Arvalem Waterfall is among the major attractions of Goa. It is popularly known as the Harvalem Waterfalls. The Arvalem waterfall cascades down from the mountains from a height of 70meters. It is situated at about 2km from the small town of Sanquelim and 9km from Bicholim in North Goa.
It is often sighted from the Rudreswar temple. As the visitors step down the stairs of Rudreswar temple they are often attracted towards the panoramic view of the Arvalem waterfalls which is 24 ft high. Surrounded by beautiful evergreen forests of Western Ghat mountain range and Arvalem caves this is one of the most attractive sites in Goa. The government has also developed a park from which the sporadic view of the waterfall can be peacefully relished.
Tourism at Arvalem Waterfall
The Arvalem waterfall is at its glorious best right after the copious monsoon, with eye-catching beauty that rejuvenates the tourists. It is a major rain fed waterfall that flows through the Western Ghats of India that falls into a huge lake at the bottom. The colour of the waterfall becomes muddy brown because of the monsoon rains. It is one of the most attractive sights for the visitors who often get tempted towards the lake for a dip in the water. The visitors are attracted towards the mesmerised water falls and the fresh water lake that assembles beneath the water falls. It has lush greenery all round with fruit laden trees such as banana, coconut etc. which adds a freshness to the beauty of the scenery.
Tourists can also explore the ancient Arvalem caves which are located nearby. These antique caves raise a lot of curiosity among the visitors regarding its period of formation. The caves in the vicinity add a touch of antiquity to this pictorial place, which finds a major attraction for the filmmakers as a favourite shooting spot. Thus the Arvalem waterfall is often considered as a major tourist spot of Goa. With its antique caves and attractive water falls, it has often attracted the tourists of Goa. Surrounded with greenery this is one of the most picturesque sights in Goa.
Places to Visit around Arvalem Waterfall
Goa being a famous tourist spot, the Arvalem waterfall has many nearby places to visit. Safa Masjid is an Islamic shrine remarkable for its architecture along with this Naval Aviation Museum, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Butterfly Conservatory of Goa; a charming butterfly conservatory that spreads over 4000 sq meters area to view the most magnificent butterflies and caterpillars, Church of St. Anne, Manguesh Temple, Tropical Spice Plantation; where all kinds of spices are grown in a traditional way are among the places of interest.
Another attraction is the St. Thomas Church representing a valuable mixture of Portuguese and Hindu architectonic styles. Mayem Lake; an excellent place for boating and bird watching and the Museum of Christian Art where an artefact collection of valuable paintings and sculptures are reserved that are connected to Christianity are also worth visiting.
Visiting Information
A number of buses, taxis and motorbikes can be hired from Mapusa, Panaji and Margaon to reach the Arvalem waterfalls.
