5 Reasons why Goa is a must visit during the Monsoons
The monsoons have arrived at India’s west coast with a bang and thus arrives my favorite season of the year. This is the time when the earth is fresh, the air feels clean, the fresh colors of green are visible almost everywhere and there is abundance of growth all around us. This is the best time for that perfect holiday to Goa. Yes, you heard me right! Goa makes for a fabulous monsoon holiday destination. And not just its beaches, but its forests, waterfalls and lush countryside are an absolute pleasure to experience in the rains. Here are 5 reasons why I recommend Goa as a must visit destination during the monsoons.
Dudhsagar Falls in Full Flow
Remember the scene from the movie ‘Chennai Express’ where Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and Deepika’s Tamil family meet on a railway track overlooking a waterfall. This waterfall is Dudhsagar Falls, one of India’s tallest waterfalls. Located on the Mandovi river amidst the rich biodiversity of the Bhagwan Mahaveer wildlife sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Dudhsagar falls is a sight to behold during the monsoons when it is full of water. The spectacle is so rich that it feels like a sea of milk falling from the misty sky and hence its name ‘Dudhsagar’. This 310 m tall and 30 m wide waterfall not only offers a feeling of awe and joy, but it also allows you to indulge in some swimming at the waterfall pool at the foot of the waterfalls, some birdwatching and wildlife sighting in this bio diverse jungle and some amazing monsoon treks in the Western Ghats.
Cheaper Beach Villas and Other Stunning Properties
Goa is known the world over as a winter beach destination, which makes the monsoon season a lean season in Goa and thus makes for super cheap and affordable Goa Hotels. During the peak winter season, it is the beach shacks that are in high demand, but during the rains, one gets the opportunity to indulge in its iconic heritage beach villas and luxury hotels and that too at very attractive fares. My idea of a monsoon holiday in Goa is cozying up in a nice luxury room in a heritage villa overlooking the beach with a mug of beer or a cup of coffee (depending on the mood) and watching the local fishermen work their magic in the rains and with the rowdy waves.
Rejuvenate in the Fresh Greens
Goa is exuberant all year around, but during the monsoons, the vegetation is so dense and thick, that it has a very calming effect on the body, mind and soul. Whether you are staying next to the beach, in the city, inside forests or in villages, you will not miss these fresh green colors. I would recommend staying in a nice heritage property or a homestay in the Goan countryside, watch the locals go about their paddy cultivation, take those lazy walks and rides amidst dense greenery and feed yourself some delicious traditional food and beverages (Fresh Goan coconut curry and cashew fenny to cite an example).
Ride in the Rains
The gorgeous Goan countryside, the dense forests, the gurgling streams and rivers, the innumerable bridges surrounded by stunning mangroves and greenery, the panoramic vistas of the ocean, the laidback villages and the super friendly people make Goa a fantastic place to explore during the monsoons. And because the weather and the rain is warm, one can easily get wet in the Goan rains without worrying about falling sick. Nothing beats the joy of exploring the small tree covered roads of Goa by bicycle. The slow pace allows you to soak in your surroundings, the fresh rush of oxygen gives you a high and the thriving nature invigorates the soul. The abundant nature, smiling people, yummy food and intoxicating beverages are just the perfect icing on the cake.
Own the Beaches
During the winter, the Goan beaches are full of bustling activity and this can be overpowering to some of you. But, during the rains, there are hardly anyone except the odd local fishermen and that offbeat traveler such as yourself. This means that you literally own the beaches of Goa during the monsoons. While the waters may not be the safest for swimming due to stronger waves and heavy undercurrents, you can certainly enjoy the views of the larger swells in the ocean while sipping on a chilled beer in a beach shack or while you are playing one of your favorite games on the beach.
For someone who loves the rains and who loves beach holidays, Goa offers that perfect monsoon getaway. The lack of crowds and much cheaper stay and logistics makes it a win-win all the way.
