Over the centuries, adventurers and conquerors have cruised on these rivers, helping fashion Goa’s unique cultural heritage.
The rivers of Goa have not only inspired poetry and song; they are the arteries of Goa’s economy. They keep the land fertile with lush paddies, carry iron ore and minerals out to sea, and continue to ferry people to work and play.
The Mandovi, 77 kilometres long, originates at Bhimgad in the Western Ghats. Cruise boats offer sunset rides down the river from Panjim.
Of the nine major rivers, the Mandovi and the Zuari are two of Goa’s great rivers that originate high up in the Western Ghats and run almost parallel, across the width of the state in the north and the south respectively.
Their tributaries snake across the state, the blue backwaters contrasting spectacularly with the emerald of the flora on hill and dale. Vast stretches of mangrove wilderness create a meshed riverine system teeming with fish and crustaceans.
The Cumbarjua Canal links the two rivers, making it possible for iron ore laden ships to traverse the interiors to take on their precious cargo. The Mandovi is also home to three freshwater isles: Divar, Chorao and Vashee.
Panjim, the capital, nestles on the left bank of the Mandovi and the old port city of Vasco Da Gama graces the mouth of the Zuari. Cabo Aguada is the meeting point of the two great rivers, where they merge to form the Marmagao harbour.