Chorao Island, Goa
The largest island of Goa, the Chorao Island is a tribute tot he former colonial rule of the Portuguese, with their influence seen all over the island. This Island in India has the largest bird sanctuary situated here. Chorao Island is in North Goa on the Mandovi River. It is the largest of the 17 islands in the state. Also called Chodan, Choddnnem, or Chudamani, Charao is 9.6 kilometers from Panaji by the Ponte de Linhares Causeway. Mapusa is at a distance of 20.6 kilometers by the Bicholim Road.
Chorao is a quiet island in the Mandovi River, known for the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, where visitors spot eagles and purple herons and explore mangrove marshes by kayak or dugout canoe. The rest of the island is filled with colonial villas, small Hindu temples, and whitewashed Portuguese churches like Our Lady of Grace and the 16th-century St. Bartholomew’s.
The history of the island goes back a long time to the 3 rd-4th century AD when the Indo-Aryans came to settle here. However, Chorao really came to prominence with the arrival of the Portuguese. Chorao Island is famous due to the abundant flora and fauna that it possesses. There are a lot of mangroves located here. The largest bird sanctuary of Goa is located in the western part of the island. The entrance ticket to get into the sanctuary is INR 50.
Best Time To Visit: Mid-November to mid-February is the best time to visit the Chorao Island in Goa whn the climate is Excellent
How To Reach: The Island can be reached by means of a regular ferry-boat from the village named Ribandar (2 km from Panjim). Three ferry boats ply in rotation throughout the day and in the evening (frequency is every 5-10 minutes). People and motorbikes can travel for free and there is a charge of INR 10 for cars. This service is available until 2 AM. After 2 AM, you need to charter the ferry and pay around INR 100.
