Goa, located on the south-western coast of India, is surrounded by Maharashtra, Karnataka and the Arabian Sea. It is the smallest state in India. Thousands of international and domestic tourists visit Goa every year because it is famous for its white-sand beaches, world-heritage architecture, places of worship and active nightlife. This place is rich in various types of flora and fauna. There are also many adventurous activities in Goa to explore. Goa during the monsoon season is absolutely beautiful to look at. There is a list of things to do in Goa in August to experience the natural beauty.
10 Things To Do In Goa In August
Here are a few amazing things to do in Goa in August to explore the natural beauty of the city.
1. Trek To Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Photo: Guptabhel / Wikimedia Commons
Dudhsagar waterfalls are one of the most famous natural attractions in Goa. It has one of India’s tallest waterfalls, with an average height of 310 m. It is a four-tyre waterfall on the Mandovi River. During the monsoon season, the climate enhances the beauty of Dudhsagar waterfalls, making it a must-visit place in Goa. The water is surrounded by lush greenery and thick forests, creating a breathtaking view. A trek through the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is very adventurous. There is also a jeep safari available to the base point of the Dudhsagar waterfalls.
Location: Dudhsagar Falls, Sonauli, Goa 403410
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Goa In Monsoon For A Scenic Escapade
2. Visit The Basilica Of Bom Jesus
Photo: Bikashrd / Wikimedia Commons
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a famous Catholic church located in Goa. This church is a pilgrimage centre and is recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is one of the best examples of baroque architecture and Portuguese colonial architecture in India. The architecture of the church is very beautiful because of its amazing detailing and various items preserved inside the church. It is a must-visit place because it is surrounded by a beautiful garden where you can spend some peaceful time.
Location: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa Road, Old Goa, Goa 403402
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
3. Take A Walk Around The Tropical Spice Plantation
Photo: Jennifer Rose Stankowski / Wikimedia Commons
The tropical spice plantation located in Keri is in the heart of Central Goa, around the temple town of Ponda. Here you get to enjoy a warm Goan traditional welcome with a refreshing herbal drink at the entrance of the plantation. As soon as you enter the plantation, you can inhale the fragrances of fresh spices like cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, white pepper, coriander, betel nut and chillies. There are also many other fruits and vegetables grown on this plantation. There are water bodies around the plantation where visitors can also go boating and just relax. There are a few birds, like parrots, owls, and hornbills, found on the trees of these plantations.
Location: Tropical Spice Plantation, H.No. A-14 , Arla Bazar Keri, Ponda, Keri, Goa 403401
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Goa At Night For A Starry Adventure
4. Trip To Divar Island
Photo: chinmaykarlekar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Divar Island is one of the 6 major islands located within the Mandovi River. This island is nearly 10 kms away from Panjim and connected to old Goa on the southeast side. There is a launch that also connects Divar to the city of Panjim in the island village of Vanxim. The drive to this village is beautiful to look at with paddy fields and wooden hills. There are many things to do on this island, like go on a ferry ride, visit historic caves, churches and many more.
Location: Divar Island, Goa 403403
Timings: 7 AM – 8 PM for the ferries
5. Visit The Tambdi Surla Temple
Photo: Savika Gomes / Wikimedia Commons
Tambdi Surla Temple, also known as Mahadeva Temple, is a 13th-century Shaivite temple constructed in the Kadamba style that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is protected by a monument of national importance in Goa. The temple is built across the mountains from the Deccan plateau and crafted by craftsmen. This temple is known for its great significance in surviving the Islamic invasions due to its location in a deep forest surrounded by Western Ghats.
Location: Kadamba Shri Mahadeva Temple (Tambdisurla), Near Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctury, Sanguem, Surla, Goa 403406
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Suggested Read: Top Offbeat Things To Do In Goa For A Beach Holiday
6. Take A Walk Around The Lanes Of Fontainhas
Photo: Intrepid one / Wikimedia Commons
Fontainhas, which is the Latin quarter of Goa, is one of the most charming areas that is known for its Portuguese-style houses and narrow streets located in Panjim. There are old villas, buildings and narrow lanes with traditional tones of pale yellow, green, and blue and roofs made of red tiles, just like in other European cities. This area still follows the traditional Portuguese influence. A walk through Fontainhas during August, with the rains adds to the amazing feeling, and is like stepping back in time. The vibrant colours of the houses, with the backdrop of the amazing monsoon sky, create a picture-perfect setting that makes it one of the best places to visit in Goa.
Location: Fontainhas (quarter), Altinho, Panaji, Goa 403001
Timings: 24*7
7. Visit The Chapora Fort
Photo: Prayash Giria / Wikimedia Commons
Chapora fort, located in Goa, rises above the river, and the fort was built by an Abdul Shahi dynasty ruler called Shahpura. It was altered and named Chapora by the Portuguese. The fort is located in a prominent position with steep slopes on all its sides. This fort has great historical significance and beautiful views of the Chapora River and the Arabian Sea. During the monsoon season, rains make it a perfect spot to enjoy nature.
Location: Chapora Fort, Chapora Fort Trail, Vagator, Anjuna, Goa 403509
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Goa In July For A Monsoon Retreat
8. Walk Around Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Shyamal / Wikimedia Commons
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, located on the western depths of the Chorao island along the Mandovi River in Goa, is an estuarine mangrove habitat. This sanctuary is named after the eminent ornithologist Salim Ali. This sanctuary is spread across 440 acres and has many species of birds and animals. This place is a heaven for bird watchers and it is recommended to visit this place especially in August because of its lush greenery and variety of birds that flock here.
Location: Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Ilhas, Madel, Ribandar, Goa 403006
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
9. Trek At Udaan Dongor
Photo: Matt Gross / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Trekking at Udaan Dongor is a memorable lifetime experience for the visitors. It is the fourth-highest peak in Goa and is home to winding trails, streams and wilderness. Visiting this place during the monsoon gives the visitors a good chance of sporting bison, leopards, and deer along the trails. Rainfall during the month of August makes the entire peak beautifully lush green, with breathtaking views of the Western Ghat. This trek takes an entire day, from morning to evening, to go up the hill and get back to Panjim City.
Location: Dongar, Goa 403704
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Goa In December For A Serene Getaway In The Tropical Paradise
10. River Rafting At Mhadei River
Photo: Outward Bound Costa Rica / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Mhadei River, or Mandovi River, located in Goa, is known to be the lifeline of the Indian state of Goa. This river is 81 kms long, connecting Maharashtra and Karnataka. This place is famous for river rafting. During the monsoon season, because of the downpour and the surreal location, it is the perfect time for rafting. This activity is perfect to try for adventure enthusiasts and first-timers, with a river rafting activity of 10 km amidst the bright green jungles along the way. The moody waves of the river during the monsoon add more to the adventure and create a memorable experience for the visitors.
Location: Mandovi River, Goa
Timings: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Goa is known for its amazing natural views and adventurous activities. Goa during the monsoon is less crowded and has beautiful backdrops of nature with lush green surroundings. There are many things to do in Goa in August to experience and explore through various activities like trekking, rafting, boat riding and many more. Get to know more about this by visiting TripXL for further information and plan your trip accordingly.
Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons