There’s plenty to do for those that love the outdoors, and a few charming experiences for those that prefer to enjoy the rain from a distance as well.
Trek to a secluded waterfall
It’s no secret that the monsoon brings stunning, roaring waterfalls to the Western Ghats. On your upcoming trip to Goa, sign up for an expedition to a hidden waterfall located deep within a forest with tour company Urbanaut. Your experience will begin early in the morning and will require you to travel to a small village in east Goa, where you can enjoy a traditional Goan breakfast to fuel up for the adventure. The moderate trek lasts about an hour and involves wading through streams and a dense forest. At the end, take a well-deserved dip under the waterfall and let all your worries float away. The experience also includes a lunch thali back at the village once you return.
Trek through Mollem National Park
Monsoon is the best time to explore the dense, thriving forest of Mollem National Park. You can sign up for a jeep safari or take a five-hour trek through the forest on foot to head up to the sunset viewpoint or towards Dudhsagar Falls. If you’re looking for a shorter trek, head to the Tambdi Surla Waterfalls, where you can also visit a temple dedicated to Lord Mahadev. Pro tip: if you’re staying at Dudhsagar Plantation, ask your hosts about their trekking route in Mollem National Park—their route includes two river crossings and a small bathing spot at Dudhsagar River.
Cliff jump into a natural pool
Local tour company The Local Beat is known for its adventures in unknown parts of Goa. Their signature cliff-jumping experience is a treat in the monsoon, and is perfect for outdoorsy folk looking to make the most of the season. You won’t know where you’re going until you’re actually on the way—TLB doesn’t reveal locations to help keep these sites from getting overcrowded. The experience includes a short trek into a forest, following which you can pick between a 10m or 15m jump from a cliff into a natural pool. Once you’ve cliff-jumped to your heart’s content, head to a local couple’s home for a delicious lunch to wrap it all up.