Waterfalls in Goa are an added attraction to entertain and pull the crowd apart from its sunny beaches, dazzling discos and swaying palms. Goa is distinguished as the land of golden beaches and as the beach State in India, full of magnanimity. Goa is also gifted with endless beauty- an exquisiteness, the splendor of which has attracted millions of travelers through ages.
Goa is well prosperous with a number of lakes, waterfalls and springs that has turned it into a tourist's paradise. These waterfalls, lakes and springs lying far away from the seashores, away from the jostle of the beaches and thundering waves give you that perfect retreat, a perfect picnic spot and refreshing water to make a splash. Stretches of golden sand soaked by a rush of blue sea waters with the sky mirroring the sea below and the green paddy fields and coconut groves along with rolling and falling waters of the cascades makes your longer days of sun, sand and sea the most enjoyable.
Some of the most wonderful water bodies to be essentially visited in Goa are as follows:
Arvalem Waterfalls Goa
Arvalem Waterfalls in Goa, descends from the cliffs to a height of 50m and is a breathtaking sight to behold. It is situated 9km south of Bicholim town. Aravalem Waterfalls is located at Arvalem, which is only 2 km from Sanquelim, in Valpoi taluka, North Goa. This waterfall in Goa is in its full glory during the monsoons season. Just close to Arvalem Waterfalls in Goa you will find rock cut caves in Sanquelim . Here there was a Buddhist cave temple , which was later transformed to a temple of Lord Shiva. Now it is known as Rudreshwar Temple. As you come out of the temple you will find a thunderous gush of water from the rock cliff. Here at the temple the Hindus perform the last rites of the departed.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls Goa
Dudhsagar Waterfalls in Goa is located in the eastern edge on Goa-Karnataka border. It is included among the top 100 waterfalls in the world.The Dudhsagar Waterfalls descends down to a height of 600m in the rugged terrain of the Western Ghats. The River Mandovi after flowing across the Deccan Plateau, diversifies in three torrential streams which cascaded down the precipitous rocky cliffs into a plunge pool beneath. The cascading water of the Dudhsagar Waterfalls down the height of 200 ft appears silvery white in color so the name Dudhsagar is given which means sea of milk. The picturesque surroundings around the waterfall is truly mesmerizing , the steep cliff over which the Dudhsagar Waterfalls descends , overlooks a steep, crescent-shaped valley covered with lush carpet of greenery. There is dense tropical forest all around.
Kesarval Springs
The spring at Kesarval is located 22 kms away from Panaji, near the Verna plateau, off the main National highway road which goes on towards the town of Margao. The spot can be reached soon after crossing the bridge on the Zuari river and passing through the village of Cortalim. There is dense undergrowth surrounding the site and above its gorge the hills stretch out in the east and south. A little further down the slope of this ridge to the east, surrounded by the tropical woodlands and waving betel-nut palms is the celebrated spring of Kesarval.
Mayem Lake In Goa
This is the most famous lake in Goa and also one of the most popular tourist destinations on the itinerary of all the conducted sight-seeing tours. The lake is located in Bicholim taluka in north Goa, east of the market town of Mapusa. The region in which the lake is located, is mostly unspoilt countryside full of sleepy villages. The lake itself sits on wooded shores in a landscape of low hills. Birdlife is plentiful here, with a variety of birds making their home on the shores of the lake. The placid waters of this lake are ideal for boating. Small pedal operated boats are available for a charming boatride on the lake. The lake has in its grounds a shady park which boasts of an excellent cafeteria and several other stalls, the most popular of which are the soft drink ones.
Carambolin Lake
Twelve kilometres from Panaji, is Carambolin lake in the heart of Carambolin village. A natural lake, full of blossoming water lilies, the sole source of this lake is rainwater. The lake is close to Karmali Railway Station. But there is more to this lake than just the fresh water, during monsoons the lake is inhabited by a variety of birds. It's a treat to eyes to watch these birds feeding on aquatic plants, worms and tiny fish. The feeling is as if you have come to a natural reserve. The number of birds that fly here begins from five hundred in September and reaches 10,000 by February when the monsoon season ends. You can spot Pintail Ducks, Purple Moorhen, Lesser Whistling Teal, Cattle Egret, Pond Heron, Coots, Little Egret, Red Rumped Swallow, Cotton Pygmy Goose, Marsh Harriers. There is no end to the list. Its for you to came and visit this panorama.
Curtorim lake
Another lake in South Goa Curtorim is gaining popularity of late as a destination for bird watchers. In fact Curtorim is ecologically better than Carambolim lake since the killer Weed Salvinia is not present here. The lake has been maintained by the efforts of the locals around. Boating facility is also available here.
