleasant.
Sernabatim Beach
We took the path as Colva - Margao - Panjim - Amboli - Kolhapur - Pune. We took a pit stop at Amboli waterfall and had some snacks in Amboli. We reached home safely by via same NH-4 route by 10 PM
Amboli Waterfall
Amboli Waterfall
Expense:
Brunch at Colva: INR 300/- (3-4 South Indian dishes and coffee)
