Goa in Monsoon: Best things to do

The best time to visit Goa is now! Yes, Goa in monsoon is heaven and with fewer crowds, it is even fun. While sun, sand, and Goa are pretty, the Goa monsoon is even prettier. Wondering what can you do when it rains in Goa? Check this guide! 

Visiting Goa with family or for a honeymoon was always a trend but in the last 2 decades, Goa with friends has been a favourite.

With corporates looking for retreats in goa and more people coming down, there is a rising pressure on places to visit in Goa other than beaches and trying offbeat things to do in Goa.

I have been to Goa over 8 times over the years – with family, with friends, as a research trip and so on.

I have explored Goa in all seasons and trust me when I say this – Goa during monsoon is the prettiest!

Goa in Monsoon is not very popular as the beach loses its charm, the shacks close down, and the discotheque and pubs wear an eerie look. There are fewer things to do in Goa during the monsoon and hence tourists generally do not prefer planning a trip to Goa during Monsoon.

However, contrary to popular belief Goa does not completely close for monsoon.

This is why it is perfect to explore unexplored places in South Goa and Hidden places in North Goa.

Rainy season in Goa

The best time to go to Goa is the monsoon! Goa rainy season starts in June which is the start of the monsoon in India.

Rains are heaviest in July and August. By September the rains ease up.

Rains are unpredictable as it may rain heavily all day, sometimes for a couple of days at a time, but then can clear up and allow for a warm, sunny day.

Goa Western Ghats come alive during the rains with waterfalls, lush greenery and freshness in air. The traffic is less, the crows are fewer and that is the Goa everyone must experience.

Things to do in Goa in Monsoon

while watching the rain in Goa is a perfect activity in itself, visitors have a plethora of things to do in Goa during rains.

White water rafting in Goa

While most people travel to Rishikesh for water rafting, very few know that it is possible in Goa too! Rafting is one of the offbeat things to do in Goa.

Out of all the water sports in Goa around the beach, white water rafting takes place on the river.

Head over to Valpoi on the banks of Mhadei river. Valpoi is in North Goa and is approximately 50 km from Panjim. It can be easily reached on bike or car. 

Visitors have to register themselves to confirm their spot for the rafting along with the timings. White water rafting in Valpoi takes place twice a day.

After reaching Valpoi, the staff confirms the registrations and their car will drive visitors to the starting point. A 15-minute training will be conducted by the experts about how to row the raft, signs and overall safety. Wearing a lifejacket is compulsory.

Once the training is over, the raft will cascade into the Mhadei river for an hour. Be vigilant to spot any wildlife as the river borders Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.

Level of difficulty: Easy – Grade I-II Rapids
Distance Covered: 10 kms

Visit the ancient monuments

Churches in Goa are extremely popular and most tourists visit Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Church of St Francis of Assisi, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception among others.

However, people forget that Goa has an equal number of beautiful forts. With a rainy Goa, Forts in Goa wear a rustic charm and make for stunning sights overlooking the rough ocean.

Goa is dotted with several Portuguese forts that are a testimony to the glorious past of India. Most of these forts are in good condition and are worth a visit.

Although Chapora Fort is the most popular one thanks to the Bollywood movies shot here, it also offers a good trek and views.

The lesser-known ones like Ries Magos, Terekhol, Corjeum fort and Cabo de Rama are good to visit as well. My favourite has to be Ries Magos as it is so well preserved, has canons and a stunning ocean view.

Read about other forts in India: Kumbhalgarh Fort, Lohagad Fort

Drive on Highway

Goa can be as relaxing as it can be chaotic. The pristine Western Ghats which are present in 6 states of India, also cover a considerable portion in Goa making it exclusive and exotic nature’s bounty.

Goa in Monsoon has amazing scenery along roads.

Take any road out of town and enjoy the drizzle of rain on your face. Get mesmerized with small waterfalls, lush green trees and just take in the aroma of nature.

Chase the waterfalls 

Dudhsagar waterfalls are the most popular tourist place in Goa and everyone throngs to catch its sight.

While trekking to Dudhsagar in monsoon is risky because of high water flow, it is advisable to go with a guide. Or one can always catch a glimpse from far.

Other waterfalls include Todo waterfalls in Netravali, a town near Goa. Trekking to Netravali is possible through the dense forests. Again it is advisable to go with a guide.

Another waterfall which swells in monsoon and is quite a sight to behold is the Harvalem waterfall. Situated near Bicholim town, it is an hour’s drive away from Panjim. One can also visit the Harvalem caves nearby.

Also Read: Sivasamudrum Waterfalls, Karnataka

Visit Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Are you a wildlife lover and wondering what to do in Goa in Monsoon?

