3 Fab Day Trips to Take from Goa on a Rainy Day!

If you think Goa is all about the sun and the sand, it may be because you haven’t experienced the place during the monsoons. Rid of the cacophony of tourists, the rain-washed verdant landscapes turn velvety. And the best way to savour it all is to hop into a car and head out on a day trip from Goa.

1. Witness the Dudhsagar Falls in all Their Milky Glory

Goa is home to about forty waterfalls, the most pristine of which is the Dudhsagar Falls—where the river Mandovi plummets with full force. And the drive towards it on a rainy day is a mere appetiser to the feast that lies ahead. About 60 km from Panaji, on the NH4A, the Dudhsagar—named so for its milky white, frothy cascades—roars down to the grounds from a height of 1107 ft., and is quite the sight to behold. Drive to the foot of the fall, at Kulhem, and take a bike ride to the falls. You could also consider a trek to get to it. The drive through the slippery, steep inclines and slushy muddy roads will stay with you forever.

Read more: Goa: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

2. Drive into Wilderness at Goa’s Many Wildlife Sanctuaries

Monsoons are the best time to visit the wildlife sanctuaries around Goa. Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary, Mollem National Park, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary are all an hours’ drive (or a little over) from Panaji. About 60–80 km from Panaji, the sanctuaries show up after the most calming drives through the rain-drenched scenery. The unending roads through the forests are usually deserted, and this is the best time to sight the wildlife in the area—bisons, monkeys, herds of deer—all against the constant buzz of crickets and other insects. In some of the sanctuaries, you might even be able to get a glimpse of lions in their habitat.

Read more: 5 Best Beach Resorts in Goa

3. Soak up the Beauty of Spice Plantations

Follow the spice trails of Goa as the rains soak everything around with their magic. Head to either Pascoal Spice Farm, a 15-minute drive from town, or Savoi Spice Plantations, closer from the centre of town. The stretch between Candolim Beach and the part of town in North Goa that leads to the Savoi Spice Plantations is scenic beyond belief. Add to it the dark tar roads stretching out amidst crisp greens and browns, and you have the perfect drive for a rainy afternoon. The rain-drenched spice gardens are a treat to walk around, with a guide introducing you to say, vanilla, green pepper pods, or even fresh ginger. Take in the aroma of them all, mixed with the fresh fragrances of the earth. End your day with a freshly-made meal that most of these plantations serve.

Read more: 6 Unbeatable Reasons for Visiting Goa This Monsoon

Book Your Flight to Goa