GOA LAKES

# Mayem Lake

Set amidst the picturesque surroundings of a sleepy Goan village, the Mayem Lake is a popular tourist picnic in North Goa. Even the journey to reach the lake is a beautiful one on a winding Goan road through the thickets of cashew trees, areca nut trees and pineapple plantations.

The region around the lake is hilly, and the slopes are covered with forests and wild cashews. Around the lake are vendors selling trinkets and snacks most notably coconuts and coconut water.

# Carambolim Lake

One of the most famous and picturesque lakes in Goa, this lake has the added attraction of also being a great place for bird-watching. This manmade lake plays host to a number of species of birds, both resident and migratory. The lake and the forested area around it are so famous for its avian population that it has since been declared the Carambolim Bird Sanctuary.

This peaceful and serene lake is counted not just as one of the best places for bird watching in Goa, but also one of the best places in India for bird watching. The birds here are of both aquatic and terrestrial types and although they are mostly herbivorous, there are also some avian fishers among them.

# Netravali Lake (Budbudyanche Taley)

The Netravali Lake goes by many names, like Budbud, Budbudyachi Tali, and Bubble Lake. Situated in the peaceful and serene village of Netravali the lake is famous for its bubbles. These bubbles rise continuously to the surface in various places in the lake. Strangely enough, they also appear to respond to certain sounds and rise faster if you clap!

Though it is called a lake, it is more of a pond, with granite steps leading to it. There is also a huge granite pedestal in the centre of the lake. The lake/pond is a place of religious significance for the local peoples, not merely for the lake, but also for the nearby Gopinath Temple.