Discovering Goa’s Hidden Trails and Open Roads on a Motorcycle

Living in Mumbai, I never enjoyed riding on the roads. The frequent bumps and potholes, pollution, cramped lanes and always jam-packed traffic killed the buzz. Another core memory that gave me a permanent bile is when I met with an accident. It sent me to a month’s long bed rest and life-long restriction or you can say a fear of riding a motorbike.

I still remember when my brother bought a new model of the Himalayan range, I cried silently inside for killing one of my rare passion. I grew up watching movies like The Ghost Rider and Motorcycle Diaries. Inspiringly, I made a list of places I would go for bike rides. But all that was shattered with that one incident.

But never had I imagined that gods had another plan. When I first landed in Goa in 2012, little did I know that this would be the place where I would get back my confidence in a long-lost desire. We rented a bike and we drove from Panaji to Agonda. My memory sent a flash up through my spine. The freshness and quietness of Goa’s road struck me. It crept me over like clouds taking over the mountains. 

However, that two-hour journey was enough for me to revamp my sleeping adventure for motorbike rides. In the 4days trip with my friends, I did not let anyone take over the wheels from me again. As is evident the easy self-drive bike rentals from companies like RenTrip helped me regain my passion and confidence after I went through a accident. I highly recommend self-drive bike rentals in Goa as it provides you with the ease of travelling as per your plans, without any hardships and issues, 

Goa is infamous for its beaches, cuisines, cashew nuts and lively lifestyle but I get surprised when no one talks or writes about the deadly combination it dominates in Monsoon with Bike Rides. No matter where you put Google Maps; every corner of Goa is so beautiful to explore on the bike that you would have to take multiple trips to finish it. 

And thus started my thrust to do exactly that. I have been going to Goa every year since and in these many years, I have listed down my favourite routes for bike rides in Goa:

• Aldona Village ride: If you want a peak Goa moment where you sense a real Goan life, Aldona is the place for you. You can rent a bike from Mapusa and ride it to Aldona. Aldona is a quaint and sleepy village in the North of Goa that many people don't know about. From the splash of fresh air to witnessing centuries-old houses, Aldona is amongst the best places to go for a ride.

• Parra Road: Okay, so this one must have gotten famous because of the movies and TV shows, but who would not want to ride in between the tarmac which is bordered by the coconut trees? Parra Road which is close to Anjuna, these days, is one of the most visited places by tourists and is also my favourite. 

• Varca to Palolem route: It's an hour-long ride in one of the dense forests in Goa. As soon as you are on this trail, the roads gradually narrow at every turn sending you closer to nature. Imagine riding amidst a fluorescent green forest where you only smell the fresh earth. This route reminded me of why I fell in love with riding in the first place—the pure joy of being immersed in nature, far from the chaos of city life.

• Mumbai to Goa route: Ask any rider in India, they will never miss out on this one. The Mumbai to Goa ride is an experience in itself. It's a doorway to heaven for restless impassioned spirits who love the open roads. Especially when you are at the border of the two states, you see the merging of two worlds. This trail is rugged, raw and ruthless. A perfect adventure ride for riders. Please do not forget to carry the gear with you.

• Chorao Island: This was my recent discovery in Goa. If you are someone who doesn't like to be around people, this quiet and aloof island is your dish. The best part about this island is you can have an opportunity to eat at someone’s house if you ask politely. Travel is also about communicating with people and not just for their views. 

• Panaji: Also known as Panjim known for its deep routed culture, art and heritage. Taking a ride within Panji would reveal many different versions of Goa that you may not find anywhere else. There are museums, Portuguese houses, bakeries and decades-old restaurants. Riding in these small lanes is itself an experience.

• Divar Island - Another Island on the list. These islands have no pubs, bars, or lavish shopping centres, leaving every nook and corner for you. Flanked by Mandovi River, Divar Island welcomes you to accompany people for fishing, visit churches, watch sunsets and take long walks or rides. Do not hesitate to immerse yourself completely on this peaceful island which is a real example of slow living.  For more locations in Goa, you can read this blog on best places to visit in goa with friends.

Some of these trail were done alone some with my friends and a few more with Soul Travelling. However, I would highly recommend you to do some of these trails with Soul’s team to be able to enhance your experience because no one knows Goa as the team of Soul Travelling. And if you need a vehicle that could complement the trip ideas that you have we would recommend that you opt for Self-Drive Bike rentals from RenTrip.