Things To Do in Monsoon Holidays in Goa

You can’t imagine this: unblemished beaches only for you, and the sound of rain meeting waves and the almost thunderous waterfall at their absolute peak. This is a side of Goa that most tourists don’t see. It’s not a fantasy – it’s the reality of the spectacular monsoon from June to September that makes the best monsoon holidays in Goa package for you. 

Monsoon holidays in Goa give you that local experience, not the tourist version. While peak season visitors pack the beaches, you’ll have the coastline to yourself. These are the real postcard moments. This is when you connect with the people who make Goa what it is. 

You’re way more likely to have an authentic conversation with someone who lives here when there’s not a tourist rush on. And maybe this is in my head, but the last time I was in Goa during the monsoon, it felt like more locals were more readily available to hang out and share their culture just because they didn’t have as many tourists to deal with.

Choosing the Best Accommodation with Nature’s Nest

Why Nature’s Nest Goa is Your Perfect Monsoon Getaway. 

When the monsoon clouds sweep in over Goa’s Western Ghats, Nature’s Nest takes on a transcendent and frankly, unmatchable quality. This isn’t your typical beach resort; it’s an untrammelled escape into what might be called the wild heart of Goa!  

Let’s discuss where to stay because Nature’s Nest has it down with their cottage choices. The Superior Forest Cottage feels like a punch-drunk kind of evening, but in a good way, a way that only the charming mud cottages at Nature’s Nest can deliver, with their Mangalore tiled roofs and red-oxide flooring that scream Goa (in a good way as well).  

When you walk into these spaces, the word that comes to mind is cosy. And perfect for small families or couples, these cottages sleep three with each space having an attached bathroom.

For larger groups or families wishing to stay together, the Forest Villa is absolutely perfect.  Picture two interconnected rooms that can accommodate up to eight people, each with a private bathroom – it’s like having your slice of forest where everyone can be together or alone as they see fit, but still be close by. The kids can run between rooms while adults take time out to do whatever they do when they’re not parenting. 

Each cottage is completely equipped with air-conditioning (since even nature enthusiasts need to cool off), dependable Wi-Fi for those sunset shots that are sure to wow on Instagram. 

Even these thoughtful touches—kettle with complimentary tea and coffee, proper writing desk for if/when inspiration strikes, hot water that’s hot (and available 24/7), and telephone—make more sense when seen in the context of the not-so-well-kept secret that these are part-cabin, part modern camp. You never did know what to do with those cookies until you found this place! 

“The Kokum Tree” is a very Chow Mein restaurant. The buffet-style dining experience featuring 40 cosy inside and outside seats makes it very chow Mein. But the rustic nature of the seafood, aromatic local curries, and enchanting coastal kosha (think about the fish in coconut milk) make it worthy of its own cape. 

Yet this is where Nature’s Nest, located near Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, really stands out— their monsoon expertise is truly second to none. Contacting them means exclusive monsoon night safaris where you can spot wildlife in their element. The Bubble Spa, as I mentioned, is a very unique spa, offering relaxation unlike anywhere else. 

Nature’s Nest not only provides unique stay options but also serves as the portal to experience Goa’s monsoon magic in an authentic, comfortable, and unforgettable way.

For the Adventure Seekers: Your Ultimate Mountain Holidays In Goa

June to September is the monsoon season in Goa, and at Nature’s Nest, we have specially curated monsoon packages that take full advantage of this emerald-green paradise. While most people associate Goa with its beaches, the monsoon reveals a captivating side that is an equally compelling paradise – the vibrant, pulsating heart of the Western Ghats rainforest that lies just a few kilometres from Nature’s Nest. 

Trekking and Nature Walks: Goa elevates uncomplicated strolls into a grand Goa monsoon trek.  To hike while it is raining here is to be engulfed in a waterfall of jungle sounds, with countless jungle denizens—almost like an audio tour—making their presence felt. 

One might think all this watering of the world would somehow dampen spirits. Not here. The Western Ghats burst with life and sound, thanks, in part, to the almost psychedelic profusion of mycology in this nearly paper-thin but drippingly lush rainforest. The smell is a kind of perfume that no forest, even one as ballyhooed as the Amazon, can boast of. 

Nature’s Nest offers guided nature walks, forest trails, and specialised Goa monsoon packages that allow adventurers to witness this firsthand. The air is thick with earthy smells and invigorating sounds, making every breath feel energising in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

The Dudhsagar Trek and the Forest Trail: The famous Dudhsagar trek takes trekkers through forested areas alive with the sounds of rushing water, as they close in on the spectacular waterfall. That Goa monsoon trek is just one of many possible walks in Goa’s stunning wilderness. 

