Click to learn more about Arvalem Caves.
Arvalem Caves – Dates Back to 6th Century
Mapusa to Arvalem Caves & Waterfall – Distance and Directions
Gurim Bypass Junction, Mapusa (National Highway 17) to Harvalem (Arvalem) Waterfalls Distance is 31.5 km (approx.)
Gurim Bypass Junction, Mapusa (National Highway 17) > Karasada Chowk, National Highway 17 turn right (4.5 km)
(Gurim Bypass Junction, Mapusa is the location of Hotel Green Park and Karasada Chowk turn right – way to reach Tivim)
Karasada Chowk, National Highway 17 turn right > Assonora Bus Stand (10 km)
Assonora Bus Stand > Bicholim (6 km)
(at Bicholim one can take a right-turn if wishing to visit Mayem Lake or else continue straight driving to reach Arvalem Waterfalls)
Bicholim > Arvalem turn right (10 km)
(Jawahar Arcade – an apartment at Arvalem – left-side and a lane opposite towards Aravelam Caves/Harvalem Waterfalls)
Harvalem right-turn > Arvalem Caves (.5 km)
Aravelam Caves > Arvalem Waterfalls (.5 km)
(Shree Rudreshwar Temple is nearby)
Karasada Chowk, National Highway 17 to Harvalem Waterfalls Distance is 27 km (approx.)
Naval Aviation Museum – A Military Museum Worth A Visit
Naval Aviation Museum is situated at Bogmalo Road, Vasco da Gama in Mormugoa taluka of South Goa district – approx. 4 km from Dabolim airport is a location that talks about Naval Aviation history and displays Aircraft, Helicopters, etc., etc. As two of our family members were/are within the army the curiosity was present to visit to aware self about a subject which as a civilian I know a little maybe. I am finally on a drive.
36 km from Panjim via crossing St. Lawrence Agassaim Chowk (NH 17) passing close to Goa Airport finally I was at the Museum.
– Implanted on 12th October 1998
Rs. 20 per person – The ticket and Rs. 20 extra if carrying a digital normal camera.
The outdoor section and the indoor gallery. The gallery is divided into various rooms displaying guns, Aircraft Rocket, Radar, Sensors, ejection seats, and life-saving equipment and talks about The History of Naval Aviation.
– In 1947, a 10-year plan was prepared by the National Head Quarters envisaged two fleets with two light carriers
– In March 1949, 10 officers were sent to the United Kingdom for pilot training
– In February 1953, the first batch of Sealand aircraft joined
– In 1953, four pilots were awarded wings by IAF
– In 1956 it was decided the Navy should have an aircraft carrier for coastline defense
– Sagar Pawan – Indian Navy aerobatic team is one of the only two naval aerobatic teams in the world
– Tail-hookers made their beginning in the Indian Navy in the year 1960
And many more…
Timings: 10 am – 5 pm (all days)
Monday closed
The knowledge enhanced – better than before.
And read somewhere – no amount of condolence will be able to compensate kith and kin of those killed during the War. May the soul rest in peace and no war anywhere.
Peace with Love – definitely.
Gandhi Ji said: I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.
Naval Aviation Museum is worth a visit to know the history of Naval Aviation, the technology of aircraft, and its equipment from independence till recent years. And not to forget a close-look of various aircraft/helicopters/radar such as Alize – Three Seater Aircraft, FireFly – Two Seater Aircraft, Hughes – Two Seater Light Helicopter, Seahawk – A Single Seat Carrier Borne Ground Attack Fighter and many more such as ejection seat, Multi Seater Life Raft, etc.
Distance Chart from Calangute To
Panvel to Goa by NH 17 and NH4
I selected to drive the Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike through the National Highway. Kalambali Chowk is almost the starting point of the Mumbai – Pune Expressway. The expressway runs above the Chowk.
As I was driving from Mumbai I turned the motorbike left-hand side below the Mumbai – Pune Expressway towards Kalambali Chowk.
