Kesarval Waterfall, also known as Kesarval Spring, is an enchanting tourist destination in the nature-gifted state of Goa.
Location of Kesarval Waterfall
Kesarval Waterfall is located 22 kilometres from the state"s capital Panaji, near the Verna plateau, off the Panaji-Margao national highway heading towards the city of Margao.
History of Kesarval Waterfall
The word `Kesar-val` is derived from the Indian word for eagles that used to maintain a colony here amidst the afforested slopes. Steps were built below the hill in the 1950s for the bathers to reach the spring without difficulty, until when a stony zigzag track was the only access to it.
Landscape of Kesarval Waterfall
The waterfall is encircled with tropical woodlands and swaying betel palms. There is dense brushwood and shrubbery surrounding the site and above its gorge, the hills stretch out in the east and the south directions. The overall landscape is richly lush.
During the monsoons, the spring stands out for its exquisite beauty. It is all resplendent in its full glory, brimming with sparkling water. The sight of the waterfall gushing down the rocks in a dashing cascade is simply spellbinding.
Healing Properties of Kesarval Waterfall
The spring"s waters are believed to have some medicinal properties. It is a very popular spa among the locals and the bathers travelling from distant places, who come every once in a year to take a dip or bathe in the "healing waters", strongly believing that they will be relieved of their body ailments. Many middle-aged folks are seen taking a good bath in the spring. Some swear that the waters can heal skin and eye ailments with their magical curative properties. The algae found in the water do have cleansing effect.
Visiting Information to Kesarval Waterfall
Distanced only 22 kilometres from Panaji, the state capital that is well connected with all the major parts of the country, the spring is comfortably reachable by all the conventional means.
By Road: Hiring cars, bikes or cabs from Panaji are an option to reach the waterfall. Also, buses run from cities Mapusa, Margao and Panaji to Kesarval. It can be easily reached after crossing the bridge over the Zuari River and passing through the hamlet of Cortalim.
By Rail: The nearest railway stations include the Madgaon Junction Railway Station and the Karmali Railway Station.
By Air: The nearest airport is the Dabolim Airport, Goa.
Best Season to visit Kesarval Waterfall
The best time to experience the enthralling falls is during the monsoons between June and September, when the rigorous flow of the spring is at its very peak. During the summers, the hills are dry and the flow is feeble.
The Tourism Department has designated the Kesarval spring as a tourist spot. Kesarval, with its rolling terraced hills, running down to the wooded countryside is a place where time seems stagnant.
