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Things to Do in Goa in Monsoon

Very few sights compare to the beauty of the Dudhsagar Waterfalls, especially in the monsoon. Translating to ‘Ocean of Milk’, owing to its frothy white waters, this 1017 feet high fall roars as it gushes down over the rocky terrain.

The best way to explore the falls is to book a safari that involves off-roading in a Jeep. The ride takes you from the base of the falls, through the lush tropical greenery, leading up to the falls. The waters of Dudhsagar coupled with the light rainfall make the sight, heavenly! Splash around, bathe in the pools, take a walk through the dense jungle around Dudhsagar and befriend monkeys as you feed them along the way and its one of the best places to visit in Goa in July.

Location: Sonaulim, Goa 403410

Timings: 24 hours

Price: Starting at Rs. 1300 per person

One of the most calming things to do in Goa in monsoon is to hop onto a boat and leave your worries behind as you cruise along on the serene waters of the Mandovi River. Take a break from the beaches, nightlife, and the bustle of the city and enjoy a laid-back 1-hour trip across the river.

If you book a tour, be prepared for a lot of fun which includes entry to the Carnival Village, watching performances, dancing to the beats by the DJ and indulging in delightful dishes at the numerous food stalls. Needless to say, Panaji’s splendid panoramic views from the boat, especially at night, make it a memorable ride!

Location: Tourism Jetty, below the Mandovi Bridges, Patto, Panaji, Goa 403001

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

Price: Rs. 385 onwards per person

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If you want an experience of a lifetime, one of the best things to do in Goa in monsoon is to book a trek to the famous Udaan Dongor, hidden in the town of Valpoi. Goa’s fourth highest peak, Udaan Dongor is home to treacherous wilderness, winding trails, and gushing streams.

There's a good chance of spotting bison, leopards and deer as you trudge along the trails. On reaching the peak you'll be welcomed by the breathtaking panoramic view of the Western Ghats. The light rain washes over the trees around lending to them a beautiful lush green shade that adds an unparalleled beauty to the scenery!

Location: Valpoi, Goa 403506

Timings: 7 am to 7 pm

Price: Rs. 3000 for guided trek

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Rafting on the Mhadei River is one of the best things to do in Goa in monsoon. Often referred to as the Mandovi River, the location is surreal and the downpour makes it perfect for rafting. Ideal for first-timers and seasoned adventure enthusiasts, the rafting activity spans 10 kms, welcoming you to vistas of bright green jungles along the way.

Manoeuvre your way across Class 2 and 3 rapids that are easy yet enthralling as you ride over the moody waves that add to the fun of the activity. Don’t miss out on the delightful wildlife sanctuary that passes you by. 

Location: Valpoi, Goa 403506

Timings: 9:30 am and 2:30 pm

Price: Rs. 1500 onwards

Goa’s Spice Gardens are a must-visit during the rainy season. The gardens sprawl for acres and boast of an exotic array of aromatic spices including Nutmeg, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Pepper and much more. Imagine the fragrance of the spices blending with the petrichor during the monsoon! As you tour the garden you learn about the variety of spices, their medicinal values, uses and growing methods.

Lunch at the Spice Gardens is served in earthen pots and on banana leaves, followed by fresh fruits from their organic farms which are served as dessert. . Following a delicious meal, you’ll learn more about vanilla extraction, cashew nut processing, and swinging the Betel Nut palms. The folk dance show and an enjoyable elephant-back ride, later, makes it one of the favourite places to visit in goa during monsoon, among tourists.

Location: Neo Majestic Hotel Aberdeen, Alto- Betim Porvorim, Bardez, Goa 403521

Timings: 9 am - 5 pm

Price: Starting at Rs. 400 per person

If you thought monsoon is the season to celebrate in Goa, you’re absolutely right! The city hosts umpteen festivals across towns, that can only be experienced in the rainy season. The Sao Joao Fest in Siolim is one of the brightest carnivals, celebrated in memory of St, John the Baptist. Vibrant clothing and floral headgears are flaunted and Goa’s popular drink, Feni, flows freely. If you’re a foodie head to the Patolleanchem Feast that offers mouth-watering seafood delicacies and it one of the best places to visit in goa in july.

The highlight of this feast is ofcourse, the Patolleo, a dessert with rice, coconut and jaggery, after which this feast is named. Another unusual fest is the Touxeachem Fest where devotees of St. Anne arrive with two cucumbers, one which is offered to the statue, and the other is taken home after seeking blessings. From food fests to friendly mud-fights, the list goes on. 

Location: Across the city

Timings: All Day

Price: Free

One of the almost-mandatory things to do in Goa in monsoon is to drive up the ghats, especially the Chorla Ghat, approximately a 2-hour drive from Calangute and Panjim. Chorla Ghat, a part of the Western Ghats, is testimony that Goa goes beyond clubs, shacks and beaches and has much more to offer.

As you drive up towards the ghat you’ll pass by the Harlem Waterfall and the Arvalem Cave that is believed to have housed the Pandavas during their exile. Once you enter the ghat, the road is lined with towering coconut trees which form canopies. Being at a height, the skies are brimming with clouds. If Goa is known for its lush greenery and pleasant weather all through the year, one can simply imagine what a pleasurable ride it must be to drive through this route in the monsoon. 

