Description of the tour:
A couple of lazy hours of boat cruise, along the beautiful and picturesque mangrove fringed banks of the river Cumbharjua, a link canal which connects the River Zuari in the South to the River Mandovi in the North. Along the entire canal, there are dense marshy Mangrove growths. Here in between, there are small outlets which are home to the Mugger Crocodiles. (Salt water crocodiles). There are two common species of crocodiles, namely Crocodylus porosus and Crocodylus palustris.Here the crocodiles are seen in their natural habitat. Besides crocodiles, this place is a safe haven of a number of other resident species like water snakes, monitor lizards, mongoose, monkeys, etc. Up above in the canopy of the leaves, chippers a variety of birds. This place is a birdwatcher�s paradise.Rare and exotic birds are found solely in this marshy mangrove. Osprey (Pandio balieateus), Brahmini kite (Haliastur Indus), white bellied fish eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), white breasted Kingfisher (Halcon smyrnesis), white Kingfishers, wild fowls, Drongos, Woodpeckers, Mynas, Bee Eaters, Sand pipers, Herons, Cranes and many more.

Observe the locals go about fishing the traditional way, mud scooping and fixing of the bunds, fishing for shell fish, crabs and fish down on the shores and in the river. There are also a few prawn farms around the area. This makes a pretty picture of the local scene.

Ensure your cameras are fully loaded and also have binoculars in hand to capture these magnificent reptiles and the exotic birds.

Crocodiles are best seen when the tide�s going low. They come out of the water onto the banks to bask in the sun. Being cold blooded, they need to warm up to maintain their body temperature and also to destroy the fungus and bacteria harbouring on their bodies. To avoid being disturbed, some crocodiles hide and expertly blend into the Mangrove canopy surroundings, very, very well camouflaged. It takes a keen and experienced expert to spot them. Here is where our boatmen come in, skilled, trained with years of experience and a keen sight. They will point out the crocodiles to the guests. The fun is to watch if the guests can spot them first. The boatman maneuvers the boat slowly and cautiously, along the creek surveying the banks until a crocodile is spotted. You will be amazed, how the boatmen can pickup a croc out of their hiding.

For birdwatchers it�s an early start. Dawn or at dusk.