Goa, is known as the land of golden beaches, is also bestowed by Mother Nature with eternal beauty. It's not just the beaches but Goa flaunts rich with a number of lakes, waterfalls and springs that make it a tourist's heaven. These waterfalls, lakes and springs away from the seashore of sea, away from the jostle flurry of the beaches and thundering waves give you that wonderful retreat, a perfect picnic spot and invigorating water to make a splash.There are quite a few charming lakes, springs and waterfalls gifted by Mother Nature, in the inner regions of Goa, away from the coast. These rippling silvery water attract hordes of tourists who prefer blissful solitude of isolated nature rather than the fun and frolic of crowded beaches.These waterfalls, lakes and springs are the perfect gateway with your family. Kids and children will love these places. It is surely a must visit spot while your tour to Goa.
Famous lakes in Goa :
Mayem Lake
Thirty five kilometres from Panaji, is this artificial lake nestled among the greenery of hills and soaked in freshness. A visit to this lake will also get you closer to the rural life of Goa. Better still, move around the lake on foot and you will discover cottages hidden in the slopes of the hills. If you fall in love then cottages are available for rent purposes also. Facility of boating is also available.
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.
Famous springs in Goa :
Kesarval springs
Twenty two kilometres from Panaji lies Kesarval spring. The spring comes out of hard rocks on the Verna plateau. The spring is believed to be infested with medicinal properties and a large number of people bath in the lake for health. One can reach the spring by taking the national highway leading to Margao. Surrounded among the tropical woodlands and swaying betel palms lays Kesarval. The spring is in its full swing in monsoons when it is full of life, however, it is weak in summers.
Vhoddli Zhor and Dhakti Zhor
Zhor in Konkani means spring. These two springs lie in the village of Narora . The village also has the famous Saptakoteshwar temple. People coming to see the temple also drop by these springs. Lying in the rustic surroundings, nestled among the wooded valley and fruit trees is Vhoddli Zhor or spring. The spring is a favourite picnic spot with the locals and at times tourists can also be seen enjoying the charming beauty.
Medicinal springs
These springs are located on the Baga beach. If you are tired with the salty sea water or want a health rejuvenation, then escape from Baga and head here. The medicinal springs can be reached by taking the narrow road past the Bom Viagem Convent along the cashew covered foothills, and there you are in Springs at Mottant. This is an ideal spot for picnics and bathing as water is considered to be medicinal here.
