Chorao Island: Nature Trail, Bird Sanctuary & Local Eats

Summary

Chorao’s winding trails, temple tales & bird calls in the mangroves

You’ll drift through Chorao’s mangrove backwaters by boat with a local guide, spot birds at Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, taste Goan snacks with river views, visit an old church and unique temple, and end at a local tavern sharing stories. Expect laughter, quiet moments on the water, and glimpses of island life you might not have pictured before.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost missed the jetty because I got distracted by a stray dog napping in the sun. That’s how my day trip to Chorao Island from Panjim started: a little off-kilter, shoes damp from the morning dew, already sweating under my backpack. Our guide, Sameer, just grinned and waved me over to the boat. He had this way of making you feel like you’d known him for ages — cracking jokes about the “Goan sense of time” as we set off into the green tangle of mangroves that make up Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. The air was thick and sweet with mud and salt; somewhere nearby, a kingfisher flashed blue over the water. I didn’t expect how quiet it would be out there, except for the splash of oars and some distant bird calls.

We drifted for maybe an hour (I lost track — blame the lazy river), spotting egrets and what Sameer swore was a crocodile tail sliding into the reeds. He handed around these little Goan snacks — I think they called them poi? Soft bread with something spicy tucked inside. It tasted better than it looked, especially with that view. At one point, an older man in a faded shirt waved from another boat and shouted something in Konkani that made our guide laugh so hard he nearly dropped his binoculars.

After docking, we wandered up to this old church — supposedly the oldest on Chorao Island — its white paint peeling but still bright against all that green. Sameer told us stories about Portuguese noblemen and how locals hid their sacred statues when things got rough centuries ago. The temple nearby was nothing like any I’ve seen in Goa; it felt both familiar and strange at once. There was incense smoke drifting out into the street and a kid playing marbles on the steps. I tried pronouncing its name (badly), which got me a patient smile from one of the women sweeping outside.

I still think about how different Chorao felt compared to busy Panjim or even Old Goa — slower somehow, more layered. We ended at a tiny tavern where someone poured us feni in chipped glasses while fans rattled overhead. My shirt stuck to my back and my notebook pages curled from humidity but honestly, none of that mattered by then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Chorao Island nature and heritage

• Boat ride through mangroves
• Spot birds and crocodiles
• Learn temple relocation story

Top questions

How do you get to Chorao Island for this nature trail?

You’ll need your own transportation to reach Chorao Island; public transport is available nearby but no vehicle is provided by organizers.

Is hotel pickup included for this Chorao Island tour?

No, hotel pickup isn’t included; guests arrange their own transport to join the experience.

What wildlife can you see on the Chorao nature trail?

You may spot migratory birds like egrets and kingfishers plus crocodiles during the boat ride through Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary’s mangroves.

Are food or drinks included on this day trip?

Yes—local Goan snacks are included during your trail experience.

How long does the Chorao Island nature trail last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours including boat ride, walks to heritage sites, and snack breaks.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

Yes—it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during activities.

Do you visit any temples or churches on this trail?

Yes—the itinerary includes visiting Chorao’s oldest church plus one of Goa’s most unique temples.

Is there a guide during this tour?

Yes—a local guide leads your group throughout the experience.

What’s included

Your day covers guided walks across Chorao Island with all boat ride charges taken care of; you’ll enjoy local Goan snacks along scenic stops plus receive Soul Travelling goodies as part of your journey—all led by an experienced local guide who shares stories along each step.