SEASONALLY-APPROPRIATE ACTIVITIES IN GOA

Goa has become the favoured option for domestic tourists from coastal regions throughout the years by skilfully utilising its culture and tourism attractions. If you were to look at the South Indian states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, or Andhra Pradesh, you would see that they too have a sea and verdant Ghats. For vacation, employment, casinos, and parties, people from these states rush to Goa; some even make Goa their permanent residence.

Recently, there has been a lot of discussion over domestic travellers' preferences for Goa experiences. This raises the question of what makes Goa so special that it attracts these tourists in the summer or during a rainy season.

I made the decision to stroll along South Goa's well-known Sernabatim Beach on Sunday, as is customary. I went to the beach since there was a brief break in the rain. As usual, there were rows of automobiles there, most of which had the license plates of our neighbouring states. Ai Saiba, all are tourists, my friend said as he parked his car. I retorted that people came here only to enjoy the quiet, serene South Goa beach.

The Indian State of Goa, with its breathtaking beaches, exhilarating water sports, mouthwatering Goan cuisine, and an abundance of sunshine, has been drawing tourists from far and wide with its wonderful kaleidoscope combination of Indian and Portuguese cultures. Many people are unsure about the best time to plan a holiday to Goa, despite the fact that you may visit the palm-lined beaches of this tropical region all year round. If this is you, this post is for you because it explains all the benefits of visiting Goa in any season.

With its boundless lengths of sandy beaches, lively culture, and exciting nightlife, Goa is one of the most popular holiday destinations as the weather rises and the sun shines brightly. Even though May marks the start of Goa's off-season because of the onset of the monsoon, it doesn't deter people looking for an exciting summer getaway full of adventure and enjoyment. Here's a guide to some fascinating activities to do in Goa in summer for an amazing holiday, in case you're also planning a trip around this time.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN SUMMER IN GOA

BEACH HOPPING

Goa's immaculate coastline stretches along the Arabian Sea, making beach hopping an essential activity. Goa provides a beach experience unlike any other, whether it's relaxing on the golden sands of Baga Beach, enjoying water sports at dona Paula or Candolim Beach, or discovering the quiet shores of Palolem or Sernabatim Beach.

PARASAILING

In Goa, parasailing is one of the most popular adventure sports. Enjoying the breathtaking view of the surrounding ocean while being whisked away on a fast speedboat ride across the Arabian Sea is an exhilarating experience. This is undoubtedly an extreme sport, yet most Goan adventure sports facilities let you to try parasailing up to May, when the summer officially ends.

Anjuna, Calangute, Baga, Candolim, Majorda, and Dona Paula beaches are the beaches that are best for parasailing.

800Rs – 1000Rs/person

VISIT SPICE PLANTATIONS

Take a detour and visit the spice plantations instead of just the beaches. Interestingly, Goa's spice plantations provide you with the chance to experience the farming process and savor a classic Goan meal enhanced with freshly ground spices.

Entry fee for most of the gardens is 500Rs h0wever price may vary for different gardens

DOLPHIN WATCHING

Fin-less porpoises, sea urchins, and amiable dolphins are among the many aquatic species that abound along the Goan coast. On a summer's day, get onto a jetty and watch the dolphins swim by as you go out into the water just before sunrise. If you're lucky, you may even catch them leaping out of the water.

Palolem, Coco, Cavelossim, Sinquerim, and Morjim are the best beaches to see dolphins.

300Rs – 3000Rs/ person (depends on package)

DSCOVER OLD GOA

Discover Goa's rich past and culture by touring the Old Goa historic places. See churches that have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, like the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral, and be in awe of the architectural triumphs that are a testament to the colonial past of the area.

SCUBA DIVING

There is a plethora of different and varied marine life beneath the azure waters of Goan beaches. Scuba diving is one of the most thrilling water sports that visitors to Goa can partake in during their summer vacation is perfect for individuals who are addicted to adrenaline and love the ocean. Goa is a good place to do scuba diving from October to late May. Monsoon rains cause the majority of scuba diving centers to close starting in June.

UNWIND WITH SPA GETAWAYS

Goa offers opulent spa retreats where you may refresh your mind, body, and soul. Treat yourself to a pampering session there. Enjoy relaxing in peaceful settings and depart feeling revitalised and renewed with Ayurveda massages and universal wellness treatments.

SHOPPING

Goa boasts some of the top local marketplaces and bazaars, offering an abundance of options to suit every taste. There are fantastic shopping markets at almost all of the well-known beaches in Goa where you can purchase trendy swimwear, handicrafts made from seashells, trinkets, jewelry, and various other souvenirs. Visit these flea markets in the evenings to get away from the hot heat and enjoy the delicious Goan seafood that is served at the beach shacks as the sun sets.

