Looking for the best places to visit in Goa in monsoon season? Goa is known for its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife, especially during the Christmas and summer seasons.
Goa experiences torrential rains and strong winds that change the landscape in many ways in the rainy season.
Hence, those beach parties might not be a regular thing because of bad weather. This keeps a lot of party animals away but at the same time, it also attracts people seeking rain-soaked escapes. Hence, couples and people who want to enjoy the lush greenery prefer to visit Goa in July and henceforth.
Planning a trip to Goa in monsoon is a good thing. However, you also have to keep track of the weather. As the Southwest Monsoon winds intensify the weather can turn from bad to worse ruining your holiday plans.
If you are adamant and willing to venture out in the rain there are many monsoon places in Goa to explore.
So, let’s begin with the list.
1. Aguada Fort
One of the most visited places in Goa is Aguada Fort. This hilltop fort is an ideal place for those who love history and sunsets. However, during the monsoon season in Goa, you might not be able to witness sunsets due to weather conditions.
On the other hand, the cool and pleasant rainy weather makes it one of the best places to visit in Goa in monsoon.
Goa has plenty of buildings and structures that reflect the finesse of Portuguese architecture and Fort Aguada is one. As you explore the fort premises you get a sneak peek into Goa’s rich history and panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
This is also one of the best preserved Portuguese forts in India. Built in the 17th century, this fort has a history of never falling into enemy hands making it one of the strongest coastal forts in India.
Being closer to Panaji, the capital of Goa it is easily accessible and you can also visit other beaches close to the fort like Sinquerim Beach.
2. Anjuna Beach
Known for its swaying palms, golden sand and natural beauty, Anjuna Beach remains one of the popular beaches in Goa. Hence, it is one of the top places to visit in north Goa.
Unlike other beaches, Anjuna Beach has a rocky formation overlying a cove of white sand and black rocks that juts into the Arabian Sea. The beach is also popular for its vibrant nightlife and amazing seaside restaurants and bars.
If you love shopping you can visit the Wednesday Flea Market where you can find some steal deals. The beach is also known for its water sports activities. However, that might be absent during the monsoon season in Goa.
You can still visit this beach and enjoy the misty cool winds and the monsoon weather.
3. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
While most beaches in Goa might not be as sunny and dry as you would expect you can look for other alternatives. The best part about exploring Goa in monsoon is that you can enjoy the lush greenery that is absent during the summer months.
If you are into wildlife and birdlife, you can head away from the coastline of Goa and head for the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.
This area is located near the town of Molem and is a great place for those who want to go hiking and explore the nature Goa has to offer. If you are looking for something other than the spectacular beaches of Goa you can give this a try.
The park is home to more than 700 different species of flowering plants of which 128 plants are endemic.
This is also an ideal time for exploring birds like the Golden Oriole, Greater Indian Hornbill, shrikes, kingfishers, wagtails and many others. Apart from amazing monsoon creatures, you can also explore reptiles and butterflies.
The sanctuary is also home to Goa’s 12th-century Shiva temple known as Tambdi Surla Temple. You can also explore the Dudhsagar Falls (Sea of Milk Falls) for its picture-perfect view.
4. Cabo de Rama Beach
Considered a hidden gem, Cabo de Rama Beach is one of the best places to visit in South Goa. If you are planning to stay in south Goa you would certainly want to add this beach to your list.
During the rainy season, you can enjoy the blue waters that offer a tranquil experience. Since the beach is secluded there are not many people around. Hence, it is one of the places to visit in Goa in monsoon.
You can visit this beach for one-day picnics or for a few hours where you can contemplate or enjoy private quality conversations with your partner. The beach is close to Cabo de Rama Fort.
Hence, if you prefer some hiking you can head up the fort and enjoy a spectacular view of the beach. If you are up for more activities you can also explore the Canaguinim Beach nearby.
5. Chapora Fort
Honestly, Chapora Fort was just another fort built by the Portuguese until Dil Chahta Hai (2001) came along and made this place a runaway success. That iconic Goa pact scene from the movie compelled people to head to Chapora Fort and relive the same shot in real life with their friends.
The view from the Chapora Fort is absolutely mesmerizing and one can look in all directions from a higher angle.
The strategic location of this fort made it one of the historical forts in Goa that saw many battles, conquests and exchange of hands. While you are exploring the scenic views of the Arabian Sea you can also explore the Vagator Beach right next to the fort.
If you are here when the weather is relatively good you can witness some spectacular sunsets.
6. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
If you prefer some dense forest and tall trees, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary in Canacona seems like a perfect place. This is one of the best places to visit in Goa in monsoon for some adventure and challenge.
While the best time to visit this place would be after October, you can explore it in the rainy months as well. However, make sure that know how to plan your travel during the rainy season.
This sanctuary was established in 1968 and it has all the facilities and amenities that would ensure that you can have a safe trip. Here you can find toilets, a reception area, a visitors area, a library, a forest ranger office and a rescue centre.
If you are into animals and birds you can have a great time exploring this sanctuary. Hikers can find some interesting nature trails but you can also explore the sanctuary in your private vehicle.
7. Dona Paula Jetty
While you are in Goa in the monsoon you can also spend a few hours at the Dona Paula Jetty. This gives you a great view of the Arabian Sea and you can spend time alone or with your partner.
The region is known for its scenic view and many regional and national films are shot here which only popularizes this place.
As you visit the jetty you can also find a whitewashed statue perched on the rocks near the jetty. These statues were sculpted in 1969 by Baroness Yrse Von Leistner.
On the official Goa tourism website, it is mentioned that the statue depicts Mother India and Young India. However, when you explore Goa you will hear various interesting stories of why the statues are placed on the rocks.
8. Dudhsagar Falls
One of the best places to visit in Goa during monsoon has to be the immensely popular Dudhsagar Falls. This four-tier waterfall has to be most the popular waterfall in Goa and it comes alive during the monsoon season.
Hence, this is one of the places which you cannot miss when you are in Goa in monsoon.
With a height of 310 metres (1017 feet), this is also the fifth-highest waterfall in India. You can enjoy this waterfall when you are hiking the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.
However, you must keep track of the weather conditions to ensure that you get access to the national park and sanctuary.
9. Palolem Beach
One of the best beaches in south Goa, Palolem Beach is among the places to visit in Goa in monsoon. This beach attracts ample international visitors because of its natural beauty and scenic views.
This one-mile-long crescent-shaped beach offers an end-to-end view that makes this beach special.
The beach is perfect for various beach activities like kayaking, swimming and paddleboarding. However, you need to take precautions during the monsoon. You must look out for warnings and know when the tides are high to avoid any unfortunate events.
Also, the beach is not very crowded and is a perfect spot during your trip to Goa in monsoon. If you love to celebrate Christmas in July, Goa is one of the best destinations for you.
10. Reis Magos Fort
The word Reis Magos comes from a Portuguese name for the Three Wise Men or Three Kings from the Bible. While the Reis Magos Fort is close to Aguada Fort, this one is almost half a century older than Fort Aguada.
The Portuguese decided to build a fort in 1541 immediately after they conquered the village of Bardez.
One can also explore the Reis Magos Church which is as old as the fort. The old church has been restored to convert it into a cultural centre and a tourist attraction.
From the fort, you can look out to the beach and the Mandovi River which eventually meets the Arabian Sea.
11. Vagator Beach
While you are looking for the best places to visit in Goa in monsoon you would also want to add Vagator Beach to the list. This remains one of the most beautiful beaches in north Goa.
The good part about the beach is that it is clean and quiet. Hence, this is a perfect spot for those who want to take a break from their hustle and bustle and enjoy some quiet walks.
You can enjoy these walks with your partner or watch the tides for hours. Also, if you prefer to enjoy some meals you can find plenty of restaurants and eateries around the beach. This would offer you a perfect way to enjoy holidays in Goa in monsoon.
Subsequently, you can also visit the Chapora Fort close to the beach. Subsequently you can explore Chapora Beach on the other side of the fort.
Conclusion
Goa in monsoon is a different place altogether. While Goa is known for its pristine sunny beaches, water sports activities and vibrant beach parties all this changes during the rainy season.
With torrential rains and strong winds, weather can ruin your monsoon holidays in Goa in a jiffy. It is advisable to travel by train in India especially during the monsoons to reach safely and on time.
However, it also provides many with the opportunity to find peaceful locations when it’s not a peak season. These places in north Goa and south Goa can provide you with the great monsoon escape you are looking for. Also, with not many tourists around you can find excellent hotel and resort deals.
You can also find restaurants and eateries where you can relax and enjoy the misty beach views and the rain. Hence, you can always look out for places to visit in Goa in monsoon and make the most of your trip.
6 comments
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.
Great photos! Thanks for a look at some places during a very different time.
Sharukh, you’ve given us such a beautiful variety of setting to explore. It’s stunning. Thanks for this post. Hugs to you and Sarah.