Goa Wildlife Sanctuaries
Perfectly positioned between the Arabian Sea
and the Western Ghats
Goa Wildlife Sanctuaries
There are three main wildlife sanctuaries in Goa: Bondla, Bhagwan Mahavir and Cotigao. The sanctuaries were formed around the 1960s with the objective to save many endangered species. Two new wildlife sanctuaries were opened in 1999; Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, in Sanguem, and Mhadei, in Sattari taluka.
Spread over 755sq. km, these sanctuaries constitute about 20 percent of the land area of Goa, India. Situated along the Western Ghats, Goa is one of the world’s richest reservoirs of biodiversity. The sanctuaries, managed by the state’s Forest Department, amply testify that there is more to Goa than just beaches, churches and temples.
Though Goa wildlife sanctuaries are open all the year around, the best period to visit them is between October and March. Post-monsoon, the forests, with their variety of trees, flowers and cascading waterfalls, are absolutely bewitching.
Perfectly positioned between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, Goa forms a natural habitat for an amazing array of birds and animals. Goa wildlife sanctuaries are picturesque and bustling with animal life. Away from the dust and din of the city, the rain-washed sanctuaries of Goa are breathtakingly beautiful.
Let's Explore
Each Goa Wildlife Sanctuary
Each Goa Wildlife Sanctuary
Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Covering 1.8sq km, this sanctuary has fourteen different varieties of mangroves. These are intersected at various points by different water canals and provide a natural habitat to birds. A novel and interesting way to see the mangroves is to hire a canoe and glide by.
What to experience: The exotic flora and fauna along Mandovi is well worth a watch. From November till January, local as well as migratory birds can be seen on its banks. Among the local birds are kingfishers, grey-headed mynas, eagles, egrets, kites, pheasant-tailed jacanas, common sandpipers, red-wattled lapwings, green bee-eaters and tailor birds. The migratory birds include purple moorhen, storks, cormorants, mallards and pintail ducks. If luck is on your side, you may even spot rare animals like the Indian rock python, the flying fox and the Indian otter.
Ecotourism options: Goa Wildlife Department has plans to start conducted tours through the water channels. Contact the Range Forest Office at Campal, Panaji for details.
Location and accessibility: This bird-watcher’s paradise is located on the western tip of Chorao island, which is just 5 km from Panaji city. The access is by ferry from a place called Ribandar jetty on the southern bank of Mandovi.
Best time to go: The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is between September and June, when migratory birds flock here. However, the sanctuary is open round the year.
For accommodation contact: Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests Govt. of Goa in Panaji.
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
& Mollem National Park
The sanctuary that was earlier known as Mollem Game Sanctuary was later christened Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary and lies to the east of Goa, along the Western Ghats. It covers 240sq km of dense vegetation. The sanctuary in Sanguem taluka, is divided by NH4A into two parts. The Mormugao-Londa railway line too passes through Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. This is the largest protected wildlife area in Goa. Thick forests, varying from deciduous to evergreen ones, can be see here.
The dense vegetation is home to many wild animals like deer, boars, bisons, porcupines, flying lizards, sloth bears, panthers, jungle cats, langurs and many others. The forests also have a wide variety of snakes and birds. For avid birdwatchers, Goa wildlife sanctuaries are fascinating as one can easily spot a wide variety of birds like the Malabar pied hornbill, grey jungle fowl, paradise flycatcher, Indian great black woodpecker, fairy bluebird, wagtails and shrikes.
What to experience: At several strategic points, Goa’s Forest Department has constructed small dams, bandharas, using stones and boulders. The dams regulate streams in the sanctuary, thereby adding to the beauty of the place. Near these water bodes, there are watchtowers from where tourists can see animals coming to drink water. The sunset point, which commands a panoramic view of hills and valleys, is a perfect vantage point.
Amidst an evergreen valley in the Western Ghats is the Dudh Sagar Falls. Cascading down 300m, the fall is at its best during and after the monsoons. To reach here, a distance of 18km, you can either take the trek route or hire a taxi from the Collem Railway Station. The water flows down on a formation of broken rock, criss-crossed by underwater passages, known as Devil’s Canyon. Situated at the foot of the Western Ghats, this gorge, though deceptively beautiful and appealing, is not a safe place for swimming.
Built in the 12th century, Mahadev Temple, located in Tambdi Surla, is 13km from Mollem. The only temple of its kind in Goa, it is made from black basalt. Its carved walls and monolith pillars are arresting in their appeal and reveal the architectural excellence of its builders. At the Nature Interpretation Centre at Mollem, you could buy forest products. Get to know more about the vegetation here and the change of seasons. Book cabs here to head for Dudh Sagar Falls. Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has rooms and dorms nearby for those seeking accommodation. A sole two-bed suite is available at the Forest Rest House in Mollem.