The monsoon makes more of these walks possible and drenches them all in the season’s colours and life. And the best part is that the starting point is just 10 kilometres from the resort. Without a doubt, the best part of monsoon holidays in Goa is Dudhsagar waterfalls. It can be breathtaking, a cascade of white rushing water, during this season. 

 

Tambdi Surla Waterfalls Trek: The Tambdi Surla Waterfall trek, located near Nature’s Nest Goa, is a rewarding and moderately long jungle hike that begins at the ancient 800-year-old Mahadev Temple. The trail takes you deep into the heart of the Western Ghats, through thick forests and across multiple small stream crossings, surrounded by the rich sounds and scents of the wild.

As you move further in, the landscape reveals misty mountain views that offer a brief pause of awe before the final stretch. The trek culminates at a hidden waterfall, cascading into a cool natural plunge pool—an experience that captures the raw, untouched beauty of Goa’s wilderness. 

 

Forest Cascade Trail is a hidden gem nestled in the untouched wilderness of the Western Ghats, offering a gentle yet enchanting trek through dense, lush forests alive with vibrant flora and rare fauna. The trail meanders through thick foliage, crossing playful forest streams that add a sense of adventure to the journey. 

Not too difficult, but deeply immersive, it leads to a serene, lesser-known cascade flowing into a clear natural pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. Surrounded by misty greens and echoing with the sounds of the wild, this forest trail is a monsoon escape that feels both peaceful and magical. 

To enjoy the most satisfying experience, sign up for a thorough trekking experience accompanied by local guides who know every little detail. Your guide will take care of your safety while you experience the thrill, the calm, as well as the adventure. 

Oh, and let’s not forget: You’ve got to embrace the wet, and totally drenched aspect of hiking in the monsoon. It’s all part of the authentic adventure. 

 

Rejuvenation and Relaxation: After a thrilling Goa monsoon trek and nature explorations, Nature’s Nest offers plenty of relaxation opportunities. Guests can unwind by the lush plantation, take part in indoor activities, or enjoy delicious and comforting soups and snacks that are refreshing and rejuvenating. There’s a focus here on giving guests the kind of holistic 

Experience of Goa monsoon packages that mix a bit of tranquillity with their more adventurous pursuits.

Waterfall views– Beyond the Ordinary

Staying near Dudhsagar positions you absolutely in the midst of this natural wonder. Corraling jeep safaris through this terrain (if the weather allows) is a splendid way to journey into this natural space, making exciting entrances through the lush jungle and getting doused by the plentiful streams that cascade down to meet you. But the main event in this natural stage set is still Dudhsagar.  

  • Tambdi Surla Waterfall: None of the figures in this tableau can compare with it when it comes to scene-stealing. Situated close to the ancient Tambdi Surla Temple, the Tambdi Surla Waterfall is an enchanting confluence of nature and history. 
  • The experience of walking through the forest to reach this waterfall could easily be misclassified as some sort of magical time machine, taking you further and further into a primordial past, the pathway feeling more ancient than the temple you’re headed to.  
  • Netravali Waterfalls is another mesmerising natural wonder that becomes mesmerising when the monsoon rains drench this region. The sight of it might just turn you into one of those nature-loving conservationists who can’t help but rant about the riches of the biodiversity found in this part of the world. 
  • Chorla Falls, which could easily be mistaken for a scene from a blockbuster action movie, is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you weren’t born a travel influencer with a stunning Instagram feed. 

 

And then you look at Bamanbudo Falls, which is basically accessible roadside eye candy, and you consider the car doors you have to open to achieve these waterfall scenes in your mundane life. Also, my cousin once told me that living on a hill can be “real misty.” That’s not really a thing. But during the monsoon season, every waterfall has that going for it. 

Those who photograph find that visiting waterfalls on a day that is partly cloudy offers up some of the most remarkable opportunities for picture-taking. The theatrical lighting effects achieved by the sun breaking through the mist, and their almost stage-like presentation, are something one must see and enjoy in real time. 

It is a near-magic moment when one becomes immersed in this combination of visual art forms and enjoys nature’s spectacular show.

Discover Monsoon Treasures with bioluminescence and opportunistic bird watching

Although visiting Western Ghats can be gratifying all year long, the period from June to September brings nature enthusiasts and a relaxed birder an unparalleled opportunity to capture the stunning natural beauty of the region.

