For most tourists, Goa Is synonymous with bustling golden beaches, crowded bars and scooter rides. But away from the hustle and bustle of its coastal corners, there is a small island that is a hub for travelers looking for a more intense Goa experience. it is wall islandLargely unknown, except to the occasional cycling tour group, the island offers a tranquil escape from the usual tourist hustle and bustle, making it an ideal destination for those exploring another side of Goa this December.

How to reach Diver Island?

Diwar Island, Goa, is accessible only by government operated ferries, there is no motorable road to the island. There are three main ferry terminals:

Old Goa: The most popular route, departing from Old Goa Ghats near Panaji. Ferries run from 6 am to 2 pm (depending on the season) and drop off passengers at the Piedade Ferry Terminal on Divar Island.

Naroa Terminal: Located in Bicholim district, this terminal serves passengers coming from North Goa (Baga, Calangute, Mapusa, etc.).

Ribandar: Located on the south-east side of Diwar, this terminal is also convenient for passengers from North Goa.

What to see in Diwar Island?

Located on the Mandovi River, Diver Island is quite small – spread over just 10 square kilometers – but it is filled with lush landscapes, charming villages and an atmosphere of tranquility that is rare to find in more tourist-heavy parts of Goa.

As you approach Diver Island, the slower pace of life becomes apparent. The boat ride itself is quite an experience, offering uninterrupted views of the river and the surrounding hills. Once you arrive, the island’s quaint, narrow streets are too charming to ignore. You can walk or cycle around the island, which is filled with colonial-era churches, Portuguese-style houses and ancient temples.

Church of Our Lady of Compassion: One of the most revered sites on the island is the Church of Our Lady of Compassion or more commonly called Our Lady of Pity Church, located in Piedade. Built in the 16th century, this church is a testament to Goa’s colonial past and remains the focal point for the island’s small Catholic community. You can also visit St. Matthias Church which is located in Malar.

Sri Saptakoteshwar Temple: One of the most important temples in the region, this temple is dedicated to Saptakotesvara, the deity of the Kadamba kings in the 12th century. After the Portuguese conquest, the linga of the temple was removed in 1540, smuggled to Latambarasam by Narayana Shenvi Suryarao, and later installed near Divar Island in 1543. In 1664, the Maratha king Shivaji ordered the reconstruction of the temple and the return of the linga. A plaque marking this can still be seen today.

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Paddy fields, winding lanes lined with palm trees and the cool breeze of the Mandovi River make it an ideal place for an aimless stroll or bike ride. For those who want to immerse themselves in nature, Divar is perfect for a leisurely stroll or boat ride on the river, where river dolphins can occasionally be spotted. You can also take a boat ride to Chorao which is famous for the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

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