Top Places to visit in South Goa

1. Tambdi Surla Temple & Waterfall

The Mahadeva Temple is a 12th century temple situated inside the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary near the village of Tambdi Surla. This is the only structure preserved in Goa with Kadamba-Yadav architecture. The Mahadeva temple of Tambdi Surla is the oldest temple of Goa that survived from the Portuguese as it was set next to a stream in the middle of the small clearing, hidden in the dense jungle. It is situated in deep forest and was difficult to trace.

According to the history, the temple was built by Kadamba Queen Kamladevi. The Tambdi Surla temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is built in the Hemadpanthi style from the finest weather-resistant grey-black basalt. However some scholars are of the opinion that it was not basalt stone but is grey black talc chlorite schist soap stone. The stone is believed to have been brought from Deccan Plateau from the neighboring state of Karnataka. It is still in same old condition.

When in Goa during the monsoon make sure to go on a Trek to Tambdi Surla Waterfall. This trip is specially made for nature and adventure lovers alike. The trek takes you through some dense foliage (largely untouched) and along high speed rapids till you reach the awe-inspiring Tambdi Surla Waterfall.

2. Big Foot Museum

A miniature Goan village set up to recreate the rural life of old days. It is privately run by an artist called Maendra Jocelino Araujo Alvares. The open-air museum recreates Goan rural life as it was a hundred years ago. At Ancestral Goa there are a number of places to visit such as an art gallery where one can see work done by local children and artists of State and National fame. There is a handicraft centre where one can get some locally made Goan artifacts, Big Foot dance floor, Big Foot restaurant, a cross, a spring known as Boca da Vaca, a bird habitat, a spice yard, rubber plantations and lots more.

3. Netravali Bubbling Lake

Tucked away in the middle of spice farms, in the village of Netravali, Sanguem. Bubble Lake is a rectangular step well style lake, popularly known as Budbudyachi Tali. The word ‘budbud’ means bubbles in Konkani. It is a freshwater lake and gets water from the underground springs. And has an outlet at one end from where the water goes out and is used by the farmers around for irrigation.

The lake itself is a beautiful natural marvel. The bubbles rise at regular intervals from the lake bed and bursting at the surface form fascinating concentric circles, or ripples in the water. The nearby Gopinath temple is also worth a visit. The temple houses an idol of Lord Krishna, who was the Lord of the Gopis, and is therefore known as Gopinath. The original idol that was in this temple since the 14th Century has since been moved to the Goa State Museum in Panaji.

4. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

After the Bhagwan Mahaveer sanctuary, Cotigao wildlife sanctuary 10 km southeast of Chaudi in the Canacona is the state`s second largest. The forest has a lot of wild animals that remain hidden. Galibag and Talpona are the two main rivers of the Cancona that originate here.

Also there is a small Bela Lake where you can check out a waterhole nearby for wild animals. One can also peek into the pre modern way of life as within the jungle small settlements of forest dwelling tribes like Velip and Kunbi are found who are thought to be descended from Goa`s ancient aboriginal people. A popular folk dance of Goa called Kunbi originated here.

5. Salaulim Dam

The Salaulim dam is located in the Taluka of Sanguem in South Goa. The Salaulim dam lies on the Salaulim river, nestled amidst the lush green hills on the western ghats. The dam spread over an area of more than 24 sq km, is a pleasant surprise for visitors who come here for a break from the beaches.

The unending, vast expanse of water runs down through a semi-circular outlet and splashes 50ft down at the first level and again falls down to a 100ft deep chasm. It finally strikes the riverbed creating a breathtaking mist cover over the dam. One of the most intriguing and unique aspects of this dam is its design. The spillway at the edge of the dam is a unique duckbill type.