Mandovi River Cruise Tour – If you are thinking of visiting the Mandovi River in Goa, then this article will help you to know the details about this cruise tour. It is one of the best ways to enjoy your vacation on the Mandovi River and make it an experience to remember forever.
History of Mandovi River Cruise
The Mandovi River originates from a spring in Sancoale, runs through Panaji, and merges with the Arabian Sea at Old Goa. The river is also known as the Krishna River due to its association with Lord Krishna (one of God’s incarnations). The famous religious sites such as Shri Manjunatha Temple and Shri Mahalakshmi Temple are situated close by. Boat cruises on Mandovi are available round-the-year though the summer months between April and June are the best season for cruising. A favorite activity among tourists is enjoying boat cruises down the Mandovi river amid lush green trees, coconut palms, and lush greenery around Panaji.
Reasons to visit Mandovi
Most cruises leave from Old Goa, but for us, Mandovi is definitely worth a visit. Old Goa was once a hub of trade, with Vasco da Gama and many other Portuguese merchants leaving their goods here while they headed off to Africa or further east. Nowadays, it’s been taken over by tourists – mainly backpackers who arrive by busloads and head straight for Basilica de Bom Jesus . This makes Mandovi a great place for a more relaxed river cruise. While there aren’t any famous historical sites here as such, you’ll be able to take in plenty of authentic Goan life along with some truly stunning views across both banks of the river.
How to reach there
The Mandovi river cruise tour route is easily accessible by road. To go to Panaji, you have various options like taking a car, bus, or train. If you are traveling by your own vehicle then it will take around 2 hours from Pune and 4 hours from Mumbai. Alternatively, you can book a cab and reach there in just 1 hour 15 minutes from both Pune and Mumbai. If you want to save some time and effort on your journey then booking a package deal that includes all transportation services would be beneficial for you.
Who can go?
The cruise is open for those 18 years and above. Children below 12 years of age will have to be accompanied by an adult. There are a limited number of cabins and seats on board, so it is advisable that you book well in advance. In case there are no reservations available, book a minimum of 2 months in advance as there might be other cruises taking place at that time or outstation tourists who would want to do a day trip from Goa as part of their itinerary
Tips before going on a cruise in Mandovi river, Goa
It is important that you carry some cash, as most restaurants and boutiques on these cruises charge in cash. Also note that credit cards are not accepted everywhere in Goas, so make sure you have cash with you at all times. Also, be prepared for a slightly rocky ride. The river tends to get a little rough due to high tide during afternoon hours and so sitting or lying down may not be comfortable. If it bothers you much, choose a catamaran cruise instead of a Mandovi river tour (the Mandovi is basically one of several rivers in Goas). In general, consider your own personal preferences before choosing which type of cruise experience would suit you best.
Cruising in India – what you should know about it
If you’re a first-time visitor in India, you probably have plenty of questions about cruising in India. For instance, why is it so popular? Which cruise should I book for my trip to Goa? What are some tips on choosing a good boat? Our boat trips safe in India? Who takes them anyway? Well, if you’re looking for answers to these questions and more – read on. Here’s all you need to know about the Mandovi River Cruise Tour! We guarantee that there will be something interesting here for every one of our readers. So without further ado, let’s get right into it! We are going to start with some basic info on the Mandovi River Cruise tour first.
Things you need to carry during the Mandovi river cruise tour
Carrying shoes is necessary as your feet will be dipped in water so avoid wearing open sandals. Carry a water bottle to quench your thirst while sailing on a Mandovi river cruise tour, also avoid carrying liquids with alcohol content such as wine and beer. You are advised not to carry cash or credit cards during the Mandovi river cruise tour Goa. Credit cards have been known to get demagnetized in Goan shipwrecks due to magnetic rocks found near these shipwrecks. Small purses or camera bags can be carried along during Mandovi river cruise tours but they must be secured properly so that they don’t fall overboard or get stolen by thieves when you are off on a sightseeing trip on Goan shipwrecks.
