 Situated on the slopes of the Western ghats, Goa is bounded on the North by Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, on the East by Belgaum, on the South by Karwar district of Kamataka and on the West by Arabian Sea. The Goa land is washed by the six rivers - Tiracol, Chapora, Mandovi, Zuari, Sal and Talpona - and a sea, which are navigable throughout the year. This constitutes the rivers in Goa that offer river tours in Goa. The rivers in Goa have their origin in the Sahayadri mountain ranges and flow westward into the Arabian Sea, breaking the long coast line covering a length of 105 kms into enchanting estuaries and bays which mark off tranquil palm-fringed beaches like Arambol, Vagator, Atijuna, Baga and Calangute in the North Goa and Colva. Betui and Palolem in the South Goa. Goa, a tiny emerald land on the West Coast of India, with its natural beautiful landscape, attractive beaches and temples famous for its architecture, feasts and festivals and above all hospitable people with a rich cultural milieu, forms an ideal river tour destination in India.
River Tour in Goa
Goa is quite famous for its white sandy beaches that are distinct and different from each other. Whereas Anjuna beach is known for its shingle-sand, flower culture and flea market. Peaceful Agonda, rocky and sandy Arambol, hot and happening Baga, Calangute with sprinkled red sand and coconut grove, popular Vagator, virgin Palolem and enchanting Colva are the other beaches in Goa.
Goa is ideal for strolling down the beach, dancing by the campfire at midnight, singing old songs to the tune of a strumming guitar. One can also enjoy the river cruises down the Mandovi and Zuari rivers, dolphin cruises on the high seas, adventure sports and water sports like para sailing, wind surfing and water skiing or can simply dance over the crashing waves! A river tour in Goa offers you all the diverse hues of an adventurous and exciting journey.
River Cruises in Goa
A number of river tours are organised along the Baga, Candolim and Calangute beach strip nowadays. The crocodile or dolphin spotting river tours in the Mandovi river and Zuari river, whose banks are thickly forested with mangrove trees, allow the tourists to experience the thrill on a large scale. Crocodiles inhabit the swamps in this area, which can be easily spotted down in these river cruises. Dolphins on the contrary can be spotted with an ease at the open sea at the mouth of the Mandovi river. A dip in Mandovi on the festival of Janmashtami, (the birth day of Lord Krishna in Hinduism) is regarded as auspicious by the Goan Hindus. So, on the day of Janmashtami you can realise the hugeness of river obscured by the overcrowded tourists in Goa.
A special, evening river cruise tour along the Mandovi from Panjim is quite popular amongst the tourists for watching the ball of fire sun during the sunset either from the river itself or a beach bar. Snacks and drinks are also available on the cruise with a live display of Konkani and Portuguese dance accompanied by folk singers in traditional Goan costume. Sometimes a live Hindi cover band astonishes the travellers. Two hour "Full moon" river cruise tour is also there for the tourists in the late evening, regardless of the lunar phase. The sightseeing river cruises tours are also arranged in Mandovi and Zuari rivers. |