Kalambali chowk > Palaspa Fata, Panvel (7 km)
At Palaspa Fata, Panvel, there are two options:
- National Highway 17 (Mumbai – Goa Highway)
- National Highway 4 (Mumbai – Bangalore Highway via Pune city)
Palaspa Phata, Panvel to Goa via National Highway 17 is 495.5 km approx.
Palaspa Phata > Karnala bird sanctuary (16.5 km)
Karnala bird sanctuary > Shri Parshuram Temple (199 km)
Shri Parshuram temple > Sangameshwar (60 km)
Sangameshwar > Lanja (61 km)
Lanja > Kankavli (88 km)
Kankavli > Banda (66.5 km)
Banda > Maharashtra – Goa border (4.5 km)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
- Palaspa Phata, Panvel to Goa via NH4 Distance by Road and Driving Directions
Palaspa Phata, Panvel to Goa via NH4 is 540.6 km approx.
20 km smooth drive, a board indicating Matheran – Hill Station turn left. Maybe someday. Continue driving straight…
Palaspa Fata, Panvel > Khopoli (34 km)
Khopoli > Shingroba Mandir (6 km)
Shingroba Mandir > Mumbai – Pune Expressway (2 km)
Mumbai – Pune Expressway > Lonavala city turn left (5.5 km)
Bikers had a few km of driving experience at Expressway but only a few km. Traffic police post after a few km direct you to turn motorbike towards Lonavala city. Bikers are not allowed at Expressway further.
13.5 km drive (via Lonavala city) left-hand side road towards Karla Caves. I remember I visited with my mother. Continue driving straight…
Lonavala city left turn > Somati Phata (38.5 km)
A huge Ganpati statue on top of the hill.
Somati Phata > Nabard building, Pune turn right (28.5 km)
Nabarad building is on the right-hand side.
Nabard building right turn > Swargate chowk (4 km)
Turn right, cross the bridge, 2nd traffic red light – turn left.
Cross Swargate chowk (roundabout). Drive straight towards Satara.
Swargate chowk > National Highway 4 (13.5 km)
I am driving through Katraj Ghat i.e., Katraj valley. Once again meeting National Highway 4.
National Highway 4 > Satara College Of Engineering & Management, Limb(83 km)
10 km drive another board indicating a right turn towards Mahabaleshwar – Hill Station. Continue driving straight…
Satara College Of Engineering & Management, Limb > Satara (14 km)
Satara > Siye Phata turn right (112 km)
Siye Phata is below the bridge very close to the Lokmat Newspaper office (right side of the Highway). Few more km further if driving will reach Kolhapur for sure.
Siye Phata right turn > Vading chowk turn left (11.5)
11.5 km is a beautiful village route. Road condition Ok. It is the shortest route as guided by a villager.
Vading chowk left turn > Vading Phata turn left (3 km)
Vading Phata left turn > Shivaji pul turn right (.5 km)
Cross the bridge. Take the right turn from the chowk.
Shivaji pul right turn > Gangawish chowk turn right (1.3 km)
We are passing through Kolhapur city-area
Gangawish chowk right turn > Rankalavesha chowk turn right (.3 km)
Rankalavesha chowk right turn > Gaganpawda turn left (56 km)
I am driving through a silent road, with less traffic, a mini jungle, and in the end, clouds. Visibility is very less. Rainy season.
Gaganpawda ghat is a hilly green valley connecting National Highway 4 with National Highway 17 or one can say one of the road routes connecting Mumbai – Kolhapur – Goa.
It was a rainy season, I was driving a solo Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinsprak motorbike passing through clouds downwards towards National Highway 17. The route was almost empty, and the clouds thunder a little scary, but the drive was scenic. In a few places, due to dense clouds, and fog it was impossible to see further than 10 meters. I guess after the rainy season it is one of the best to drive, though I enjoyed it during the rainy season.
Gaganpawda left turn > Vaibhav Vadi chowk right turn (19 km)
Vaibhav Vadi Chowk right turn > Talere turn left (14.5)
Talere left turn is National Highway 17 (Mumbai – Goa).
