Kesarval Springs

Kesarval Spring is situated 22 km away from Panaji on Verna plateau off the Panaji-Margao highway. The spring is surrounded by tropical woodlands and swaying betel palms and emerges from the hard rocks.

The spring is in its full glory in the monsoons and looks fabulous, brimming with sparkling water. However it is not that impressive during summers. There is dense undergrowth surrounding the site and above its gorge the hills stretch out in the east and south.

The word "Kesar-val" is derived from the Indian word for eagles that used to maintain a colony here among the afforested slopes. Steps were built in the 1950s below the hill as a stony zigzag track was the only route to reach the spring.

The spring has a reputation among the locals and the bathers who come from faraway places, of having medicinal properties in its waters. It is a very popular spa, where people bathe in its water with a strong belief that the "healing waters" with magical curative properties will drive away all their ailments.

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 is stagnant.

Approach
There are a number of buses that run from Mapusa and Panaji to Kesarval. The nearest interstate bus station is at Margao, the KTC bus station. One can reach the spring by taking the national highway leading to Margao .The spot can also be reached by crossing the bridge on the Zuari river and passing through the village of Cortalim.

Accommodations
There are a number of nearby accommodations, none however located at Kesarval itself.

Last Updated on 4^th October 2010