The Carambolim Lake is situated southeast of Old Goa in Tiswadi taluka, at a distance of approximately 2 kms. Characteristically, this lake is an artificial freshwater lake, which is marshy and has a rich ecology in terms of it"s bird population. It was built to facilitate irrigation of the nearby fields and is today a wildlife preservation site. This lake is adorned by picturesque green rice fields, trees and woodland.
Tourist Attractions of Carambolim Lake
The Carambolim Lake is a popular bird watching spot. This lake is a home to some of the exotic, migratory birds, crowding this area for hundreds of years. Also, a large population of herbivorous birds is housed by the Carambolim Lake. Shallow margins of the lake being rich in tall emergent Oryza, is occupied by male pintail ducks. Their population remains segregated in this area. In the central region of the lake, the female pintail ducks feed on leaves and flowers of nymphea. The coots feed on Hydrilla and also macronvertebrates, depending on their availability. Macronvertebrates are brought to surface by the activity of other diving birds. The Moorhen survive on food brought to surface by the feeding habits of the coots. The ten most abundant birds at Carambolim Lake are red-rumped swallow, little egret, lesser whistling teal, coot, cattle egret, pheasant tailed jacana, purple moorhen, pond heron, pintal and bronzewinged jacana.
Built around 1714, the old Church in Carambolim (a small village in Goa which is situated at about 12 kms from Panjim in the Tiswadi taluka) also gains tourist attraction. This church is dedicated to St. John. Initially, it was a chapel which was built in 1541. It received the status of a church in 1553, during the tenure of Bishop D Joao Albuquerque.
Visiting Information
This lake has good transport availability. Roads leading to Carambolim Lake are motorable via car or bus. The railway station in Carambolim is called the Carambolim Railway Station or the Karmali Train Station and it is the third important station of the Konkan Railway in Goa. The Carambolim Lake is at stone"s throw from Karmali Railway Station.
Related Article:
Lakes of India
Water Projects in India
Indian Ports
Mayem Lake