If you're a Globe Aware volunteer booking near the end of monsoon season in Goa, India, and don't mind a little rain, here are some extra activities you can enjoy during your volunteer vacation!
Travelling to Goa in monsoon? All sorts of fun you can have
Precious Rongmei
Sep 20, 2024
TIMESOFINDIA.COM
1 Travelling to Goa in monsoon? All sorts of fun you can have
Many people have mixed feelings about travelling to Goa during monsoon season. It will rain a lot, so what’s fun about that? Well, the fun lies in going and trying something beyond the usual, stepping away from the beaches for the time being, and exploring the hinterlands. During monsoon season, it’s the forest that shines in Goa.
For many people, Goa is synonymous with beaches and nightlife and all sorts of fun. Well, the side of Goa we are going to see here is a bit different, one that has a lot of great scenery, offbeat adventures, long drives, and hyper-local experiences.
Here are some of the most interesting ways to experience Goa during monsoon season.
2 Get to Chorao Island
There are two ways to reach Chorao Island – ferry from Ribandar or self drive from Panjim. But before everything else, make sure to hire a four-wheeler if you have sightseeing in mind. The drive from Panjim is scenic and almost an hour long. However, the ferry ride is always a great experience to have. Go to Ribandar and catch the next ferry to Chorao Island, it will cost you only INR 10 for your four-wheeler. The ferry ride is almost 15 minutes long, and you will be dropped right near the entrance of Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
3 Go see birds at Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Now that you are at the gate of the sanctuary, it makes sense to just go see what this place is all about. This bird sanctuary is one of the most important and popular bird sanctuaries in India. Named after Salim Ali, the Father of Indian Ornithology, this bird sanctuary is home to over 400 bird species. The mangrove habitat of this sanctuary is a hotspot for biodiversity. The entry fee is INR 10 per person (Indians), INR 100 per person (foreigners), and INR 25 for a still camera.
4 Explore the lush forest
Goa’s hinterland comes to life in the monsoon season. The rains turn the landscape lush, and all around you will see the most vibrant shade of green. Short guided hikes are the best ways to enjoy nature up close. There are several seasonal streams you should not miss out on.
5 Visit Pandava Caves
A quick and scenic drive from Chorao (approximately 24 km) will bring you to Pandava Caves or Arvalem Caves in Harvale. As per local legends, Pandavas, during their exile, visited the region and made these caves for some time. Do not expect to see a big crowd here as very few tourists visit this place.
6 Check out Arvalem Falls
A short distance away from the caves is the majestic Arvalem Falls. During monsoon season, the waterfall is big. You can walk up to the head of the waterfall as there is a proper path for visitors. However, walk carefully, as the path may be slippery due to the rain or the water from the waterfall. There will be several vendors selling snacks – a fire-roasted corn-on-the-cob on a rainy day, next to a waterfall sounds like a great idea. Refrain from getting too close to the railing near the head of the waterfall.
7 Visit the ghats, they are photogenic
Drive to Keri village to see the majestic ghats unfold right in front of your eyes. The views are stunning and unforgettable. Head to the Keri Foot Bridge, one of the most Instagrammable spots in Goa. As you walk along the bridge, enjoy the serene environment, the stillness of the place, and the grand view of the village life down below. You will be able to see coconut groves, villages homes, seasonal streams, all from up above.
8 Visit Ponda for its spice plantations
Ponda is home to some of the oldest spice plantations in Goa. Why visit a spice plantation? You can see where your spices come from, you can learn about how spices are planted and harvested, you can see how Goan traditional beverages are made, you can grab a hearty meal at the plantation, and most importantly, you can buy some great quality spices and essential oils from the source.
