Prakash Kumar

Goa: Beyond the Beaches — A Continuing Spiritual Journey Goa — that small, sun-washed state on India’s western coast- is often imagined as a paradise of beaches, seafood, and fun living. Yet beneath that lies another Goa: serene, soulful, and steeped in centuries of devotion and tradition. Its history stretches far beyond the shimmering shoreline — from being part of the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BCE to flourishing under ancient Hindu dynasties between 1000 and 1200 AD, followed by the rule of the Adil Shahs, and then over four centuries of Portuguese influence. This long and layered past has given Goa a unique cultural rhythm — one where temple bells and church choirs seem to coexist in harmony after its liberation from Portuguese rule in 1961. When India became independent in 1947, Goa still remained under Portuguese control. It was only in 1961 that it found its own freedom — and since then, the transformation has been remarkable. Today, Goa offers world-class tourism infr...

🚗 From Delhi to Goa: A 2,000 KM Odyssey in Two Days Date of Journey: May 11–12, 2025 (Sunday & Monday) Vehicle: Maruti Ritz (2010 Model) Total Distance Covered: ~1988 KM Total Toll Paid: ₹3138 States Crossed (7): Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa. 🛣️ Living the Journey The road trip from Delhi to Goa was my longest drive to date—nearly 1,000 kilometres per day, back-to-back. I have been passionate about long drives since my young days, when 300–400 km in a day used to feel like an achievement. With gradual improvements in road infrastructure, especially after 2005, driving 700–1000 km in a day became manageable. I have done the Patna–Delhi routes several times, each nearly 1,000 km, but this trip was different. Now over 60, and with a 15-year-old car, the challenge was both physical and mechanical. It took me a while to convince myself, but the traveller inside me gave the green light. 🔍 Planning and Preparation The ...