Ribandar Trip Overview
Get a perspective of the rich cultural heritage of Divar Island. Catch the ferry across to this quaint island located opposite Old Goa and get a perspective of its rich historical, social and cultural heritage from ancient temples to holy sites and hidden caves. Includes ride on a ferry boat and lunch at a local home.
Additional Info
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Starts: Ribandar, India
Trip Category: Transfers & Ground Transport >> Ferry Services
Explore Ribandar Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Ribandar, Goa, India
Get a perspective of the rich cultural heritage of Divar Island. Catch the ferry across to this quaint island located opposite Old Goa and get a perspective of its rich historical, social and cultural heritage from ancient temples to holy sites and hidden caves. Includes ride on a ferry boat and lunch at a local home.
Reach the tour commencement location (Ribandar- Divar Ferry point) on your own
The tour begins by taking the ferry across from Ribander to Divar. The guide and driver will greet you at the ferry point on the Divar side. 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 6 km long by 3 km 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!
First proceed by car to St Mathias Church built in the late 16th century. Near here is a hidden underground cave. Then 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 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.
Thereafter head for lunch in a traditional Portuguese house stopping over at a local bakery to see how the local Pav (bread) is made. Time permitting, you might also get to learn a Goan recipe from a local chef.
After lunch, visit the sluice gates to understand how the traditional Khazan system works. 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. Piedade Church is one the finest Baroque Churches in Goa. On the way back to the ferry, stop at the bird tree and have a spectacular view of the churches of Old Goa across the river
Later hop on the boat and return to the mainland at the same Ribandar- Divar Ferry point.
