Nagarmadi: Pure Beauty!

Nagarmadi; having seen this place when some other friends visited, this place has been on the top of my list from quite some time now. And it all happens when another friend takes an off from work & I entice him to visit the place so much that we plan our visit on a Friday.

The drive from Goa seems quite non-chaotic as we left our home by 7 AM (Panaji). With gradual introductions and waking up of our sleep in the car, we began our journey to explore the place none of us had visited before. We halted for breakfast at Canacona & continued to drive south to reach Karwar in time avoiding transporter truck travel time. Lush green mountains and yellow rice fields on our side made me reminisce my trip to Murudeshwara (it is the same route). Karwar was closer. Well, we saw the naval base at Karwar on our way. We asked locals about the place, some knew, some did not. Ultimately we managed to find our way only to discover that we had a 10 minute walk up the hill. It was 10 AM. We began our ascent up the hill only to find that the water flowed down through huge rocks. We came to a point where we found a dead end. But, I wanted to see the place I had seen in pictures before. We climbed the hugged rocks and finally we saw it! It was beautiful.

A spring flowed down under a big rock that made a pool of clear fresh water to swim. Not many of them know about this place, therefore, it hasn't been destroyed much. Although, the normal things that Indians do; carve their names on rocks, break glass liquor bottles. You need to watch out for glass pieces all around. The place has insects too from the hairy caterpillar to spiders. And of course, the fish pedicure you experience while you are in the water. You can swim under the rocks to the flowing spring water. The water is chill! And the place, an undiscovered beauty!

Sure, visit the place but please take back all trash you got with you. Don't leave plastic or glass behind.

               The Arvalem Waterfalls

There are many well-known water falls and beautiful springs but the water fall of Arvalem in Goa is another place you must visit after Dudh Sagar Water Fall. The Arvalem (Called as Harvalem by locals) waterfall, which cascades down from the mountains from a height of 50 meters, is one of the most awe-amazing spots. It is situated at about 2km from the small town of Sanquelim and 8kms from Bicholim, in North Goa. 

The waterfall is very scenic and is a beautiful picnic spot. This charming waterfall is a mind-blowing experience, with Rudreshwar temple in its vicinity. The temple holds importance for the Hindus who believe in releasing the soul on the 12th day after death. Early in the morning, devotees flock to the temple to pay their obeisance to the deity. While leaving the temple of Rudreshwar, one can descend the staircase to look at a majestic waterfall shedding its exuberant silvery showers all year long and mesmerizing the crowds.

You will be awestruck with the thunderous gush of water cascading down the rocky cliffs.

The beautiful Arvalem fall, with a head of about 24 feet high, forms a sizeable lake at the bottom where the visitors and the admirers of temple take an immersion in water. The best time to visit this site is just after the copious monsoon when it presents a rapturous, ravishing and riotous aspect. It has a lot of greenery all around with fruit laden trees with various fruits like bananas , bread fruit and coconut palms to name a few

The water fall of Arvalem is certainly a visit of need while in Goa. There are a number of buses that run from Mapusa and Panaji to Arvalem. The nearest interstate bus station is at Mapusa, the KTC bus station. You can reach the Sanquelim village by taking a two hour bus ride from Mapusa. But to reach the Arvalem waterfalls, you will have to walk for about half an hour or take a motorbike taxi.

Going to the falls makes an exciting and educational day trip for the entire family. The spot is also popular with picnickers, swimmers and archaeological and history buffs. It’s an especially great activity for those who find themselves in Goa during the monsoon season.

KESARVAL FALLS

Nature has  presented some exciting features like the rivers where the tourists are offered exciting boat rides and the wonderful waterfalls in the state. Here, apart from the tourists, the locals too, enjoy a week end with family picnics and other social activities. One such place is Kesarval waterfalls

Location 

Kesarval Waterfall, also known as Kesarval Spring, is located 22 Kms away from Panaji on Verna plateau off the Panaji-Margao highway which goes on towards the town of Margao. The word “Kesar-val” is derived from the Indian word for eagles, which used to maintain a colony here among the afforested slopes. Before the 1950s, a stony zigzag trail was the only means to reach the spring. Later, steps were constructed below the hill so that bathers could reach the spring without difficulty. The calm serenity and the reputation for having healing properties make this an excellent choice for vacation.

