lakes

The lakes in Goa and the surrounding forested areas are known for their avian population. The peaceful, serene atmosphere of these lakes further aids their popularity, and are hence among the best places in India for bird-watching. Although the lakes are beautiful to visit throughout the year, they are largely frequented during the tourist season i.e., from October to March every year. However, experiencing the monsoon by one of the lakes is also an unforgettable experience, since this is the time when Goa is at its greenest, most verdant, with nature’s bounty unfolding.

Dams

The water in the dams of Goa is used for meeting both industrial and domestic demands. Thus, the dams play an important role in the state’s irrigation system and are also a primary source of drinking water. To build some of these dams, several villages were partially or fully displaced. Moreover, surrounding areas that serve as mining sites were also submerged. Moreover, in order to construct the Selaulim Dam, an eight-feet-tall statue of the Mother Goddess built in the 5th century was relocated to Verna. 

Waterfalls

The waterfalls in Goa are an extension of the rivers that originate in the Western Ghats and culminate in the Arabian Sea along the western coastline. Although these waterfalls are accessible throughout the year, the best time to visit them is during the monsoon when the currents are strong and one can admire the scenic vistas of the water gushing amid the greenery. Some of these waterfalls, like the Arvalem and Tambdi Surla, are well known, particularly in association with the temples nearby. A few others, like the Dudhsagar and Mainapi waterfalls, are located within wildlife sanctuaries and have become popular pit stops during hiking trails among tourists.

Springs

The water from the natural springs in Goa has medicinal properties and is used for bathing. In some cases, however, due to an influx of tourists over the years, the springs were neglected and polluted. The Tourism Department of Goa then carried out improvements to these springs in terms of their structure and allied amenities.

One of the most popular springs in the state is the Pomburpa Spring in north Goa on the outskirts of Bardez. It now boasts of an adjoining renovated property with an enclosure and landscaped grounds. The other key springs in Goa are the Salmona Spring in Saligao and the Kesarval Spring near Verna. One of the two springs that exist in Panaji is the ‘Boca de Vaca’. The appearance of this Portuguese–built structure with soft decorative lighting gives it the name ‘Boca De Vaca’ that literally means ‘the face of the cow’. The other spring in Mala, Panaji, is the Fonte Phoenix. Dating back to the 1850s, it is formed in a network of three domes for ventilation.