Watch Kurdi village play hide-and-seek in Goan summer

For a destination that is visible for just a month (or less) every year, Kurdi or Curdi village in Goa is pretty popular. Confused? Kurdi village was submerged in the 1980s, when a reservoir was created as a result of the Salaulim Dam. All residents eventually relocated to different parts of Goa.

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Kurdi village, submerged or not, is located in Sanguem, approximately 5 km from the Salaulim Dam’s catchment area. Once a year, in the peak summer months of April and May, the otherwise invisible village resurfaces as the water level goes down. This resurfacing lasts for about three to four weeks, during which, the old residents of Kurdi village come to see their once beloved home or what’s left of it. Nostalgia is strong with this one.



Slowly, tourists started to notice this bittersweet revisitation by the locals and, over time, this once-a-year occurrence became a popular activity.

If you visit Kurdi village during April-May, you will be able to see the Sacred Heart of Jesus Chapel, the 18th-century Someshwar Temple, what’s left of the homes of around 634 families, and crumbled outlines of the village. Interestingly, a temple dating back to the 10th-11th century, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, was relocated to a nearby site.


Salaulim Dam
Salaulim Dam is an architectural marvel. The resultant reservoir is the largest man-made reservoir in Goa. Salaulim Dam is most popular for the duckbill spillway. It is constructed in such a way that, during monsoon season, the excess water goes through a semi-circular outlet. It appears like a sinkhole and that’s what captivates visitors.

1. When is the best time to see Kurdi village?
   Once a year, in the peak summer months of April and May, the otherwise invisible village resurfaces as the water level goes down. This resurfacing lasts for about three to four weeks.
2. Where is Kurdi village?
   Kurdi village is located in Sanguem, approximately 5 km from the Salaulim Dam’s catchment area.
3. If February a good time to visit Goa?
   Yes, February (before Goa Carnival) is a good time to visit Goa because it is almost the end of peak tourist season. Travel and stay are pretty affordable this time of the year.