Sharvani ChandvaleIf you are wondering what the best offbeat locations in India are, look no further than Goa in monsoon. What was once a party hub has gained fame as an offbeat tourist destination with its exquisite hinterland experiences. If you are uncertain about whether there will be any things to do in Goa during the monsoon, then you have come to the right place.
If you are looking for fun activities that are functional in Goa during the monsoon, Soul Travelling takes you right in the heart of Goa, away from the bustling crowds and into the core of the state’s thriving monsoon bounties.
Here are some exclusive monsoon experiences in Goa that only come to life during the rainy season:
Mud bath (Chorao)
A ferry ride away from the bustling capital city of Panjim, sits the island of Chorao. This gorgeous home to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary offers a wide diversity of mangroves and wildlife that cannot be missed. Take a ferry early in the morning to catch the sunrise on the river Mandovi and then get on a boat to sail through the sanctuary.
During the monsoon in Goa, when the skies are grey and a cosy chill sets in the air you get to experience Chorao’s nature in all its abundance. Walk through lush paddy fields to reach a quiet natural lake. Take a dip, give yourself a nice clay bath and watch the river flow along. Let your body and mind relax in the exquisite spa made by nature. If you want to unwind and reconnect with yourself, this offbeat experience in Goa during monsoon is unmatched. End your day with hot Goan snacks and stories shared by a local.
Rustic Village Experience (Sankhali)
Picture by Eish Kakodkar
The sway and charm of the Goan hinterlands are best experienced with its locals. To bring safe expeditions into the wild countryside, Soul Travelling put together a rustic village experience in Sankhali. Located on the eastern border of this tiny state, the cosy hamlet is your gateway into unseen Goa. Discover how most Goans live, explore landscapes draped in carpets of green and hunt for abundant waterfalls that take you away from the mainstream. Feel the rush as you trek up the ghats, reach the magnificent waterfall and bathe in it. To make up for all the work, you will then be treated to a feast of hot Goan food and Feni cocktails! This is one experience that comes to life during the Goan monsoon and should definitely be on your bucket list.
Goan Hinterland Experience (Rivona)
PC Eish Kakodkar
Recently, archaeologists discovered pre-historic carvings in Goa. These brought to light how little we know about a state we love so much! Needless to say, these carvings date back to a time when humanity lived in caves and had a very different way of living compared to now. Head out on an exploration of the caves and carvings in Rivona – a tiny village in Goa’s hinterlands that has a very unique story to tell. Bask in the beautiful monsoon landscapes and let the rain charm you off of your feet. Finish your day with hot Goan snacks and a cup of chai.
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Two Faces of Goa Experience (Rachol, Shiroda)
PC Eish Kakodkar
Winters are for pink sunsets and summers are for early mornings spent cycling around, but monsoon? Monsoon in Goa is best spent experiencing the way it changes the state. Soul Travelling’s experience on the Two Faces of Goa takes you through the riverine village of Rachol and the story behind its lost fortress. Through narrow roads lined with rolling green fields, this village and its stories will teleport you into a different time and headspace. Switch locations and head to the historical coastal town of Shiroda. Hop on to a ferry boat and explore a gem untouched by tourism. And in between somewhere, get the complete Goan monsoon feel by indulging in a local Goan breakfast and chai.
Culinary Experience (Valpoi)
PC Eish
What do you think Goans look like? Some people assume that it’s people wearing shorts and sipping beer on the beach. But the truth couldn’t be further than that. The local Goan demography comprises people from different faiths and backgrounds. There are fishermen, farmers, tribals, saraswat brahmins, toddy tappers, fisherwomen and so on. They all have unique customs and traditions, eat different types of food and hold different beliefs. In Soul Travelling’s Culinary Experience of Valpoi, you head into the interiors of Goa – the home of the state’s original settlers. These tribal people have been living in sync with nature and have opened their homes to tell you their stories. Head out on a cool rainy day to spend it with Goa’s tribals and enjoy unique homecooked food unlike any that you’ve tasted.
There is nothing like a monsoon experience in Goa…
What has your ideal Goan vacation looked like? You’re probably thinking – chilling on the beach with a beer, catching a sunset, heading out to dine in fancy establishments and ending the evening in a club. Goa isn’t just that. It’s so much more – worthy of a cinematic montage filled with majestic hills, rolling waterfalls, thriving rivers and lush green fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. Goan monsoons are when these come to life – there is greenery everywhere that adds romance to some very fascinating stories. The question is, are you willing to head off of the beaten path and explore something new?
FAQs
- Can I plan a trip to Goa during the monsoon?
Yes, monsoon in Goa is completely safe and a fun time to be around. The streets are quieter, the pitter-patter of the rain adds a touch of nostalgia to everything you do and the greenery around will soothe your soul. - Are there any monsoon special activities in Goa?
Yes! You can go trekking in Goa during the monsoon, explore historical villages with rolling fields, check out the Dudhsagar waterfalls and explore mud bathing with Soul Travelling.
- Can I enjoy watersports during the monsoon in Goa?
Yes! Trekking, visiting waterfalls, swimming in lakes/quarries and clay bathing are some amazing watersports to experience in Goa during the monsoon.
- Is it worth visiting Goa during the monsoon season?
If you are someone who likes slow travelling, exploring the offbeat side of Goa and avoiding the touristy crowds, then monsoon is the best time to visit Goa. - What do I pack for the rainy season in Goa?
It rains a lot in Goa between July and August and hence, it is best to carry an umbrella, raincoat, protective cover for your gadget and a power bank in case the electricity goes out.
