Chorao Island
Chorao Island
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
36 reviews
Excellent
17
Very good
14
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
0
NiViDeCasa VivendaNiViDe
India170 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Monsoons have arrived so our physical activity is behind schedule...So we ( MOM n 8yr old Son) duo woke up early on Sunday and decided to peddle to Chorao. We hopped on ferry enjoyed the river Mandovi and the mangroves. To our disappoint the Dr. Salim Bird Sanctuary was closed due to COVID, however the trail blazers peddled the roads of Chorao and enjoyed the beauty of the place.The physical activity meter for the day is up.
Written 14 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GowriNK
Bengaluru, India140 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
We too an early morning boat tour with birdwatching guide Uday Mandrekar with another family of three. The river was quiet and beautiful at 6.30AM and Uday helped us spot so many varieties of birds that we wouldn't ever have otherwise. There were no mugger crocs though as we went out at high tide.
The government-run tourist boats are way cheaper (approx Rs.900 for a 10-seater compared to Rs.500+ per head that Uday charges) but I found the experience worth it because
- he took the boat down paths that the govt boat doesn't go
- he acted as private bird guide and helped us spot and photograph many varieties of birds
- he was very knowledgeable about the plant life, the history of the island, the tides, and life in the village and had great stories to share
- a private tour is always quieter than a crowded group tour
Would not recommend this to anyone who isn't keen on birds and quiet nature-watching.
The government-run tourist boats are way cheaper (approx Rs.900 for a 10-seater compared to Rs.500+ per head that Uday charges) but I found the experience worth it because
- he took the boat down paths that the govt boat doesn't go
- he acted as private bird guide and helped us spot and photograph many varieties of birds
- he was very knowledgeable about the plant life, the history of the island, the tides, and life in the village and had great stories to share
- a private tour is always quieter than a crowded group tour
Would not recommend this to anyone who isn't keen on birds and quiet nature-watching.
Written 25 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Veena K
Bengaluru, India22 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
Take the ferry from Ribander port across the Mandovi river to this little piece of heaven. Chorao island is the largest of the 17 islands of Goa. Be welcomed by greenery on all sides and sleepy old Goan houses. Feel free to stop by and interact with the locals, who will speak to you with a smile on their faces. Legend has it that the statue of Christ mysteriously disappeared in this island, only to be found placed atop a hill (which is now consecrated as sacred) the next morning. Sit by the Mayem lake and listen to the birds chirp while you enjoy the serenity of the place. If you visit between Oct & March then a visit to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary should be an addition to your list.
Written 13 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucyanne86
47 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We did a tour with Uday yesterday. His knowledge and passion for the local area was excellent- we would really recommend a tour with him, even though he is a bit pricier than the government boat tours. 5 stars for Uday.
This island is a beautiful place, with a variety of birds and wildlife. 5 stars for the wildlife.
However, it was disheartening to see litter on land and in the water. We even saw a local resident through her trash bags into the water. 0 stars for this.
Uday goes out in his spare time to collect the litter. However, the government needs to put measures into place to stop littering from happening to begin with. There needs to be processes in place for litter to be disposed of responsibly and with limited impact on this fragile environment. The current situation is just not good enough.
This island is a beautiful place, with a variety of birds and wildlife. 5 stars for the wildlife.
However, it was disheartening to see litter on land and in the water. We even saw a local resident through her trash bags into the water. 0 stars for this.
Uday goes out in his spare time to collect the litter. However, the government needs to put measures into place to stop littering from happening to begin with. There needs to be processes in place for litter to be disposed of responsibly and with limited impact on this fragile environment. The current situation is just not good enough.
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nanditasr
Bengaluru, India75 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
I had been warned by some Goans that the residents of Chorao are fiercely protective of their privacy, and that they are annoyed at the commercialization of their pristine island (which is understandable). I got a taste of this. On the ferry, I asked a lady if she lived in Chorao; she said yes. I then asked if public transport was available; she said no and quickly walked away from me. I later got to know from the ticket booth at the bird sanctuary that there are shuttle buses on the island. Subsequently, I did see a shuttle bus and I approached the driver. She asked me how I got to know about this island, and why I wanted to go around. When I said I found it on the internet and that it's a pretty place, she looked really annoyed and looked away, pretending to be busy with her phone. (I do not know if she would have even allowed me on the bus.)
Therefore, if you decide to visit any part other than the bird sanctuary, be self-sufficient in terms of transportation and knowing your way around.
Therefore, if you decide to visit any part other than the bird sanctuary, be self-sufficient in terms of transportation and knowing your way around.