Location: State Highway 4, Belgavi, Maharashtra 403505

Timings: 24 hours

Price: Free

If you don’t visit the wildlife sanctuaries of Goa during the monsoon, your trip isn’t complete. One of the off-beat things to do in Goa during monsoon is to visit the evergreen sanctuaries that the city has to offer. Visit Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary for its beautiful waterfalls and for a trip to the pristine Chorla Ghats and it also one of the best places to visit in goa in july.

Admire more than 250 species of butterflies and birds here. If you’re an adventure seeker, head to the Mhadei River for some rafting. Cotigao Sanctuary is another great place to visit if you want to spot Gazelles, Panthers and Sloths Bears. Other lesser-known sanctuaries include Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Netravali, and Bonda Sanctuary. 

Location: Varpoi, Khotigao, Verlem, Bonda and others

Timings: 9 am - 5 pm

Price: Starting at Rs. 20 per person

Nothing captures Goan history better than the forts that define the ancient city. An epitome of Portuguese and Indian architecture, Goan forts are a must-visit, especially in the rains, when trekking up to the forts and admiring the view from the top feels magical.

Some of the prominent forts of Goa are the majestic Corjuem Fort, a landmark of Portuguese architecture, and the Aguada Fort, built in the 19th century, which boasts of a lighthouse and the largest prison in Goa. Forts that belonged to Indian emperors include the Terekhol Fort of the 18th century and the famous Chapora Fort from where you can enjoy a captivating view of the Vagator Beach and they are must visit places to visit in goa in june.

Location: Chapora, Candolim, Bardez and others

Timings: Open 24 hours (Ideal visit: 6 am to 6 pm)

Price: Free

One of the many things to do in Goa in monsoon is to go clubbing, which is equally fun all year-round! Goa harbours a medley of party places, ranging from clubs to beach shacks, pubs and bars, night markets and cruises. Every venue stands out in its own way.

The clubs are known for their impeccable choice of foot-tapping music and glam interiors, while the bars and pubs are frequented for their bite-sized delectables and free-flowing liquor. If you want to let your hair down, dine, and soak in the beauty of Goa, you ought to visit the beach shacks. But if you’re looking for some out-of-the-box fun hit the casinos for a night of gambling, or head to the night markets to go on a Goan shopping spree.

Location: Across the city

Timings: 6 pm onwards

Price: Rs. 1000 onwards

What's better than Goa in monsoon, you ask? Bike rides in the beautiful rains with your friends, we'd say!  Travelling to Goa with friends is what we have always dreamt of, but on the rare occasion that you happen to go, make sure you go on a bike ride in the rain with your gang!

One of the most memorable things to do in Goa during monsoon, is to head out on a bike ride with your friends, while the soft breeze and cold rain brushes against your face! Quite a few rent-a-bike shops will be happy to oblige you with top-end models that you can drive around on smoothly. Whizz past beaches, ride along chapels, through quaint villages and on winding roads that challenge your riding skills.

Location: Across Goa

Timings: 24 hours

Price: Renting a bike starts at Rs. 1000 per day

Needless to say, when in Goa, be ‘Susegad’ and eat like there’s no tomorrow! Goa is an absolute delight for foodies. Being a coastal city, Goa offers the best of seafood that range from prawns to crabs, shellfish to shark, and everything in between. Some of the must-try dishes here are the fish curry, the Chicken Xacuti, Pork Vindaloo, and the dry prawn curry prepared especially during the monsoon season.

The seafood here is absolutely fresh and a must-try! There are quite a few vegetarian options too including Sorak, a simple curry, and Patolea, made with leaves, coconut, red rice and tamarind. End your meal with the local sweet, Bebinca or the tourist favourite, Perad, also called Guava Cheese which os one of the best places to visit in goa in june.

Location: Across the city

Timings: All Day

Price: Starting at Rs. 600 for two

Goa isn’t all party and pubs, beaches and bars. Some of the unusual monsoon experiences in Goa include a trip to Anjuna Flea Market for some good old traditional buys. Set up daily, except Wednesdays, the market is like an escape from Goa while still in the city and it a must visit places to visit in goa during monsoon.

Dotted with Kashmiri, Tibetan, and Rajasthani shops, one can choose from an array of saris, bags, jewellery, spices, home decor items and so much more! The vibrant shops are bustling with tourists, there are artists selling portrait and tattoo services and travellers thronging cafes for some chilled beer and hot food to go with it. 

Location: 10, St. Michael’s Vaddo South, Anjuna, Goa 403509

Timings: 9 am - 5 pm

Price: Free Entry (Personal expenses to be accounted for)

There are umpteen things to do in Goa during monsoon, but something that you can enjoy all through the year is gambling at the many casinos Goa has to offer. While some onshore casinos are equipped only with electronic games, the floating casinos is where all the action is.

There are live tables, VIP gaming rooms, entertainment zones, lounges, LIVE music, and if you’re lucky enough you just might spot a celebrity! Poker, Roulette, Black Jack and much more await! Some of the best spots for a night of gaming include Big Daddy Casino, Deltin Royale, Casino Pride, Deltin Caravela, and Casino Strike, among many others. 

Location: River Mandovi, Captain Of Ports Jetty, Panaji, Goa 403001

Timings: Open 24 hours

Price: Starting at Rs. 2000