Netravali is a beautiful village located in Sanguem taluka, South Goa, around 80 km away from the capital city Panaji. This village has been recognised as an 'Adarsh Gram', which has the literal translation of 'ideal village' in English. It is a truly ideal and amazing place for tourists to visit, especially those who love to explore nature, wildlife and eye-catching scenic views of waterfalls and lush, green forests.
The places to visit in Netravali that should be on your 'things to do' list are Budbudyanchi Tali and the Savari and Udegi waterfalls. The waterfalls are located in the interior of the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and Budbudyanchi Tali is located at a walkable distance of 200 metres from the Govt Primary School at Netravali.
If you are planning to visit these places, then a few things you need to carry are water, snacks, salt (to remove leeches), insect repellant, a knife to clear vegetation and a walking stick. One should wear breathable, comfortable clothes and a good pair of trekking shoes. This is because once you are inside the wildlife sanctuary, you will witness total isolation from all elements of urban life, with no cellular network, shops, human settlements, etc.
At the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary check post, Forest Department guards let visitors in only after they have provided their name and identity proof and pay the visiting fee of Rs 100 per head and Rs 50 to allow a bike or scooter inside. The guards will advise you not to take plastic bottles or bags inside the sanctuary to maintain cleanliness and keep the sanctuary plastic-free.
Budbudyanchi Tali, Gopinath Temple:
Budbudyanchi Tali (Bubble Lake) allows one to experience a strange phenomenon. Bubbles rise to the top of the water tank if a person standing next to it claps his hands. The exact reason behind the formation of these bubbles in this water tank is unknown to most people. It is conjectured that lime present in the water bed reacts with acidic water to produce bubbles of carbon dioxide. This water tank is in close proximity to the Gopinath Temple whose renovation was believed to be done by the Kadamba king Jayakeshi-I.
Savari Waterfall, Netravali:
Savari Waterfall is yet another attraction for adventurers and tourists who are willing to venture beyond Goa’s beaches and nightlife. The Savari Waterfall is a pure treat for the eyes, surrounded by verdant vegetation and the Western Ghats. After reaching Netravali, one needs to travel 5 km more to cross the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary check post. Then, after travelling another 2 km, one reaches the entry point of the Savari Waterfall.
One must walk for almost 15 minutes and climb more than 100 steps down to reach the waterfall. Once there, any tiredness you experience will instantly disappear on setting your eyes on the mesmerising view of the waterfall and the greenery. This waterfall is one of the most sought-after destinations for travellers who come to experience the 'wild' side of Goa.
Udegi Waterfall, Tudav:
Udegi Waterfall is another tourist location which will not leave the visitor dissatisfied. This place is located in Tudav, almost 10 km inside Netravali. Here there are few houses, located away from the busy city life. It always seems to be misty here, and the climate is cooler than most other villages in Goa.
If you want to reach the waterfall at Udegi, it is just a ten-minute walk from the village of Tudav. We need to cross a cashew plantation and fields, and then you start hearing the noise of water gushing down from the hill. It is safe for people, including children, to visit and enjoy this cool waterfall on the weekends. The best time to visit this place would be the monsoon season.