TLDR - Mumbai has always been my first love. But this time, instead of limiting myself to its charm, I wanted to explore more. What began as a simple plan to board the Tejas Express from Goa to Mumbai turned into an unexpected loop through Lonavala, Pune, and finally back to Goa. And the best part? None of this was planned in advance—I didn’t even have tickets booked when the adventure began.”
My Train Journey: Goa → Mumbai → Lonavala → Pune → Goa
Mumbai has always been my love, and I never miss a chance to be there. But this time, I wanted to explore more places than just Mumbai. Ever since I moved to Goa, I had been thinking about a trip where I would travel to and from Mumbai. Little did I know, the plan would change midway — I ended up visiting Lonavala first, then Pune, and finally returning to Goa.
How did it all start when tickets weren’t even booked?
My first goal was simple: book tickets to Mumbai. I really wanted to experience the Tejas Express and see what makes it so special. Reaching Karmali Station itself turned out to be a mini adventure. I left Panjim just two hours before the train’s departure and booked my ticket barely four hours prior — luckily with an additional 10% discount.
At the Panjim bus stop, I scrambled to find a bus to Karmali. After waiting for 15 minutes, the bus finally moved. Only 60 minutes were left for the train’s departure, and I was silently praying that we’d make it on time.
The ride itself was scenic. On the way, I noticed an old but massive church — a beautiful reminder of Goa’s history.
With just half an hour left, we reached a flyover under which lay the railway track. Desperate for a shortcut, we followed an elderly local man who guided us through an off-road path and down a staircase. We walked for 10 minutes along the track, hearts racing, until the station came into view. Just as we arrived, the Tejas Express rolled in — talk about perfect timing!
The Tejas Express Experience
The train looked sleek, and I was thrilled to board it. Once settled in my seat, I began exploring what made it special:
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It’s one of the fastest trains in India, reaching up to 160 km/h (though it usually averages 80 km/h).
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Equipped with IR-fitted soap and water dispensers — hygienic and water-saving.
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CCTV cameras throughout the train, ensuring security.
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Power-controlled gates for safety, preventing accidental openings.
The journey was scenic and refreshing. Though I chose the “No Food” option, I later realized it’s smarter to pre-book meals (₹365) instead of buying onboard (₹220 per meal).
By 11 PM, I arrived in Mumbai, surprisingly not tired after the ride.
Off to Lonavala
The next day, I caught the LL Express from CSMT to Lonavala. The train was delayed by 30 minutes but still managed to leave on time.
We reached Lonavala at 12:30 AM, where the chill in the air instantly hit me. Our hotel was just 3 km away, but the auto driver charged ₹150 — steep, but we had no choice at midnight in an unfamiliar city.
The last 300 meters to the hotel were rough, making me wonder if we had taken the wrong route. But we eventually arrived, and I collapsed into bed, exhausted.
Waking up at 6 AM, I strolled outside and was mesmerized by the hills and the cool morning breeze. After a delicious complimentary poori-choley breakfast, I received a call from a friend in Pune urging me to visit. Without much thought, I packed up and headed there.
Pune Diaries
I boarded the Deccan Express, which was also 30 minutes late. At the waiting room, I passed the time reading until the train arrived. The journey was delightful, passing through hills and suburbs, with beautiful views out the window.
It happened to be Shivaji Jayanti, and Pune was alive with celebration. Roads were lined with saffron flags, processions, and statues of Shivaji Maharaj. The atmosphere filled me with pride — Shivaji has always been one of my greatest inspirations.
We explored the bustling subway markets, which reminded me of Delhi’s Janpath and Palika Bazaar. Despite the heat, the festive energy of the city was incredible.
The Journey Back to Goa
Needing to return, I looked for options and managed to get a seat on the Goa Express leaving Pune at 4 PM. It was a slow mail train, taking 14 hours to cover 550 km. Thankfully, being a sleeper train, I alternated between working and resting.
Though tiring, the ride allowed me to reflect on the nearly 1,500 km I had covered over the weekend — a whirlwind but fulfilling journey across Maharashtra.
That was my weekend adventure! Have a travel story to share? Post it on www.myindianodyssey.com
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