Places to Visit in Goa in Monsoon – Palolem Canacona
Hi, I’m Devesh, and if there’s one place that holds my heart — especially during the monsoon — it’s Gaondongrim in Canacona, South Goa. My dad was a teacher in the Government High School there, and with no choice, me, my two brothers, and mom lived in that quiet forested village for nearly 10 years. We shifted to Palolem when I turned 14, after my father’s transfer.
But even today, every monsoon — and even during short breaks — I return to Gaondongrim with my family. It’s like a seasonal tradition. We stop by Gavne Dam, take blessings at Mallikarjun Temple, and never miss Bhupar and Bamanbudo Falls. On our way back, I always meet my childhood friends at the local tea stall near the junction. Hot chai, pakoda, rain, and old memories — I swear, I never get bored doing this year after year— in fact, I love it. It keeps my memories fresh, and my roots alive.
Never forget your roots, and always be proud of where you come from — Ratan Tata
So if you’ve ever wondered about places to visit in Goa in monsoon — let me show you my side of Goa. Not the beach-party brochures — the green, quiet, healing side.
🌧️ Why Monsoon is the Best Time to Visit Canacona
Maybe you’re chatting with a friend about taking a break, and someone says, “Let’s go Goa.”
But another one goes, “Goa? In the rains? What’s there to do now?”
That’s where you’re thinking wrong.
Most people think Goa is shut during the rainy season. But the real beauty of South Goa — especially Canacona — shows up in monsoon. Fewer tourists, low prices, green forests, quiet beaches, and peaceful roads. If you’re looking to slow down, recharge, and experience Goa like a local — this is it.
So let me walk you through the 7 best places to visit in Goa in monsoon, all centred around Palolem and Canacona, with real local tips and routes.
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1.Gavne Mini Dam – Fog, Forest, and Calm
Start your trip from Chaudi. Head towards Old Karwar Road. About 5 km in, take a left from Bhatpali forest gate — this green road takes you deep into Gaondongrim.
After about 11 km from Chaudi, you’ll reach Gavne Dam. It’s peaceful, surrounded by lush hills, and usually empty. If you’re lucky, there’s fog drifting over the water — the kind of view you won’t forget and dont forget to try locally grown tasty cucumber with salt if you get.
📍 Tip: Best visited early morning or late evening for full monsoon drama.
2. Gaondongrim Mallikarjun Temple – Hidden Spiritual Vibes
Just 2 km from the dam, take a left from the Gaondongrim market to reach this sacred temple. Surrounded by trees and complete silence, it’s a great place to get blessings and feel connected to the roots of Goan culture.
This is where my family always stops first — and it’s still as calming as when I was a child.
Take a left from Gaondongrim market to reach the temple — surrounded by tall trees and calm vibes. Go early morning or late evening for that peaceful forest silence.
☕ Tea Break – Chai, Pakoda & Old Friends
After temple darshan, head back to the main road and grab onion pakoda, mirchi bhaji, and chai at the local tea stall in Gaondongrim. For me, this stop is full of memories.
3. Bhupar and Bamanbudo Waterfalls – Roadside Wonders
From the temple, come back to the main road and ride towards Kinnakato (3.2 km). Take a left to reach Bhupar waterfall — it flows gracefully over rocks and forest trails.
Then head 4 km ahead to reach Bamanbudo Waterfall. It’s literally flowing beside the road! Watch your speed — the road is narrow, and it gets busy with bikers and tourists.
📸 Take photos from across the road, but be safe — it’s slippery during peak rains.
4. Bubble Lake & Tanshikar Farm – Nature’s Hidden Side
If you’ve got time, continue another 12 km into the quiet Netravali forest to reach Budbudyachi Tali — or Bubble Lake. Clap your hands and you’ll see water bubbling naturally — a strange but fascinating local spot.
Right nearby is the Tanshikar Organic Spice Farm (1.5 km away). They offer forest spice tours, herbal teas, and a fresh local lunch — perfect during a rainy afternoon.
Also Read: Goa in the Monsoon: A Local’s Guide to Rainy Days
5. Savari & Mainapi Waterfalls – For Trekking Groups Only
From Tanshikar, Savari and Mainapi waterfalls are 6 km ahead, inside the sanctuary. These are for those who love jungle treks — about 45 mins to 1 hr walk. Not recommended for kids or older family members.
