Rainy Season Drives in Goa: Safety Tips and Scenic Routes
The monsoon season in Goa, stretching from June to September, is a great time to explore the state in a quieter, greener setting. While most travellers associate Goa with its sunny beaches, those who visit during the rains often discover a more relaxed and refreshing side — and one of the best ways to take it all in is by road.
Places to Visit Near Goa in Monsoon: Explore These 9 Scenic Drives
Driving through Goa in the rainy season can be a visual treat as well as safe, when you’re behind the wheel of a well-maintained rental car. Roads wind through misty hills, vibrant fields, and heritage villages, offering plenty of scenic stops along the way. With the right vehicle and a few smart precautions, monsoon drives in Goa become not just practical, but memorable. If you are considering places to visit near Goa in monsoon, we’ll highlight 9 scenic routes worth taking during the rains, along with essential safety tips to make your journey smooth and stress-free.
Here are some monsoon-perfect drives, each offering unique vistas, cultural flavor, or just plain thrill:
1. Panjim to Chorla Ghat
Arguably one of the best places to visit near Goa in monsoon. As you head out of Panjim, the road gradually climbs into the Western Ghats. During the rains, the forest on either side bursts into different shades of green, while seasonal waterfalls tumble down slopes. The mist is thick, especially early morning, so keep those headlights on. Expect winding roads and occasional monkeys on the way.
Tip: Opting for a self-drive car rental in Goa during the monsoon gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, stop where you like, and truly take in the scenic beauty along the way.
2. Margao to Cabo de Rama
Cabo de Rama is a fort on a cliff with dramatic views of the Arabian Sea, and it’s on our list of places to visit near Goa in monsoon. The drive from Margao is a blend of coastal roads and inland routes dotted with coconut groves and small villages. During the monsoon, the cliffs look even more striking with the grey sea pounding below.
Tip: Roads in this area can be slippery. Drive slowly near turns.
3. Panjim to Old Goa via Divar Island
This one’s less about distance and more about discovery. Take the ferry from Ribandar to Divar Island — a sleepy river island lost in time. With Portuguese-style homes, narrow roads, and mist-covered fields, it’s like driving through a storybook.
Tip: Ferries run in all weathers, but be patient during heavy rains. The charm is worth it.
4. Mapusa to Arambol via Mandrem
If you want a taste of north Goa’s monsoon magic, this route is ideal. The roads pass through paddy fields, sleepy villages, and eventually open up near Mandrem and Arambol beaches. The water might not be swimmable, but the cliffs and monsoon skies make the view unforgettable. No wonder, It’s on our curated list of places to visit near Goa in monsoon.
Tip: Beware of patches of standing water after heavy showers.
5. Quepem to Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
A road less travelled but deeply rewarding. Netravali is one of Goa’s richest forest belts, and during the rainy season, it feels like entering a rainforest. The route is relatively narrow, but the lush surroundings and sounds of the jungle make it feel like an adventure.
With a reliable car rental in Goa, you don’t have to rely on fixed schedules or wait out the rain — you’re in control of your journey, come drizzle or downpour.
Tip: Mobile networks can drop here — download maps offline.
6. Ponda to Tambdi Surla
Drive through dense forests to reach the 12th-century Tambdi Surla temple. It’s made entirely of basalt stone and looks almost surreal with moss growing around it. The entire drive is canopied by trees, and the wet road glistens under filtered sunlight. If you are researching the best places to visit near Goa in monsoon, look no further.
Tip: Check your brakes. It’s a hilly stretch with several sharp turns.
7. Aldona to Bicholim via Corjuem
This is an underrated drive that offers views of rolling hills and quiet rivers. The Corjuem Fort along the way is often wrapped in mist, adding to the charm. It’s ideal for those who like peaceful, less-trafficked roads.
Tip: Stop for fresh bhajiyas and chai at local stalls — they hit differently in the rain. Choosing a car rental in Goa is one of the most convenient ways to explore the state, especially during the monsoon when flexible travel plans are a must.
8. Vasco to Bogmalo Beach
If you’re planning a weekend getaway, there are several lush and peaceful places to visit near Goa in monsoon season. The road to Bogmalo Beach is a short but delightful coastal route. Watch planes land on one side and waves crash on the other. The grey skies and turbulent sea add drama to this quick drive.
Tip: Great for evening drives. But avoid high tide if there’s a cyclone warning.
9. Assagao to Anjuna via Badem
From waterfalls to hill stations, the rains bring out the best in places to visit near Goa in monsoon. A blend of bohemian charm and village tranquility. Assagao in the rain looks like an artist’s canvas — all dripping leaves and red-mud walls. The route winds down to Anjuna, where waves hit the laterite cliffs with force.
Tip: Go slow near blind turns — bikers often zip by without warning.
Monsoon Driving Safety Tips for Goa
While Goa in the rain is captivating, the roads can be slippery, flooded, or just plain tricky. Here are some practical tips to keep your monsoon drives safe and enjoyable:
1. Check Your Wipers and Lights
Before you even start, ensure your wipers are functioning well. Visibility is your best friend in the rain, and faulty wipers are a big no.
2. Avoid Sudden Braking
Roads, especially those with moss or red mud, can be extra slippery. Ease into your brakes and maintain a slower, consistent speed.
3. Beware of Waterlogging
Just because a car ahead made it doesn’t mean you will. Avoid roads where water levels hide potholes or sharp objects.
4. Use Headlights in Rain or Fog
Always keep your headlights on — even during the day. Not to see, but to be seen.
5. Watch Out for Two-Wheelers
Scooterists often swerve to avoid puddles or potholes. Give them extra room and don’t honk aggressively.
6. Plan Your Refueling
Some of the scenic routes pass through remote areas. Fuel up before your trip, especially if you’re going deep inland.
7. Carry Essentials
Umbrella, torch, water, some dry snacks, a basic first-aid kit, and your phone fully charged — these can turn an inconvenience into a minor pause.
8. Be Gentle on Curves
Especially in the Ghats. Don’t overtake, and if you see a truck coming, wait till it passes.
Drive to Discover, Not Just to Reach
Monsoon in Goa isn’t for rushing. So slow down. Keep your windows cracked just enough to smell the earth. Take the ferry even if there’s a bridge. And above all — drive like you are part of the rain-soaked story Goa is trying to tell.
Revv offers dependable car rental in Goa, perfect for exploring the state during the monsoon. All vehicles are thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and delivered right to your doorstep, so you can start your journey without any hassle. With flexible rental plans and a range of options — from compact cars for couples to spacious SUVs for families or groups — Revv makes it easy to travel at your own pace. Just pick the car that suits your trip, and get ready to discover the rain-washed beauty of Goa and its surrounding landscapes.
