Budbudyanchi Tali: Goa’s 400-year-old bubbling lake that bubble when you clap

Clap, and it bubbles back—Goa’s Budbudyanchi Tali is no ordinary lake, it’s a 400-year-old mystery that listens. (Image: Facebook/Goa Heritage Action Group)

With names like Budbud, Budbudyachi Tali, and simply Bubble Lake, Netravali Lake in South Goa already hints at the mystery it holds. Tucked away in the sleepy village of Netravali, this 400-year-old pond is unlike any other. Its playful secret? Clap your hands or make a sound nearby, and the water suddenly comes alive with fizzing bubbles, as if the lake is responding to you.

For centuries, this curious phenomenon has fascinated locals and travellers alike. Some believe it’s a divine blessing, while others point to natural gases trapped beneath the surface. Science and folklore aside, Budbudyachi Tali remains one of Goa’s most enchanting hidden gems—a lake that listens, reacts, and leaves you wondering what lies beneath its shimmering surface.

A Lake That Listens

Hidden in the lush folds of Netravali in South Goa’s Sanguem taluka, Budbudyanchi Tali looks ordinary at first glance. Granite steps lead down to the water, dragonflies hover lazily, and buffaloes sometimes wander in for a drink. The nearby Gopinath Temple lends an air of sanctity to the site.

But the magic starts when you clap. The water stirs, tiny bubbles rise, and ripples spread across the surface as if the pond has woken up. Clap louder, and the bubbles seem to multiply, almost playfully—as though the lake is alive and answering back.

Science or Spirit?

Locals grew up believing the bubbles were the work of spirits or blessings of the temple deity. Children still treat the pond as a mischievous friend, testing how many claps it takes to get the water bubbling in delight.

Scientists, of course, have their own theories. Some say it’s due to gases like carbon dioxide or sulphur dioxide seeping through the bedrock. Others point to the limestone at the bottom. Methane was once suspected, but the presence of fish in the pond debunks that. The truth? No one really knows. And perhaps that’s what makes Budbudyanchi Tali so fascinating—the mystery lingers.

More Than Just a Pond

Though called a lake, Budbudyanchi Tali is more of a large pond, framed by laterite walls and featuring a square stone pedestal at its centre. It’s a place of both play and prayer: a sacred tank for the temple, and at the same time, a quirky natural wonder that makes every visitor lean closer, clap again, and grin like a child.

The government is now working to make the site more visitor-friendly, with better access roads, lighting, gazebos, and even designated areas for swimming and seating—though the lake’s charm remains its quiet, tucked-away setting.

The Neighbourhood Treasures

A visit here isn’t just about the bubbles. The Gopinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is right next door. A short drive takes you to the Usgalimal Stone Age rock carvings, some of Goa’s oldest archaeological sites. For nature lovers, the Salaulim Dam, Savari and Mainapi waterfalls, and even the mighty Dudhsagar Falls lie within reach.

When to Visit

Budbudyanchi Tali is open daily, 8 am to 8 pm. The best time to experience its magic is between October and March, when the weather is cooler, or during the monsoon when the surrounding greenery bursts alive.

Why You’ll Remember It

Goa is famous for its beaches, forts, and churches—but this little pond in Netravali offers something different. It listens, it responds, it teases with its mystery. Clap once, and you’ll carry the memory for a lifetime.