River Cruise on Mandovi River
Mandovi River is too close by to Panaji Kadamba Bus Terminus, just a kilometre away. God tourism boasts of its fun-filled Mandovi River Cruise as a memorable and must-do activity while in Goa for vacation. It tops the chart of tourism activities. The Mandovi River cruise starts from Santa Monica Boat Jetty and Panaji Jetty and proceeds along the course of the panoramic Mandovi River. The evening sunset cruise is the best as watching the sun dipping in the crimson river waters and lighting up the waters with a fiery glow is an experience never to be forgotten. Most of the cruises stretch till Miramar Beach point after an one-hour boat ride through the river. The cruises are a furore of activity with loud music and fantastic Goan cultural shows. The live music along with the colourful vibrant dances are truly captivating. The audience can also take part in the stage shows and shake a leg with the local dancing kings and queens. Also DJs play contemporary music for the audience to show their performance on stage. There are group and couple performances on request participated by the tourists who join from among the audience.
During the cruise, you can see the palace of Adil Shah, which is the first palace to be built in Goa. The Portuguese had occupied it later on. Weekends remain crowded and it is advisable to book tickets in advance. The dinner cruise too attracts a lot of tourists. There are also cruises that stretch till the backwaters along the mangrove-covered banks of the Mandovi River. The boats forage into the Chorao and Divar islands, that encompass the famous Dr. Salim Ali’s Bird Sanctuary at Chorao Island. It is a haven for bird lovers from far and near.