7 Must-Visit Scenic Lakes in Goa: Location with distance

Goa, the ever-effervescent state of India, is famous for its scintillating beaches, lip-smacking food, adventure sports, glitzy nightlife and historical buildings and thus receives hordes of tourists from across the globe. If you too are planning a tour here, then be ready for the best trip of your life!

While you may do as all tourists do in Goa, we suggest that you also do a bit more; explore its serene lakes and bask in their calmness. Away from the hustle-bustle of the tourist attractions, a visit to the Goa lakes will certainly give you the much-needed break from the humdrum of city life!

Here are 7 lakes in Goa that are worth a visit:

Lakes in Goa:

1. Carambolim Lake, Goa

Carambolim Lake | #1 of 7 Lakes in Goa

If you are fond of birdwatching, then do plan a visit to the scenic Carambolim Lake, which is home to a variety of bird species – both native and migratory. This man-made lake was built with the purpose of irrigation of the paddy fields in the surrounding area; however, the marshy land and abundant vegetation became a haven for avian population. Hence, this freshwater lake and the forested area around were declared as the Carambolim Bird Sanctuary.

The monsoon season is the time when the greenery and beauty of this lake are at their peak but birdwatching is ideal in the winter months continuing till March.

• Location: Corlim, North Goa
• Distance from Panaji: 15 km
• Shortest Route: Via NH748
• Approximate Time Taken: 24 min

Also Read: Budget Trip to Goa

2. Mayem Lake, Goa

Mayem Lake | #2 of 7 Lakes in Goa

Located in North Goa, Mayem Lake is one of the most picturesque attractions the state is known for and thus receives hordes of visitors across the year; though the ideal time to come here is from October to March. This freshwater lake lies in a hilly forested area, which is quite forested and so the view of the surroundings from the lakeside is simply enchanting.

Besides enjoying the flora and fauna at Mayem Lake, you can take a short trip from here to visit the Corjeum Fort, Chamundi and Rudreshwar temples, or the Arvalem Waterfall and Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.  

• Location: Maem, North Goa
• Distance from Panaji: 24 km
• Shortest Route: Via Betim – Penha de Franca – Pomburpa – Quitla – Aldona
• Approximate Time Taken: 47 min

3. Netravali Lake, Goa

Netravali Lake | #3 of 7 Lakes in Goa

Situated in a quaint Goan village, this beautiful lake is locally known as Budbudyachi Tali meaning Bubble Lake; the reason being the bubbles rising continuously to its surface at different places. A fascinating phenomenon of Netravali Lake is that every time someone claps near it, the bubbles tend to speed up and rise; something that is definitely worth witnessing!

The best time to explore the beauty of this place is between October and March, but monsoons are not a bad time either. Gopinath Temple, Usgalimal Stone Age Rock, Savari and Mainapi Waterfalls and Salaulim Dam are some nearby attractions that you may enjoy visiting.

• Location: Netravali, South Goa
• Distance from Panaji: 77 km
• Shortest Route: Via NH 66
• Approximate Time Taken: 2 hours

4. Ambulor Lake, Goa

Ambulor Lake | #4 of 7 Lakes in Goa

Located near the Verna Industrial Estate, Ambulor Lake, also known as Verna Lake, is the perfect place for bird watchers. Surrounded by lush greenery, this freshwater lake is a haven for native and migratory birds. When you visit this place, just sit back and relax and enjoy the peacefulness and calmness here.

• Location: Salcette, South Goa
• Distance from Panaji: 25 km
• Shortest Route: Via NH 66
• Approximate Time Taken: 42 min

5. Arambol Sweet Water Lake, Goa

Arambol Sweet Water Lake | #5 of 7 Lakes in Goa

Locally known as Vagkolam Lake, Arambol Sweet Water Lake is one of the fascinating attractions in Goa. This freshwater lake lies near to the Arabian Sea, which floods it with salt water quite often. It is fed by hot springs and thus the mixture of both salt and spring waters makes this lake’s water taste sweet-salty.

An interesting observation made by locals is that the outline of this lake resembles the silhouette of a playing whale or dolphin. The lake is exactly located around the Paliem beach, north of the Arambol Beach.

• Location: Paliyem, North Goa
• Distance from Panaji: 35 km
• Shortest Route: Via Querim–Arambol–Agarwada Rd
• Approximate Time Taken: 1 hour 8 min

6. Sarzora Lake, Goa

Sarzora Lake | #6 of 7 Lakes in Goa

Sarzora Lake is one of the most picturesque places in Goa, yet it remains secluded. Situated about 2 km from the town of Chinchinim and 8 km from the city of Margao, this lake overlooks lush green fields and is a perfect destination for solitude seekers. Come here to spend some quality time amidst the beauty of nature.

• Location: Dramapur, South Goa
• Distance from Panaji: 44 km
• Shortest Route: Via NH 66
• Approximate Time Taken: 1 hour 13 min

7. Batim Lake, Goa

Batim Lake | #7 of 7 Lakes in Goa

Located in a small village of the same name, this lake is every bird watcher’s paradise. This quaint little lake is flocked by several migratory birds including Common Coot, Northern Shoveler, Cotton Pygmy-goose, Gadwall, Garganey and many more. All across the year, nature lovers and photographers come here to admire the bird population at the lake while enjoying the beautiful views from the lakeside.    

• Location: Batim, North Goa
• Distance from Panaji: 13 km
• Shortest Route: Via Old Highway and NH 66
• Approximate Time Taken: 24 min