Salaulim Dam – A Hidden Treasure in Goa, India

Think of Goa and the first things that come to mind are thrill and entertainment. Packed with a plethora of fascinating and captivating travel destinations; it's a haven for travelers. Not only tourists from India but also from international countries are enticed by Goa. There are few hidden treasures in Goa that are still unexplored. Salaulim Dam is one of them. It's a hidden treasure, adorned with a magnificent natural background. Salaulim Dam is a good spot for spending a weekend or a vacation. Let's venture on a short virtual tour of the dam.

Few Interesting Facts about the Salaulim Dam

Situated at the banks of the River Salaulim, its natural enigmatic beauty is a soothing treat to the eyes. The main purpose of constructing the140 feet high dam was to support an irrigation project. It serves the purpose of providing water to almost 3 nearby places – Salceto, Quepum, and Sanguem. The fishermen of Goa largely depend on the dam waters for their livelihood. Spread over an area of about 24 square km, the Salaulim dam is still unexplored and away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The reason for it being a perfect place to spend time in solitude and peace.

The key attraction of the dam is its innovative design and structure. At the edge of the dam, there is a spillway shaped like a duckbill. The water splashes through a 2 step level of the spillway spreading a whitish snowy and cloudy fog around it. The misty spray of the waters cast a magical spell over the spillway. It's the most popular site for photographers to capture this beautiful phenomenon. The designers and architects have skillfully designed the spillway avoiding any manual interventions. The water automatically flows along the canals providing irrigation water to the fields.

Things to do at the Dam

If you love watching birds, then this place is an ideal one for you. Numerous water birds and local birds can be seen in the vicinity of the dam. The most common among them are the kingfishers, cranes, and cormorants. You can find them in abundance near the banks of the dam. It's wonderful to see the flock of birds flying past the waters and occasionally flapping their wings on the water bed.

You can leisurely stroll across the pathways engulfing the freshness of the air. The dam is an ideal place to sit and relax, witnessing nature's captivating landscape. Early mornings and evenings are especially pleasant, enchanting the human mind and soul with the soothing cool breeze. The serenity prevailing in this place is enthralling.

You can also visit the Botanical Gardens near the dam. It is a good option to experience nature's astonishing beauty. Lush green trees, plants, and flowers create a surreal calmness around. Its huge green lawns and the exclusively carved rock garden are truly attractive. The shrubs are skillfully curated, much to the delight of nature admirers. Strolling across the catchment area welcomes you into nature's vicinity more and more.

What is the best time to visit the Dam?

The best time to visit the dam is during the rainy season. The waters are at a high rise, gushing through the backwaters and spillway. The entire landscape is transformed into dreamland with dense forests, misty streams of water, and the melodious chirping of birds. So if you really want to feel the mystic beauty of the surroundings, plan your trip during the monsoon season.

How to reach the Dam?

If you are traveling by air, the nearest airport is at Dabolim. And if you are boarding a train, then you can opt to reach either Margao or Curchorem railway stations. Plenty of buses and cabs for hire are available from various places in Goa to reach the dam. Even autorickshaws ply from a number of nearby locations. You can also board the local buses which stop at the nearby bus stand of the village Uguem.

Travelers prefer visiting the beaches of Goa as part of their wanderlust journey. But few are aware of the dam, an offbeat and spectacular destination. So next time when you plan to visit Goa, do not forget to include Salaulim Dam on your bucket list. The stunning beauty of the dam is an example of the country's breathtaking flora and fauna.

Author

Kuntala

A travel enthusiast craving to explore the exotic destinations in the world, deciphering the mysteries and the thrill concealed in them.