Goa is famous for its beaches, nightlife and churches, but did you know that it also has some stunning waterfalls? One of them is Arvalem Waterfall, a hidden gem located near Sanquelim town in North Goa district. This waterfall is a must-visit for nature lovers and history buffs, as it offers a spectacular view of the cascading water, a refreshing swim in the lake, and a glimpse of the ancient culture and legends of Goa.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Arvalem Waterfall, including how to reach, when to visit, what to do and what else to see nearby.
How to Reach Arvalem Waterfall
Arvalem Waterfall is situated about 30 km from Panjim, the capital city of Goa, and 2 km from Sanquelim, a small town known for its mining industry. You can reach the waterfall by different modes of transport, depending on your preference and budget.
By road: The easiest and most convenient way to reach Arvalem Waterfall is by road. You can hire a taxi, a bike or a car from Panjim or any other major city in Goa and follow the NH 748 highway till Sanquelim. From there, you can take a left turn and drive for another 2 km till you reach the waterfall. The road is well-maintained and scenic, with green fields and hills on both sides. The journey will take you about an hour from Panjim.
By rail: If you prefer to travel by train, you can take a train from Panjim or any other major city in Goa to Thivim railway station, which is the nearest railway station to the waterfall. From there, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the waterfall. The distance is about 18 km and the journey will take you about 30 minutes.
By air: If you are coming from outside Goa, you can take a flight to Dabolim airport, which is the only airport in Goa. From there, you can hire a taxi or a car to reach the waterfall. The distance is about 50 km and the journey will take you about an hour and a half.
Where to Stay Near Arvalem Waterfalls
There are not many hotels or resorts near Arvalem waterfalls, as it is a relatively remote and secluded place. However, you can find some decent and affordable options within 10 km radius of the waterfall. Here are some of them:
Zulu Land Cottages: This is a cozy and comfortable cottage located near Anjuna beach, about 31 km from Arvalem waterfalls. The cottage offers spacious rooms with attached bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, TV, AC, and a balcony. The cottage also has a garden, a terrace, and a restaurant that serves delicious food. The cottage is ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers who want to enjoy the beach and the waterfall. The price per night is around Rs. 3,3421.
Caravela Beach Resort: This is a luxurious and elegant resort located near Varca beach, about 39 km from Arvalem waterfalls. The resort offers lavish rooms with sea views, free Wi-Fi, TV, AC, minibar, and a balcony. The resort also has a swimming pool, a spa, a gym, a golf course, and a restaurant that serves international cuisine. The resort is perfect for those who want to indulge in comfort and style while visiting the waterfall. The price per night is around Rs. 12,2111.
Hyatt Centric Candolim Goa: This is a stylish and modern hotel located near Candolim beach, about 28 km from Arvalem waterfalls. The hotel offers chic rooms with free Wi-Fi, TV, AC, minibar, and a balcony. The hotel also has a swimming pool, a fitness center, a bar, and a restaurant that serves local and global dishes. The hotel is suitable for those who want to experience the nightlife and the waterfall. The price per night is around Rs. 11,398.
Best Time to Visit Arvalem Waterfall
The best time to visit Arvalem Waterfall is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and the waterfall is at its full glory. During this time, the waterfall gushes down from a height of 24 feet with a clear blue color and forms a large lake at the bottom. You can enjoy swimming in the lake, taking photos of the waterfall and its surroundings, and relaxing in the park developed by the government near the waterfall.
However, if you want to see a different side of the waterfall, you can also visit it during the monsoon season (June to September), when the waterfall becomes muddy brown due to the rainwater and flows with more force and volume. You can witness the raw power of nature and feel the spray of water on your face. However, swimming in the lake is not advisable during this time, as it can be dangerous due to strong currents and slippery rocks. You should also carry a raincoat and an umbrella to protect yourself from the rain.
You should avoid visiting the waterfall during the summer season (April to May), as it can be very hot and humid in Goa and the water flow of the waterfall can be very low or dry.
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Things to Do at Arvalem Waterfall
There are many things to do at Arvalem Waterfall that will make your trip memorable and enjoyable. Here are some of them:
Sightseeing:
Apart from the waterfall, there are some other attractions near Arvalem Waterfall that you can visit and explore. One of them is Arvalem caves, also known as Pandava caves, which are ancient rock-cut caves with sculptures and inscriptions dating back to the 6th century AD. According to legend, these caves were used by the Pandavas, the heroes of the epic Mahabharata, during their exile. You can see the five chambers of the caves, each with a lingam (a symbol of Lord Shiva) and a pedestal. You can also see some Buddhist relics and paintings in the caves, indicating the influence of Buddhism in Goa. The caves are located about 1.3 km from the waterfall and can be reached by a short walk or drive.
You may also like to read: Hidden gem of Goa - Arvalem waterfall
Another attraction near Arvalem Waterfall is Rudreshwar temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is also known as Rudra (the destroyer). The temple is situated on the banks of the Bicholim river, overlooking the waterfall. The temple has a simple structure, with a dome-shaped roof and a pillared hall. The temple is believed to be built by the Pandavas, who performed the last rites of their father Pandu here. The temple is also a venue for an annual fair held in February or March, which attracts many devotees and tourists. The temple is located about 100 m from the waterfall and can be reached by a flight of steps.
