South Goa in the monsoon is nothing short of magical. The lush green landscape, wide open roads, and the sound of raindrops create a serene atmosphere that feels like heaven on Earth. My husband Jatin and I visited South Goa this August, and I can confidently say that this trip surpassed even our honeymoon adventure.
Over six days and five nights, we fell in love with South Goa’s hidden gems, and I’m excited to share our unforgettable experience with you! In this blog, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting goa in monsoon, about south goa beaches, places to visit in south goa, what to pack, where to stay, how to travel, hidden gems and much more.
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
We kicked off our journey by boarding a flight from Delhi to Goa International Airport (Dabolim). Goa is served by two major airports: Dabolim (GOI) and the newer Manohar International Airport (Mopa – GOX). Since we planned to spend our first three days in South Goa, we chose Dabolim.
Upon landing around 3:00 PM, we picked up our rented car—a convenient option in Goa, especially during the monsoon. Though scooters are popular, we opted for a car to handle our luggage and the rainy weather.
Driving from the airport to our Airbnb in Canacona, we were mesmerized by the scenic beauty surrounding us. After settling in, we took a short 15-minute walk to Cancona Beach. As a first-time beachgoer, I found the waves exhilarating (and a bit intimidating) due to the high tide, but it was an unforgettable experience.
Day 2: Cape Goa and Pebble Beach
On our second day, we visited the much-talked-about Cape Goa cafe, which was about an hour’s drive away. With its stunning sea views, the cafe lived up to the hype. We savored a delicious lunch, took countless photos, and then headed to the nearby St. Anthony Church.
While the church itself was charming, what took our breath away was the hidden staircase leading down to Pebble Beach. The sight of shiny pebbles and crashing waves was surreal, and we spent a blissful afternoon soaking in the beauty.
In the evening, we dined at a nearby cafe called The Forest, where local musicians serenaded us with songs. The food was delightful, and the ambiance was perfect for winding down.
Day 3: Culture and Nature
The rain continued to dance around us, but we didn’t let it dampen our spirits. We started the day with a massage at Tattva Spa; while I had hoped for a more rejuvenating experience, it was still relaxing.
Next, we visited the ancient Shri Mallikarajan Temple, a peaceful spot steeped in history. Following that, we ventured to Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, and the drive through the mountains was breathtaking. We spotted farmers working in their fields, all adorned in raincoats—truly a glimpse into local life.
Although we saw a waterfall along the way, the strong currents from the rain kept us from stopping. Instead, we made our way to the stunning Sanguem Dam. The sheer size and beauty of the dam left us in awe. Remember to carry some cash and ID for entry!
After a long day, we returned to our Airbnb, enjoyed a late dinner at a nearby restaurant, and fell asleep, dreaming of the day’s adventures.
Day 4: Exploring More of South Goa
Our final day at the Airbnb was bittersweet. We had planned to explore North Goa, but the allure of South Goa was too strong. We decided to extend our stay and booked a resort in Colva.
After a two-and-a-half-hour drive, we finally reached the resort and took a much-needed nap. Later, we ventured to Cola Beach, where we explored local markets and picked up some lovely fridge magnets as souvenirs. Back at the resort, we relaxed by the pool before dinner, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Day 5: A Day of Leisure
On our fifth day, we had considered visiting a casino in North Goa but decided to embrace the leisurely pace instead. We had a delicious lunch at a charming cafe in Margao, followed by another fun-filled afternoon at the resort pool. Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones spent relaxing!
Day 6: Farewell, Goa
With an 11:00 AM flight to catch, we left the resort early and reached Gurgaon by 2:00 PM. As we reflected on our trip, we both agreed that Goa had left an indelible mark on our hearts.
I could return to Goa time and again for the experiences, the beauty, and the memories. Whether it’s the peaceful beaches, vibrant cafes, or the lush landscapes, Goa in the monsoon is a paradise waiting to be discovered. I hope my journey inspires you to explore this magical destination!
What to Pack for Goa Trip in Monsoon
Clothing
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (cotton/linen) – T-shirts, shorts, skirts
- Long-sleeved shirts & pants (for evenings & mosquito protection)
- Raincoat / Poncho (compact & reusable) – Better than umbrellas in heavy winds
- Waterproof sandals / Flip-flops (strappy ones that dry fast)
- 1-2 pairs of quick-dry sneakers (for treks or wet roads)
- Swimwear (beaches are still swimmable but be cautious of currents)
Monsoon Essentials
- Waterproof bag / Dry bag (to protect phones, wallet, etc.)
