Six-Week Road Trip Exploring Goa, Karnataka, Western to Northern India Loop

Day 1: Start in Goa

Goa, India on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mum's Kitchen

Enjoy traditional Goan breakfast dishes such as pão with chouriço and Kingfish cachaloo. Open 8:00am-11:00am.
INR500, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Karnataka – Gokarna

Start the scenic 3-4 hour drive north to Gokarna, a lesser-known spiritual beach town in Karnataka.
Fuel costs approx INR1500, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Namaste Cafe, Gokarna

Relax with fresh seafood or Indian vegetarian fare overlooking Om Beach. Open 10:00am-7:00pm.
INR600, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Mahabaleshwar Temple

Explore this ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, integral to Gokarna's pilgrimage significance.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Relax on Om Beach

Enjoy the serene beach atmosphere with a sunset view.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Prema Restaurant

Try traditional coastal Karnataka dishes including fish thali in a cosy setting. Open until 10:00pm.
INR700, 1h

Day 2: Explore Karnataka

Gokarna, Karnataka on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Namasthe

Simple Indian breakfast with fresh juices to start the day.
INR400, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Jog Falls

A roughly 3-hour drive to see one of India’s highest waterfalls, an impressive natural sight.
Fuel approx INR1000 + Entry INR50, 3h

12:00pm

Explore Jog Falls

Walk the viewing platforms and take in the dramatic views especially during monsoon season.
INR50, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at local Dhaba

Enjoy traditional South Indian thali with fresh ingredients.
INR500, 1h

3:00pm

Drive to Mumbai

Begin the long drive northwest towards Mumbai; plan for two days driving with overnight stop.
Fuel approx INR3000, 7h

Day 3: En route to Mumbai

Drive en route, overnight stop in Pune or Satara on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel/ roadside dhaba

Typical Indian breakfast to fuel up for the drive.
INR300, 1h

8:00am

Continue drive to Mumbai

Complete the journey to Mumbai, arriving mid-afternoon.
Included in previous fuel cost, 6h

2:00pm

Lunch at Britannia & Co Restaurant

Experience iconic Parsi cuisine in Mumbai. Try berry pulao or chicken dhansak. Open 12pm-3pm.
INR800, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Gateway of India & Colaba Walk

Explore one of Mumbai’s monumental landmarks and surrounding market area.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Table

Modern fusion cuisine at one of Mumbai’s top restaurants. Reservations advised. Open 7pm-11pm.
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 4: Mumbai Exploration

Mumbai, Maharashtra on June 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Madras

Enjoy classic South Indian breakfast staples like idli, dosa and filter coffee. Open 6am-11am.
INR400, 1h

9:00am

Visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Explore Mumbai’s premier art and history museum. Open 10am-5pm, closed Wednesdays.
INR200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Excelsior

Serving hearty Indian and Continental dishes near Marine Drive.
INR700, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Udaipur

Begin the approximately 9-hour drive northwest, plan overnight stop.
Fuel approx INR3500, 9h

Day 5: En route to Udaipur

On road on June 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast on the road

Quick breakfast at highway dhaba to start the day.
INR300, 1h

8:30am

Continue drive to Udaipur

Complete the drive and check-in to your hotel upon arrival.
Included in prior fuel cost, 6h

3:00pm

Visit City Palace

Explore the stunning palace complex overlooking Lake Pichola. Open 9:30am-5:30pm.
INR300, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ambrai Restaurant

Dine by the lakeside with views of the City Palace and enjoy Rajasthani dishes. Open 7pm-11pm.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 6: Udaipur Highlights

Udaipur, Rajasthan on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a day of sightseeing.
INR600, 1h

9:30am

Boat ride on Lake Pichola

Discover stunning views of Udaipur’s palaces and historic sites from the lake. Boat service runs 9am-6pm.
INR400, 1h

11:00am

Visit Saheliyon Ki Bari

Gardens built for royal ladies, features fountains and lotus pools. Open 9:30am-7pm.
INR50, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Millets of Mewar

Modern restaurant serving healthy, organic and millet-based Rajasthani dishes. Open 12pm-10pm.
INR700, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Jagdish Temple

A beautiful 17th-century temple with intricate carvings. Open 5am-8pm.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Upre by 1559 AD

Dine with stunning views of Lake Pichola and the City Palace at night. Classic Indian cuisine. Open till 11pm.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 7: Udaipur to Pushkar

Udaipur to Pushkar, Rajasthan on June 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a wholesome breakfast before travel.
INR600, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Pushkar

Take the approximately 3-hour drive northeast to Pushkar, arriving mid morning.
Fuel approx INR700, 3h

11:30am

Visit Pushkar Lake and temples

Walk around the sacred lake and visit Brahma Temple, one of India’s few dedicated to Brahma. Most temples open from 6am-8pm.
Donation-based, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at La Pizzeria

