Eco Treks, a Goa-based adventure trekking company, is offering
adventure activities that include a forest walk, heritage walk, poy
boating, (boating in a farm canal) and a visit to a local nursery and
eco store during its next nature outing.
This time, it is headed to Dhamapur lake in the Sindhudurg district of
Maharashtra, which lies at a distance of around 50 km from Patradevi.
The lake, which is dammed, is the biggest in the district.
DHAMAPUR DAM
The Dhamapur dam is an earth-filled dam constructed in 1530 by the
villagers and Nagesh Desai who was Mandlik of the Vijaynagar dynasty.
The lake receives water throughout the year and remains full
throughout.
This lake is well-known for its spotless, see-through waters. Its area
is ideal for excursions as well as water sports. On two sides, the
lake is bound by attractive picturesque hill ranges.
The water is translucent and it is surrounded by dense forest that makes it an excellent spot for bird watching. If you are lucky, you can even spot
a pair of Malabar pied hornbills. It also has some very old ficus trees, which are breathtaking.
DREAM TREK
According to Durgadas Parab of Eco Treks, the idea of a trek to this
lake cropped up during the company's outings to Malwan some years ago.
During these expeditions, our first stop used to be at Dhamapur lake.
"After visiting the lake and the old Bhagwati temple, we used to
proceed further. At that time, I never thought that this beautiful
lakeside could be our next trekking destination," Parab said.
UNIVERSITY OF LIFE
Eco Treks is conducting this trek with the help of a local NGO called
the University of Life, whose dedicated volunteers will guide the
trekkers and speak about the history and heritage of this lake and
also its rich biodiversity. It is also due to the efforts of this NGO
the lake is saved from concretisation.
FEES & CONTACT PERSONS
The company is charging Rs 1,500 per head for the trek, which includes
to and fro travel, bus permit, guide fee, morning breakfast and lunch
(no evening tea will be served). Special AC bus will leave from
Panjim's Heera Petrol pump by 7 am and Mapusa Gandhi Circle sharp by
7.20 am.
For bookings and payments (cash only), contact Durgadas Parab
9422445444/ 7588445444 (Mapusa), Nitin 9922428288 (Panjim), Rajesh
9833155713 (Porvorim), Nitendra 8698757744 (Vasco) and Sulekha
9764965195 (Margao).
The moderate-intensity trek, titled as 'Dream-walk of Dhamapur', is
limited to 35 participants only, so hurry and book your slots.