Nature enthusiasts travel from all over the world to seek encounters with these extraordinary monsoon magic experiences that are rarely found anywhere else on the planet. The mysterious bioluminescent fungi that grow on the forest floors make it glow in the dark like a world from the Arabian Nights.  

Malabar Gliding frog and the Malabar Tree toads show nature’s mastery of disguise, while the brilliant Flame-throated Bulbul—proudly serving as Goa’s state bird—splashes colour in the forest canopy when the sun shines for a few moments as a rare event during the months. 

The gentle Vernal Hanging Parrot and the magnificent Malabar Parakeet greet you outside your cottages when they come to feed on the guava fruits. Complete this must-see roster of endemic treasures that any serious nature lover would be thrilled to add to their life list. 

A butterfly lover can definitely in September, whereas a birder would enjoy their holiday experience totally while bird watching in Goa, if they visit October onwards.

When you plan for the post-monsoon season, Nature’s Nest changes birdwatching from a not-so-serious pastime into an exciting, even exhilarating, experience. It does so by offering not just one way to partake in its feathered fare, but several, all thoroughly considered and well designed:  

– Full-day expeditions  

– Half-day, focused outings  

– Night-time encounters  

Each of these experiences reveals a contrasting aspect of the essentially diverse bird community that inhabits the Western Ghats. The foundation of these escapades is the expert-led Birding Sessions put on by naturalists who possess an enthralling understanding of the local species. 

These guides are quite simply the best in the business when it comes to interpreting bird calls, understanding the “why” and “how” of local behaviours, and directing you to the best observation spots in the forest. 

Their expertise is invaluable if you’re trying to tell one similar-looking warbler from another or get a good look at the fine-feathered raptors that may (or may not) be using the thermals right above your head. 

When daylight gives way to twilight, the Western Ghats morph into a unique world, and Nature’s Nest provides one-of-a-kind nighttime birding adventures to probe this unfamiliar territory. With the sun out of sight, our feathered friends hail from all corners of the Earth, and this secluded resort makes for an exquisite base camp to explore a side of the Ghats not often seen by daylight. 

The biodiversity of the Western Ghats has a wealth of natural heritage, and the Jungle Drive in Pench allows filmmakers, photographers, and naturalists to document this in ways that are unobtrusive and authentic.

Hidden Gems Come Alive

  • Fontainhas, Goa’s Latin Quarter, comes alive in monsoon, turning into a visually stunning “fresh painting” that is “effortlessly chic” and “aesthetic as your Pinterest board.” The rain-washed heritage homes, painted in vibrant Portuguese colours of deep azure, mustard yellow, and maroon, red, appear more vivid than usual against the cloudy skies. 
  • This section of Panjim—dotted with art galleries, quaint cafés, and (even) bakeries— makes for a much less nerve-wracking escape to heritage than a visit to Old Goa, where 

The crowd jostles for space as the tour guide’s voice echoes off the nearly 500-year-old walls. 

  • Spice Plantations are ideal places to experience the monsoon. During this time, everything becomes intensely green and fragrant. Walking through a garden of cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon, one feels a sense of intoxication from the air that is filled with the scents of these spices—an air one is never quite ready to leave. 
  • Goan Beaches like Agonda and Palolem are monsoon gems! Beaches see considerably less traffic during the rainy season, so visitors can really connect with nature and enjoy a more serene and romantic atmosphere than at any other time of year. Agonda is really a peaceful beach, so it’s a better option than Palolem for visitors seeking to avoid surf tours and the sounds of the ocean during the monsoon. 

The historic forts that one can visit take on something entirely different with the monsoon.  Aguada Fort makes a bold appearance against the stormy skies that only a monsoon can drum up, while Cabo De Rama Fort serves, in a way, as a viewing platform for the rolling-over-the-Arabian-Sea kind of monsoon clouds that, with spectacular if brief regularity, come our way.  

Rain makes the stones of these old forts look fresh and serves to cleanse the landscape. And when you can almost have the fort that tourists are supposed to roam to yourself, it’s a nice kind of visit.

Cultural Immersion Through Monsoon Festivals 

Goa’s rainy season lets one witness the true local culture in some of its most authentic forms.  During these months, many festivals take place, and the rich diversity that makes up the Goan way of life is evident in how these festivals are celebrated. 

Now, if you mix the Indo-Portuguese and Indian cultures that make up the Goan identity, together with the potent local flavour that fuels the truly intimate and personal observance of the festivals in this part of the world, you have the makings of one of the best times to visit Goa if you want to see real local culture. 

