7 Things About Things To Chill You’ll Kick Yourself for Not Knowing

Beat the Heat with these super fun things to do when in Goa during summers…

The heat is quite literally on… one step outside the house in the summer afternoon and you come back all scorched up from inside out. But, don’t lose heart, as there are ways to beat the heat and stay “thanda thanda…cool cool”. While the heat and humidity in Goa is at an all time high, we have compiled some of the best ways to ‘Beat the Heat’ in this sunny state, which go beyond staying indoors with the air conditioning on.

AQUA LOVE

Lakes, rivers, ponds, pools, or the vast Arabian Sea; there is no dearth of water bodies in Goa, and what better way to beat the heat, than take a plunge into these cool blue (sometimes green) oasis of coolness.

Soak In a Pool: Goa is blessed with housing societies and hotels / resorts with unique pools and open air Jacuzzis. Just take a plunge by yourself or have a fun time playing in the pool with friends and family; rest assured the summer heat won’t get to you while you are at it. Mornings and evenings are the best time to take a swim in cool waters and sip a refreshing drink while you are at it. Don’t forget to cake up some sunscreen if you venture into a pool during the day time, though.

Get Wet under a Waterfall: With so many waterfalls all over the state, go for a picnic to a waterfall of your choice. While the smaller ones may have dried out by now; the major ones, like the Dudhsagar waterfalls will still be open for public access till before the monsoons. Surrounded by lush greenery, these are perfect for a trek, for lounging around, or just a stroll away from the city life.

Head to the Beach: Pack up your evening tea and biscuits and head to the beach with family or by yourself. The post afternoon cool breeze is bound to cut down all the heat trapped in your body as you take in the smell and sight around. A morning walk / run at the beach or even during evenings will be refreshing as well.

Water Sports: Summers are the best time to make the most of the fun and adrenaline pumping water sports, before the operations close down for monsoons. There is just so much to choose from, be it the crowd favourites like parasailing, hot balloon rides or an upcoming sport like sailing and windsurfing. If you would rather prefer doing something less athletic, kayaking is an option; opt for moonlight kayaking during the evening / night hours and stay away from the sun too.

Cruise on A River: Opt for a river cruise on a balmy summer evening with loved ones and be mesmerized as you witness the sun going down; sip some wine and dance and laugh your way through the evening. You can opt for cruises like the Santa Monica, which make several trips down River Mandovi every day, or go for the dinner cruise, and better still, just hire your own yacht or boat and have an uninterrupted happy time.

DRINKS AND DESSERTS TO KEEP YOU COOL

Ice Creams: As a kid I have memories of waiting for the ice cream cart during the hot summer afternoons so that we could treat ourselves to a frozen iced bar. Ice creams in all shapes and flavours and made from the ingredients of your choice, continue to remain the best way to bring the temperatures down. Make your own ice – cream or head out to one of the many ice-cream parlours in the state; the amount of choice here is simply unlimited.

Summer Drinks: The hydrating tender coconut water should be your go to beverage this summer; available in every corner of the state, this drink is easy to source, cheap on the pockets and is packed with super nutrients. Another local drink to keep your insides hydrated and cool is the Kokum; this local produce typically tastes sweet, though slightly acidic and the taste can be modified as per the palette, by using a variety of ingredients. The beloved Goan Feni, can also help quench the thirst, particularly if you are looking for something to get high on as well. Grab a beer, or experiment with the wide range of fruits and even veggies available in the market and make a refreshing summer cooler to sip through the hot afternoons. Better still, go with your girlies to a resort near you and have a gossip session over some summer drinks. Oh, and don’t forget to sip on water all day long!

DRESS TO KILL

When in Goa, dress like the Goans do; bring out your linens, cotton shirts, shorts, slippers, hats and glares. Go to the night and flea markets, the beach side shops, the ubiquitous number of boutiques selling resort wear around the state, and dress up to take on the summer heat. Summers and thick jeans don’t go together, so don linen pants, cotton skirts …you get it right? While you may not be able to dress all boho in your office, chuck the jeans and tight clothes outside of it. Unlike metros, you will get access in your slippers and shorts in most hotels in Goa, but don’t go overboard and walk around in your swimsuits. Even synthetic materials like polyester are well suited to the Goan humidity. The key is to dress smart and trendy and use your clothes as a way to keep the heat away.

SOME OTHER STUFF YOU COULD DO TO STAY COOL

Snow Park In Goa: Yes, you read that right; there is a snow park with real snow, right here in this tropical paradise. Not a degree of heat can get to you as you play snow games, take a drink at the snow bar or pose for snow selfies in -5 degrees temperature at this snow park.

Hidden Treasures: Goa has as many as six wildlife sanctuaries; all of them lush with greenery and offers an unmatched exploratory experience. Take a drive through these sanctuaries, as you eagerly look for some rare flaura and fauna and not surprisingly, the temperature here will be a few degrees lower than the urban areas. There are secret (read, unexplored) places like caves and hidden ponds, which are ideal for day excursions; especially the bubble lake in South Goa is a delightful experience to not miss out on this summer.

Drive Around The Countryside: Hop on your bike or roll down the windows of your car, if you prefer a four wheeler and drive around the state’s winding narrow lanes without ever looking at the Google maps, and believe me you will be awed at the beauty and freshness around you. Don’t let the heat push you indoors… try new ways to stay cool and make the most of the bright sunny days!

Text: Shobhika Jaju

Images: Amogh Naik Mule, Prajyot Nagvenkar, Planet Goa Archives, Steve Falerio

Planet Goa Team

For us at Planet-Goa, our team is driven by that feeling of exhilaration that one gets when discovering that something ‘unique’ and ‘new’ about Goa for our ever-so-discerning readers.