The Deccan is the large plateau between the Western and Eastern Ghats and we will be privileged to touch it on our journey.
We will explore the real India, driving from the blue waters of the Arabian Sea in Goa, inland to the Western Ghats, up to the hill station of Pune and then down to the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, driving all the way in the iconic auto rickshaws. This journey through Incredible India moves at a pace that will allow us to savour the experiences, sights and sounds of India close up.
Day 1– 3rd June 2023
And so it begins… we are introduced to our trusty steeds who will carry us on this 1100km journey from sea, to mountains, to the city! Our rickshaws are being personalised to our reflect our sponsors and personalities – ours, ‘Team Sakala,’ will be unveiled soon.
Day 2
We will get let loose on the unsuspecting residents of Panjim, the capital of the state of Goa. We will see the beautiful church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, which dominates one of the main streets in the city. Then we travel north to the shores of the Arabian Sea at Ashwen Beach, which is where my journey with Goa started nearly 20 years ago! Back for the night to Panjim.
Day 3 Panjim to Belgaum
And we are off… we head inland, up through the Jamboti hills and ride into the hinterland, home to the Gokak Falls and the the famous Kapileshwara Temple, dedicated to Shiva. Then on to Belgaum and an evening walk around the walls of the fort. We have covered the first 160kms.
Day 4 Belgaum to Kolhapur
We travel further north, skirting the Hidkal Reservoir and continuing up to Kolhapur; home of the Jyotiba Temple and the Siddhagiri Museum with its incredible sculptures. Then we can relax on the shores of the lake. Today the journey was a mere 100kms!
Day 5 Kolhapur to Pune
Today we journey through some amazing scenery as the landscape changes; we drive up to Pune – In the past it was known as Poona – Queen of the Deccan. When we arrive we can visit the Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati, a temple dedicated to Ganesha. Also the Aga Khan’s Palace is there to stroll through. Today our journey is a little longer… 230kms driving our three wheeled friend.
Day 6 Pune to Aurangabad
Today we make our way to the city that is home to the amazing Bibi Ka Maqbara. It was commissioned in 1660 by The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in memory of his wife and it bears a striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal. Then a visit to the inspiring Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, dedicated to Shiva. Today we will have ridden 210kms.
Day 7 is a day of rest! Phew!
But we will visit the UNESCO world heritage site of the Ellora Caves; this site is a cave complex that is hugely important in Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism.
Day 8 Aurangabad to Nasik
Backed by the famous Anjneri Hill, Nashik has a huge array of temples and is the home to the Kumbha Mela, which is held once every 12 years. It is the ultimate mass pilgrimage. Unbelievably, in 2019 there were a total of 200 million people at the event and the busiest day had 50 million guests. My head will not comprehend those figures! We will have travelled 220kms today.
Day 9 The run into the finish
We drop down and join the bustling vibrant streets that are Mumbai… I am sure a drink or two will be taken on the completion of our amazing Odyssey after driving the last 190kms!