Located at Quelossim, just off the NH 17 which runs through the Verna plateau, lies one of Goa’s most iconic springs known as the Kesarval Spring. This spring used to be a well-known picnic spot for locals and tourists alike.
The Kesarval Spring
The spring gets its name from the word ‘Kesar-val’, from the Indian word for the eagle that used to maintain a colony in the nearby hills.
Kesarval Spring used to be a favorite among the locals for picnicking. Located just 22 kilometers from the state capital Panjim, people flocked in large numbers to the spring to have a good time. It was also considered to be a natural spring with medicinal properties and this is probably what made it attractive to the public. It’s not difficult to drive to. You can either drive yourself or take public transport as it lies just off the highway, on the way to Margao.
The Kesarval Spring emerges from hard, compact rocks in a small gorge. There are hills stretching in both directions, making it a perfect location to chill out. You can also find an abundance of betel-nut palms and tropical woodlands in the area.
It gets its name from the word ‘Kesar-val’, from the Indian word for the eagle that used to maintain a colony in the nearby hills. The Kesarval Spring used to only be accessible by means of a stony path, zigzagging its way down the side of a forested hill. However, in the 1950s, steps were built in order for bathers to get down to the spring safely.
Kesarval Spring’s medicinal properties
As with most natural springs, the Kesarval Spring was believed to have medicinal properties. As a result, people came from far and wide to bathe in the healing waters and wash away any ailments they might have. It was most popular for people who seemed to suffer from eye and skin problems.
With such a prime location as well as fame for the above reasons, it’s no wonder that the state tourism department has declared Kesarval Spring a tourist spot. Best time to visit used to be the monsoon season when the spring waters gushed forth with force. Visiting in the summer is also possible but given that the water is reduced to a mere trickle makes it less popular then. And this seems to get worse each year with the changing climate as well as all the development going on in the area. However, the GTDC plans to restore the spring and its surrounding areas. More about that soon.
Information credit – GTDC website
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