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C O V E R S T O R Y

MONSOON TOURISM IN GOA; TRENDING NOW!

B y A d i t i M a l h o t r a I m a g e s b y A r m a a n M a l h o t r a

Image Credits : Ravi Jha

So at one side we do feel happy as a state that tourism is becoming an year round business that benefits everyone in a way, but at the same time, it is imperative that our culture, our heritage and nature is protected and preserved too. Because I feel that the monsoon tourism is here to stay. But from business point of view, Nikhil Mirkar, a hospitality professional in Goa since 1992 feels that it’ s not just social media, but a lot of other factors as well that have made Goa a preferred destination during monsoons.

“A few years back, Goa used to be literally shut in the monsoons. Many hotels or restaurants would close for the offseason, i.e. the monsoons. Also, during this period, there would be no foreign tourists. Indians would also find other destinations to visit. Some would avail the economical monsoon packages offered by 5 star hotels, but there was limited crowd. Streets would wear a deserted look. Over the last 5 years, we have seen this scenario changing, and the pandemic further pushed the attractiveness of Goa in the monsoons. Better road connectivity, air connectivity, fine dine and specialty restaurants, co-working spaces, hostels, spas, boutique resorts – all have led to the increase in tourists coming to Goa during the monsoons. There are several villas, apartments and home stay options that gained popularity especially during the pandemic, with many young people and even professionals opting

for a ’ workcation ’ from Goa. Plus, people are slowly realizing there is more to Goa beyond the beaches and booze. Monsoon treks, river activities, and the overall romance of Goa with its lush greenery now drives the ‘ revenge ’ tourists and the city weary tourists to Goa. ” Sharing his experience, John Buckenham, Wiyo Travels also resonates with what Nikhil said, “In the 90s the time when I moved to Goa, the last charter leaving Goa spelt the end of the tourist season till late October. With it came the shutdown of smaller hotels, shacks, restaurants and taxi business. Only a few of the big hotels would gain business with their all-inclusive packages for the monsoon at extremely affordable prices. The monsoons in Goa are beautiful, lush green, wonderful weather and a must experience for the discerning traveller.

So most of the true Goa lovers would find their way to Goa during the monsoons and spend their time. Over the years with more hotels opening, and connectivity having improved from other parts of India, travel during the monsoons picked up in leaps and bounds. Thanks to the slogan of Goa being a 365 destination things have only got better. Over the past decade and half, the monsoon season has attracted Domestic Corporate conferences, destination weddings and MICE and they have been the backbone for the Monsoons and I speak from Experience. As we can also see pre and post pandemic Domestic Tourism good, bad or ugly drives the Goa tourist economy. Domestic tourism year around and especially in the monsoons is here to stay. I strongly recommend visiting Goa during the monsoons, it is well worth the visit and good memories to take back home. ” During this season Goa also has a few festivals where you can capture the essence of the local culture and their specialities. A great time to join in the festivities and experience the joy and happiness the locals feel. One of the most popular festivals is the Sao-Joao which is celebrated with great fervour as you see men jumping into the overflowing wells of the villages to retrieve the bottles of their local alcohol feni. Another festival is the Bonderan festival that id celebrated with great panache at Divar Islands near Panjim. Apart from this there are various other festivities that go around during this time, one being Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations that are religiously observed in Goa. All this mix of nature and culture is surely bringing more and more people to Goa during monsoons and getting them to experience Goa in a different way.

“The changes have been dynamic every passing year. This year however, the monsoon

doesn 't seem to affect the room occupancy. I believe this surge is a change of scenario for Goa. It’ s likely to witness around 80% of occupancy this season. For the year ahead, it' s good to say now that we can expect good numbers as people are willing to travel post pandemic and they are onto a trend of revenge travel” , validates Amandeep Grover, General Manager, Hilton Goa Resort. So if you are still thinking what would you do in Goa when its raining cats and dogs, here is a small list you can refer to Visit the Waterfalls: Top of my list is the Dudhsagar Falls which is located on the borders of Goa and Karnataka. As the name so clearly suggests Dudhsagar is an

“Ocean of Milk” . It is listed as India ’ s fifth tallest waterfall and ranked 227th in the world standing tall at an awesome 310m.The water just plummets hundreds of meters from over a 1000 feet in huge volumes during the monsoon season, forming one of the most breath-taking marvel of a natural phenomenon. The amazing result is of the bigger falls giving birth to a number of smaller beautiful falls on the way down making it even more spectacular. No words are enough to describe the real feelings you go through, you simply have to experience it on your own. The cascading volumes of water have a mesmerizing effect. The surrounding area is dense forest and many species of birds ,animals and insect plants abound. The place, I promise, will leave an indelible impression. There is also the Tambdi Sula waterfall in the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary and others that you can take a day trip to and enjoy a super serene atmosphere away from the city life. Do River Rafting in the Mahadevi River: Many nature water activities such as swimming in a lake, mud baths, river rafting etc. can be greatly enjoyed as the rivers during monsoons are in full bloom. Mahadevi River alongside the dense Mahadei Wildlife Sanctuary is perfect for River Rafting. You can take professional guided tours, that are conducted by various travel groups, to avoid any misadventure. Go on a Wildlife Safari Exciting isn ’t it? The wildlife sanctuaries in Goa are open all year round and at this time of the season offer a completely different experience. Some of the major one ’ s like Mollem National Park, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary and Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary are a picturesque sight in all hues of greens around. Everything around you gives a freshly bathed look. Mhadei Sanctuary boasts of bioluminescent fungi known as Mycena which glows in the dark during monsoon. There is then Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary which may be smaller in size but it has animal rehabilitation centres, botanical gardens, and many nature trails to keep you thoroughly occupied and entertained. Take a Hiking Trip: Another of those activities for the nature lovers and what better place than Goa to do it. Take a hike the Vagheri Hills, Chorla Ghat to explore other smaller waterfalls or simply walk up to the Vazira Sakla Waterfalls and set up your tents for a unique ‘Night Out Experience ’ in Goa. The paddy fields filled with water, children playing football on the beach, the different hues of the sky, the leaves that shine with diamonds of droplets on them, the winds that sway away coconut trees, the sometimes silent

and sometimes violent sea, the crashing waves, the puddles of water on roads and the whole charm of enjoying some good food, for me there is nothing like Goa in monsoons. I hope I have convinced you enough of why you must travel to Goa in monsoons. It’ s definitely an experience you won ’t forget. So come on over, Goa and its rains are waiting for you.