Come to the South! Things to Do in South Goa During Monsoons 2025
- Diya Padiyar
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
So you’re thinking of Goa in the rains—and someone told you South Goa is “too quiet” this time of year? Good. They’re not entirely wrong. But that’s also why you should go.
Because while North Goa puts up its party umbrella and waits for the next sunset selfie, South Goa in the monsoons turns soft, green, soulful. The kind of place where rivers swell, churches glow in the mist, and locals actually have time to talk to you over chai.
This isn’t the Goa of beach bars and beer buckets. This is the Goa of barefoot walks, full waterfalls, and fish curry with steam still rising.
Ready to do nothing—and everything? Here’s what to do in South Goa during the monsoons.
1. Chase Waterfalls – They’re Finally Full
The monsoons unlock South Goa’s best-kept secret: its wild, gushing, not-on-Instagram-yet waterfalls. This is when they’re at their dramatic best—and you’ll probably have them to yourself.
Top Picks:
Netravali Waterfalls (with a short forest trek)
Kuskem Waterfalls (off the beaten path, near Cotigao)
Tambdi Surla Falls (near the famous 12th-century temple)
Dabal Water Cascade (for a slow relaxed time with family)
Wear good shoes, carry a dry bag, and go early. Some roads can get tricky post-rainfall.
Want to experience these waterfalls with us? Join our Tambdi Surla Waterfall Trail to trek through the lush forests of the Western Ghats and uncover the majestic falls near a 12th-century temple—complete with stories, nature, and history. Or take it slow with our A Monsoon Getaway at Dabal, perfect for a relaxed day out surrounded by nature, local tales, and serene vibes. Book your monsoon escape now!
2. Do a Church-Hop in the Rain
Forget umbrellas—wear a rain jacket and wander. South Goa’s villages are dotted with whitewashed churches that look extra photogenic with rain dripping off their arches.
Favourites:
Our Lady of Remedios, Betalbatim – peaceful and postcard-worthy
Holy Spirit Church, Margao – baroque beauty
Rachol Seminary Church – full of stories and charm
Bonus: The surrounding cemeteries and old village houses look straight out of a gothic novel in the mist.
3. Drive Through the Ghats. Slowly. With a Playlist.
If you like the sound of tires on wet roads and trees brushing your car as fog rolls in, you’ll love driving through the Western Ghats down south. The roads are narrow but stunning—think valleys, bridges, sleepy villages, and paddy fields bursting with green.
Top Monsoon Routes:
Canacona to Agonda via Cotigao
Quepem to Sanguem via Rivona
Netravali to Verlem
Take it slow. Stop for mirchi bhaji and chai at roadside stalls. Wave at the buffaloes. It’s that kind of vibe.
4. Stay in a Heritage Home (You’ll Thank the Rains for It)
Instead of checking into a concrete hotel, pick a 200-year-old house with a sloping tiled roof, wooden beams, and verandas made for watching rain fall for hours. The best part? You’ll get hot food, local stories, and sometimes, surprise music nights if you’re lucky.
Look for:
Homestays in Chandor, Curtorim, Loutolim
Boutique heritage hotels near Palolem and Agonda
Traditional Goan homes with old-school charm and great food
5. Skip the Shacks, Try Village Cafés Instead
Beachside shacks are mostly shut. But the village cafés and bakeries? Absolutely thriving.
Order bhaji-pao. Try Goan red rice with crab curry. Grab bebinca or doce from the neighborhood baker. And if you see a sign that says “Tea & Choris Pao” – follow it.
Monsoon-Worthy Food Stops:
Margarida’s in Benaulim
Salcete Café in Margao
Patio 23 in Chandor
The Farmhouse Bistro in Quepem
Ask a local what’s on the day’s fish menu—it’ll be whatever was caught before the rain hit.
6. Explore the Rivers—Not the Sea
The Arabian Sea’s too rough for swimming during the rains. But the rivers? Calm, moody, and just as stunning.
Book a kayak tour, go on a backwater boat ride, or just sit by the riverbank and watch fishing boats pass by.
Rivers to Explore:
Zuari River near Borim
Talpona River in Canacona
Sal River in Cavelossim
Early morning or late afternoon, you’ll get mist, birds, and peace.
7. Go Museum-Hopping (Yes, Really)
While everyone else is waiting out the downpour in their room, you can walk through centuries of stories.
South Goa’s museums are small but fascinating, often run by passionate locals and filled with quirky artefacts.
Rainy Day Gems:
Palácio do Deão in Quepem – 200-year-old house + lush gardens
Big Foot Museum in Loutolim – open-air, old-world charm
Goa Chitra Museum in Benaulim – history of Goan farming, tools, and daily life
Add chai after, and you’ve got a monsoon afternoon well spent.
8. Attend a Local Feast or Festival (If You’re Lucky)
Monsoons bring out Goa’s true cultural calendar. Forget the EDM fests—this is about rain-drenched village feasts, Konkani songs, coconut-picking games, and sweet-smelling patoleo.
Watch out for:
Sao Joao (jumping into wells in June)
Chikal Kalo (the Goan mud fest)
Bonderam in Divar (worth the ferry trip!)
Ask locals what's happening near where you’re staying. You might just stumble into a parade with drums, rain, and dancing in wet slippers.
9. Take Long Walks. Seriously, Just Walk.
The joy of walking in Goa during monsoons is underrated. No crowds, no dust, just you, your umbrella, and a million shades of green.
Wander through:
Sao Jacinto Island – sleepy and scenic
The village lanes of Loutolim or Chinchinim
The long stretch from Benaulim to Varca (when the tide’s low)
Every corner smells of rain, salt, and jackfruit. Every turn has a dog, a shrine, or an old man who’ll smile and wave.
10. Just Be.
The thing about South Goa during monsoons is—it’s not designed for doing a million things. It’s designed for breathing slower, sleeping deeper, and eating well.
Take a yoga class. Learn to cook a Goan dish. Nap during the rain. Journal on a balcony. Make up your own ritual. That’s what the rain does—it clears space for simple joys.
South Goa in the rains isn’t Goa on pause—it’s Goa unplugged. So pack your poncho, keep your plans flexible, and let the rhythm of the rain guide you. You might just discover a Goa that doesn’t need filters, parties, or crowds to take your breath away.
Comments