Goa in the monsoon

Mahindra Homestays — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 02:15:54 +0000

Sun, surf, sand, fish, feni, fun; that’s the essence of Goa, India’s beach paradise, in a nutshell. And Goa lives up to the image very well indeed. When we think of Goa, stretches of powdery sands, swishing palms, sunbathing holidaymakers, endless rows of beach shacks, adventurous divers and parasailing enthusiasts are only a few of the ‘typical’ picture that comes to mind.

Not many of us think rainclouds on the horizon at the mention of Goa. Or lush green paddy fields for that matter. Rainwashed cobbled streets, shining church spires, gushing rivers and streams, thundering waterfalls… but that’s what Goa is all about when the sun bows out to the monsoon clouds every year. From late June to early September, Goa transforms into a sensuous seductress as opposed to the cheery, bright, bubbly beach damsel she is.

If you love going off the beaten track, get to Goa while it still rains and come back with an experience that only a few can claim to have had. Here are our favourite ways to experience Goa in the monsoon.

Trek to Dudhsagar Falls
Milky Way on Earth; that’s how most locals like to describe the Dudhsagar, on Goa’s border with Karnataka. And the trek to the Falls, with its thundering cascades, involves climbing boulders, crossing bridges and tunnels, and of course getting soaked to the skin.

Beaches of South Goa
Far from the “hippie haven” image of beaches across North Goa, the South is quieter, peaceful and more scenic. While you should avoid swimming in the sea during monsoon, you can always walk from one beach to the other, making a detour into the villages for a glimpse of the emerald green fields surrounded by rivulets, tiled-roof houses, chapels and crumbling Portuguese mansions. The landscape is truly beautiful and may bring out the artist in you, pack a canvas, easel and colours if you are so inclined or get snapping on your camera.

Explore Museums
This is something you may not even dream of when the sun is up and about. However, going indoors is a good idea when the rain is lashing the beaches. For such a small state, Goa has an impressive collection of museums. Goa Chitra Museum is widely praised for its impressive chronicle of architectural and cultural artefacts. The Pilar Museum has an excellent stamp and coin collection as well as a stunning stained glass window created by Angelo da Fonseca. Don’t miss the ship-shaped Houses of Goa Museum.

Go Birding
An early morning trip to a birding spot will be rewarded with an amazing variety of feathered beauties. Start at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary on the island of Chorao. Standing at the watchtower, you can spot Brahminy kites, egrets, kingfishers and several types of waders. The Carambolim Lake is another good birding spot.

Spice It Up
Nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, pepper, cloves, chilli, cinnamon; if you are thinking we are about to tell you a recipe, you’re wrong. This is a sampling of the spices grown in Goa and a plantation tour is what you need to see it for yourself. Most of the plantations are concentrated in Ponda, and if you are staying in a homestay the owner will help you book a tour. The gurgling of rain-fed streams, birdsong, the fragrance of spices wafting in the air and the soothing shades of green make this tour truly worthwhile.

Image credits to Ramesh Lyanswamy who shared them under the Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original source.

Places to see in North Goa

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:47:29 +0000

Being the smallest state in India does not stop Goa from being one of the most vibrant destinations. Apart from being the perfect getaway for a tan, Goa offers plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in Indian culture as well as an impressive 101 kilometres coastline.

North Goa is definitely the more energetic part of the state. You can find both serene beaches and those filled with activities – there is an option to do both. Here are some of the places to see in North Goa.

1. The Lonely Beaches of Goa: When you think of the northern most tip of Goa, think flat subtle coastline, long stretches of nothingness and the clear warm days. Ashwem, Arambol (pictured above) and Morjim beaches on the northern most part of the coastline give you just that experience. There are many shacks that provide great food, sun bathing chairs, make shift shades and a constant supply of your favourite beverage. A great way to spend the days lethargically!

2. Bursting with energy: The most popular belt of the Goa beaches also lies in the North – Baga (pictured above), Candolim, Anjuna & Calangute. It’s a favourite with foodies, those who like to shake a leg in the clubs and ofcourse the shoppers. The beaches are abuzz with tourists, packed in shacks which offer great food and music. The long stretch of beaches from Candolim to Baga is great to see the effervescent tourist culture of Goa in the travel heavy months.

3. Shopping: The flea markets of Goa are the one you should be scouring if you have an exclusive taste in fashion. The hippie culture runs strong in these flea markets that are organised during the heavy travel season on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Anjuna (pictured above), Ingo’s and Macky’s are the popular flea markets to pick up interesting curios, clothes and bric-a-bracs and a must on your places to visit in North Goa list!

4. The Mapusa Market: Unfortunately a lot of indigenous Goa gets lost in the tourist crowds. If you want a slice of real Goa, visit the bursting Mapusa market on a Sunday and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of vegetables, colourful clothes, slippers and the huge meat market. A great place for photo-opportunities; this is going to give you a real taste of Goan culture. Many locals travel from far distances to shop and sell their wares in this weekly market.

5. Bicholim: Bicholim is the heart of the Goan pottery. Almost muddy with red brown soil, this is a great place to give the kids an education on the local pottery scene. You can also pick up some hand-made objects and interact with the potters themselves. Bicholim’s landscape is dotted with lakes and waterfalls. The serene Mayem lake (pictured above) is a great nature spot where you can enjoy boating making it a great place to see in North Goa.

Mix your stay in North Goa with beachside activities and also a bit of the authentic local culture to get a complete Indian experience.

If you would like to visit these places in North Goa contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans. You can also check out our North Goa homestay collection.

Many thanks to the photographers who share their images under the Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original source.

Mahindra Homestays » North Goa

Goa in the monsoon

Places to see in North Goa