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Activities in Goa
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The other activities which can be done in Goa, besides enjoying water sports are Bird Watching, Crocodile Watching, River Cruise, Spice Plantation Visit.

 

Bird Watching
Goa's equitable climate and rich vegetation support an abundance of birds. This large and diverse population can survive because of its varied habitat that ranges from open forests to shrubs, tracks and dense forests which are ideal for breeding. Goa is a bird watcher's paradise and keen bird-watchers will be in seventh heaven, and even those who previously had little interest in birds will wonder at the richness of the

Birds in Goa, Bird Watching in Goa

birdlife. A keen bird-watcher will find much to get excited and a trip to one of the nearby sanctuaries or along a river early in the morning will be particularly rewarding.

Common varieties of birds to be seen in Goa include four different species of eagles, as well as other birds of prey such as kites, buzzards, kestrels and ospreys. There are five types of pigeons, six types of doves, five varieties of cuckoos, six of kingfishers and another six of woodpeckers. An early morning or evening spent beside one of the rivers, or in the boat of a local ramponkar, drifting along the waterways will reveal amazing numbers of unusual species.

The famous bird watching place in Goa is the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary on Chorao Island. Other places are the wetlands at Carambolim, 12 kms. east of Panaji and at Shiroda, 40 kms. south-east of Panaji, in Ponda. A wonderful variety of birds can also be seen in Bondla and the other wildlife sanctuaries near the Western Ghats. For sea birds, Morjim beach is recommended.

Crocodile Watching
Most of the crocodiles that live in the Cumbarjua canal spend their days sunbathing on the muddy banks of the canal, watching visitors pass by in their canoes. The canal is a 15 km long stretch of water located about 20 minutes drive away from Panaji. It links the two biggest rivers in Goa - the Zuari and Mandovi. The Cumbarjua canal is the only place in Goa where crocodiles can actually be seen in the wild. Some stray crocodiles are sometimes also found in places like Chorao, Tivim and Quepem. The population of crocodiles in the Cumbarjua canal is currently estimated to be between 40-50. On the canal, there is a thriving and vibrant mangrove habitat which serves as spawning ground for fish, prawns, and mollusks. This marine-life-rich ecosystem also sustains a healthy population of birdlife and crocodiles. The most well known crocodile spotting outfit in Goa is operated by Harvey and Neil Alvares. They arrange boat tours for the visiting tourists.

Interestingly, the crocodiles found in Goa (Crocodylus palustris) are actually freshwater crocodiles, called 'freshies' and they have actually adapted themselves to survive in the saline waters of the Canal. This extremely rare phenomenon does not occur anywhere else on the Indian subcontinent. Most of the Cumbarjua crocodiles are used to human presence so much so that the local children even swim in the canal with the crocodiles nearby. There has been no case of human killing by the crocodiles here. If anybody comes too close, they just jump into water and move away. In the village of Durbhatwadi on the canal, the crocodiles are even worshipped on the new moon day in January as the guardian spirit of the community. Being cold-blooded, crocodiles need to spend a lot of time in the sun to keep themselves warm. Hence you can see them sunbathing on the muddy shores of the Cumbarjua canal. The greyish-brown skin of the crocodiles ensures they are extremely well camouflaged on the mud banks.

 

River Cruises
A variety of river cruises run on the Mandovi river during daytime, sunset and moonlight. There are two types of day cruises, one is from the Panaji jetty, down the Mandovi into the Zuari bay and other is up the Mandovi to Aldona and a mineral water spring. A few private firms also offer a variety of cruises or boat tours for sunset views as well as for crocodile or dolphin spotting.

Spice Plantations
Goa is a state which is gifted with incredible natural beauty from

River Cruise, River Cruise in Goa

beaches and gently rolling hills to the vegetation and animal life. The mild temperature throughout the year and high rainfall favour great richness and a variety of vegetation. Traditional Goan methods of organic farming are conducted here and crops like coconuts, betel nuts, pineapples, different kinds of spices are grown here. You can have a walk in the plantation with a local person briefing you about the crops, roots and herbs. You can also make a few purchase of spice during the tour. After that, experience a typical Goan Hindu Cuisine served in mud pits and banana leaves. Due to the scenic landscape and the tranquil atmosphere, these plantations are an ideal place for those who want to forget the busy world they have left behind. Trekking the nature walks are most recommended. Orchids, anthuriums, mushrooms, American Corn, Red Bell peppers, Cocum, Mango, Cashew and various varieties of vegetables are grown at most plantations.

Some of the well known plantations in Goa are as follows:

Mangal Plantation

Cradled in the foothills of the Western Ghats that run through Goa is Mangal Plantation near Quepem, in area rich in archaeological sites, ancient groves and fabulous bio-diversity.

Pascoal Farms

Set in the hills of the Mandovi river is the Pascoal Spice Farm at Khandepar, rich in the abundance and diversity of its plants.

Rustic Plantation

This is a magnificient countryside sanctuary of nearly 100 acres of rural farmland nestled in the valley beneath the foothills of Western Ghats, situated in the north east part of Goa.

Savoi Plantation

Located near the village of Savoi Verem, 10 km north of Ponda, Savoi Plantation is one of the oldest and largest tropical spice plantations in Goa situated right on the banks of the Mandovi River and is a treat to visit.

Abyss

Also located near Savoi Verem, Abyss is set amidst sky-kissing mountains with picturesque beautiful surroundings with hundreds of medicinal herbs on the propertyy and is developed on organic farming basis.


 
 
 
 
 

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