Did you know there was Sanctuary in Goa?

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a mini zoo situated 38 km from Margao. It has a deer park in its natural habitat, and botanical and rose gardens to entertain people.

It is certainly a quiet and peaceful getaway to enjoy some wildlife. It is certainly ticking offbeat things to do in goa as you can see spotted deer easily walking around the park.

Learn about the turtle conservation

If you are looking for an offbeat yet beautiful experiences in Goa that too in Monsoon, then do not miss the turtle conservation site!

Galgibaga, in South Goa, is a Turtle conservation site where Olive Ridley turtles lay eggs. Unfortunately, the species number is going down, because of high tourism, so the Goa Forest Department runs a conservation program by fencing specific areas on the beach.

Though the egg-laying period is between October and March, you can visit their enclosure and the staff over there can give you all the information about Olive Ridley and show you pictures or videos of the turtles during their time of birth.

Birdwatching at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

The wildlife sanctuaries in Goa are mostly unexplored and are open throughout the year, unlike their counterparts in the country when you have to wait for the monsoon to be over to click those elusive birds. 

Salim Ali bird sanctuary, with an area of 1.8 sq. km.  is home to a staggering variety of local as well as migratory birds. Thick mangrove vegetation blankets the landscape of the island which consists of not only birds but insects, crabs and a variety of trees.

How to reach: Take a ferry from Panaji up to Ribandar. From there take a ferry via Mandovi river to Chorao island.

Read about lesser known Bird Sanctuaries in India: Khijadia Bird Sanctuary, Jamnagar

Ride a Goan ferry boat

Since we are on the topic of taking a ferry to Panaji, how about ditching those expensive and mundane cruises and travelling like a local in Goa?

I was always fascinated by seeing these ferries taking on an entire truck or a few cars or bikes from one bank of the river to another. And that is how the people of Goa travel other than buses which can take more travel time.

Catch a ferry and watch the sun go down! There are many ferry options – from Panaji jetty down the Mandovi, Mandovi to Chorao island and Mandovi to Aldona. Aldona also has a beautiful mineral water spring.

Explore the Spice plantations in Goa

Your search for places to visit in Goa other than beaches ends here!

Just like Thekkady, Goa has many spice plantations and farms that are offbeat places to visit in Goa. Unlike Kerala, the tourist does not visit the plantations but it is perfect to go in Monsoon.

A guided walk across the aromatic spice plantation will tell you about the origins of the plant as well as its usage in various Goan curries.

You can see, touch and smell the fresh spices and even buy them from the farm outlet. Savoi plantations and Sahakar Spice Farm are the farms offering visits to spice plantations.

Learn Yoga in Goa

While Travel to Rishikesh is popular for yoga, adventure in Goa runs high on everyone’s bucket list. However, there are a few people who spend their time in Goa relaxing and performing Yoga.

Goa has quite a few Yoga centres and retreats. Mandrem, a village in Goa is getting popular for its yoga retreat centre where one can spend a few weeks.

Cooking Classes in Goa

Goa and Goan food especially the sea food are synonymous to each other. It would be a crime not to try the Goan curries while you are in Goa. Even the vegetarian options are delicious.

There are options to learn few of these dishes through a short culinary course in Goa. Check Rita’s Gourmet classes and enrol yourself!

Canyoning in Goa

One of the offbeat activities to do in Goa is canyoning. Only started a few years ago, the beautiful Western Ghats with lush green forests and rivers are the perfect venue for canyoning.

The lush forests of Goa provide a gut-wrenching experience of canyoning. In South Goa in Palolem, Canyoning is possible at the Upper Sauri Canyon.

With pristine waterfalls with perfect descent, it is an easy-grade activity full of adrenaline rush.

Crocodile spotting at Zuari river

While dolphin watching in Goa is a preferred activity, it is closed during monsoon. The other alternative is to spot crocodiles in the wild.

Crocodiles sunbathe around the Zuari river banks and mudflats.

If you go boating on this river, you may even try to spot one swimming beside your boat!

Learn about Hydroponic farming Goa

In a town called Karaswada, not very far from Goa, there is one of the most offbeat things to do in Goa – Visit a Hydroponic farm.

Hydroponics is the unique process of growing plants in water with added nutrients without the use of soil. At Goa’s first vertical hydroponics farm, which occupies an area of 150 square metres, there are exotic.

Set up in a controlled environment this farm is extremely sustainable as is uses a shallow stream of water containing nutrients for plant growth and circulates past the bare roots of plants in watertight cylindrical tubes.

Learn about this technology and be in awe of science by visiting this farm.

Where to Stay in Goa for monsoon

Now that we know there are enough offbeat things to do in Goa, why not stay in offbeat places in Goa, right? Life is too short to sleep in boring hotels, after all.