Talere left turn > Kankavli (23 km)
Kankavli > Savantwadi (53 km)
Savantwadi > Goa border (17.5)
Note: Shri Datta Snacks Corner and Shri Dattaguru Snacks at Palaspe Phata, Panvel are famous for mouth-watering snacks.
Parshuram Temple – Built in 570 A.D.
Click to learn more about Parshuram Temple.
Goa to Mumbai Driving Directions via NH17
Goa to Mumbai via National Highway 17 distance is 522 km approx.
Panjim > Goa-Maharashtra border (43 km)
Panjim to Pernem Railway Station (right side of NH 17) – 27 km. Continue driving straight…
Goa-Maharashtra border > Sawantwadi (14 km)
Sawantwadi > Sindhudurg (33 km)
Sindhudurg > Kankavli (22 km)
Kankavli > Lanja (89 km)
Lanja > Hatkhamba (29.5 km)
Hatkhamba > Sangameshwar (31.5 km)
Hatkhamba to left side of NH 17 road towards Ganpatipule (tourist place) – 5.5 km. Continue driving straight…
Sangameshwar > Chiplun (47 km)
(Note: Mapusa, Goa > Chiplun – 300 km)
(Hotel Abhishek is one of Chiplun’s famous hotels/restaurants. I stop for Lunch)
Chiplun > Poladpur (76 km)
Poladpur > Vadkhal (112 km)
Vadkhal > Panvel (33 km)
Panvel > Mumbai (35 km)
Shree Saptakoteshwar Temple (Narve) – One of the Six Temples of Lord Shiva in the Konkan Region
Shree Saptakoteshwar Temple (Narve) is in Bicholim taluka of North Goa.
Since weeks wish was to visit it though it is far by road and thought within – maybe the shortest route possible. I inquired at a restaurant close to Gandhi Circle, Old Goa, and, finally, on the way towards the Mandovi River (Viceroy’s Arch – landmark) to catch the ferry.
Gandhi Circle, Old Goa > Old Goa Ferry Terminal (.5 km)
Ferry ready – I along with motorbike crossing. Beautiful it is.
(Ferrys are free within Goa – truck/motorbike/car and to carry people)
5/7 minutes journey
The first time in life within an island – WoW – said I. Few seconds/minutes for self-talk and to believe and towards the Narve jetty which is on the other side of Divar island.
The motorbike – The start – The wide green fields and I riding in-between.
2 km ride and a shop. Narve jetty?
Right-turn – go straight – follow the road – said the shopkeeper.
Ok – (thumbs-up).
Lions Club of Divar, the Bus-stop – A landmark (500 meters of drive) and straight drive again.
Finally, after 5.5 km of total driving within almost no man-visible land/old Portuguese home, I was at Narve jetty.
The ferry was on the way – I have to wait. Few head-turns to watch the beauty around…fantastic.
Mandovi river again. 5-7 minutes journey and I at Narve. A small shop was present and The query: Saptakoteshwar temple?
Follow the road – follow the display board.
Thank you – The drive continues…
4 km drive (Archeological display-board displaying direction) and Shri Saptakoteshwar temple – Lord Shiva temple. The motorbike parked and I walked towards the temple. Golden silence exists. For a few minutes had talks with God – immense peace within. After weeks of wish to visit finally fulfilled. They say: God’s wish and We visit. Prayers!!!
On the way back. Crossing Mandovi river from Narve- riding within the Divar island and Divar jetty and Old Goa again.
If you are within Goa or have plans to visit you should follow this shortest scenic route. While returning from Divar island I can watch Old Goa churches. Beautiful to watch. Divar island itself is very memorable for a drive.
Note: The shortest route to reach the temple is if a person is having a vehicle.
Jake The Snake Boat Trips – Watch Crocodiles in Natural Habitat
During the Goa tour, I read somewhere a brochure talking about Jake The Snake Boat Trips, Backwater Crocodile Dundee, and I riding solo Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark to find out the location – Cumbarjua village somewhere near Old Goa – not sure but the only location to watch crocodiles and the ride continues…
Landmark: Karmali Railway station if coming from NH 17
Karmali Railway station > Gandhi Circle, Old Goa (2 km)
(A right-turn from Gandhi Circle, Old Goa towards National Highway 4A. Cross a Bridge and a left turn towards Cumbarjua village – I was guided by a local)
Gandhi Circle > Bridge (4.5 km)
Bridge > left-turn(.5 km)
left-turn > Cumbarjua village (5.5 km)
Cumbarjua canal flowing and I was on top of a bridge. There were no signs of any crocodile watching or location to hire boats. I decided to ask a carpenter working in his shop close to the canal.
