Curdi Ruins

Curdi Ruins are the remains of a village in Sanguem taluka, South Goa, that was submerged by the Salaulim Dam reservoir in the 1980s. The site resurfaces annually during peak summer months, typically April and May, when water levels recede to reveal structural remnants including temples, chapels, and homes. It serves as a significant heritage site where former residents gather for annual religious observances. Access is seasonal and restricted to the brief period when the ruins emerge from the reservoir.

Visitors can expect to see exposed ruins of a submerged village on the dried mud bed of the Salaulim reservoir during late April and May. Visible structures include the Someshwar Temple, a chapel, remnants of mud houses, wells, and a dilapidated Portuguese police station. The terrain consists of cracked earth and moist mud with no shelter or facilities. The site is located within a forest area, and visitors may encounter wildlife. Access requires navigating narrow roads and potentially trekking the final distance.

Curdi was a thriving agricultural settlement with over 3,000 residents before being submerged in the 1980s due to the construction of the Salaulim Dam for Goa's water supply. The village contained diverse religious structures reflecting Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities. Its submergence represents a significant displacement event in modern Goan history, with the site serving as a physical memorial to the sacrificed village.

The site holds deep emotional and spiritual significance for displaced Kurdikar families who return annually to perform rituals at the Someshwar Temple and celebrate the feast at the chapel. It symbolizes community resilience and interfaith coexistence, serving as a sacred reunion point rather than merely a tourist attraction.