While the mention of the word ‘island’
brings to mind a small mass of land amidst the blue see, the river island of Divar
glitters in shades of green, from the river water surrounding it, to the lush
paddy fields criss-crossing over it. Goan trekking group Eco Treks recently
conducted its 121th trek, this time across the verdant island of Divar.
Offering trekkers an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, the
group, led by Eco Trek founders Durgadas Parab and Rajesh Rao, first travelled
to the island from Ribandar, across the Mandovi River, via ferry, before
walking the distance to the house of host and fellow trekker, Allen de Sa.
The trek itself
involved traversing the length and breath of the island, which, is surprisingly
vast. The leisurely walk over well-tarred roads offered some scenic sights such
as lush fields, people angling in the fields, beautiful Portuguese houses,
cattle grazing and even the breath-taking plumage of a wild peacock or two.
Atop a hill lies the Church of Our Lady of Piedade that was built in 1590 AD.
The point offers a breathtaking view of Goa beyond the Mandovi.
Leaving the island was equally mesmerising as the group
walked to another ferry point that took them to Old Goa. This final leg of the
trek offered trekkers a different side of the mighty structures of Old Goa,
including the St Augustine tower ruins and the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount.
