The monsoon magic, once enjoyed only by Goans, is now open to be enjoyed by all visiting Goa during the rains, with the terminology of 'tourists season' being consigned to the past as the beauty of Goa blooms with the rain.
For tourists planning a monsoon holiday in Goa, here is a list of essentials – what to carry, what can be done, the various ways they can be done and the memories worth taking home.
Goa in the monsoon can be seen through the windows of luxurious resorts or homestays, but is best enjoyed by venturing out in the rain and getting wet. That is how the fun begins.
When it is pouring incessantly, night life erupts in the northern coastal belt and a few indoor discos in the south come to life, but coming to Goa and not experiencing natural spots is akin to missing the bus to nature.
Springs in Goa flow at their best during the monsoon and the water that hits the body, straps the mind with a spiritual high that cannot be explained and is best experienced.
There are no washrooms at most springs and where such may exist, they are best not used. Carry along your water bottle, some snacks and turn it into a rain-day picnic.
Getting to most springs in Goa is not difficult. Receptions in most hotels are able to provide details of neighbourhood springs worth visiting. Be wary of websites as one does not need to be a rocket scientist to find springs.
If springs are not alluring, try fishing. The monsoon is that time of the year when most locals go fishing, not by boat or into the seas, but around rivers in the hinterland. Joining the locals is an adventure that the normal tourist season will not offer.
Fish is available in Goa during the rain and it is served, but, mind you, this is frozen, because apart from the fish caught by the locals in rivers, fishing is banned from June 1 till July 31. No motorised fishing boats venture out during this time.
Salted, dried fish with rice and curry, prepared the Goan way, is a culinary experience enjoyed by visitors. The taste of dried fish with salt and coconut cream added, is a flavoured texture worth a try.
So, try the salt fish. There are many varieties with each tasting better than the other. For those averse to dried fish, pork sausages make for a good snack.
There are shops in Goa that stock a variety of fishing lines and artificial baits for anglers, but a local will take you through a lesson of how to hook the best fish with a live worm that wriggles till it is knotted in the hook.
Keri, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Campal and Siridao are good angling spots in North Goa, whilst locals opt for Galgibaga, Betul, Cavelossim on the rocks on the shore side in North Goa.
Remember, if you are a first timer, however good an angler you may be, trying alone could be disastrous. Assistance is provided at the reception of most hotels, with even the room boy being the best at times.
Fishing gear can be purchased in many shops especially different types of fishing lines and artificial bait. However, since travelling becomes unpredictable during the rain, carry along your own angling stuff.
Goa’s hinterland is a canopy of green during the monsoon and just a drive, with occasional sips from one’s hip flask, make the trip seamless. Caju feni should be the only drink during the rain because a good caju feni is better than the best single malt.
The rain will prove it during your visit to Goa in the monsoon.
