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CHORAO

A DAY TRIP TO THE ISLAND

By Sunil Malhotra Images by Armaan Malhotra

Chorao Island is famous for its flora and fauna. It has a number of alluring mangroves, the amazing forests growing in the water and lending the place a superlative beauty. On the western side of the island, it is home to the famous Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary which is home to many domestic and international species of birds.

To get to the Island you have to take a ferry from Ribandar. The ferries are well equipped to haul your vehicles as well be it a car or a bike. The ride on the ferry itself is an experience to cherish as you sail through clear blue waters with lush green surroundings that really overwhelm you. Chorao Island is the largest among the 17 islands in Goa. When in Chorao,we suggest a few activities for you to enjoy nature at its supreme best. 1.Shree Devki Krishna Temple: Let us start our exciting journey by paying obeisance to Lord Krishna! The visit to Chorao would be incomplete without paying a visit to the Shree Devaki Krishna temple, the only one of its kind where Lord Krishna is worshipped alongside his mother Devaki. A pose considered as unique, shows Lord Krishna nestled cosily in the arms of his mother. A small idol of Lord Ganesha is on the left. All these idols are beautifully carved in black stone. The doors to the temple are intricately engraved with pictures of Lord Krishna. It’ s a peaceful sight that you cannot afford to miss. 2. St.Bartholomew ’ s Church: The pristine whitewashed St. Bartholomew ’ s Church built in 1569 by the Society of Jesus is a beautiful landmark in the Neo-Roman style of architecture. When in Chorao you must visit this beautiful church and witness an abode of serenity and the architectural marvel all at once. 3.Chapel of St. Jerome: It is a historic Roman Catholic chapel built in the year 1761. Although a part of Chorao Seminary, it got abandoned during the cholera pandemic, but it still stands intact. Archaeological Survey of India has designated it as a State-Protected site.

4. Boat Ride through Backwaters of Mandovi River through Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: After that hop through the various religious monuments, take an absolutely exhilarating one-hour boat ride that takes you through the renowned Salim Ali bird Sanctuary. As you wade through the mangroves on both sides, the ride in this river seems surreal. You can spot birds both of national and international origin with the help of the boatman who acts as your guide too. If you are lucky enough you may even spot a crocodile lazing on the banks of the river. The best time to spot birds is early morning and after visiting the sanctuary, you can enjoy a Goan breakfast of Bhaji-Pao at a local restaurant. 5. Feni-making process : It is advisable that you have a guide with you to explain this process of distilling, Feni, the traditional local brew from the fermented juice of cashew apples. The process involves stomping of cashew fruits and the resultant juice is called Niro. The first distillation of this juice is known as Urrack. When distilled for longer Feni is produced. 6.Feni and Urrack tasting: One of the highlights of visiting Chorao Island is the tasting of these local drinks. Urrack mixed with lime, chilli, rock salt and Limca is locally considered to be a perfect summer drink and you can savour it in one of the local taverns. The local taverns in themselves are an experience that you will never forget. Goa as we all know is perceived as a crowded party place but you are definitely in for a pleasant surprise when you visit this calm, serene, picturesque beauty of nature. So plan a day trip to Chorao Island and witness Goa at its best.

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