Swimming:
One of the most popular activities at Arvalem Waterfall is swimming in the lake formed by the waterfall. The water is cool and refreshing, especially after a long drive or walk. You can swim in the shallow or deep parts of the lake, depending on your skill level and comfort. However, you should be careful of the rocks and pebbles at the bottom of the lake, as they can be sharp or slippery. You should also avoid swimming in monsoon season, as it can be risky due to strong currents and muddy water.
Photography:
Another popular activity at Arvalem Waterfall is photography. The waterfall and its surroundings offer many opportunities for capturing beautiful photos that will make your friends and family jealous. You can take photos of the waterfall from different angles and distances, depending on your preference and camera settings. You can also take photos of yourself or your companions with the waterfall as a backdrop. The best time for photography is early morning or evening, when the natural light is soft and flattering. You should also avoid crowds and clutter in your photos, as they can ruin the beauty of the waterfall.
Where to Eat Near Arvalem Beach
There are not many places to eat near Arvalem beach, as it is a relatively remote and secluded place. However, you will find some local eateries and stalls that serve authentic Goan cuisine, as well as some Indian and Chinese dishes.
Here are some of the decent and affordable options to eat near Aravalem Beach within 10 km radius of the beach. Check them out!
Rudreshwar Restaurant:
This is a simple and cozy restaurant located near the Rudreshwar temple, about 2 km from the beach. The restaurant serves tasty and fresh seafood, as well as some Indian and Chinese dishes. The restaurant is popular among the locals and tourists alike, as it offers a scenic view of the waterfall and the river. The restaurant is open from 10 am to 10 pm and the average cost for two is around Rs. 500.
Sai Prasad Restaurant:
This is a small and clean restaurant located near the Bicholim bus stand, about 7 km from the beach. The restaurant serves delicious and hygienic vegetarian food, such as thalis, dosas, idlis and uttapams. The restaurant is ideal for those who want to enjoy a quick and cheap meal on their way to or from the beach. The restaurant is open from 8 am to 9 pm and the average cost for two is around Rs. 200.
Shree Ganesh Family Restaurant:
This is a spacious and comfortable restaurant located near the Mayem lake, about 9 km from the beach. The restaurant serves a variety of cuisines, such as Goan, Indian, Chinese and Continental. The restaurant is perfect for those who want to enjoy a lavish and leisurely meal with their family or friends. The restaurant also has a bar that serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The restaurant is open from 11 am to 11 pm and the average cost for two is around Rs. 800.
Places to Visit Near Arvalem Waterfalls
Apart from the waterfall itself, there are some other attractions near Arvalem waterfalls that you can visit and explore. Here are some of them:
Arvalem Caves:
These are ancient rock-cut caves with sculptures and inscriptions dating back to the 6th century AD. According to legend, these caves were used by the Pandavas, the heroes of the epic Mahabharata, during their exile. You can see the five chambers of the caves, each with a lingam (a symbol of Lord Shiva) and a pedestal. You can also see some Buddhist relics and paintings in the caves, indicating the influence of Buddhism in Goa. The caves are located about 1.3 km from the waterfall and can be reached by a short walk or drive.
Rudreshwar Temple:
This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is also known as Rudra (the destroyer). The temple is situated on the banks of the Bicholim river, overlooking the waterfall. The temple has a simple structure, with a dome-shaped roof and a pillared hall. The temple is believed to be built by the Pandavas, who performed the last rites of their father Pandu here. The temple is also a venue for an annual fair held in February or March, which attracts many devotees and tourists. The temple is located about 100 m from the waterfall and can be reached by a flight of steps.
Mayem Lake:
This is a natural lake surrounded by green hills and palm trees, offering a serene and scenic view. The lake is ideal for boating, fishing, birdwatching and picnicking. You can also enjoy some water sports such as kayaking, pedal boating and water scooters at the lake. The lake is located about 9 km from the waterfall and can be reached by a car or a bike.
Bicholim Fort:
This is a historical fort built by the Marathas in the 17th century to defend Goa from the Portuguese invasion. The fort has a square shape, with bastions, ramparts and cannons. The fort also has a chapel, a well and a secret tunnel. The fort is now in ruins, but it still offers a glimpse of the past glory and bravery of the Marathas. The fort is located about 12 km from the waterfall and can be reached by a car or a bike.
Corjuem Fort:
This is another historical fort built by the Portuguese in the 16th century to protect Goa from the Marathas and other enemies. The fort has a rectangular shape, with two towers, two gates and a moat. The fort also has a chapel dedicated to St. Anthony and a cemetery. The fort offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and the Corjuem river. The fort is located about 15 km from the waterfall and can be reached by a car or a bike.
Arvalem Waterfall is a scenic and historic attraction in Goa that you should not miss on your next trip. It is a perfect place to enjoy nature, culture and adventure in one place. You can swim in the lake, take photos of the waterfall, visit the caves and the temple, and relax in the park.
You can also explore some other places of interest near the waterfall, such as Mayem lake, Bicholim fort and Corjuem fort.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Arvalem Waterfall soon and experience the beauty and charm of Goa.
