The town is located about 30 kilometres from the capital Panjim. It is in the mining heartland of Goa.
Bicholim boasts of one of the most scenic waterfalls at Arvalem and not to forget, the Mayem Lake. The vast countryside is surrounded by a wide network of cashew trees. There are mainly two ways to visit Bicholim, one way being a ferry route from Ribander to Chorao with Madel being the place for landing, further across this island, the river is silted up which provides a short bridge connecting Chorao with Bicholim.
It is a city and a municipal council in North Goa district in the state of Goa, India. It is a town in the territory of Goa, and the headquarters of the concelho (district) of the same name; the Concelho of Bicholim, located in the north-east quarter is one of the seven that make up the Novas Conquistas or New Conquests, territories added to Goa comparatively latter than the first three of the Velhas Conquistas. The town is located about 30 kilometres from the capital Panjim. It is in the mining heartland of Goa.
Located in the North Goa district, Bicholim is the headquarters of the Bicholim taluka. A major educational and commercial center in North Goa, Bicholim has yet to grab a substantial slice of the Goan tourism pie. Even though bereft of scenic beaches that are the pride of Goa, nature has bestowed Bicholim with an idyllic landscape dotted with serene lakes and majestic waterfalls.
The tranquil Mayem lake is a major tourism destination in Bicholim. Located amidst rolling hills and surrounded by a peaceful countryside, the lake beckons tourists with its picture-postcard settings. The Arvalem caves are ancient rock cut caves dating back to the 5th century. Also known as 'Pandavas Caves,' the cave complex draws tourists and archeologists alike.
The Saptokoteshwar temple in Narve village is a sacred Shiva temple. The temple is dedicated to Saptokoteshwar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The Arvalem waterfall near the Arvalem caves is another attraction of the Bicholim tourism scenario.
A part of Bicholim was once part of Kingdom of Sawantwadi till late 18th century, but the major part was of an independent landlord (PrabhuSarDesai's of Sankhali) It was taken over by Portuguese in late 18th century as part of New Conquest.
How to Reach Bicholim by Road
A number of government and private-operated buses run from Mapusa and Panaji to Bicholim. The nearest interstate bus station is at Mapusa, the KTC bus station. To visit the tourist spots located in interior villages, one can hire motorbike taxis.
How to Reach Bicholim by Rail
The nearest railway station is the Mayem railway station.
How to Reach Bicholim by Air
Dabolim is the nearest airport to Bicholim.