Maya Lake Goa

Maya Lake also known as Mayem Lake is situated in Mayem in the Bicholim taluka of North Goa,India. It is a popular tourist spot in Goa for boating. The beautiful Maya lake is located 7 kms from the Saptakoteshwar Temple and is a famous picnic spot for the locals of Goa and tourists alike. On the roadside there are vendors dealing in Goan handicrafts and refreshments boasting of delicious coconut water.

The undulating hills covered by a thick lush green vegetation forms the perfect backdrop. This lake is a man-made lake and not a natural one. Though small, it attracts a lot of tourists. This scenic lake is located just 35 kilometres from Panaji. This lake is much cooler than other parts of North Goa.

Mayem Lake is an artificially created lake, which is surrounded by green undulating hills. This makes the lake more picturesque. Although it is a small lake but it does not fail to attract tourists from international destinations too. The place around the lake is much cooler than the other parts of North Goa.

While visiting Maya Lake, you can even make a short detour and visit the Saptakoteshwar Temple. The temple is just seven kilometres from the lake. Even the Chamundi Temple at  Pilgao is worth a visit. It is here that the image of Chamunda Goddess resides which was originally brought from a temple located in Goah Velha, which was ransacked and destroyed by the Muslim rulers. The Chamundi temple has been re-built a number of times. The temple tank in the centre is worth noticing because of its antique carvings.

Many small Goa hotels have come up surrounding the Mayem Lake. These hotels in Goa look into the special needs of the tourists. As a response to the ever growing demand of the tourists, the Tourist Development Corporation of Goa has come up will small cottages in and around Maya lake.They are well-furnished and have all the basic amenities. Spending a day or two in these cottages can be very refreshing and energising.

You can spend a day leisurely by boating in and around the lake. The hills are covered with cashew trees and areca nut palm trees and pineapple plantations. Over the hills you can see the Mandovi River and Panjim.

The lake has a lot in store for the nature lovers. One can visit the small villages or ‘hamlets’ surrounding the lake for a different kind of experience.  During the winter months, the lake is a treat for bird watchers as many varieties of winter birds flock to this place. The cool and serene surroundings are really enjoyable.

In and around the lake, you can taste the delicious coconut water sold by vendors. Shopaholics can do their bit by shopping Goan handicrafts and artefacts from the small shops surrounding the Maya Lake.