Enjoy delicious wood-fired pizzas and Italian fare in a casual atmosphere.
INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Explore local bazaars

Browse vibrant shops for handicrafts, jewellery and textiles.
Free to browse, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Laughing Buddha

Relax at this popular eatery serving global fusion vegetarian dishes. Open till 10pm.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 8: Pushkar to Rishikesh

Pushkar to Rishikesh, Uttarakhand on June 17, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast before embarking on a long drive.
INR400, 1h

7:00am

Drive to Rishikesh

An extended drive northeast towards Rishikesh, expected duration is around 11-12 hours. Plan overnight rest en route such as Delhi or Haridwar if desired.
Fuel approx INR4500, 11h

Day 9: Arrival in Rishikesh

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Rishikesh

Try the Beatles Cafe for hearty breakfast with a peaceful river vibe. Open 8am-11am.
INR500, 1h

9:30am

Explore Laxman Jhula & Surroundings

Walk across the iconic suspension bridge and visit nearby temples and caves. Open all day.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ganga View

Traditional Indian thali with views of the Ganges river.
INR600, 1h

2:00pm

Yoga or Meditation Session

Book a session at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram or other yoga centres operating from morning till evening.
Donation-based or fees ~INR1000, 1h30m

5:30pm

Attend Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

Witness the evening prayer ceremony with lamps and chants, daily from 6pm.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Pure Soul Cafe & Organic Kitchen

Vegan and organic international cuisine in a peaceful setting. Open 8am-10pm.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 10: Rishikesh to Haridwar

Rishikesh to Haridwar, Uttarakhand on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before a short drive to Haridwar.
INR400, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Haridwar

Short 1-hour scenic drive to Haridwar, one of Hinduism’s sacred pilgrimage sites.
Fuel approx INR300, 1h

10:30am

Visit Har Ki Pauri Ghat

Explore this famous ghat on the Ganges river, revered by pilgrims. Open all day.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hoshiyar Puri

Famous for vegetarian local cuisine including kachori and aloo puri.
INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Mansa Devi Temple

Take a cable car or trek to this hilltop temple for stunning views. Cable car open 9am-5pm.
INR100, 2h

7:00pm

Attend Evening Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Experience the mesmerizing evening worship on the riverbank, daily at sunset.
Free, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner at Chotiwala Restaurant

Traditional vegetarian food in a historic setting. Open till 10pm.
INR600, 1h

Day 11: Haridwar to Amritsar

Haridwar to Amritsar, Punjab on June 20, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast

Get an early start with a quick breakfast before a long drive north.
INR400, 1h

7:00am

Drive to Amritsar

Approximately 7-8 hours drive to Amritsar, home of the Golden Temple.
Fuel approx INR3500, 8h

3:30pm

Visit Golden Temple

Explore the spectacular Sikh shrine, open 24/7 with free entry.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Langar Hall inside Golden Temple

Experience the community kitchen offering free simple vegetarian meals.
Free, 1h

Day 12: Amritsar Local

Amritsar, Punjab on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kulcha Land

Try famous Amritsari kulchas stuffed with spiced fillings. Opens at 8:00am.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Jallianwala Bagh

Historic site and memorial park explaining the 1919 massacre, open 8am-6pm.
INR50, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Wagah Border

Visit the India-Pakistan border for the famous retreat flag ceremony (best viewed late afternoon).
Free, 3h including travel

3:00pm

Lunch at Brother’s Dhaba

Authentic Punjabi non-vegetarian dishes, popular with locals. Open till 6pm.
INR700, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Crystal Restaurant

Known for Punjabi and North Indian cuisine in an elegant setting. Open till 10pm.
INR900, 1h30m

Day 13: Amritsar to Varanasi

Amritsar to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on June 22, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a filling breakfast before a very long drive east.
INR400, 1h

7:00am

Drive to Varanasi

Plan for around 13-14 hours of driving across northern India with possible overnight midway stop in Lucknow or Prayagraj.
Fuel approx INR6000, 14h

Day 14: Arrival in Varanasi

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Relax and refresh after your journey with a local breakfast.
INR400, 1h

9:30am

Walk along the Ghats

Explore the spiritual banks of the River Ganges, observe daily rituals and temple activities.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Sample famous street food snacks like tamatar chaat and kachori.
INR300, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Sarnath

Short drive to the important Buddhist site where Buddha gave his first sermon. Open 9am-5pm.
INR250, 2h

5:00pm

Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Experience the vibrant riverbank ritual that attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. Starts at sunset, approx 6:30pm.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Taj Ganges hotel restaurant

Elegant dining with Indian and international selections overlooking the river. Open till 10pm.
INR1200, 1h30m

Day 15: Varanasi to Goa

Varanasi to Goa, via drive and possible flights/ferry on June 24, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and start return journey

Given the extreme driving distance (approx 28-30 hours), it's advisable to split the return trip or consider partial flights from Varanasi to Goa if desired.
Variable, Travel day