Places to visit in Goa, India

1. Maya Lake:
Maya Lake also known as Mayem Lake is situated in Mayem in the Bicholim taluk of North Goa. It is a popular tourist spot in Goa for boating. It is a famous picnic spot for the locals of Goa and tourists alike. On the roadside there are vendors dealing in Goan handicrafts and refreshments boasting of delicious coconut water.

When visiting the Mayem Lake, a trip to the famous Chamundi temple at Piligao is worth a visit. The image of the Chamunda goddess was originally brought from a temple in Goa Velha which was ruined by the invasions of the Muslim ruler, Malik Kafur in 1312. This temple is very old, although having been rebuilt a number of times. The temple tank is quite large and in its centre is a platform stone with ancient carvings.

The crossroads leading from here proceeds towards the Mayem Lake. It leads through a beautiful and natural array of cashew trees surrounding hills and valleys, areca nut palm trees with betel leaves and pineapple plantations. An occasional glimpse towards the coast, one can see the capital of Panjim with the Mandovi River in the far distance. 


2. Arvalam Waterfalls:

The Arvalem or Harvalem waterfalls, which cascades down from the mountains, from a height of 50 metres, is one of the most awe-amazing spots. It is situated at about 2 km from the small town of Sanqilm, and 8 km from Bicholim, in North Goa.


The Arvalem Waterfall is a very scenic and beautiful picnic spot. This charming waterfall is a mind-blowing experience, with Rudra Esha Temple in its vicinity. The temple holds importance for the Hindus who believe in releasing the soul on the 12th day after death.


While leaving the temple of Rudreshwar, one can descend the staircase to look at a majestic waterfall shedding its exuberant silvery showers. The beautiful Arvalem fall, with a head of about 24 feet high, forms a sizeable lake at the bottom, which offers a sizeable temptation to seasoned swimmers.


The best time to visit this site is just after the copious monsoon when it presents a rapturous, ravishing and riotous aspect. The water flow here during the monsoon is quite less. It has a lot of greenery all round with fruit laden trees with various fruits such as bananas, bread fruits and coconut palms to name a few.


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. 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.

3. Chorao Island:

The Tiswadi island of Chorao is situated 5 kms from Panaji. The earliest settlers of the island were 10 families of the Goud Saraswat Brahmins. The people of the island are today known as the Chodankars. The island was earlier called Chudamani, which means 'stunning precious stone' in Sanskrit. According to the locals who call it Chodan or Chodna, when Yashoda the mother of Lord Krishna threw away diamonds, the islands emerged from them. Later it got the name Ilha dos fidalgos (Island of noblemen) as the Portuguese noblemen found the island a pleasurable place to live.


Amongst the first places to be captured by the Portuguese who called the island Chorao, the Chorao Island is a quaint place that has a whitewashed church and some old villas. The island mystifies many visitors as it is screened by a thick hedge mangrove beyond the aquatic swathe. It is known to be the largest amidst Goa's 17 islands which is also bestowed with rich riverine endowments by the Mandovi and Mapusa rivers jointly.


One can reach the Chorao Island by taking a ferry from Ribandhar which is on the road to Old Goa at around 3 km from Panaji. There is also a ferry linking Chorao to Pomburpa on the island's west. One of the roads moves northwards to Mayem and Bicholim and the other road passes uphill by the majestic 16th century church of Sao Bartholomew.


Facing the Arabian Sea, the Sa Bartholomew church was erected in 1569 and founded by the Jesuits. The magnificent landmark reflects the grandeur of Mannerist Neo-Roman architectural style. The church was transferred to the diocesan clergy before 1642 and it was remodeled in 1649. In 1559, the second church dedicated to Our Lady of Grace came up in Maddel. This church was known for its large fairs that were held on the feast day with horses, camels and textiles being traded by foreign merchants.


It is known that in the island of Chorao earlier there existed a branch of a University that was affiliated to the University in Benares. It had its own seat of learning, teaching Sanskrit and ancient literature. On April 2, 1761 when the Oratorians took over the academic responsibilities, a seminary known as Real Colegio de Educacao de Chorao was also established.


The Chorao island also had many ancient temples including Ganesha, Ravalnatha, Bhaukadevi, Mallinatha, Bhagvati, Devki, Santa-Purusha, Barazan, Narayan, Cantessor, Chandeussor and Dadd-Sancol. These were destroyed by the Portuguese and this was the time that the people of Chorao smuggled the deities via Mayem to Naroa and Marcela where they are held.


The Chorao island offers picture postcard views of the towering Old Goa convents. The famous Dr. Salim Ali bird sanctuary is also situated here. However to explore the sanctuary one needs a canoe as the forest department has no operational boats. A number of soft drink stalls are situated on the ferry wharf on Chorao and one of these hires out a canoe with a guide in season that is from October to April. A drive around the island takes you back to vintage Goa.

                                                                                                            -By Anirudh