The Island Exploration Divar

Overview

This tour offers a different flavour of Goa’s legendary charms to that on the mainland and its madding crowds, as we set off on a leisurely exploration of one of the prettiest islands on the Mandovi River. Divar Island comprises three main villages Piedade, Malar and Naroa. In the course of our wanderings, we will encounter the life of the past and present of this lesser-known riverine retreat, including its top religious shrines, a unique rock cave and a temple pond dating back nearly a thousand years. 

Why you will love it

• Ferry Crossing into Goa’s only major island not connected by road
• Visit the historic Nossa Senhora de Piedade Church and the legendary Saptakoteshwar Temple Ruins
• Time out with some interesting local personalities, and a visit to the home of one of them.
• Goa is famous for its varieties of Feni, and this is a great opportunity to taste the best of them.

What you will experience

Legend has it that Divar Island was once filled with so many shrines it was considered a pilgrimage hub before the Portuguese captured it and destroyed many of them; amongst these was the much revered Saptakoteshwar Temple, considered as one of the important Shiva temples on the Konkan coast. We will walk to the ruins of this temple, which used to house the Kul Devta, or family deity, of the legendary Kadamba kings. Originally known as Koti Tirth it is now referred to as Porne Tirth. The new home of the deity now is Narve, a short ferry ride away. 

Divar Island is home to many beautiful Portuguese structures.  Passing the Nossa Senhora de Piedade Church stands the sun-drenched art deco house owned by the Albuquerque family known to be rich landowners and very well-connected. The island has some impressive Portuguese architecture you will discover on your wanderings. We will be welcomed in the home of one of Divar Island’s leading personalities, where we will explore the mysteries of Feni-making and the many variations of Goa’s top tipple. We will then take a guided walk through the fields to a man-made lake, where we can dive in and even try our hand at fishing the traditional way.