La Maison Fontainhas, Panaji

A heritage boutique hotel is an offbeat tourist’s favourite place to choose, also because in the heart of Panjim.

It has the perfect city feels while all the adventures and beaches are a ride away from here.

The colourful Latin quarter is a popular place for Instagram-worthy pictures and the La Maison Fontainhas is located right in that quarter.

In spite of the hotel being in a city, it is a quaint boutique property housing eight heritage rooms. It is a perfect combination of luxury and comfort. You can book your stay here.

Nature’s Nest

Nature’s Nest is the kind of place I would choose to stay. It is a nature-based resort in the Western Ghats of Goa near Dudhsagar waterfall.

Nature’s Nest offers personalised birding, wilderness and trekking experiences. These offbeat experiences are aimed at providing a nature-based experience of the region in terms of food, wildlife, and culture.

An extremely sustainable property, it manages and trains visitors on solid waste management, tree plantation and environment conservation using traditional local practices.

A team of local youth will ensure this is a beautiful experience for the visitors. You can book it here.

Devaaya Ayurveda and Nature Cure Centre

Devaaya Ayurveda and Nature Cure Centre is situated on Divar Island, 10 km away from Panaji.

It is an amazing property for those who want to detox and relax amongst the palm trees and nature. The resort focuses on naturopathy and alternative medical healthcare using treatments such as Ayurveda, diet, yoga, meditation, and music.

They also offer nature-cure therapies like massage therapy, mud therapy, and hydrotherapy. You can book it here.

Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel

I already talked about visiting Goan forts but how about living one?

Fort Tiracol situated in north Goa is a 17th-century fort offering unparalleled views of the ocean. With a choice of choosing as one of the seven tastefully done rooms with contemporary interiors, each room comes with its own private sea-facing balcony.

In the monsoons, the panoramic view is even more beautiful. You can book it here.

Olaulim Backyards – an Eco resort

A cluster of tall swaying palm trees surrounding a winding pool beside the Olaulim river is how this eco-resort can be best described as.

The resort with private cottages is spread over the lush green estate in the backyards. It is an eco-resort as it is built with roofs made of waste, uses solar panels for water heating and utilizes its own waste.

Turiya Villa

Turiya Villa in Canacona (South Goa) is a quaint boutique property which is so tastefully done, it reminds us of the old days in our grandmother’s house in the countryside with veranda and bougainvillaea trees.

The entire villa is beautiful, bright and traditional with a hint of modernity. Unique antiques in each corner and stunning architecture allure visitors to spend hours outside of the rooms and simply relax. You can visit here.

Offbeat Cafes to visit in Goa

Manos at Devaaya resort – Divar Island by Orange Wayfarer 

Manos is a serene cafe that sits pretty by the banks of Mandovi river. Manos is isolated from the rest of the world, with an estuary that connects the hinterlands of Goa with the Arabian sea.

Located on Divar island, Devaaya Resort is only known to those who have a penchant for a healthy lifestyle, clean eating and yoga. Manos is one of the cafes of Devaaya island. Secluded from the guest bungalows and villas, Manos commands scenic views and great culinary treasures, mainly originating from local flavours.

Manos is open for a Brunch and high tea sessions. Lunch is usually a large spread buffet with loaves of bread, rice and multiple almost forgotten Indian curries, that balances the Gunas of a Satwik meal.

Manos serves a delectable spread of tropical fruit juice in their freshest forms, boasts of the first fresh Darjeeling Chai and is an apt space where you can spend a whole day with a book in hand. To reach Manos, you should account for a half a day trip from Baga to Divar island, unless you are staying at Divar which I highly recommend. Divar is an offbeat gem in goa that not many people know of. In the morning, visit Dr Salim Ali Sanctuary and join the guided tour with forest guards. Proceed towards Divar, ideally with a bicycle to roam around and explore the local island and old Portuguese mansion and spend the rest of the day at Manos. Who knows, you may not want to leave Divar at all by the end of it!

Must-try dishes: Goan Konjee Rice, Mango juice, semolina kalakand, green coconut phirni, brinjal fried in poppy seeds

Sustainable Tips to enjoy Goa in Monsoon

• Do not dispose of plastic waste in waterfalls, highways, rivers and use dustbins. Panaji is the Earth Care Award 2015 winner for sustainable waste management. Let us be responsible for tourists and maintain that status.
• Do not play loud music while in a national park or anywhere out in nature. This disturbs the balance of the ecosystem. A bird may not be able to hear its mate’s calls thanks to you playing a Justin Bieber or Badshah number!
• Do not wear perfume/deodorant while visiting national parks/wildlife sanctuaries.

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