Monsoon...the word has a biblical feel to it, conjuring images of relentless downpours, floods and storms. But the rainy season in India's southern resort district of Goa doesn't have to delight only ducks and farmers...showers are intermittent and if you choose to take your holiday in India during this time, you'll be met with a host of excellent low-season offers and deals.

A deserted stretch of white sand lapped by limpid tropical waters and fringed by palm trees. Where are we? Goa. “Deserted? Yeah, right...maybe in the sixties or seventies!” we hear you cry. But seriously this is Goa - just not during the high season, when visitors flock here en masse. No, this is the rainy season.

Travellers are typically alarmed when they hear the word ‘monsoon,’ but this season in Goa has much to recommend it. In contrast to the humid heat of the summer months, the monsoon period between June and September brings with it cool breezes and brings in spectacular rollers off the Arabian Sea. Streams and waterfalls appear, nourishing the lush green landscape. And when else are you likely to have either the inclination or opportunity to go dancing and singing in the rain?!



Currently, less tourist arrivals to Goa occur during the monsoon period so the local government is obviously keen to attract visitors during this four-month period. In a bid to make Goa a 365-day holiday destination, it has come up with the Raindrop Tourism campaign, which authorities are keen to market especially to travellers from West Asia, where rains are sparse. Goa faces stiff competition from neighbouring Kerala, whose backwater canals, lakes and rivers have proven a big hit with tourists, so they’re coming up with a host of incentives to lure visitors. That’s great for you because it means discounts and special offers galore at restaurants, shops and other leisure facilities feeling the pinch during the quiet season.

A historic festival occurs during this period too. Goa was of course a Portuguese Colony and the substantial Catholic population is exuberant in its celebration of Sao Joao, which is dedicated to John the Baptist and takes place on June 24 each year. In villages throughout Goa, special dances occur and youths throw themselves into wells (don’t worry, they emerge again, albeit soaked to the skin). Folk dances known as Sanggods also take place. The festival ends with a sumptuous feast.

Goa's so-called hinterland is rarely explored by tourists, who typically come for the famous beach life. But the Western Ghats mountain range that covers most of the eastern part of Goa is one of the most picturesque and biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Almost 1500 square kilometres of the state is covered in equatorial forest, which is at its most lush during the monsoon season.

Other options in India are equally as enticing. Wander at your leisure through the streets of the old city in Jaipur, Rajasthan or explore the backwaters of Kerala (see our Kerala feature). To enable you to get the most out of your winter holiday in India, we’re now offering split centre holidays. You can choose from Goa & Kerala, Jaipur & Goa or Jaipur & Kerala. REX can put together a tailor made package including both travel and accommodation within India. We’re also offering special weekend breaks - find out more by reading our Weekend Activities Programme piece in the news section.

All of which is quite an incentive to rethink holiday plans and do things a little differently. After all, as the saying goes, a change is as good as a rest any day.

 

 

 
 

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