During the monsoons, the forests and waterfalls in Goa come alive and are at their prime, surrounding hikers with lush greenery and magnificence. The pitter-patter of raindrops and the chorus of birds and other animals create a beautiful atmosphere, making the hiking experience truly bewitching. “The whole point of walking through the forest and mountains is to see the beauty of it, the greenery around and of course the fresh running water, thus making July-October the best time to visit these hiking trails and waterfalls,” shares Raghuvir Lotlikar, a passionate hiker since 2009.
Raghuvir is one of the founding members of Umedi Goans, a non-profit organisation that began as a simple idea among college friends and teachers. He shares that his biggest inspiration and the backbone of this group has always been Pradeep Morajkar, his professor at St Xavier’s College, Mapusa.
He explains, “We initially planned a one-time hike to Surla Waterfall at Chorla Ghats with around 30-35 participants. Our goal was to explore some of the breath-taking places in Goa as well as create an opportunity to meet each other after college and stay in touch.” To date, the troupe has successfully completed over 20 hikes. While they had to cancel several trips due to Covid-19, this year, Raghuvir expresses that they are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to plan their next adventure as hiking together has been an amazing bonding experience for them.
Hiking also exposes individuals to picturesque spots, providing picture- perfect camera shots. Jennifer Noronha’s Instagram posts from her hiking adventures serve as evidence of this fact. Her fondness for hiking began when she visited Netravali Waterfalls during a college trip organised by Agnel’s Institute of Technology and Design, Assagao. This impact stayed with her even after she relocated to Pune.
“My interest in hiking was reignited after the pandemic hit in 2020. I began by exploring the smaller hills within the city and discovering the scenic trails around the Tamhini Ghat in Maharashtra. Since then, I have also ventured onto trails in Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, and other places. These serene locations bring me immense joy and offer a much-needed respite from the monotony of city life,” she explains. She believes the hiking experience during the rainy season to be incomparable, which is why the hiking trails and waterfalls are relatively busier than usual. However, it is also easy to spot hikers littering the place.
Expressing her concern for the environment, she shares, “It saddens me to witness people leaving their garbage at these beautiful sites. Preserving the integrity of the trails is of utmost importance. It is essential to be responsible while hiking, ensuring that no litter is left behind. Taking the time to clean up before leaving is crucial.”
While the allure of hiking in the blissful monsoon weather is tempting, it also comes with its own set of dangers. Therefore, ensuring one’s safety and keeping in mind several precautions and faux-pas is crucial. While one may have the urge to explore further, Jennifer states that it is important to stick together with one’s group and to stay on the designated trail and avoid wandering off as certain trails can be more hazardous during the monsoon season.
Raghuvir further adds that it is essential to always check the difficulty level before planning a hike. It is advisable to have a guide or an expert along and is best to avoid the first month of the rainy season as water can dislodge fallen trees, branches, and rocks, posing a potential risk of injury. Additionally, he recommends avoiding hiking during red or orange alerts, as the water flow can be dangerously rough. “Taking selfies on edges or risky locations should be avoided, and it is important to inspect the water before entering it. Remember that it is not a swimming pool, so refrain from diving in!” he cautions.
The enthusiasm for hiking is not a recent phenomenon but a long-standing hobby embraced by Goans. The Goa Hiking Association, a non-governmental association, was established in 1974 and is one of the oldest of its kind. Nikhil Rawal, the secretary from Ribandar, has been a proud member of the association for the past two decades and has participated in numerous hikes and treks. He reflects on one of his most memorable experiences, which he found to be truly transformative. “Around ten years ago, I embarked on an expedition in the Western Ghats of Goa with a group of eight individuals. We climbed up in Canacona and, over the course of nine days, travelled to Valpoi without entering any cities or villages, covering approximately 280 kilometres of forest area while carrying our own supplies,” he happily recalls.
Nikhil also mentions that his association aims to cover most of the waterfalls in Goa this year. Having been on several hikes himself, he recommends the Krishnapur trail (Valpoi), Satrem Waterfall (Valpoi) and Twin Waterfalls (Shirshirem) for experienced hikers. On the other hand, for more beginners he states that Pali Waterfall (Netravali) and Tambdi Surla Waterfall (Mollem) would be a better choice.
And if you’re wondering about the right age to start hiking, Daryl Vaz hailing from Curtorim is here to assure you that there is no wrong or right answer. He has been hiking since childhood and has also embarked on numerous overnight camping and hiking trips. His exploration of Goa’s lesser-known hinterlands and mountain trails began around 16 years ago during his college days. Since then, he has completed countless hikes across India, including multiple high-altitude treks in the Himalayas.
Daryl strongly believes that everyone should explore the outdoors and participate in hikes and treks. He says, “Hiking pushes you beyond your comfort zone, helps improve your physical and mental fitness, and, most importantly, reconnects you with the wild and natural spaces that we are lacking in today’s day and age.” He adds that while we don’t have many multi-day hikes in and around Goa, the experience of spending days in the mountains, away from the chaos, sleeping in tents, and witnessing nature in its purest form truly changes people for the better.
For those hiking for the first time, Daryl suggests informing someone about one’s plans and wearing lightweight, quick-drying clothing along with suitable footwear especially during the monsoons. Anyone with known medical issues or heart problems should consult a doctor before attempting strenuous hikes. ” Additionally, it’s important to carry plenty of water, a small first aid kit, and an extra set of clothes. Avoid deep and gushing waters, stick to marked trails, and watch your step on slippery surfaces. Be cautious of wildlife, and trust your instincts to ensure a safe first hiking experience,” he concludes.