Who would have wondered, home to world renowned beaches, Goa hides some of the most beautiful water resources too. Far from the busy streets and jam packed beaches, these water bodies offer a perfect place of solitude and restfulness. With nature at her best, come and explore this side of Goa.

Mayem Lake

Being discovered by the tourists, this beautiful lake is gaining popularity at a swift rate. Situated near Bicholim, North Goa, Mayem is an artificial lake, surrounded by beautiful green hills, offering a host of activities. There are little cottages built around the lake, adding to the rural feel and offering accommodation if you want to lengthen your stay.

Mayem is also a local picnic spot, getting busy on weekends and holidays, with locals as well as tourists enjoying the place; some lazing around, while others enjoying a boat ride.  The things to see around Mayem include: Aravlem waterfalls, Vithal mandir, Sree Saptakoteswar Temple and Loke Datta mandir

Carambolim Lake

Carambolim is a man made lake made for irrigation purpose with the source of the water being rain. A paradise for bird watchers, Carambolim, or Karmali as the locals call it, plays hosts to a large number of species of migratory birds. The arrival of these beautiful creatures starts in September, with the onset of monsoon and from a few hundreds, the number reaches up to ten thousand, by the end of February. The birds that you can spot here include: Indian Cormorants, Oriental Darter, Little Heron, Black crowned Night Herons, Asian Open bill, Glossy Ibis, Lesser Whistling Teal and Spot billed duck.

This great marshy lake invites nature photographers, bird watchers as well as people, who enjoy natural beauty, from all parts of the country to enjoy its magnificent sight. The Carambolim Lake is just a little distance from the Karmali Railway station and about 12 kms from state capital Panaji.

Curtorim Lake

Curtorim Lake, in south Goa, has been gaining popularity for its scenic setting and the migratory birds that come here at the time of monsoon. Some consider this lake better than Carambolim because of the absence of the killer weed Salvinia. The locals have been working hard to maintain this water body and their efforts are not fruitless. The locals as well as tourists are finding this lake a good place for bird watching as well having fun. Boat rides are also available at Curtorim.

These are the three main lakes, present in Goa, which a nature lover must visit. Mayem is the more commercial one and provides good accommodation facilities as well as tourist attractions; Carambolim as well as Curtorim are any birdwatcher’s dream come true. What ever your idea of enjoyment around a lake is, you can easily find it fulfilled here in Goa.