Goa is the least populous and most liberal state in India. It was a Portuguese colony until 1961, and a strong Portuguese influence still exists. Goa’s coastline is approximately 100 kilometers long, and its beaches have become immensely popular tourist destinations with beautiful beaches and luxury rental houses in Goa for stay.
However, Goa offers much more than just the beach! It’s especially beautiful during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September. The rain provides refreshment and romance, and Goa takes on a more traditional feel. Travel to Goa during the monsoon season to experience it the traditional Goan manner. The majority of the partygoers had left. Instead, during this time of year, Indian families on vacation flock to Goa.
Goa’s north or south, where to visit
Goa’s beach shacks are closed during the monsoon season, so be aware of that. South Goa, which is less developed, is hence almost completely empty. It is preferable to travel to North Goa, which contains buildings that are more durable. From Candolim to Baga beaches, the most developed section, is where you’ll find the most activity. During the monsoon, Indian tourists favor Baga in particular. Instead, it is advised to travel inland to Aldona, Saligao, or Siolim to discover Goa’s interior and villages.
Activities in Goa Throughout the Monsoon Season
The animal sanctuaries in Goa are accessible all year round. The two most significant ones are Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary in South Goa close to the Karnataka border and Mollem National Park (inside Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary) in Eastern Goa. On the edge of the Mollem National Park is the impressive Dudhsagar Falls. During the monsoon season, water rages down from a great height, yet the waterfall is off limits to tourists for their safety. An alternative is the Tambdi Sula waterfall in Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary. However, getting there requires an arduous climb, which deters most visitors. The trail isn’t marked, therefore you should absolutely have a guide.
This is one choice for a day trip with a guide. You can also go to the historic Mahadev Temple, which dates back to the 12th century and is thought to be Goa’s first Hindu temple.
A less well-known area is the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located close to Valpoi in northeastern Goa’s Swapnagandha Valley. During the monsoon season, bioluminescent mushrooms called Mycena that illuminate at night are an interesting attraction in this sanctuary. Popular activities include trekking the Chorla Ghat and Vagheri Hills, as well as white water rafting. Vazra Sakla Falls in Chorla Ghat is the largest of the many waterfalls in the area.
In the southeast Goa region’s Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, hiking is available to the Mynapi and Savri waterfalls. However, in the Upper Sauri region, canyoning and abseiling are typically prohibited.
Families who stay at rented houses in Goa should visit Bondla Wildlife refuge because it is Goa’s smallest but most accessible refuge. With nature paths, botanical gardens, an animal rehabilitation center, a small zoo, and a deer safari park, it is conveniently located close to Ponda.
In Goa, the monsoon season also sees the opening of spice farms near Ponda. 130-acre Sahakari Spice Farm is among the most renowned and first spice farms. At the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary on Chorao Island in the Mandovi River, you might be able to see some birds drying off if the sun decides to come out.
Goa’s Monsoon Season Celebrations
The lively events that take place in Goa during the monsoon are among the best reasons to travel there. Sao-Joao (the fertility feast of Saint John the Baptist), the most well-known celebration, is held in late June and incorporates the fascinating feat of men jumping into overflowing village wells to grab bottles of the local feni alcoholic beverage. People travel upriver on rafts to perform plays and songs for the feast of Saints Peter and Paul at the end of June. On small Divar Island, off the coast of Panjim, the carnival-like Bonderam flag festival is held in late August. Goa also celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi in August or September.
How to Get There
All forms of transportation make Goa and the rest of India easily accessible. The bus might be sluggish and uncomfortable, so whenever you can, try to fly or take the train (these are still your best options). There are pre-paid taxis at the Goa airport.
The journey from Mumbai to Goa can be completed by trains on the Konkan Railway in under ten hours. The main train station in Goa is Margao (Madgaon), where the majority of trains will halt. Some will also make stops at other stations, including the Konkankanya Express. The top trains from Mumbai to Goa are listed here. Please be aware that a monsoon schedule runs from mid-June to the end of October.
During the monsoon, trains must slow down for safety reasons, thus many are rescheduled to leave earlier than usual as a result. The travel time will be at least two to three hours longer than usual.
The vibrant nightlife in Goa
The legendary Mambo’s and Tito’s at Baga Beach both rock all year long, although Goa’s famous nightlife is low during the monsoon season. The open Cape Town Cafe is located on the same street. The trendy Cohiba Bar and Kitchen in Candolim offers live music, while Sinq Beach Club and LPK Waterfront both feature DJs. On Fridays in the more relaxed Cavala, next to Baga Beach, bands perform classic music. The clientele here is primarily older. Although Anjuna typically has a deserted appearance, Curlies on Anjuna Beach remains open throughout the monsoon season as well.
So, should You Visit Goa During the Monsoon?
Goa is actually largely desolate and closed during the monsoon, so plan accordingly. You might be let down if your expectations for the trip include a beach vacation or wild partying. Instead, take advantage of the amazing accommodation deals of rented houses in Goa, delectable cuisine, rural life, wildlife, and fascinating Portuguese heritage.
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