Monsoon Magic: Exploring Goa's Beaches in the Rainy Season

As pre-monsoon showers hit Goa, the usually bustling beaches have fallen quiet, with few tourists in sight. The India Meteorological Department has issued an 'orange' alert for heavy rains. Despite the rough seas and stoppage of fishing activities, visitors are encouraged to explore Goa's green hinterlands during the rainy season.

As pre-monsoon showers sweep across Goa, the state's once-bustling beaches are now noticeably quiet. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an 'orange' alert for heavy rainfall over the next four days. Though the south-west monsoon has yet to fully arrive, Goa is experiencing substantial rains.

Pele aka Fransisco Fernandes, a local fisherman from Benaulim beach, advised, 'This is the best time to be on the beaches. But it is not the right time to swim. One can go up to knee-deep water, but swimming is strictly prohibited.' The rough seas have also put a halt to fishing activities, following an official ban on motorized vessels from June 1 to July 31.

In response, Drishti Lifesaving Services, a government-appointed lifeguard agency, has installed red flags along the coast, with personnel patrolling the beaches to ensure safety. Travel patterns have shifted as tourist numbers have dwindled. However, many see this as an opportunity. 'Goan beaches are cleaner during the monsoon,' said Rahul Gaikwad, a tourist from Mumbai.

Goa's tourism department aims to promote year-round tourism, highlighting the state's greener landscapes during the monsoon. 'There is nothing called off-season in Goa,' said a senior tourism official. The concept of regenerative tourism introduced by the state focuses on the state's hinterlands, encouraging tourists to explore beyond the beaches.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)