Lakes in Goa
Mayem Lake
Goa is not just about the sun, sea and sand, it does have something more. It is 35kms. from Panaji, this artificial lake surrounded amidst rolling green hills is an ideal picnic spot. In fact those interested in experiencing a bit of the rural Goa, the village Goa, can revel in the experience here in Mayem. Rural Goa is verdant more so than the bustling city of Panaji or Mapusa or even Margoa. Rural Goan life traces its roots to the Portuguese, that is why you will also notice that most of the old Goan houses have built - in seats in the porch. They are cool, pragmatic and very neighbourly and allow most people to know what’s happening in the village. Many villages have a market where fisher folk and other itinerant traders peddle their wares. Markets are also social occasions where you might meet people from the other side of the village who might go to another church and not pass you cottage in the normal course. Clearly, like villages all over the world, shared information, advice and confidences make for a tight - knit, mutually - supportive, community which urban living can never offer. But, even so, one does want to escape from the neighbours occasionally. Goans then go to places like Mayem Lake: a calm spread of water with geese and pedal boats, cottages hidden in the wooded slopes. And no village square, church, market or neighbours sitting on benches in their porch smiling inquisitively. If you've decided to go Goa, go to Mayem, too. Good accommodation facilities are available in Cottages. Boating is also available .
Carambolin Lake
Just east of Old Goa, Carambolin Lake is lily-covered and has an enormous amount of waterfowl, many egrets and heron, bronze-winged and pheasant-tailed Jacana and thousands of exotic species such as Comb Duck and Cotton Pygmy-goose. Close to Carambolim is the Ciba-Geigy Chemical-Works which has created a pleasant nature reserve. Here you may sight Open-billed storks, Purple and Grey Heron, Little Cormorant and Marsh Harriers..
