Goa is the ultimate beach destination for beach bums not only in India, but across the globe. I am one of them! The beaches, the water sports, the culture and the yum-yum-yummy food - together they concoct a plan to makes me crave for a Goa visit every year! Typically the season for Goa is said to begin from end September till around mid March. Everyone we know is always telling us that Goa is supposedly at it's best around New Years and the Sunburns and the Carnivals of the world - and they are right. But my favorite time to visit Goa is : the Monsoons.
Yes! Goa is BEAUTIFUL in rains! I was in Goa a few weekends back for a super fun bloggers event and launch, and the rain-touched landscape took my breath away for a moment. It is true, rain does makes everything more beautiful, and I found that the beaches were a million times more enchanting in Monsoons. The choppy sea was magical. The wind was so strong that it almost pushed us 3 girls away by a hundred meters, all drenched in a matter of second and giggling like little kids. Oh, what fun! So, here is my list on why to head to Goa in Monsoons:
5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Goa in The Monsoons:
1. Rains make the beaches prettier, and they are almost deserted!
What can be better than to have your favorite beach all to yourself? Nothing at all, I know. It is a blessing. The shacks on most beaches disappear during the rains, and the sight of the vast expanse of the beach is something that you'll never witness in the season. Dance on the beach in the rains, write your names in the sand and have a great time without the crowds that are typical of the 'on season' time.
2. Driving around the Goan landscape amidst rains is the best!
Just drive on the inner Goan roads, and soak in the beauty. The Portuguese style houses look pristine in the rains, the churches are beautiful, the forts look mesmerizing and the waterfalls that flesh up in the rains are a sight to behold. I loved the drive from The Leela to The Lalit in continuous rains because it was nothing short of magic.
3. Monsoon being the so called off-season, travel and stay are cheaper!
Because it is the tourist off seasons, you can snag really good deals on travel to Goa, and also accommodation. Even the best of hotels offer an off season discount which is as high up as 45%. So even on a budget, you can do a Goa monsoon trip like a boss. The picture below is from my stay at The Leela and I am officially in love with the property.
4. The natural beauty is in its full form during monsoons
The greenery in Goa during the rainy season is incomparable. Go check out one of the wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa that are open to visitors throughout the year and are something that not many people go for. I get it, we obsess over the beaches and the beer, but there is much more to Goa than that. So I recommend you try and squeeze in a visit to one of the many wildlife sanctuaries in Goa: the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem National Park and the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary. Trust me, you'll not regret it.
Food:
Goan food is one of my all time favorite cuisines, and I can So go on, plan a travel to Goa only for the food if it was an option. Honest! The hot curries and freshly baked local bread when it's pouring outside, is a total bliss. The fish and other seafood is as fresh as it gets in the monsoons, and trust me, you will relish the spices and the taste more when it is a little cold outside and your clothes are soaking wet because you just ran from the beach to the shack, when it suddenly started to rain. Seriously. It does start to rain heavily in a matter of a few seconds in Goa and it is wonderful to get caught in it, ha!
Tempting? You bet it is!Goa trip this monsoon and witness your favorite beach destination in a whole new light. Or should I say, under a whole new cloud? :) Happy traveling!