ABOUT THE FALLS

The waterfall is surrounded by tropical woodlands and swaying betel palms that emerge from hard rocks. Kesarval Waterfall is in its full glory during the monsoons. It looks awe inspiring with sparkling water. There are small shrubs that surround the falls which gives it a lush green look. The spring has a reputation among the locals and the bathers, who travel from faraway places, having heard of the medicinal properties in its waters, come once a year to wash out their ailments. Old and young from everywhere flock here in the belief that one dip can cure their bodily ailments. The algae found in the water do have cleansing effect.

WHEN TO VISIT

The tourism department of Goa has identified the Kesarval Spring as a tourist spot. The spring is at its glory during the monsoon season when it flows with a rigour and grandeur. It is filled with clear sparkling water and songs of birds in the air. But during the scorching Goan summer (March – May), when the hills above are gasping for water, the flow of the spring is weak.

HOW TO REACH

A number of buses run from Mapusa and Panaji to Kesarval, which can be availed and the Interstate KTC bus station at Margao is the nearest one. An alternate route will be to cross the bridge on the Zuari River and pass through the hamlet of Cortalim. The waterfall is also accessible by road. Hiring a car or a bike taxi or driving one to the falls is easy, as the waterfalls is just 22 Kms away from Panaji.

           Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Sanguem Taluka in Eastern Goa.
Area : 211.05 km2
Major attractions : black panther, giant squirrel, slender loris, great pied hornbills
Best time to visit : October to March
If you are a wildlife lover and have explored the three main wildlife sanctuaries of Goa, do not think that your wildlife trip has been completed. This is because there is also a new wildlife sanctuary which deserve a visit. Situated in Eastern Goa, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is a major attraction for nature-enthusiasts and wildlife lovers as well. Just few years back Netravali was declared a wildlife sanctuary by the government of Goa to protect its Western Ghat range. Netravali is connected to the Sanctuary and together the two parks cover an area of 420 km2, of which Netravali has 211.05 km2area. The Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary lies between the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary to its north and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary to its south.
Flora
Not only the wildlife, variety of forest in Netravali deserve tourist appreciation also. Netravali has moist-deciduous forest interspersed with semi-evergreen and evergreen forests.
Fauna
Here, you can spot wildlife like black panthers, great pied hornbills, king cobras, giant squirrels, slender Loris. Apart from these wildlife species, you can also see a number of other animals also.
Where to stay
Accommodation is available in forest rest houses run by the GTDC (Goa Tourism Development Corporation).
How to reach
Dabolim airport is 65 km away from the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. From the airport, you have to hire taxis to reach the sanctuary. Margao (45 km) one of the major railway stations of Goa, is the nearest railhead. Buses and taxis are available from Margoa and Panaji (75 km) to Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary.

SAVARI WATERFALL

Located in Sanguem Taluka in Eastern Goa.
Major attractions: waterfall, jungle walk, mountain climbing
Best time to visit: Any time during the year (preferably summer to get relief from the heat).
If you are adventurous enough, you have the zeal to walk the distance, no fear of the wild animals, this is the destination you can have fun and enjoy. Filled with greenery, the animals sound on the way make the journey more beautiful. And do not be surprised if you start shouting just to listen to your own voice.
Safety
There is a danger of wild animals attacking, but no incidents have been reported.
Responsibility
You are responsible to keep the environment safe. Do not light fire. Throw the waste at once place only. Do not pollute the place.

MAINAPI WATERFALL

Mainapi is the smaller of the two waterfalls at Netravali, more pristine and secluded. A trek of about 2 hours takes you to the falls (the last half an hour or so of which gets quite steep and tricky). You can stand under the cascading falls, swim in the pools of water at its base, and maybe even have a little picnic lunch on the rocks.

    Kuskem Waterfall, Cotigao Canacona

Kuskem waterfalls is one of the most scenic waterfall in the state and is situated in the Canacona taluka in South Goa. This waterfall can be found in Kuskem villages, which is at a distance of about 28km from the Canacona bus stand. 

Kuskem Waterfall does not fall from a very high height as it has only two steps and descends from a height of about 30m, creating a leap of milky water with a great thunderous sounds it is one of the most captivating waterfalls in the state of Goa and the travellers who come to visit this falls are sure to fall in love with the picturesque sight of the waterfall and it’s surrounding. It is one of the most favoured destinations among the photographers. Nature lovers are definite to visit the Kuskem Waterfalls. Kuskem falls will be found very interesting for those who are fond of travelling ,adventures and hiking. 

The Kuskem waterfalls is located at a distance of about 12km from Hathipal, entry point of Cotigao wildlife sanctuary. You will have to climb through thick and unsafe jungles to Kuskem  village, it’s better to take the service of the local guide’. The best period to visit Kuskem Waterfalls  is during summer seasons .