Goa experiences heavy monsoon rains from June to August. During this time, tourist activities are limited as most of the beaches are closed due to the high risk of flooding. However, people here welcome rain with parties, which is all the more reason to visit Goa during the rainy season.
Monsoon does not change the fact that Goa has the most happening nightlife. People here are still super-excited to provide a wonderful experience to the visitors, no matter what the season is.
While there is a potential threat of landslides, power outages, flooding, and even health concerns, the drenched beaches and amazing waterfalls make Goa exciting and fun, even during the monsoon.
As adventure sports along beaches and swimming on the beaches are prohibited during this time of the year, the tourists get a chance to explore Goa away from beaches. You would be surprised to know that Goa is far from boring even with the monsoon rains. A lot of things can be experienced and explored in Goa during the monsoon.
Things to in GOa During Heavy Monsoon
The Sao Joao Festival of Goa
Is celebrated on 24th June every year, this festival is dedicated to St. John, the Baptist. An important part of Goan culture, this festival is celebrated by the Catholic community.
As a tradition, everyone in the village, who has a newly married daughter, exchanges pleasantries with their in-laws.
The Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Monsoon in Goa is the best time to visit waterfalls. The Dudhsagar waterfalls are among the tallest waterfalls in India with a height of 310m. Located in the Sanguem district of Goa, it is a great experience for adventurous souls as it can be seen only after trekking through wild jungle paths and crossing raging rivers. However, the facility of trains is also provided to have a look at the falls from a safe distance.
Cruising and Rafting
One of the most amazing things to do in Goa during the monsoon is cruising on a boat through the river Mandovi. If you take up this activity in the evening, you will reach casinos on the ship by nighttime and can have a great time there with your friends and family.
Cruising on the Mandovi River is a luxurious experience with a night view of the sea and the lights around. There are a bunch of activities to do here like gaming in casinos, enjoying the live music, and dancing to it, while savoring the delicious snacks.
Rafting in the Mhadei River is a thrilling experience because of the high-velocity monsoon winds.
Visit the Spice Gardens
With the cool, monsoon breeze carrying the essence of different spices grown in these gardens, spending a day here is a great way of staying close to nature. Some of the best-quality spices of India are produced here and so it is a wonderful experience to see how these spices are sown and produced.
The Historic Forts of Goa
As there is not much to do on the beaches, the Forts of Goa is a perfect substitute to spend your day doing something fun and learning about the ancient heritage of Goa. Some of the world heritage monuments such as the Se Cathedral and the Basilica of Bom Jesus, built during the Portuguese rule in the 16th-17th centuries, are worth seeing. Fort Aguada, which offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea is a great place to learn about the history of Goa.
These sites provide us with a sense of understanding of the Goan culture as most of these were built centuries ago.
Go on Safari Tours
Wildlife safari tours are a fun activity in Goa, with its abundant range of flora and fauna along with wildlife.
Several wildlife animals can be spotted during these tours such as the deer, sloth bear, Indian bison, wild boar, and mongoose.
Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks
Goa is home to a number of wildlife sanctuaries such as the Mollem National Park & Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary.
Animals like leopards, monkeys, Indian civets, and the Indian porcupine among others can be spotted here.
Long Walks Along the Anjuna Beach
Taking a walk along the beach, with a picturesque view of the sunset and light, misty rains falling from above is a perfect, romantic activity to do with your loved one. You can also have a great time at the beach shacks and cafes here with their exotic ambiance providing you the right experience in this tropical paradise.
Pousada by the Beach, Calangute; Tereza Beach House, Nerul; Souza Lobo, Calangute; Brittos, Baga; Zeebop by the Sea, Utorda; Titlie, Anjuna are some of the cafes in Goa which you can visit during the monsoon season and have a great time by the sea.
Bicycle Tours of Rural Goa
Cycling is a fun activity and with the monsoon in Goa, it might be the perfect thing for you to do. You can peddle to the quieter side of the hilly areas in Goa, take a tour of the spice plantations, and even cycle along the shore. With the misty backdrop of the rain falling, cycling in Goa during the monsoon is a vivacious experience.
Drive along the Ghats
The Chorla Ghat, and Ambola Ghat among others are a perfect experience for you to drive through the beautiful changing landscapes of the sea, waterfalls surrounded with white clouds, the drenched leaves of spice plantations, the fast-flowing streams, and the lush green forests of the Ghats.
These are just some of the things you can do in Goa during the monsoon. The beaches are not closed during this time of the year and welcome tourists wholeheartedly. You just have to be careful about any weather warnings before planning your trip to be on the safer side. Since this is a rather off-season for Goa tourism, the prices are quite cheap and affordable. Thus, with the necessary precautionary measures, you are sure to have a great time, experiencing the monsoon in Goa.
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