Written 24 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MARGDARSHI
Mumbai, India1,327 contributions
Jan 2017 • Friends
Chorao is the largest among the 17 islands of Goa located along the Mandovi river,just 6 kms adjacent to the commercial & official hub of Goa`s capital Panaji; reachable by ferry from Ribander in Old Goa. Chodan was its original Konkani name, derived from the legend of the island being created by the jewels thrown away by Yashoda,lord Krishna`s mother. This got corrupted to Chorao by the Portuguese noblemen who settled here as a pleasure spot calling it Dos Fidalgos & built their homes & church, which still linger; leaving their memories behind !
There are regular ferries at every half an hour interval, starting at 0600 hours in the morning till 1400 hours & even if you miss out on this last ferry, i am told one can manage by paying a little extra for the services rendered ! I found the village as a collection of mud & thatched houses & some exquisite ancient Portuguese villas & the architecturally interesting,the old St.Barthamolov church & some Hindu temples.One can rent a cycle & go down the road through the picturesque village crossing to the other side of the island admiring the lovely flora & fauna along the way.
Chorao`s main attraction is the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, built in 178 hectacres, full of dense mangrove`s with different varieties of birds,animals & a few Muggers(Goan Crocs).I was saddened by the slowly creeping commercialization of this beautiful island & saw signs of new concrete structures coming up destroying its idyllic beauty. Two Bridges are being constructed one to Panaji & one at the other end to Mapusa. So before it finally vanishes, have a glimpse of the fading beauty & do make a visit !
There are regular ferries at every half an hour interval, starting at 0600 hours in the morning till 1400 hours & even if you miss out on this last ferry, i am told one can manage by paying a little extra for the services rendered ! I found the village as a collection of mud & thatched houses & some exquisite ancient Portuguese villas & the architecturally interesting,the old St.Barthamolov church & some Hindu temples.One can rent a cycle & go down the road through the picturesque village crossing to the other side of the island admiring the lovely flora & fauna along the way.
Chorao`s main attraction is the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, built in 178 hectacres, full of dense mangrove`s with different varieties of birds,animals & a few Muggers(Goan Crocs).I was saddened by the slowly creeping commercialization of this beautiful island & saw signs of new concrete structures coming up destroying its idyllic beauty. Two Bridges are being constructed one to Panaji & one at the other end to Mapusa. So before it finally vanishes, have a glimpse of the fading beauty & do make a visit !
Written 8 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krishnan U
Bengaluru, India363 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
We drove through the Chorao island enjoying the scenery around. As such it looks like any village in India, but you can see old Goan style houses in Chorao.
Our biggest surprise was when google map landed up in a ferry ( was expecting to drive back to Panjim) and we ended up crossing the ferry ( with the car) in boat.
A gentleman in the boat had overheard our discussions and was helpful to suggest the way from Ribander (Panjim side of the river) to Panjim, even without we asking for it.
Our biggest surprise was when google map landed up in a ferry ( was expecting to drive back to Panjim) and we ended up crossing the ferry ( with the car) in boat.
A gentleman in the boat had overheard our discussions and was helpful to suggest the way from Ribander (Panjim side of the river) to Panjim, even without we asking for it.
Written 14 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shantanushetye
Panjim, India754 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
At your own risk you can plan a boat ride with local villagers to take you for a boat ride. When I mentioned as own risk is just coz of no safety norms like life jacket etc. But the fun and value for money will make your trip worth.
I could enjoy and witness beautiful birds, peacock and even crocodiles on the bank of backwaters. I would say it's risky to go in small boat but people who love thrill can give it a shot.
I could enjoy and witness beautiful birds, peacock and even crocodiles on the bank of backwaters. I would say it's risky to go in small boat but people who love thrill can give it a shot.
Written 27 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vivek N
208 contributions
Feb 2015 • Family
Chodan A beautiful village surrounded by the water of River Mandovi, virgin Island, you can watch different types of birds here, can catch lovely fish. To go there you have to catch ferry boat at Raibander or by Road via Bicholim Mayem lake
Written 10 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Achint K
Mohali, India23 contributions
Jun 2016
Chorao island is easily accessible by Ribandar Port ferry. Vehicles travel on the ferry so u dont have to worry about transportation on the other side. Ferries run all the time, dawn to dusk. The island itself is quiet, green and very solitary. as u disembark from the ferry, the salim ali bird sanctuary is immediately on your right. it needs to attract more tourists as i believe people are attracted to the beaches only. the island has beautiful flora and fauna. no transportation is available on the island. very few shops that have limited provisions. All in all, its a good experience but if you are looking for the real spirit of goa, you have to look elsewhere.
Written 25 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What kind of footwear do you recommend for trekking in this island?
Written 19 August 2019
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