Chorao Island is situated in North Goa on the Mandovi River. It is the biggest of the 17 islands in the state. Also known as Chodan, Choddnnem, or Chudamani, Charao is located 9.6 kilometers from Panaji via the Ponte de Linhares Causeway. Mapusa is 20.6 kilometers away via Bicholim Road.
Residence to the unusual Salim Ali bird sanctuary along its western lean, Chorao Island is not just naturally attractive but seems similar to a getaway into a hazily charming, laid-back and picturesque village from a diverse era with its Portuguese-styled manor and churches.
The first citizens to start existing here were the Indo-Aryan migrants a bit during the 3 rd-4th century AD. It is said that the initial settlers were 10 families who started living here. With time, their descendants got separated into 96 clans, but the Shenvi Brahmins conquered the religious and socio-economic sphere. They were calm, honest people and generally esteemed.
The Portuguese landed here in 1510 and liked it vastly. Their nobles ongoing to live at Chorao, and renamed the island Ilha Dos Fidalgos or the Island of Noblemen. The sole name Chudamani was condensed to Chorao for easiness of language. Within a mere two years, the island’s populace burgeoned to 3,000, among who 300 embraced Christianity. A small churches was stiff. Chorao contain its first bishop in 1560.
The Portuguese landed here in 1510 and liked it vastly. Their nobles ongoing to live at Chorao, and renamed the island Ilha Dos Fidalgos or the Island of Noblemen. The sole name Chudamani was condensed to Chorao for easiness of language. Within a mere two years, the island’s populace burgeoned to 3,000, among who 300 embraced Christianity. A small churches was stiff. Chorao contain its first bishop in 1560.
There is no straight road that can get you to the island from Panaji or the other traveler areas. The utmost you can go is till Raibandar jetty at Ilhasm which is 3.2 kilometers from the border of Panaji by the Ponte de Linhares Causeway. You have to get a ferry to arrive at the island from here.
The ferry will receive you to the border of the bird sanctuary. On the right you will see cultivation field and the villages, and on the gone there will be the mangrove area and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Once in the island, you will see a main road running through the middle with some slighter roads gathering it.
The Villages – There are 3 major villages in the island. They are Ambelim, Caraim and Devgi. They are sluggish villages with many thatch and mud houses and some gorgeous Portuguese villas. There are many attractive old houses here. Drive or walk during the picturesque villages to see recognized Goan rural life. There are a few places to eat, bakeries, and yet a yoga center. Agriculture fields separate the villages. In between, you will also see various temples, whitewashed village churches, and graveyards.
Portuguese and Brahmin Culture – Chorao Island is a nice combine of these two cultures. It was primarily Brahmin, till the advent of the Portuguese rulers. Many of the locals converted to Christianity with time. To this day, you can spot the power of the Europeans here, though the Portuguese left in 1961.
St Bartholomew Church – The church was constructed by the Religious of the culture of Jesus in 1569. This is a beautiful attraction in Neo-Roman architectural style.
Bhagwati Temple — A Hindu 500 year’s old holy place in the island. The idol of Goddess Bhagwati is exclusive here because it has 8 hands. The Goddess is also known as Astabhuja, Asta meaning 8. You can also stay the Saptakoteshwar Temple.
Real Colegio de Educacao de Chorão – This Catholic seminary was established in April 1761. Often referred to as Compro, it was the most inspiring building of the time, but is almost entirely in ruins now. All you can observe is its polygonal pitch. The seminary belonged to the Parish of Our Lady of Grace Church. You can also visit the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Saúde, which was discovered in 1705. It was re-constructed in 1940.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary – This is certainly the top traveler attraction of Chorao Island. Extend over 178 hectares; this is the largest bird sanctuary in Goa and one of the largest in India. It is residence to many plant and creature species.
The Forts – There used to be two forts in the island, guarding beside Maratha invasions. The Saint Bartholomew Fort, also known as Fortaleza de São Bartolomeu de Chorão, was constructed in 1720. It featured a castle within its walls and included eleven turrets. However, the fort was vacant in 1811. It is now in ruins. There was also the Fort of Naroa in the island, which was also erected approximately the equal time.
It\’s really great to decide to book this tour
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