Heaven in Goa

 

Mother Nature has been extremely generous to Goa and has lavishly gifted it with picturesque lakes, springs and waterfalls.

Waterfalls

DUDHSAGAR WATERFALLS
On the eastern border with Karnataka are Goa's the most impressive waterfalls. Measuring a mighty 600m from head to foot, the famous waterfalls at Dudhsagar, on the Goa-Karnataka border, are some of the highest in India, and a spectacular enough sight to entice a steady stream of visitors from the coast into the rugged Western Ghats. After pouring across the Deccan plateau, the headwaters of the Mandovi River form a foaming torrent that fans into three streams, then cascades down a near-vertical cliff face into a deep green pool. Water plummets hundreds of feet in large volume, in cascades, forming one of the most spectacular of all natural phenomena in Goa and a lifeline of our ecosystem in one of our Sanctuaries. The Konkani name for the falls, which literally translated means "The Sea of Milk", derives from clouds of foam kicked up at the bottom when the water levels are at their highest. Overlooking a steep, crescent-shaped head of a valley carpeted with pristine tropical forest, Dudhsagar is also set amid breathtaking scenery that is only accessible on foot or by train.  It is a popular destination to hikers and trekkers and moreover, its  distance of 60kms. from Panaji and 10kms. from Colem Railway Station.

 

ARVALEM WATERFALLS
This waterfall, which cascades down from the mountains, from a height of 50 meters, is one of the most awe-amazing spots and moreover best viewed after the monsoons. This charming waterfall is a mind-blowing experience. The Rock cut caves are just situated nearby. The Government has also developed a park from which the view of the waterfall can be peacefully relished. The ancient caves in the vicinity adds a touch of antiquity to this picturesque place, which finds a major attraction for the film makers as a favourite shooting spot.  Situated in Sanquelim. There are Buddhist cave temples here which were later converted for worship to Shiva. The water falls are formed at the end of a small gorge and are worth viewing especially during the monsoons. A mini power plant was installed, but has since stop functioning. Near the waterfall, is the temple of Sri Rudreshwar and this site is important for the religious function to appease the souls of the departed Hindu religion followers on the 12th day of the death. 

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Lakes

MAYEM LAKE 
Goa is not just about the sun, sea and sand, it does have something more. It is 35kms. from Panaji, this artificial lake surrounded amidst rolling green hills is an ideal picnic spot. In fact those interested in experiencing a bit of the rural Goa, the village Goa, can revel in the experience here in Mayem. Rural Goa is verdant more so than the bustling city of Panaji or Mapusa or even Margoa. Rural Goan life traces its roots to the Portuguese,  that is why you will also notice that most of the old Goan houses have built - in seats in the porch. They are cool, pragmatic and very neighbourly and allow most people to know what’s happening in the village. Many villages have a market where fisher folk and other itinerant traders peddle their wares. Markets are also social occasions where you might meet people from the other side of the village who might go to another church and not pass you cottage in the normal course. Clearly, like villages all over the world, shared information, advice and confidences make for a tight - knit, mutually - supportive, community which urban living can never offer. But, even so, one does want to escape from the neighbours occasionally. Goans then go to places like Mayem Lake: a calm spread of water with geese and pedal boats, cottages hidden in the wooded slopes. And no village square, church, market or neighbours sitting on benches in their porch smiling inquisitively. If You've decided to go Goan, go to Mayem, too. Good accommodation facilities are available in Cottages. Boating is available in the

CARAMBOLIN LAKE 
Just east of Old Goa, Carambolin Lake is lily-covered and has an enormous amount of waterfowl, many egrets and heron, bronze-winged and pheasant-tailed Jacana and thousands of exotic species such as Comb Duck and Cotton Pygmy-goose. Close to Carambolim is the Ciba-Geigy Chemical-Works which has created a pleasant nature reserve. Here you may sight Open-billed storks, Purple and Grey Heron, Little Cormorant and Marsh Harriers.

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Spring

KESARVAL SPRING
It is 22kms. from Panaji on Verna plateau just off the Panaji-Margao highway, the spring emerges from hard and compact rocks and people bathe in its water with strong belief that it has medicinal properties.