India Bike Week – the country’s biggest biking festival, synonymous with the sun-kissed beaches of Goa – has shifted its venue to the scenic mountain town of Panchgani, Maharashtra. The move, according to the organisers, was prompted by repeated changes to the Goa Zilla Panchayat election schedule.
Martin de Costa, the festival director of IBW, shared with FE the logistical nightmare that led to the decision.
“We earlier said that it’s difficult to separate IBW from Goa,” de Costa said, reflecting on their long-standing relationship with the coastal state. “We planned IBW from December 12-13 because the Goa Zilla Panchayat elections were scheduled for early 2026. Then, the elections were advanced to December 13, so we shifted IBW to December 19-20. Then, last month, they announced that elections will be held on December 20. So, there was a whole lot of confusion, and we decided to move out of Goa.”
From beaches to cliffs
Soon, the IBW team began a nationwide search for a suitable venue. Panchgani emerged as the clear winner, offering a different yet appealing landscape for the biking community.
“We looked at 10-odd places, but when we went to Panchgani, we simply fell in love with the place. The venue is on the edge of an enormous ridge, with a massive view of the Ghats.” He said. “Instead of beaches, IBW will have cliffs and twisties this time.”
Addressing concerns about accommodation for the expected 10,000-odd participants, de Costa said that the infrastructure is good. “Areas around Panchgani have more than 70,000 hotel rooms,” he said. “Despite the last-minute change, there have been very few cancellations, just about 10%, and these are those people who booked nonrefundable hotel rooms in Goa, so they will anyway go to Goa. All others, more than 10,000 participants, will be at IBW Panchgani.”
He dispelled any concerns about the ability of the mountain roads to handle the influx of riders. “I mean, we’re not cars, we’re bikes, and we don’t take up that much space on the road,” he said.
In addition, the change in state proved to be a smooth administrative experience. “We realised getting permits in Maharashtra was far easier than in Goa,” de Costa said. “The state welcomed us with open arms.”
The future of IBW
The successful transition to Panchgani opens up the possibility of a new direction for the annual festival, potentially making it a travelling event. “Let’s see how this one turns out,” de Costa said. “But never say never about going back to Goa.”
