Goa trip in December 2020
After months of lockdown because of COVID-19, we planned for a Goa trip.
As of 13th December, no e-pass or COVID-19 negative certificate is required. The rules may change anytime, so check once before traveling.
Planned Itinerary:
2nd December: Reach Goa and visit Miramar beach.
3rd December: Visit Aguada fort and Benaulim Beach
4th December: Visit Varca Beach.
5th December: Return to Bengaluru
We left Bengaluru for Gadag on 30th November 2020. As my co-brother's family too joined the trip, we halted at Gadag on 30th November 2020. We spent the next day at Gadag and left Gadag for Goa on 2nd December.
Road condition from Bengaluru -> Hubli -> Gadag
The road condition from Bengaluru to Hubli is excellent except for Chitradurga to Davangere. We could reach Hubli in 6.5 hours, which includes 1 hour of break. The road from Hubli to Gadag is a newly laid concrete road, and we could cover 60 KMs (Hubli to Gadag distance) in an hour. The total distance from Bengaluru to Gadag was 460 KMs.
Road condition from Gadag->Hubli->Panaji
We followed Google Maps recommended route. Although this route is good, the road's condition after the right diversion after Tinai Ghat is terrible. Since I was driving an SUV, I managed to avoid hurting my vehicle. But, if you own a Sedan or a Hatchback, I don't recommend this road.
Here are a few photos of this bad road
It took around 6 hours to reach Panjim from Gadag, which again includes an hour of break.
The Villa
We booked a villa on Airbnb, and it was a 4 bedroom villa. The villa was clean and very near to Miramar beach.
Food during our stay:
Since we wanted to avoid the risks of COVID, we ordered food for our villa. We ordered food in Swiggy, and some of the best restaurants were: The Tiffin Factory (awesome biryanis), PJ (delicious Fish fries), Amboli Spice (For the fish thalis).
Miramar Beach
Miramar is a relaxing low tide beach. However, lifeguards around there warned us that the beach is dangerous for swimming, and hence we avoided getting into the water. After a tiring journey, a visit to the beach was bliss. The crowds were less, and most used masks and maintained social distance.
Aguada Fort
Known for its scenic view, Aguada Fort was a worth-visiting place. However, the temperature was high, and the kids didn't like the fort, wanted to spend the other days of the trip to the beaches.
Tickets need to be booked online, and it can be booked here - https://asi.payumoney.com/
Benaulim Beach
Moderately crowded with an excellent view. Also, a few shacks were open. This beach is super clean, and we spent most of our day relaxing here: very peaceful and calm.
Varca Beach
I recommend this beach, amongst others: Less-crowded, clean, and mesmerizing views.
Road condition from Panaji->Karwar->Hubli
We wanted to try the Karwar route because of the bad driving experience from Dharwad to Panaji. The road is smooth; however, I don't recommend this route because it will increase the distance by 60 KMs. If you are planning to stay in South Goa, then this route is recommended.
