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Goa is a hidden gem for travellers looking for a more authentic experience in July as it rains heavily during this period. Goa becomes a green paradise during the monsoon. In July, you can enjoy vibrant festivals and peaceful walks along the beach under an overcast sky; a more refreshing and entrancing experience of Goa. It allows you to mix with the locals during monsoon season’s food, participate in its oldest celebrations like Sao Joao or just tour around timeless temples and churches. Monsoon rains provide great chances for adventure such as trekking via foggy forest trails or viewing the tall waterfalls post-rain.
10 Things To Do In Goa In July
Here is a top-picked list of the things to do in Goa in July that will help you make the most of your visit here and make your trip memorable.
1. Visit Waterfalls In Goa
Photo: Jagadhatri / Wikimedia Commons
The experience of visiting waterfalls in Goa during July is jaw-dropping as the monsoon rain makes them turn into deafening cascades. One cannot avoid a visit to Dudhsagar Falls which are among the highest falls in India. The Tambdi Surla waterfall also located within a dark forest next to an ancient temple can offer you a mesmerising experience full of peace. Harvalem Falls is another great escape for your vacation. These waterfalls, with green vegetation and foggy mist, provide an ideal retreat.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹400-500 per person for a jeep ride; additional ₹40 for a life jacket
2. Monsoon Treks
Photo: Nikhil More / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Trekking during the monsoons is a thrilling way to explore the beautiful countryside of Goa. The Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and Chorla Ghat trails are covered in thick green vegetation, flowering weeds and gurgling streams. These hikes are surrounded by mists, providing some spectacular views of the Western Ghats along with encounters with diverse species in Goa. However, these routes may prove difficult due to slippery paths.
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: ₹20 per person; additional charges for guided tours, vehicles and cameras
Best Time To Visit: Early morning during July for cool weather and lush scenery
3. Enjoy The Sao Joao Festival
Photo: SerChevalerie / Wikimedia Commons
Goa is home to one of the most colourful and unique monsoon festivals, the Sao Joao Festival, which is celebrated on June 24th every year. This traditional Catholic feast day is a tribute to John the Baptist. The event features music, dancing, and colourful costumes. The event ends with a custom where locals jump into wells, ponds or streams to bring out gifts which signify John’s leap into his mother’s womb. Villages such as Siolim and Anjuna are known to celebrate this festival with full spirit.
Date: June 24th, but events may start a day or two earlier
Entry Fees: Free to attend; events or activities have small fees
Best Time To Visit: June 24th, starting in the morning and continuing till the evening
4. Attend A Monsoon Party Or Casino Night
Photo: Nadia Bouloudene / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A monsoon party or casino night in Goa in July is a vibrant escape from the rains. Often organised at beach clubs and resorts, monsoon parties are organised with lively music, dancing, and themed decorations that bring out the season’s energy. Casinos such as Casino Royale or Deltin Suites offer indoor gambling events, entertainment shows and dining. The contrast between these lively occasions and Goa’s damp weather creates a unique and thrilling atmosphere, suitable for experiencing local nightlife in making unforgettable memories.
Timings: Starting from 7 PM; casino nights are open 24 hours
Entry Fees: Monsoon parties cover charges or ticket fees while casinos have a nominal entry fee
Best Time To Visit: Evenings for monsoon parties; anytime for casinos, as they entertain throughout the day
5. Go On A River Cruise
Photo: Perthite / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A river cruise in Goa during the monsoon is a peaceful way to witness the state’s nature. Mandovi River has quiet boat rides that show peaceful rainy lands and river sides. Usually, ship tours include mangrove places or animals or beautiful views of sunset. They often have relaxing music on decks and dance with traditional Goan rhythms in the evenings. In the rainy season, it makes the experience more pleasant due to the fresh atmosphere.
