Usgalimal Rock Carvings
Discover ancient Stone Age petroglyphs etched into rocks along the Kushavati River, a hidden prehistoric gem in South Goa.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Softer light, fewer crowds
Usgalimal Rock Carvings
Best Time
Softer light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient Stone Age petroglyphs etched into rocks along the Kushavati River, a hidden prehistoric gem in South Goa.
"A fascinating window into Goa's prehistoric past, though the journey is an adventure!"
🚗 Hire Your Own Transport
Public transport is infrequent. A car or bike is best for navigating the rough roads.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Network is unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps for navigation.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Prehistoric Petroglyphs
Banks of the Kushavati River
Ancient rock carvings depicting animals, humans, and geometric patterns, offering a glimpse into Goa's Stone Age past.
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Labyrinth Carving
Usgalimal Rock Carvings site
A unique and intriguing spiral maze etched into the rock, sparking curiosity about its ancient purpose.
Zebu Bull Engravings
Usgalimal Rock Carvings site
Impressive carvings of humped bulls, a significant symbol in ancient Indian culture, found etched into the laterite rocks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to Usgalimal
Best Time to Explore
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Hire Your Own Transport
Public transport is infrequent. A car or bike is best for navigating the rough roads.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Network is unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps for navigation.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven and rocky. Comfortable footwear is a must.
💧 Carry Water & Snacks
There are no facilities on-site. Be prepared with essentials.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Hire Your Own Transport
Public transport is infrequent. A car or bike is best for navigating the rough roads.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Network is unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps for navigation.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven and rocky. Comfortable footwear is a must.
💧 Carry Water & Snacks
There are no facilities on-site. Be prepared with essentials.
☀️ Visit During Cooler Hours
Avoid the midday sun. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Usgalimal Rock Carvings offer a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric Goa, with ancient petroglyphs etched into the landscape. Visitors appreciate the historical significance and the peaceful, natural setting by the Kushavati River. However, the challenging access, rough roads, and lack of facilities are significant drawbacks for many.
"Located on river Khushawati, this area has prehistoric carvings. Not much is known about it but the area is very peaceful and calm and can be combined with visiting the Rivona caves"
Vandana Thapar
"Nice place with water source nearby and rock carvings are awesome and there is no protection fence for the site.
Route may be Little rough.
Worth the visit"
Dhanush S
"Usgalimal Rock Engravings/ Usgalimal Petroglyphs, Usgalimal village, South Goa
Located on the banks of River Kushawati, one can observe carved impressions of deer, zebu bulls, a labyrinth, X-ray bulls, humped bulls, bull fight and human figures etc."
priya karadkar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The site is located in Usgalimal village, South Goa. Many visitors recommend using a personal vehicle as public transport is infrequent and roads can be rough. Download offline maps as network coverage is poor. +1
Yes, travelers often describe the route as rough and challenging, especially the final stretch. A sturdy vehicle is advisable. +1
Google Maps can guide you, but be prepared for it to lead you to less-than-ideal paths. It's best used in conjunction with other navigation aids and local knowledge if possible.
While there isn't a designated parking lot, you can usually find space to park your vehicle near the site, especially if you arrive early.
From Margao, you can drive towards Rivona and then follow local directions or GPS to Usgalimal. The journey involves navigating through villages and potentially unpaved roads.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Currently, there is no entry fee mentioned by visitors, making it a free historical site to explore.
There are no official opening hours specified. It's generally accessible during daylight hours, but it's best to visit when there's sufficient light to see the carvings.
No advance booking is required as it's an open-air historical site with no formal ticketing system.
Visitors have noted a lack of guides and personnel to assist. It's recommended to research the carvings beforehand or go with someone knowledgeable.
While it's an important prehistoric site, there's minimal protection. Some reviews mention a lone guard, but no fencing is present, so visitors are advised to be careful. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see ancient petroglyphs etched into laterite rocks, including figures of deer, zebu bulls, human forms, and a labyrinth.
These carvings are estimated to be between 6,000 and 30,000 years old, dating back to the Stone Age.
Some solo travelers have found it challenging due to poor roads, lack of network, and no guidance, leading to safety concerns. It's recommended to visit with others or during busier times.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography, creating a softer glow on the carvings and reducing harsh shadows.
No, there are no facilities available at the site. It's essential to carry your own water, snacks, and any other necessities.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Experiment with low angles to emphasize the texture of the rock and the carvings. The soft light of early morning or late afternoon is ideal for capturing details without harsh shadows.
There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drone usage, but it's always best to be mindful of the environment and any potential restrictions.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expanse of the carvings and the surrounding landscape. A macro lens might help capture intricate details if you get close.
Include elements of the natural surroundings, like the Kushavati River, in your shots to provide context. Focus on the texture and age of the rock.
The labyrinth and the detailed zebu bull engravings are often highlighted as visually striking and make for great photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When you arrive, supervise children closely as there is no fencing around the carvings, and the terrain can be uneven. The sheer age and mystery of the petroglyphs might spark their imagination, making it a memorable, albeit rugged, family adventure. Consider combining the visit with a picnic by the Kushavati River if conditions permit.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Adventurers
If you decide to go solo, prioritize thorough preparation: ensure your vehicle is in good condition, download offline maps, inform someone of your travel plans, and carry ample supplies. The peaceful, serene environment can be rewarding, but it demands a higher level of self-sufficiency and caution.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
+2While the site's lack of extensive preservation might be disappointing for some, it also allows for a more authentic, unadulterated experience. Researchers and enthusiasts can spend time observing the intricate details and imagining the lives of the ancient artists. It's a chance to witness a tangible piece of Goa's deep past, far removed from the usual tourist trails.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient Art of Usgalimal
+3The discovery of these carvings, reportedly in 1993, has sparked much interest among archaeologists and history enthusiasts. The sheer scale, with over 100 distinct figures spread across a considerable area, underscores the artistic and cultural practices of the people who inhabited this region millennia ago. The zebu bull, a recurring symbol, likely held deep cultural or religious significance.
Despite their historical importance, the site is relatively unprotected, with minimal fencing and limited visitor amenities. This lack of preservation, while allowing for a more raw experience, also raises concerns about the long-term survival of these ancient artworks. Visitors are encouraged to appreciate them respectfully and avoid touching or damaging the carvings.
Navigating the Journey to Usgalimal
Compounding the navigational difficulties is the unreliable mobile network in the area. Travelers strongly advise downloading offline maps before setting out, as relying solely on GPS can lead to getting lost in remote areas. The lack of clear direction boards further adds to the challenge, making it crucial to be well-prepared.
Given these challenges, having your own transport, such as a car or a sturdy motorcycle, is highly recommended. While some reviews mention a lone guard, there are no formal facilities or personnel to guide visitors, emphasizing the need for self-reliance and careful planning.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit