The year 2013 has not brought much luck to some of the top destinations in North India as rains have already battered some of the best holiday destinations in Uttarakhand. I felt really bad to hear thousands of people stranded and losing their lives but I suppose that does not deter the determination of many travelers and visitors around India that want to enjoy the rain in its full glory. I believe many travelers are now heading to non-hilly destinations like Goa because it offers the best monsoon holiday experience to everyone. The beaches here need no introduction to locals as well as international travelers plus a lot of greenery around only makes Goa much more enjoyable and serene. Here we take a quick look at some of the top places to visit in Goa on weekends or when you are on extended holiday trip.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Not too far away from Goa-Karnataka border you will find Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary which is a popular monsoon destination for many nature lovers. With an area of 86 square kilometers you can get the best monsoon landscapes that you can capture in Goa. The sanctuary also has two rivers that offer a perfect background to the visitors.
Cotigao Nature Interpretation Center offers lot of information and safe camping facilities to the travelers. While you can view plenty of animals here, this place is a paradise for bird lovers as well. This sanctuary is just 2 kilometers from Poinguinim and you can take any state transport bus or taxi to reach here.
Dudhsagar Falls
No tourists visiting Goa during the rainy season will miss out Dudhsagar Falls. It is an amazing tourist destination in Goa that can leave you spellbound.
It is the fifth highest waterfall in India and it attracts travelers from all over India and the globe. If you want to get wet and splash into the cool rain water you can do that here. To reach here take a train from Vasco to Margao and get down at Collem. You can also use the road all the way to Collem to reach Dudhsagar Falls.
If you are in Panaji you can hire a taxi or take state transport bus. It is an amazing place for weekend getaway where you can enjoy some adventure like trekking and also click some great pictures of the falls with lush greenery all around it.
Arvalem Waterfalls
Just 2 kilometers from Sanquelim you will find Arvalem waterfalls that offer a picturesque view to the visitors. This is a great weekend picnic spot and offers a great natural landscape view.
The waterfalls are also known as Harvalem waterfalls and the water cascades down from the mountain from a height of 50 meters. There is an ancient cave in the vicinity that also attracts many visitors as these are rock cut caves. You can enjoy the natural waterfall during the monsoon period when it is in its full glory.
Savoi Spice Plantation
More than 200 years old, this plantation in Ponda is something that you should not miss out this monsoon season. The plantation is just 25 kilometers from Panjim and it offers a purely organic and natural environment to the visitors that want to see something different.
Bird watchers please note this place is for you people as the central pond in the plantation attracts many birds, so keep your cameras ready for some great pictures. If you want to stay here Savoi does provide accommodation and housing options.
Mandovi River Boating
You must have always seen Goa from the land facing the sea, this monsoon try opposite. A boat ride on the Mandovi River during the rains watching the countryside view of Goa, isn’t it a great idea.
Couples can definitely jump on the boats and enjoy some new experiences that they haven’t tried before. I must say Goa looks much more beautiful during the monsoons when you view it from the sea. Dark cloudy skies, countryside homes and cottages and lush green hills and trees all around offer spectacular view of Goa that you are going to take home in your mind.
I certainly understand Goa is all about the beaches and I haven’t said anything about the beaches so far. Well, I believe Goa beaches have always attracted locals and international travelers but these beaches offer best holiday experience during the winters although you can still go ahead and splash into the sea, no one is stopping you. However, there is much more that Goa offers during the monsoon and this time I have decided to offer something offbeat to my readers, after all Goa is not just about the beaches, it is about the time that is waiting for you go wild and free.
7 comments
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Where do you stay in Goa? Any recommendations? Namaste Lakshmi
Hi Lakshmi, I live in Mumbai.
Absolutely stunning photography here, and your words paint a really magical picture of an entirely different side to Goa than the backpacker and more generally accepted ‘Beach’ perspective. Great post!
Thank you. Well, I wanted to write something about Goa. Majority of the travelers come to Goa for beach parties, so I wrote a post which is completely opposite to the regular beach perspective because you can already find that info on millions of other sites.
Really thanks for sharing this useful post !! i was very eager to know about the best things to do in Goa . i am going to book a holiday package for with my family for fun and enjoyment. Goa is a really nice place to go for holidays .
Ajay, there are plenty of things you can do in Goa. It depends on what type of trip you’re taking. It can be romantic beach walks, adventure sports, hiking and exploring the natural beauty of Goa, visiting ancient churches and shopping at the flea market. Since you are visiting with the family you can visit many museums in Goa like Museum of Christian Art. You can also explore various forts, temples and even wildlife and bird sanctuary.