GOA

Divar Island,Kuskem Waterfall

Divar Island

The beautiful Divar Island that is rarely visited is situated across the Mandovi River from Old Goa. A ferry connects the southern end of the island with Old Goa. The ferry wharf is situated near the Viceroy's Arch at Old Goa. 

Another ferry links the northern end of the Divar Island to the Narve or Naroa village in the Bicholim subdivision which is known for the Saptkoteshwar temple that is one of the most sacred temples of Hindus in Goa. From Panaji to visit the Mayem Lake the Divar Island offers a shortcut.

The picturesque Piedade that has a hill top church built in early 16th century called the Our Lady ofCompassion Church is Divar's main and largest village. Here one can have views of the churches of Old Goa. Also during the Kadamba time on this site an ancient Ganesh temple existed.

The Divar Island is also well known in Goa due to a festival celebrated here known as the Bonderam festival. The villagers observe this feast on the last Saturday of August. This feast is also known as the feast of the harvest or the festival of flags. Here after returning home the emigrant workers wave the flags of their adopted countries while marching through the village.

Kuskem Waterfall

The Kuskem waterfall is located in the Canacona taluka in South Goa. It is situated in idyllic Kuskem village at about 20 km from the Cotigao wildlife sanctuary off NH 17.
 The waterfall at Kuskem is not very well known like the other waterfalls in Goa such as the Dudhsagar and Harvalem waterfalls. It is best visited only during the rainy season as it dries out during the summers. The water falls from a lofty source leaving a clear leap of milky water.

Kuskem is located at around 12km from Hathipal, the entry point of the Cotigao Wildlife sanctuary. It is an ideal place to unwind and for accommodation one can get the forest department's eco cottages at the sanctuary. One can also visit an ancient temple nearby which is well worth exploring.

The Kuskem waterfall can be visited whilst on the way to the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary which is the state's second largest after the Bhagwan Mahaveer wildlife sanctuary. The Anvli waterfall is also located nearby, however it is not easily accessible.