Backpacking Though Life

 

Goa Diaries…..Undiscovered Goa

 

The land of Waterfalls….

 

Most of the tourists come to Goa during Winters after Diwali or more towards the year end to celebrate the twin occasion of Christmas and New Year. Partying till the wee hours of the morning  on the beaches of Baga , Anjuna or Calangute visiting the usual shacks or the pubs / watering hole like Tito’s eating some local fish cuisine and generally making merry . Getting out of the hangover the next day and packing back off to the dreadful and stressful city life . Back to the Grind as they say.

 

But can you imagine Goa as a natural paradise for not just the nature lovers but for the ordinary tourists. Goa has much to offer besides the usual touristy stuff. I would suggest come to Goa just after the rains. Though it rains incessantly for most of the time from end May right upto even mid October the rains are like Gods gift of Water shower to Goa. It makes this place even more heavenly and mesmerizing . The rains here like heavy torrent but due to the preserved natural mechanism it never ever creates a flooding situation. A similar 15 minute down pour in Mumbai would have a created a flood such that a team of news reporters rushing to the various locations of Mumbai the usual wet spots like King circle , Lalbaug –Parel , Milan Subway etc and shouting on top of their voice saying “Mumbai Goes Underwater yet again “ or “Mumbai me Pralay” ….

 

Here in Goa the rains is part of its natural  ethos . The surroundings are suddenly turned into a blanket of Green . A sight for sore eyes. Where ever you look the roads , the adjoining slopes , the small rivulets , the mountains big and small look refreshing and lush green. The landscape is as if you are in a foreign land some European terrain . May that’s why the Portuguese choose Goa to rule over . A land much similar to their taste and easy going attitude and let the stiff upper lipped British take the rest of India.

 

If you want to explore Goa you need to go on an adventure . On a nature trail rather with its unexpected and undiscovered sites and sounds . One of the best trails I have enjoyed recently with family are the surprisingly beautiful waterfalls in Goa. Big and small there may be atleast 20 such mesmerizing sites across Goa. I have been to just 4 along with my brother-in-law Jagdish Katkar and his loving family and it makes me say “Ye Dil Mange More”.

 

First stop the breath taking and favourite of the tourist is the Harvale or Arvalem Waterfall. this is a gushing stream cascading down from a verdant hillock of 50 mtr altitude, near Sanquelim or locally called Sakhali village. Arvalem waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in Goa with a park and a viewing area, where local people can relax and rejoice the beauty. It is among the best known natural wonders of Goa. 

While on a hike to the falls, you can also visit Arvalem rock-cut caves, which are believed to have of the waterfalls, the Goa government has created a park nearby, which offers clear views been carved by Buddhist monks in the 12^th century. Local legends mention this cave as having been used by the Pandavas for shelter during their exile from Indraprastha.

 Considering the popularity of the falling water. Then, there is an old bridge nearby, where the GenNext Instagramer’s can click photos and selfies which get you likes and comments – Awesome click. So Cool or Where’s this that make you envy and put a grin on your lips of making others that much more jealous. 

Harvale is also the home the ancient rock cut Rudreshwar Temple with its gigantic arches and stone sculptures sight to behold. The stone architecture makes the inner sanctum sanctorum very serene and spiritual. Close your eyes and sit in the temple hallway and feel the calmness in the air . An experience out of this world.

 

Next Stop Kesarval Waterfall . This ones in the heart of Verna one of the leading Industrial Areas of Goa known to be a home to almost all the leading Pharmaceutical companies in India .A small nature trail filled with dense trees , butterflies and colourful birds for company culminates in a few steps down to the cascading waterfall.Kesarval Falls, also known as Kesarval Spring is one of the beautiful waterfalls of Goa and a wonderful place in Goa to spend some time swimming and relishing the stunning beauty. Locally translated to ‘eagles’, this waterfall is situated in a forest of betel palm plantations, which is said to be the house of eagle birds, hence the name. It is a patronized by bachelor boys and families alike mostly on weekends having a gala time splashing in the stream below .

                                                                                                                                                                           

 

Another favourite for a fun filled Family time and a peaceful due its secluded nature but what you can call untouched beauty is the Bhopar Waterfall.This cute little waterfall is perfect for the younger or elder travel enthusiast of the family. Tucked into the village of Bhopar, Goa, this is a quiet and humble waterfall, situated at the end of a narrow trail. The diversified surroundings along with the streams of the fall make this place a perfect excursion place for the family. The water flowing from the rocks is breath taking as from the scene in the hit movie Bhahubali.

The natural pond and stream the makes up the rivulet below is cool to the feet and not much deep. You can enjoy a lazy swim in its cool waters. When we were there a group of boys from the nearby village were having fun swimming and diving from the small rock cliff. Some boys had a great idea of controlling the flow of water sitting in Baddha Konasana or the Butterfly asana on the lower levels the rock cliff with the others cheering and urging them to dive in the cool water below. One more special feature if this waterfall and the stream below is you can easily sit on the rocks and dip your feet in the waters for a surprise surprise free fish pedicure. Yes you heard it right no sooner than you dip your feet in the water and keep still you will find a school of small black fishes gnawing at your toes and heels eating away the dead skin making it smooth in no time. A gift from mother nature itself. And to think that you would pay any where between 500 to a 1000 for half hour session at any of the Spa’s for a special experience that come free from nature with the added advantage of having spent a quality time with your family . You can have a great picnic lunch just besides the waterfall just like we did courtesy sis-in-law Tina Katkar. A filling lunch a great picnic with the waterfall for company …. Truly enjoyable experience.

A short journey through the dense tropical long leaf Netravali forest takes you to the next waterfall , the Bamanbuda Waterfall. The journey through dense green forest makes you think you are in Amazon with tall and wide trees shooting up to the sky . Most of the foliage blocks the sun rays from reaching the ground beneath the trees making it impossible for wild shrubs or weed from growing under the tree. Making the ground below a smooth and earthy on which you can easily trek . 

A great location for the trekking enthusiasts , picking a trail and reaching the various mountain tops at different levels to give a high of climbing the peaks and also get refreshed form all that fresh dose of the precious OXYGEN.

A well-maintained road makes Bamanbudo Falls among the easiest to reach in the state. This is why it is relatively more popular than some other waterfalls in Goa. A two or three-stepped cascade, depending on how you view it, it is a great spot to play in the cool water amidst lush greenery. Plus, its plunge pool is not too deep as the water doesn’t fall straight down. So, gather your group, and come here for a memorable outing with lots of fun.

So next time around when you are in Goa don’t get into the heard mentality and be all gung ho about beaches , the adventure tourism and parties or even the old Churches . Slither away from the maddening crowd and explore the hidden treasures known to only a select few, those who know the state beyond its usual tourist attractions…waterfalls! Hidden away in the lush Western Ghats, there are several of these cascades of cool water in the state that would refresh any worn out soul.