Location: Cruises depart from Panaji, near the Santa Monica Jetty or Patto Jetty
Timings: 5:30 PM, 7:30 PM, and 9:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹300 – 500 per person, depending on the cruise type
Best Time To Visit: Early evening (around 5:30 PM) for a sunset cruise during July
6. Explore Spice Plantations
Photo: Dave Spicer / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Visiting spice farms in Goa in July provides an exotic experience of the farms. During monsoons, one can visit spice farms such as Sahakari Spice Farm and Tropical Spice Plantation where guides and locals demonstrate how cardamom, pepper, cinnamon etc are cultivated. These tours also include tasting fresh spices and having traditional Goan meals prepared on the spot. By just walking around these lush plantations, having a taste of these spices and listening to raindrops falling, one can easily appreciate the agricultural culture of Goa.
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fees: ₹400-500 per person, including a guided tour and lunch
Best Time To Visit: Late morning to early afternoon in July, when the plantation is vibrant and the weather is cooler
7. Monsoon Fishing And Crab Catching
Photo: Thegreatmutata / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Fishing during the monsoon and catching crabs in Goa gives an experience of the regional traditional coastal way of life. The local fishermen engage the tourists to help them catch fish in various rivers and backwaters. One can learn simple techniques that have been used for ages for trapping fish using nets. Chapora Backwaters is one of the popular locations for fishing.
Timings: Early morning (6 AM – 9 AM) or late afternoon (4 PM – 7 PM)
Entry Fees: Around ₹300-600 per person, including equipment
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or late afternoon during July
8. Enrol In Cooking Classes
Photo: Thai Secret Cooking School / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Attending a cooking class in Goa during monsoon season is an awesome way to learn about the local culture and cuisine. In the cooking classes held in traditional Goan homes or cooking schools, you are generally taught how to make traditional Goan dishes such as fish curry, prawn bachao and bebinca. Through local chefs, you will learn about the spices and methods that make Goan cuisine. A few of them take you to local markets to buy the fresh ingredients that are used in the classes.
Timings: Morning and afternoon sessions, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM or 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹2,000-4,000 per person, including a market visit, cooking class, and meal
Best Time To Visit: Morning or afternoon sessions
9. Partake In Yoga Retreats
Photo: Skyvido / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The month of July is the best time for yoga retreats, as it offers an avenue for peaceful meditation away from the busy lives of individuals. Retreats are usually set up in quiet areas with greenery around them or next to serene beaches. Most retreats have packages that combine yoga lessons, meditation and ayurvedic treatment which provide an all-round wellness package to their clients. These yoga retreats are perfect during the mesmerising monsoon season.
Location: Found in quiet, scenic areas such as Anjuna, Palolem, Ashwem and Mandrem beaches (North Goa) and Canacona in South Goa
Timings: Morning sessions at 6 AM and evening sessions at 4 PM
Entry Fees: Daily sessions range from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000, while multi-day retreats cost from ₹15,000 to ₹50,000 or more
Best Time To Visit: Early mornings and late afternoons
10. Visit Museums And Art Galleries
Photo: JosephAssisFernandes / Wikimedia Commons
Visiting the museums and art galleries of Goa during the monsoon season offers both an enjoyable experience indoors as well as a chance to appreciate the cultural background of Goa. The various artefacts, sculptures and antiques at the Goa State Museum provide an insight into Goan history. The Museum of Christian Art offers various religious arts on display such as paintings, sculptures and liturgical items. An interesting combination of Portuguese and Indian art forms is found at the Indo-Portuguese Museum. Moreover, Sunaparanta – Goa Centre for the Arts showcases several contemporary art exhibitions and cultural functions.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM, Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays)
Entry Fees: ₹50 per person
Best Time To Visit: Early afternoon during July
Start planning your visit to the beach paradise Goa today and learn about the rich history and beautiful architecture. If you are looking for some top things to do in Goa in July, then here are some of the best activities you can partake in. Plan your holiday to Goa with TripXL for a memorable experience.
Cover Photo: alexey turenkov / Unsplash