St. Estevam village – The correct location – said He. Take a U-turn drive to Tonca and ask for St. Estevam village.
Ok – said I and the ride continues…
Cumbarjua village > Tonca turn left (3.5 km)
Tonca turn left > St. Estevam village (1 km)
And query about Crocodile watching, Cumbarjua canal. I riding again.
2.5 km journey passing through St. Estevam church (right-side) I again stopped to know about the ferry and luckily I was welcomed by a person conducting/organizing boat trips for watching crocodiles and his name is – Jake. I was welcome within his home. Jake’s home is very close to St. Estevam Ferry Jetty. Upon query, Jake shared information about boat trips and about the area.
The path I followed to visit St. Estevam village was 15 plus km but the shortest route is from Gandhi Circle, Old Goa only 3.5 km approx. – said, Jake.
Really??? – said I and we went to watch the shortest distance. During the walk, he narrated answers as per queries.
Cambarjua canal starts from the Mandovi River and reaches the Zuari River finally merging into the Arabian Sea. Daujee ferry – The correct location (3.5 km from Gandhi Circle, Old Goa) one has to ask once within Old Goa. Once you are at Daujee ferry you can see this location i.e., St. Estevam ferry where we are standing currently.
And you said you organize trips too?
Yes – said He. For the last 25 years since my father’s days and then for the last 12 years I – Jake organizing boat trips (Government approved) to watch crocodiles in their natural habitat within the Cumbarjua canal. Crocodiles in these areas are known as saltwater crocodiles/marsh crocodiles. Two wooden boats having a capacity of 40 passengers each equipped with all safety equipment along with a western toilet start at 9:30 morning hours for 2-3 hours depending upon the visibility of crocodiles. The guest should reach by 9:00 morning at the Daujee ferry location. Only one trip is organized in a day but Yes, if 15-20 more guests are present another trip can be arranged. Snacks/Drinks are provided as refreshments during the tour and narration during the tour is given by Jake himself. It is always good to talk one day in advance via mobile phone or personal visit especially if you touring Old Goa.
How many crocodiles one can watch in a day’s trip? – I question.
It depends. 10 years back I saw 38 crocodiles in a single day. Watching crocodiles is a guarantee – said Jake.
Not only crocodiles one can also watch different types of birds such as Heron, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Egret, Little Egret, Great Egret, Sandpiper, Kingfisher, etc., etc.
And a brochure describing his job.
Rs. 1200 per person for the trip but if you want a special trip then Rs. 15,000 – The cost.
Thank you – said I.
Tour will start only from 21/22 October 2010 and continue till the end of April.
Ok. I will visit for sure.
Welcome – said He.
And he showed his land full of backwaters.
Jake – How do you decide where your lands end?
And we both had a laugh.
It was time to cross the Cambarjua canal. Ferry was on the other side. After a few minutes, it was within our side i.e., St. Estevam village. Thank you Jake for saving the next long ride.
5-7 minutes journey and I am on the other side i.e., Daujee, Old Goa.
Daujee ferry, Old Goa > Gandhi Circle, Old Goa (3.5 km)
Shortest very shortest isn’t it? Thanks to Jake for the guidance.
Will visit again for sure once the tour starts – said I.
In short: There are two routes to reach the Daujee ferry or St. Estevam ferry but the shortest route:
Reach Gandhi Circle, Old Goa, and ask for the Daujee ferry – That’s it. Cross via a jetty to reach St. Estevam village where Jake lives.
St. Estevam village is in Tiswadi taluka of North Goa district.
Mobile (Jake) : 0 – 9822 15 9344 Phone: 0832-2399463