Tasneem BharmalThinking of Goa, the first images that come to mind are sun-kissed beaches, beachside vibrant shacks, music, food and drinks with lots of tourists soaking in the coastal charm. As a photography enthusiast I prefer exploring off-beat locations. I had already been to Goa many times during the winter and summer seasons. So, I decided to visit Goa in monsoon season this time around. To my surprise, I was in for an amazing experience that redefined my perception of visiting this popular destination only in seasons other than the monsoons.
The Goan Monsoons
Goa experiences monsoon from June to August months with consistent rain showers almost every day. The average temperature drops to a pleasant 24 to 28 degrees. With the early showers starting around May end, Goa undergoes a magical transformation by mid-June. The usual hustle and bustle on the beaches and the beachside activities come to a halt giving way to a cool green side of Goa. Goa turns into a paradise of calm drenched beaches, lush green landscape swaying in the cool breeze and some of the most amazing waterfalls coming to life with the onslaught of the rains.
Dudhsagar – Goa’s Monsoon Beauty
The most talked about location in Goa during the monsoon is the Dudhsagar Falls. Many plan a visit to this majestic waterfall that becomes a roaring spectacle during the rains. So, this topped my itinerary during my adventure to experience Goa in monsoons along with some other interesting places.
Situated deep within the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Dudhsagar Falls can be reached by train or jeep combined with a short trek. The journey to Dudhsagar Falls itself is an adventure. I took a thrilling and bumpy jeep drive from Kuhlem traversing thru the rugged jungle track and knee-deep flowing streams of water. The excitement grew as I trekked the last 1km stretch through muddy, slippery paths and crossing more streams of water after the drive. The sound of cascading water grew louder as we approached the falls.
Dudhsagar means “Sea of Milk”. The water falling from a height of 300 meters, cascading down the rocky cliffs with a deafening rumble in a frothy, white flow, resembling a river of milk. The sight of this 4-tiered beautiful waterfall was spectacular. In the past, I have been to Dudhsagar during the winter and wondered what it would be like in the monsoons. And here I see that the monsoon rains transformed it into a roaring giant, and the surrounding greenery added to its ethereal beauty.
Being a photographer, I found each and every moment here to be click-worthy. I captured the various moods of the falls, from the gentle mist at the base to the thunderous downpour from the top. The play of light and shadows, the contrast between the white water and the green foliage, and the sheer scale of the falls provided endless opportunities for photography.
Note: Dudhsagar Falls are closed for visitors during the peak rainy season as a safety precaution, as the jeep route through the jungle and the trek path get flooded with flowing water. One should check in advance if it is open to the public before planning the visit.
Dudhsagar waterfalls may top the list of places to visit in Goa during monsoon, but there are other waterfalls in Goa worth visiting as well.
Tambdi Surla
Tambdi Surla waterfall, situated near the ancient Tambdi Surla Temple. The trek to the falls is relatively easy, and the reward is a peaceful spot where the water flows down a rocky cliff into a serene pool. The Tambdi Surla temple is a historical monument dating back to the 12th century.
Arvalem Waterfall
Arvalem Waterfall, also known as Harvalem Falls, is another captivating spot. The falls are accessible and surrounded by lush greenery, making it an ideal location for a leisurely day outing. Also, visit the Arvalem Caves having rock-cut architecture dating back to the 6th century.
In Addition
In addition to waterfalls and greenery, Goa’s monsoons offer a range of adventurous activities. Watersports at the various beaches of Goa are non-operational during the monsoon. However, the rivers are full of life and super active, an ideal time to enjoy some water adventure. Rivers Mhadei and Mandovi hosts lot of fun activities for people. White-water rafting on the Mhadei River is a thrilling experience that I couldn’t resist. The river was swollen with rainwater providing the perfect condition for an adrenaline-pumping ride through rapids and swirling currents.
The Western Ghats running through the state give Goa a completely different kind of beauty in the monsoon creating numerous trekking opportunities. I could not leave that out of my itinerary, so I embarked on a trek to the Chorla Ghat, located on the border of Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. The trek through Chorla Ghat is a photographer’s paradise. The trails enveloped in mist, with its full bloom rich biodiversity. I came across few lesser known but mesmerizing waterfalls, the rain-washed trees, the myriad shades of green, and the occasional sighting of wildlife made it an unforgettable experience.
For those who prefer a more laid-back adventure, go cruising on the river Mandovi and take a spice plantations tour. I visited The Sahakari Spice Farm, located near Ponda. It was a delightful experience. Walking through the plantation in the rain, learning about various spices, and enjoying a traditional Goan meal was both educational and enjoyable.
Goan Monsoon Festivals
Also, interestingly locals of Goa celebrate various festivals during the monsoon months. I will plan my next monsoon trip to Goa such that I am able to cover most of these.
- Sao Joao Feast of St. John the Baptist – traditional music, dancing, boat races and a parade
- Touxeachem Fest – at Santana Church or the Church of St Anne. It is also referred to as the Cucumber Feast with visitors offering cucumbers to St. Anne
- Chikhal Kalo – A 150year old tradition of mud games and mud fights
- Beach side party – hosted on Calangute beach is full of live entertainment and music
- Patolleanchem Feast – The Socorro Socio-Art and Cultural Association organizes this festival to celebrate Goan culture and India’s independence through vivid performances by local artists.
- Bonderam Festival – parade with traditional floats, fancy dress, boat races, live music on Divar island
- World Goa Day – traditional music and local cuisine feast to celebrate the culture of Goa.
Conclusion
Besides all the mentioned activities in Goa during monsoon, there are some unique benefits too. As it is the off-season, the usual tourist crowds are minimal, making for a more peaceful and relaxed experience. Accommodation and other services are offered at a highly discounted rate. Even the busiest locations, which are otherwise bustling with activity, offer a rare peacefulness during this time.
I highly recommend visiting Goa during the monsoon season. It will change your perception of associating Goa with just the sunny, beach-centric images. Embrace the rain, explore the lush surroundings, and let the transformed landscapes inspire you. You might just find that the off-beat path leads to the most memorable adventures.