The Anjuna Flea Market, Mapusa Market, Panjim Market, Calangute Market Square, Baga Market and Saturday Night Bazaar at Arpora, are well-known Goan shopping destinations.

Goa's monsoon season offers a unique experience with its rainy bike tours, boat excursions, and traditional monsoon cuisine, as well as its thrilling forest treks. For those who prefer to watch the rain fall from a distance or the one who enjoy outdoors there are still lots of activities available. These are few fun things to do in Goa during the rainy season.

TREK WATERFALLS

It's no secret that the Western Ghats experience breathtaking, thunderous waterfalls during the monsoon. Join any tour operators for an expedition to a hidden waterfall tucked away deep within a jungle on your next trip to Goa.

Visit striking Dudhsagar Waterfalls

A sight to behold in the monsoon season are the magnificent Dudhsagar Waterfalls, nestled amid the verdant woods of the Western Ghats. Indulge in the natural splendor of this enchanted location by trekking along the lush trails and admiring the falling rivers.

TAKE A RIVER CRUISE

Getting aboard a boat and cruising the tranquil waters of the Mandovi River is one of the most relaxing things to do in Goa during the monsoon. Enjoy a leisurely one-hour ride across the river as a diversion from the city's hustle and bustle, nightlife, and beaches.

Location: Tourism Jetty, below the Mandovi Bridge Panaji

Timings: 05:15 PM, 06:15 PM, 07:15 PM

Price: 499 Rs onwards/person

RELISH MONSOON FESTIVALS

It's true that the monsoon is the ideal time of year to celebrate in Goa! Numerous festivals are held around the city's towns and are only accessible during the rainy season. Celebrated in honor of St. John the Baptist, the Sao Joao Fest in Siolim is one of the most vibrant carnivals. Bright apparel and flowery headpieces are shown, and Feni, the local beverage, is consumed in copious amounts.

One of the greatest spots to visit in Goa in July is the Patolleanchem Feast, which serves delicious the Patolleo, a dessert with rice, coconut and jaggery, after which this feast is named. If you're a foodie, don't miss it.

The Touxeachem Fest is an atypical celebration in which followers of St. Anne arrive bearing two cucumbers; one is presented to the statue, and the other is carried home after being blessed. Food festivals and good-natured mud wrestling are just a few examples.

Location: Across the city

Timings: All Day

Price: Free

JACK UP THE GHATS

Driving up the ghats during the monsoon season is virtually a must when visiting Goa; in particular, the Chorla Ghat and Anmod Ghat, which are parts of the Western Ghats, are testaments to the fact that Goa is much more than just clubs, shacks, and beaches.

One can only imagine how enjoyable it must be to drive along these routes during the monsoon, given that Goa is renowned for its abundant vegetation and nice weather all year round.

VISIT WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES

Your trip isn't complete if you don't visit Goa's animal reserves during the monsoon. A unique activity to undertake in Goa during the monsoon season is to explore the city's many evergreen sanctuaries. Visit Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary for its gorgeous waterfalls and for a trip to the clean Chorla Ghats and is also one of the top locations to visit in goa during monsoon.

Another excellent location to see gazelles, panthers, and sloth bears is Cotigao Sanctuary. Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Bonda Sanctuary, Netravali, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, and Mollem National Park are a few other lesser-known sanctuaries.

VISIT FORTS

The old city's forts are the best way to depict Goan history. The Goan forts are a must-see, especially during the rainy season when hiking up to the forts and taking in the breathtaking view from the top feels enchanted. They are the pinnacle of Portuguese and Indian construction.

The magnificent Corjuem Fort, a symbol of Portuguese architecture, and the 19th-century Aguada Fort, home to Goa's largest prison and lighthouse, are two of the city's most well-known forts. Two of the most popular forts which was once owned by Indian emperors to visit in Goa are the eminent Terekhol Fort from the 18th century, and the famous Chapora Fort which offers a stunning view of Vagator beach.

CYCLE WHILE IT’S RAINING

Travel to Divar Island by ferry over the Mandovi River, where you may go cycling and see the native plants and animals. Additionally, you may go on boat excursions through Goa's backwaters in Velha, hop across smaller islands that surround Divar, and go on bicycle rides along picturesque verdant meadows in the Cansaulim town. Alternatively, you can ride your bike over The Ponte de Linhares, a 3.2 km causeway that connects Ribandar to the Panaji major city of Goa.

GO TO THE CASINO

While there are a plenty of things to do in Goa during the monsoon, playing casino games at one of the many Goa casinos is something you can do all year long. The activity is at the floating casinos, however some onshore casinos have electronic games.

entry fees 1500Rs- 5000Rs/ person (price varies depending on the casino)