✅ Always check with forest guards or locals for trail safety before going.
6. Scenic Drive – Char Rasta to Mashem Bypass
This stretch is one of the most underrated places to visit in Goa in monsoon.
Take the 10-km Manohar Parrikar bypass from Char Rasta to Mashem, and you’ll drive past valley views, green mountains, and aerial views of Rajbagh River and Galgibaga Beach.
☕ Take a left from end of the bypass and take a pit stop at “Sureshalo Gaado” for Ros Omelette.It’s one of my favorite all season spot.
7. Palolem to Cabo de Rama – Rainy Beach Hopping
You can’t swim during monsoon, but Canacona’s beaches are a different kind of beautiful in the rain. Here’s a loop you can do in one relaxed day:
- Palolem Beach – Empty stretch, soft drizzle, perfect for a chai walk.
- Patnem & Colomb – Less crowded and full of misty vibes.
- Rajbagh – Watch where river meets sea.
- Talpona & Galgibaga – Untouched, wild, full monsoon feels.
- Agonda – Stunning beach with cloud-covered cliffs.
- Cabo de Rama Fort – End your day here with a killer sunset (if it clears).
Also Read: South Goa more attractions
Chapoli Dam & Garden – Calm Water & Clean View
Just a few minutes from Chaudi market, Chapoli Dam is another peaceful monsoon spot in Canacona that’s often missed. The drive up is short but scenic, especially when it’s raining lightly. Once you reach, you’ll see the dam surrounded by small hills, clean water, and green fields. There’s also a neatly maintained garden area here — nice for clicking a few pictures or just sitting quietly on a bench and kids activities area. It’s not crowded at all, making it perfect for all looking for some quiet time.
📍 Pro tip: Visit around 4 to 6 PM if the sky clears for beautiful reflections on the water.
This full loop gives you a real sense of Canacona’s coastline during monsoon — peaceful, dramatic, and totally uncrowded.
Bonus Half-Day Trip: Karwar by KSRTC Bus
If you’ve got a Private vehicle, drive 30 km to Karwar. No Rent a Car or Bike allowed .You can explore:
- INS Chapal Naval Museum
- Karwar Rock Garden
- Geetanjali Theatre – if you’re in a movie mood
- Max, Trendz & Karwar Market – for shopping and snacks
🚌 Hop on a KSRTC Red Bus from Char Rasta. They’re frequent and take only 30–40 minutes. Just avoid the theatre if you’re catching a bus back.
Where to Stay in Palolem–Canacona During Monsoon
👤 For Solo or Backpacker Travelers:
Rainbow Lining Hostel, Patnem
Summer Hostel, Palolem
👪 For Couples or Groups:
Bharat Heights, Nagarcem
Patnem Beach Park Apartments
Palolem Plaza
Ruby Residency, Chawdi
Turia Villa, Gaondongrim
Sobit Sarovar, Palolem
Where to Eat (Local Monsoon Comfort Food)
☕ Breakfast:
- Thoko Tea Stall, Palolem – Chai ,Mix Bhaji with mirchi bhajji,Samosa,Lassi -Locals Favorite
- Patnem Chai Shop – Omelette, Bun,Bhaji & samosa .
- Cleos Cafe & Restaurant -Best Coffee in Palolem ,also restaurant for Lunch & Dinner.
- Saraswati Udupi, Char Rasta –Dip Idly & south indian Breakfast.
- Coastal Palate ,Nagarcem Chawdi for south indian Breakfast.
Download ZOMATO for door delivery.
🍽️ Lunch & Dinner:
- Anandi Classic Gulem-my recommended AC restaurant .for Goan Fish Thali and other Goan and Indian Cuisine.
- Cuba Pure Veg, Palolem –Veg thali and Breakfast
- Sai Family Dhaba -Fish curry
- Castad Kitchen, Chawdi – fish thali and Goan Cuisine
💭 Final Thoughts – Real Goa Lives Here
So if someone tells you there’s nothing to see in Goa during the monsoon, show them this post — or better, bring them with you.
Because when I walk down a wet road in Gaondongrim, watch the clouds hang low over Gavne Dam, or share chai with my old friends — I know this is what Goa is really about.
And if you ever take this monsoon route through Canacona… maybe you’ll feel it too.