Historical evidence proves that the old inhabitants of Divar Island were originally located in Old Goa but had to leave due to a disastrous plague that vastly influenced the population of the state. Divar was said to be inhabited by Hindus and hosted the temples of Shree Saptakoteshwar, Shree Ganesh and Shree Dwarkeshwar. But in the 16th century during Christianization of Goa many of these locals were shifted by the Portuguese to different localities and were asked to take the Ganesh idol along with them. Divar Island is said to be one the first places the Portuguese tried to convert into Roman Catholics.
Divar is not only known for its rich historical background but also the festivities that light up the place. On the fourth Saturday of August, the people of Divar bring in ‘Bonderam’, a festival similar to carnival. It is celebrated in memory of the fury of the villagers over the Portuguese system of resolving disputes. Visiting Divar on this joyous occasion is a must as you soak in the ambience and tap your feet to the melodious music while watching the colorful floats pass by. The fun does not end here, if you step into Divar three days before Lent begins, you may be in for a horrifying start as you will see youth dressed up in masks, costumes, cowbells roaming around the village demanding food and drinks from locals and scaring children. This festival is known as ‘Potekar’ and is very similar to Halloween.
Located approximately 10 km upriver from Panjim. The Konkan Railway passes through the village and the nearest stop is Carambolim. The drive to the village is scenic and is a must visit to soak in Goan beauty.
Mollem National Park
Strategically located in a protected area in Sanguem taluka, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park is 57 kms away from Panaji.along National Highway 4A. Originally the area was known as Mollem Game Sanctuary but in 1969 it came to be known as Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and in 1978 was notified as Mollem National PARK.
The sanctuary hosts the community of nomadic buffalo herders known as the Dhangar. The sanctuary contains pristine vegetation like the evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous forests. The evergreen forests are mostly seen along the river bank. While walking by you will see several perennial water sources, which serves to be a major plus point for wildlife. The national park showcases a variety of birds like fairy bluebird, wagtails, drongo, great Indian hornbill to name a few. Not only do you get to see a variety of wildlife but the park is also surrounded by 722 species of flowering plants. Jungle safaris are a major attraction of the park. The park is also known for its trekking trails. The Tambdi Surla Temple, Devil’s Crayon, Sunset Point and Tambdi Water Falls are some of the other attractions of the park. Forest guest house run by Karnataka Tourism Development Corporation is the closest that one can stay near Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.
The entry fee for an adult is Rs20 with additional charges if you carry a camera along. The sanctuary is a must visit for a wildlife photography enthusiast.
