However, Goa has much more to offer than just the beach! It’s especially beautiful during monsoon time from June to September, when nature flourishes, the rain brings refreshment and romance, and Goa takes on a more traditional flavor. Travel to Goa during the monsoon and you'll be able to experience it the local Goan way.
Goa Monsoon Attractions:
Goa's picturesque wildlife sanctuaries are open all year round. The major ones are Mollem National Park and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. The imposing Dudhsagar Falls, located on the fringe of the Mollem National Park, is at its best during the monsoon as the water rages down from a huge height. Another great place to visit is the acclaimed spice plantation in Savoi, reached by an enchanting drive through dense jungles and hills from Ponda. An evening boat cruise up the Mandovi River from Panaji is enjoyable, and Goa’s historic character-filled buildings provide much interest. Fishing in any of Goa’s rivers is also fun!Goa Monsoon Festivals:
One of the best reasons to visit Goa during the monsoon is the vibrant festivals that take place. The most popular festival, Sao-Joao (the fertility feast of Saint John the Baptist), is celebrated in late June and involves the interesting feat of men jumping into overflowing village wells to retrieve bottles of local feni alcohol. The feast of Saints Peter and Paul, at the end of June, sees people sailing up river on rafts performing plays and songs. In late August, the carnival-like Bonderam flag festival is held on tiny Divar Island, off the coast from Panaji. Ganesh Chaturthi is also observed in Goa.Goa Monsoon Hotels:
The Wildernest Nature Resort offers enticing monsoon season specials, and it’s an incredible place to stay right amongst nature. Cottages start from 3,800 rupees ($76) per night, including all meals, tax, and activities such as nature walks, eco tours and trekking. This is almost 50% less than peak season rates. You'll also find very enticing monsoon rates at most luxury hotels in Goa. Alternatively, if you're visiting Goa on a budget, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation has put together some inexpensive monsoon season packages for the 2009 monsoon season.Goa Monsoon Restaurants:
Restaurants that aren’t located on the beach usually stay open during the monsoon. Lloyd’s in Calangute (after the chapel, on the Candolim Main Road) is the place to be on a stormy monsoon evening. It serves delicious Goan home cooking and is open through the night. The atmosphere is friendly and entertaining, with many people passing by and dropping in.Goa Monsoon Nightlife:
The infamous Mambo's and Tito's at Baga Beach both rock all year round, along with the alluring Loungefly (and you can eat there as well). The Goa Marriott's designer bar, called Ozone, is a good choice for those looking for somewhere more upmarket in Panaji. The multi-level Butter, at Sinquerim (near Candolim Beach), stays open until the early hours of the morning with interstate DJs playing. Live musicians can be heard at the more laid back Cavala, near Baga Beach. This place caters to an older crowd and there's live rock & roll every Saturday night.Getting to Goa:
Goa is well connected to the rest of India by air, bus, and train. However, the bus can be slow and uncomfortable so try to take the train where possible. Trains on the Konkan Railway can cover the distance from Mumbai to Goa in less than 10 hours, with the best train being the Konkankanya Express. Most trains will stop at Margao (Madgaon), which is Goa's main train station. Some, such as the Konkankanya Express, will stop at other stations as well.
