By Clyde Tellis
Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles! The mere sound of bubbles is enough to spark joy and happiness. Be it a little child or a full-grown adult, I am sure that at some point or the other bubbles have given you a delightful experience. Hence, when I heard about the bubbling pond at Netravali, I was fascinated from the start.
It’s not every day you come across a pond that naturally bubbles by itself. We have been placing artificial aeration systems in our aquariums to keep ornamental fish in our homes. Who would have thought that God has one of his natural aquariums in Goa? I know a natural aquarium is an oxymoron. This case is an exception.”
The Netravali Bubbling Lake/Pond known as Budbud Thali by the locals lies on the outskirts of the Netravali wildlife sanctuary. To my surprise, it is a lake. I think it looks more like a Temple Pond. The structure is rectangular with a little pedestal in the centre and the water is clear with a tinge of greenish-blue. It earned its name because of a mysterious phenomenon of bubbles that rise from the bottom of the pond.
The mystical bubbles
These little bubbles pop on reaching the surface causing concentric circles that flow away from the centre making it quite engaging to watch especially because you never know where the next bunch of bubbles would appear. Without science, the local myths are several such as a demon that lies under the pond. The loud sounds disturb the demon. By chanting ‘OM’ (since there is a Shiva Temple nearby), or by clapping aloud. Unfortunately, this relation between clapping and the intensity of bubbles can’t be proven scientifically.
So, the closest explanation could be that acoustics intensify the sound waves. Thereby resulting in vibrations that in turn displace the entrapped bubbles that then rise to the surface. How’s that for an explanation by an engineer?
A Gopinath Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna stands beside the pond. The name Gopinath means Lord of the Gopikas who were cowherd women. The Goa State Museum in Panjim now preserves the idol that originally stood in the temple around the 14th century.The current temple is of modern design and was rebuilt after someone had destroyed it.
As this spot is away from the commercial hot spots of Goa, it is clean, quiet, and peaceful. Plus, the entry is free to all.
The science behind it
The bubbles are methane and carbon dioxide that probably form after the decomposition of organic matter under a layer of sand beneath the pond. Again, it hasn’t been proven. It’s a theory that due to the aeration of the water, there are hundreds of little fish in the pond.
You could get a free pedicure if you wish. Step into the pond and one could identify the tigerfish as being in the majority. I wouldn’t recommend this as people can’t resist taking dips in the clear and fresh water.
When to visit
The best time to visit this spot is around the monsoons. The view is pleasing and the ride is refreshing. Greenery all around, the ride will be cool and on your, you could include the Savari and Mainapi waterfalls nearby. If you’re in the South near Canacona do make a trip to witness this wonder of nature.
Clyde Tellis is a traveller and a local guide from Goa. He has a lively and informative Instagram page showcasing Goa’s beauty.
