Goa’s many natural springs were once frequented, not just during the summer, but all year round because the waters of most were believed to have curative properties – though none were scientifically proven.
There was a time when springs in Goa could have attracted tourists, just as the beaches do, but with development cutting through nature, today, active springs need to be searched for, and the search this summer was arduous.
Springs in Goa can be found at the base of most forested hills, and the search for springs started with the famous Kesarval spring, which once spewed water from a huge cut – that looked like the jaw of the mountain – gushed past bathers, and flowed below the forest.
The spring left visitors ecstatic and the water was believed to be good for the skin. It had people pay a visit to it all through the year because the water flow was enough to cleanse any body.
Today, the mouth from where the water used to flow previously has dried, and instead, water flows from three other places, but the flow is the best in Goa.
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Locals still frequent the spring – some just for a bath and others for a picnic. Food is not available around, as the canteen built by the Department of Tourism is in a dilapidated state.
Parking provision is available, and there is a retail alcohol outlet meters away. To get there, one has to take the road to Kesarval Hotel, and drive straight down.
Springs, for locals and tourists in South Goa, are more abundant than in the North because just a few kilometres away, at Curra in Raia, is another spring adjacent to a temple.
The flow is nowhere close to the flow at Kesarval, but using indigenous technology – blocking the mouth of the pipe – cool water comes gushing out leaving all in a delirium, especially when the summer is as hot as the current one.
The spring in Curra has two water flows, with pipes at the beginning of each. Locals and tourists have been attracted to this place because, apart from a road, development has just put in a toe-hold around the area.
Ladies who visit the spring normally tend to bathe with their clothes on as there are no changing facilities or washrooms. Those with no inhibitions can enjoy the feel of the wild.
Apart from spring water that can be consumed, there is no store kilometres away from the spring. Locals bring their own alcohol and snacks, but tend to forget to carry back the empties with them, causing litter.
The spring in Senaulim, which is along the old NH 66, has water just trickling down, but still gets visitors because it is believed to wash away conjunctivitis (sore eyes) and is good for the eyes.
To go to the spring, one needs to stop at Cheddo Bar, once known for its pork meat, and walk up a few steps.
Like most springs in Goa, visitors tend to carry their own drinks and alcohol, or beer specifically, as the chill of the bottles appears to mix well with the coolness of the water.
The flow at the spring is not strong and it is advisable for those interested in visiting the place to do so once the monsoon makes its presence felt. The place around the spring is small, so avoid going in groups.
Pomburpa spring in North Goa, near Aldona on one side and Penha de Franca on the other, is another spring that has had the Department of Tourism trying to poke its fingers on and is the only spring that the government has touched and did not get spoilt!
Water still flows from the spring, though not with the force as before, but one can sit below and feel the water cooling one’s head and body. Tourists from North Goa frequent the spring, but many return unhappy with the flow.
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Like the spring in Pomburpa, the spring in Salmona, Saligao, was taken up for development and it is a decision the locals now regret. The spring has been converted into what looks like a pool that is full of stagnant water. Not worth a visit!
There was a spring called Bom Viagem near the St Alex Church, in Calangute, but that cannot be found now though the flow was low 20 years back.
A local used to brew urrak at the side of the spring. Both cannot be spotted now due to the constructions all around.
Going to the beach and to springs in summer were experiences of how nature interloped to make men and women enjoy the summer.
Those experiences appear to have taken some course corrections.
