Divar Island Guided Tour

Description

Get a perspective of the rich cultural heritage of Divar Island.

Catch a ferry and cross the Mandovi River to Divar Island – a gem of old world charm, paddy fields, ancient temples, pretty churches, hidden caves, small houses and winding roads. As you enter the island, you’ll find locals sitting with their fishing rods in hope of making a catch in the Mandovi river. The tops of hillocks on the island gives you a lovely view of the river and is so blissfully green and tranquil that you’re enticed to slip into a peaceful meditation. As you drive around Divar you’ll also notice a rainbow of houses, painted brightly in reminiscence of the Portugese times.

Divar is the second largest island of the seven islands which are situated in the Mandovi River, the largest being Charao Island. The island is roughly 6km long by 3km wide and it is connected by four ferry services. Though the Konkan railway line actually runs across the island, the trains do not stop! With a modest population of only 5000 residents, its quaint charm will draw you right in, wishing the train would stop!

Hindu pilgrims used to make the journey from distant lands to visit the many temples on the island before the Portuguese converted the population to Christianity in the 16th century. On our guided tour you get to visit some of the interesting places on the island and understand a little more of its historical, social and cultural heritage.

Itinerary:

What to expect :

The tour begins by taking the ferry across from Ribander to Divar. Our guide and driver will greet you at the ferry point on the Divar side. From there we proceed by car to St Mathias Church built in the late 16th century. Near here is a hidden underground cave. Then we see the extraordinary Our Lady of Candelaria chapel built on the site of an old temple and a little ahead the ancient Saptakoteshwar temple tank.

From here we proceed to the Naroa ferry and see the wall of an old Fort and the holy bathing site of the Hindus called the Porne Tirth , where 3 rivers meet.

We head for lunch in a traditional Portuguese house stopping over at a local bakery to see how the local Pav is made. You will get to learn a few Goan recipes from our local chef.

After lunch we visit the sluice gates to understand how the traditional Khazan system works.

We then proceed to the main hill where the Piedade Church is located. In the graveyard of the church is the cemetery chapel which shows remains of the Ganesh temple. We take you inside the Piedade Church which is one the finest Baroque Churches in Goa.

On the way back to the ferry we stop at the bird tree and have a spectacular view of the churches of Old Goa across the river.

Timing : 11am

Duration : 4 hours.

Facts:

Closest Airport Dabolim Airport.

Karmali Railway sation

Bus :

From Panjim. The major state transport corporation buses operating in Goa are the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC), from Goa, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), from Maharashtra and the Karnataka State Road Transport from Karnataka. All the state transport buses, usually begin and terminate at the Kadamba bus stand at Panjim.

Inclusions :

English-speaking guided tour around the Island

Vehicle from the Divar side of the ferry

Traditional Goan Lunch

Exclusions

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional food and drinks

Souvenirs and items of a personal nature

Traveler Tips

Please do not tip our guides (in case you wish to make an additional donation to Goa Heritage Action Group, you can speak to the guide)

Please follow instruction and safety guideline of our guides during the tour.

Be aware of people’s sensitivity to being photographed. Please ask first. Please take permission of the host before photographing inside the houses we visit.

We are committed to a healthier planet. We recommend to carry reusable water bottles and avoid the use of disposable plastic bottles.

Terms and Conditions

Prior Booking is required for all tours.

The voucher is valid for one month from the date of travel

Vouchers are non-refundable and non-exchangable.

Please present your boarding pass and voucher at the time of tour.

The right is reserved to decline, accept or retain any person as a member of the tour. Guest are subject to professional commitments.

We reserve the right to change any schedule in the interest of the trip participant's safety, comfort and general well being

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Prior Booking is required for all tours.

8 day before the trip: 25% of the total amount

4 days - 7 days: 50 % refund

0 to 3 days: No refund