The Silence in Vanxim Island

A chapel, a temple, a church, few empty houses and close to 175 folks. That basically sums up the statistics of Vanxim Island.

For a tourist who comes to Goa, popular spots in Goa are at the helm with the same mediocre image of pubs, partying, foreigners et all. 

A tour to the Vanxim island has regained my love for Goa, its beauty and the most wonderful down to earth people I ever met.

The island can be accessed with 2 ferry boat rides. Before we touch upon the Vanxim island, we have to cross the Divar Island which is close to 10 km from Panjim city. Once we reach Divar island on an adventurous 5-minute ferry ride from Old Goa ferry point, we have to take another ferry from the only ferry point available from Divar to Vanxim Island. Divar is comparatively a bigger island and hence a vehicular transport is suggested. You can take your bike/car on the ferry to Divar. 

Another 5-minute ferry ride will touch upon the Vanxim island and mystic beauty will start unraveling.

A walk to this island is highly recommended. It is a small island so walking should not be an issue. Some old Portuguese houses will rekindle the Goa's Portuguese connect. The only concrete I could notice was a few houses with pets of course who would bark at strolling stranger tourists. 

The Church Peace

I saw a few women on the traditional balcony. Some knitting, few gardening. There was absolute bliss in the way they lived. I did not notice any shop or school on the island. There is no healthcare facility too. 

Talk with friendly folk, informed my senses that till date no person has taken last breath on this island. It's always in the hospital. I was surprised to hear that the emergency ambulance also arrives on the ferry to help the suffering family. 

The families meet their basic needs with the facilities available in Divar Island. 

Takeaways from this visit

a) Happy self
b) The value of little things
c) How to be down to earth
d) A complete different Goa 
e) Love at first sight

Best time to Visit

Any season. But monsoon is the best. The monsoon makes the greenery more sparkling.

Connectivity issues

No issues. Major sim cards work. Ferry available on request in odd hours too.