|
|
Activities in Goa
.....................................................................................
|
|
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
|
 |
|
|
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 |
 |
|
|
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. |
|
