Curtorim: Lakes, Birdlife and History

Curtorim combines a strong agricultural tradition with lakes, birdlife and remarkable traces of history. Known as the “Granary of Goa,” Curtorim is distinguished by its lush rice fields and tranquil lakes. Nature and cultural history offer different focuses for a trip—helpful guidance if you are considering Curtorim as a base for your stay.

Rice Fields, Lakes and Birdwatching

Rice fields and agricultural traditions are as much a part of Curtorim’s character as its waterways. At Raitollem Lake, nature walks, birdwatching and photography come together amid the landscape of a tranquil, scenic freshwater lake. Early morning and the time around sunset are especially recommended. The lake offers a different focus from the village’s historic sites: here, the emphasis is on observing nature.

Curtorim Lake also has its own distinctive setting: it lies right next to St. Alex Church and is considered a peaceful place to relax by the water and watch birds. If you include waterways in your travel plans, you can distinguish between these two experiences: walks and photography are especially highlighted at Raitollem Lake, while Curtorim Lake is noted for its location beside the church and its peaceful waterside setting.

Curtorim in South Goa is considered an emerging birdwatching destination. Its large bodies of water attract various bird species throughout the year, including white storks, Lesser Adjutants and Brown Crakes. This makes birdlife a possible thread to follow at different times of year, without presuming that any particular sighting is guaranteed. If you are especially interested in birds as well as landscapes and history, this offers another reason to get to know Curtorim.

Church, Local History and Tradition

St. Alex Church was built in 1597 and is one of the oldest churches in Salcete. Its architecture differs from that of most churches in Goa. Together with its location right next to Curtorim Lake, it connects a historic landmark with one of the local waterways. An inscription on a copper plate dating to 1049 AD also suggests that Curtorim was then known as Kudatarika—a trace of the village’s early recorded history.

Another cultural landmark is the Handi Khuris, the cross at the sluice gate in Maina, Curtorim. A report dated August 16, 2023, states that devotion to the cross draws thousands of people from Goa and other parts of India every year. Along with the church and the reference to Kudatarika, it offers a different way to experience Curtorim than observing nature around the lakes.

More Cultural Highlights in the Wider Salcete Destination

Salcete also offers cultural and historical points of interest. The Goa Chitra Ethnographic Museum in Benaulim presents Goa’s agricultural heritage through mainly old farming tools and equipment. Set against the backdrop of an organic farm, it conveys traditions from the past and focuses on traditional indigenous implements.

Rachol Seminary lies directly on the banks of the Zuari River and was built between 1574 and 1610. It is a center for the study of philosophy and theology. Today, little remains of Rachol Fort beyond a ruined gateway over the road to Rachol Seminary and a dry moat around the seminary hill. The fort was built by the Bahmani Sultanate and later fell to the Vijayanagar kings after a prolonged, bloody battle.

For another cultural focus in Salcete, the Margao Cultural Walk explores Margao on foot. Ana Fonte Garden in Margao offers a different experience, with its oriental-style footbridges and fountains. Together, these attractions represent the range of themes across the wider destination: agricultural traditions, philosophy and theology, history, and a garden and walking tour.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Stay

When choosing a holiday rental in Curtorim, you can consider which themes you want to shape your trip. The lakes, rice fields and birdwatching lend themselves to a nature-focused stay; St. Alex Church, the history of Kudatarika and the tradition of the Handi Khuris offer other points of interest. The additional cultural highlights in Salcete can broaden your options without conflating Curtorim’s distinctive character with that of other places.

Discover more destinations: Colva, Karmane, Utorda, Loutolim, Nuvem, Velsao, Bandoli and Agonda.

Back to the wider travel guide: South Goa.