Divar Island: A Hidden Gem in Goa
Just a short ferry ride from the busy city of Panjim and the historic charm of Old Goa lies a place where time seems to slow down. Divar Island, nestled in the Mandovi River, is one of Goa’s most captivating yet lesser-known spots. It’s a village surrounded by greenery, rich in history, and filled with a quiet charm.
Unlike the usual beach-and-party scene that Goa is famous for, Divar Island offers a different experience: serenity, deep connections, and fascinating stories. Whether you’re looking for culture, nature, or just a chance to disconnect, this island has a unique appeal that captures your senses.
A Landscape That Breathes Life
As you step off the ferry at Divar, you’ll notice the change right away. The roads are narrow, bordered by fields and mangroves that sway in the breeze, welcoming you with a gentle motion. Coconut palms sway overhead, and flowering hedges spill over the stone walls of homes that have stood for generations.
Unlike many areas in modern Goa, Divar has resisted rapid development. There are no malls, no honking cars, and no rush. Instead, you’ll find crumbling Portuguese villas with red tiled roofs, moss-covered walls, and hand-painted shutters. Fruit trees—cashew, mango, jackfruit—line the village lanes, and the smell of damp earth after rain hangs in the air.
During the monsoon, the island transforms into a painter’s paradise. The rain enhances the landscape with silvery tones, while frogs and crickets join the chorus. Puddles reflect the sky, and birds sing more vibrantly. Occasionally, the distant sound of a Church bell adds a sacred rhythm to the stillness.
A Village Built on Layers of History
Though it may seem quiet, Divar Island is filled with stories from centuries past. Once a significant Hindu worship center, it was home to important temples before Portuguese colonization. The Portuguese changed the spiritual landscape by building churches and chapels over earlier temple sites, showcasing Goa’s complex and often turbulent history.
History in Divar Island doesn’t just lie in the monuments; it’s woven into the walls of family homes, in songs sung at local celebrations, and in traditions that persist today.
The Make It Happen Experience: Chronicles & Echoes of Divar Island
At Make It Happen, we think the best way to appreciate a place is by exploring it with someone who knows its secrets, someone who has lived among its stories. That’s what our Chronicles & Echoes of Divar Island trail provides.
Ably led by an expert storyteller, this experience lets you discover Divar not just as a visitor, but as someone whose curiosity leads to new discoveries and conversations. The adventure starts at the Ribandar ferry point, where a short scenic ferry ride sets the mood for what’s to come.
Once on the island, the trail takes you through lush mangroves, heritage homes, paddy fields, winding streets, and sacred sites. You’ll learn about the Kadamba dynasty that once ruled Goa, the effects of Portuguese colonization, and how these historical identities coexist happily today.
You’ll also visit the sluice gates (manas), ancient water management systems used for fishing and flood control. These are still in use by locals, and your guide will explain how they work, representing the community’s sustainable bond with nature.
Food, Music, and Warmth: A Taste of Island Life
A big part of Divar’s appeal is its hospitality. Our trail includes a hearty Goan breakfast, prepared with care and served in a heritage home. Expect freshly baked Poie (local bread), perfectly spiced homemade curries, pickles and Goan steamed rice. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an invitation into someone’s home, an opportunity for sharing and storytelling.
And no Goan experience is complete without music, so we often include a surprise performance by a local musician. Whether it’s a Portuguese Mando, a Konkani folk song, or an impromptu jam session with guests, these moments stay with you long after your visit.
How to Get There
Getting to Divar Island is easier than you might think. From Panjim or Old Goa, it’s a quick drive to the Ribandar ferry jetty, where ferries run regularly throughout the day. The ferry ride itself is delightful, gliding across the Mandovi with mangroves on either side and fishermen casting their nets. It’s a gentle transition from the mainland to the island’s relaxed pace.
There are no bridges to Divar, and perhaps that’s a good thing. It keeps the island more preserved and protected—a place where life follows the sun, rain, and seasons.
Why Visit Divar Island ?
Sometimes the most extraordinary places aren’t the loudest or most promoted. Sometimes, they feel like home—even on your first visit.
Divar Island doesn’t focus on big attractions or strict checklists. It’s about experiencing Goa in its pure, reflective form. It’s about sitting on a porch with a cup of chai as the rain taps softly on the roof. It’s about stories—shared by elders, whispered by old walls, and carried by the wind through open fields.
So if you’re looking to discover a side of Goa that few truly see, one that blends history, nature, and heart, Divar is waiting.
Come explore Divar Island with us. Book your trail at makeithappen.co.in and let the island share its stories with you.
Author
Nitish Yende & Sairaj Borkar