- Ziplock bags (for electronics & wet clothes)
- Microfiber towel (dries faster than cotton)
- Anti-fungal powder (humidity can cause skin irritation)
- Mosquito repellent (cream or spray – dengue/malaria precaution)
Accessories
- Waterproof phone pouch (for beach visits & boat rides)
- Power bank (frequent power cuts in monsoon)
- Sunglasses & hat (for sudden sunny breaks)
- Small first-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, motion sickness pills)
Extras (If Needed)
- Portable fan / Handheld mini fan (for humidity relief)
- Waterproof shoes covers (if planning bike rides)
- GoPro / Waterproof camera (for adventure activities)
Avoid
- Heavy denim (takes too long to dry)
- Leather items (can get ruined in humidity)
- Too many cotton clothes (retains moisture)
The 5 Best South Goa Beaches – Peaceful, Clean & Beautiful!
South Goa is perfect for those who love quiet, clean, and less crowded beaches. Here are the 5 best ones:
1. Palolem Beach
- Curved, white-sand beach with coconut trees
- Great for swimming, kayaking, and dolphin trips
- Stay in beach huts for a cozy vibe
2. Colva Beach
- Long, wide beach with soft sand
- Best for sunbathing and beach shacks
- Less crowded than North Goa beaches
3. Benaulim Beach
- Clean & peaceful, good for long walks
- Try fresh seafood at beachside restaurants
- Fewer tourists, more locals
4. Agonda Beach
- Serene & untouched, perfect for relaxing
- Famous for turtle nesting (seasonal)
- No loud parties, just calm waves
5. Butterfly Beach (Hidden Gem!)
- Small, secluded beach – reachable by boat or hike
- Named after butterflies sometimes seen here
- Best for sunset views & photos
How to Travel in Goa: Best Transportation Options (+ Our Car Rental Experience!)
1. Rent a Car (Best for Freedom)
- We booked a Honda Amaze for ₹8,000 for 5 days (good deal!).
- Pickup & drop at Goa airport – super convenient!
- Pros:
- Explore beaches & hidden spots at your own pace
- No waiting for taxis
- AC comfort in hot/rainy weather
- Cons:
- Parking can be tricky in crowded areas( we visited in monsoon so all parking spots were empty)
- Fuel costs extra (~₹500-700/day)
2. Rent a Scooter/Bike (Cheap & Fun)
- Cost: ₹300-500 per day
- Best for short trips & solo travelers
- Helmet is a must! (Police fines if you don’t wear one)
3. Taxis & Cabs (Easy but Expensive)
- Ola/Uber works in some areas (not always reliable).
- Local taxis charge ₹1500-2500 for a full day.
- Good for groups or if you don’t want to drive.
4. Public Buses (Super Budget-Friendly)
- Cost: ₹20-50 per ride
- Connects major beaches & towns (Panjim, Margao, Palolem).
- Slow but great for backpackers.
5. Private Tours (For Sightseeing)
- Book a full-day tour (~₹2000-3000 per person)
- Covers Dudhsagar Falls, Spice Plantations, Old Goa.
Which One is Best?
- For couples/families → Rent a car (like we did!).
- For solo travelers → Scooter + occasional taxis.
- For budget travelers → Buses + walking.
(Tip: Always check the car/scooter for scratches before taking it!)
South Goa vs North Goa: Which One Should YOU Pick?
I personally love South Goa because I’m all about peaceful beaches, lazy hammock days, and quiet sunsets. But hey, if your idea of a perfect vacation involves dancing barefoot on the sand with a cocktail in hand, then North Goa is your spot!
Here’s how to decide what’s best for YOU:
South Goa (My Favorite)
For people who:
- Want to read a book without loud music
- Love empty beaches with just the sound of waves
- Prefer romantic, slow-paced vacations
Best beaches: Palolem (crescent-shaped paradise), Agonda (super peaceful), Butterfly Beach (hidden gem!)
Vibe: Yoga retreats, candlelit dinners by the shore, and waking up to the ocean, not hangovers!
North Goa (Party Central)
For people who:
- Want to party all night (Tito’s, SinQ, silent noise parties!)
- Love water sports, flea markets, and crowds
- Enjoy meeting travelers from around the world
Best beaches: Baga (for clubs), Anjuna (for hippie vibes), Candolim (for a mix of both)
Vibe: DJs, neon lights, cheap beers, and making friends at every shack!
Cost Difference?
- North Goa: Cheaper hostels, but partying/spending adds up fast!
- South Goa: Slightly pricier stays, but you save money since you’re just… chilling.
To anyone wondering “South vs North Goa?”, I’ll say this: If you want to dance till dawn, head north. But if you’re like me and Jatin – if your soul craves slow sunsets, quiet beach walks, and the kind of romance that only nature can create – then South Goa in monsoon is waiting for you with open arms.
P.S. That unplanned decision to extend our South Goa stay? Best travel choice we ever made. Sometimes the most beautiful journeys are the ones where you let go of plans and simply follow your heart.
Now tell me – are you Team South Goa or Team North Goa?