São João Festival 

Men adorn themselves with flowers and fruit and leap into wells and rivers. Villages join in the celebration with songs, dances, and copious amounts of feni (a local liquor made from fermented cashew nuts). The occasion is in honour of St. John the Baptist, and at the same time, serves to strengthen the bonds of community. The event features the kinds of portents one expects in a liquid-transportation society: parades on the river! Boat races! And as an added bonus, what the locals call a street party. 

Bonderam Festival

  • Hosted on Divar Island, this event commemorates long-standing arguments over land ownership. 
  • The vibrant parades burst forth with the kind of cacophony that only traditional Goan folk music can produce.  

Then come the re-enactors, soldiers of the past and present, who engage in a series of mock battles that (at least according to some slant and angle of vision) make use of the land available for achieving as much realism as possible. Or, to put it another way: It’s colourful, peaceful, picturesque, and unique. Sounds amazing, right? Why even contemplate skipping it?  

Well, unless you have a penchant for pummelling as part of a picturesque mock battle, those booming parades are probably as good a reason as any for getting away from the event.  

Ponsachem Fest (Jackfruit Season) 

  • Commends the unusual jackfruit in its prime 
  • Street stalls based under jackfruit trees 
  • Serve up a bafflingly delicious dish of fermented jackfruit appams with wild curries • And many more out-of-this-world Flavors you can’t find anywhere else. 

Relaxation Redefined by Rain 

The monsoon is an ideal time for wellness experiences in Goa. The state’s yoga retreats and Ayurvedic clinics become even more effective in the peaceful, rain-washed atmosphere.  Nature’s Nest merges opulence with wellness. 

Here, you can receive all-encompassing Spa treatments in a setting that speaks luxury. You can sit and have a time of your life after a long, adventurous day. And trust me, following that routine will be as easy as breathing (in and out, as your yoga instructor has probably recommended).

Comfort Food for Rainy Days

The very best of Goan cooking happens during the monsoon season. Then come the comfortable dishes, the ones you want to eat on a cool, wet day when you feel like curling up inside. Even these storms, though, are not enough to keep people from going out; they’ll just eat instead. You can try the true nature of the seafood, local curries at Nature’s Nest gem. 

So, you might say that monsoon cuisine is an added layer of hospitality in the wettest part of the year. And though many tourists miss out on Goan cuisine during this season, here are a few signature dishes that are sure to find their way to your tables, with rain or shine. 

Patoleo is made of sweet dumplings, wrapped in turmeric leaves, and served in such a way as to make them feel like cocooned treasures awaiting unwrapping. Just the aroma alone explains why the locals wait for the monsoon season so they can feast on this delight. 

A sweet and tangy mango curry captures the essence of the Goan monsoons in every spoonful.  While fishing is limited during the tumultuous rains, fish curry becomes a very occasional treat, and worth savouring, when the skies open up and fresh fish finally arrives. This recipe is for an ambyache sasav, a kind of Goan mango curry that uses fresh coconut, mustard seeds, cumin, and turmeric to season the mainly sweet and slightly sour mango.

A Transformative Travel Experience

Goa during the monsoon season is about the splendour of nature; it’s about being in the almost impossible-to-find, saturated-with-culture places that remain, when so many in the developed world have shut doors, with tourism seemingly only an arm’s length away. 

It’s about paradise for the traveller that doesn’t need to be shared. And with the “best Goa monsoon packages,” by Nature’s Nest, it’s a paradise that can be reached without too much denting of the pocket. 

No one else will have the tales that you bring back—of the dancing at village festivals, trekking to waterfalls that roar, spotting exotic birds in the crazy-morning light of forested Goan hills— then uncovering the real Goa, which exists outside the glossy pages of tourist brochures. You’ll do it, too, at half the price compared to the peak season; then still have time to spend at Anjuna, if that’s your thing. 

Reconnecting with nature happens on a different plane in the monsoon season. This is when you understand, more than ever, how interconnected you are with your natural surroundings. It is when you hear, as never before, the songs that nature sings. 

You can almost comprehend the “cultured” aspect of the monsoon as a season when nature lays down the base for the eventual tsunami of life that will surge from seed to flower to fruit. Before that happens, though, the monsoon teaches patience with its gently relentless, sometimes tempestuously deceptive, and always perfumed rain. 

Prepared to uncover the secret Goa held dear by its denizens? Your monsoon sojourn starts with a single decision—to revel in paradise from a less-frequented angle, at Nature’s Nest, and to unravel the riddle that is blissful Goa under a drenching cloudburst.