Location: It is situated in Sanguem taluka at Goa’s eastern border.
Reaching here: You can hire a taxi from Panaji (57km) or Margao (42km). All inter-state buses from Panaji on NH4A to Belgaum, Hubli, and Bangalore halt at Mollem check post.
For accommodation contact:1) Dy Conservator of Forests, North Goa Division, Ponda. Ph: 2312095
2) Goa Tourism Development Corporation, PanajiTimings: Open from 8am to 5pm
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Close to Usgao, the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 8sq km. The sanctuary falls in the Ponda area, also known as Goa’s temple belt, and gets a fair share of visitors. The sanctuary is covered with deciduous forests, with small patches of evergreens. The state tree, Matti, is commonly found in the area.
Gaur, the state animal, can be easily spotted here. Among other animals that one can see are snakes, peacocks, boars, jackals, porcupines, bisons, sloth bears, panthers, wild boars and toddy cats. Bondla is home over a hundred species of birds. Sambhar and spotted deer are a familiar sight.
What to experience: The well-tended botanical and formal gardens at Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary are well worth a visit. The spacious lawns and exotic trees make the place all the more special.
There is also a mini zoo that has many animals like snakes, peacocks, boars, jackals, porcupines, bisons, sloth bears, panthers, wild boars and toddy cats. The zoo shows the sheer variety of wildlife in Goa.
Another place to visit is the Nature Education Centre. Its exhibits are varied and interesting. To make your holiday memorable, you can take an elephant ride. Nature trails are also arranged.
There is an idol of Gajalaxmi that is an architectural exhibit and is believed to have been worshiped by ancient settlers.
Bondla has a spectacular bird life and is home to over a hundred bird species. If you are lucky, you can sight the ruby throated yellow bulbul, oriental dwarf kingfisher, Indian scimitar babbler and the brown fish owl. About 17km from Bondla is the Satpal Arboretum where a variety of plants are cultivated.
Location: It is located in Ponda taluka, Central Goa, 20km from Mollem National Park.
Reaching there: You can hire a taxi either from Panaji (52km) or Margao (36km). Alternatively, you can board a train from Collem. The route stretches for approximately 28km, covering Mollem, Sancorda, Shivddem and Bondla. The Forest Department too has mooted bus services from Tiska to Bondla on all days except Thursdays.
Timing: These are open from 9am to 5pm. The garden and zoo are closed on Thursdays.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Spread over 85.65 sq km, the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is crossed by Talpona River. The Galjibaga River flows along its southeastern boundary. Dense trees cover this area, with some of the tallest being about 30m. There are many animals in the sanctuary; langurs, bisons, boars, leopards, black panthers, deer, wild cats and pangolins. The chirping of birds and various jungle noises are music for the ears of those used to urban chaos and its clatter.
What to experience: The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary has a lot of picturesque bandharas. There is a 3m-high watchtower at Tulsimol from where you can spot animals as they come to drink water. The best time to do so is early morning.
The tree top shelter at Bhutpal is a perfect retreat. Within this sanctuary is the enchanting Bela Lake. Galjibaga and Palolem Beach make for great picnic spots. It’s an ideal place to laze around and watch life go by.
The ancient temple at Kuskem, which is around 12km from Hathipal, the entry point of the sanctuary, is worth exploring. The Nature Interpretation Centre, run by the Forest Department, conducts wildlife exhibitions and is a rich source of information.
Among the other places to visit is the Jeevothan Parthagal Math, which is a centre for Vedic studies. The temple dedicated to Lord Parshuram is 3km from Hathipal. Legend has it that he is the creator of Goa.
Location: The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the southern end of Goa in Canacona taluka, is 10km southeast of Chaudi. It was established in 1969 to preserve a remote and vulnerable area of forest lining the Goa-Karnataka border.
Reaching there: You can hire a taxi either from Margao (53km) or Panaji (86km). There are also bus services from Karwar that halt at Canacona. The sanctuary is 10km from Canacona. Using your own conveyance will prove expedient if you want to explore the sanctuary at your own pace.
Timing: The timing is from 9am to 5pm.
Accommodation: To book the four-bed Forest Rest House at Poinguinim (4km), contact the Deputy Conservator of Forests (South Goa), Madgaon. Ph: 0832-750246
The Ecotourism Complex at Hathipal (at the entry point of the sanctuary) has four-bedded tents, a twin-bed mini cottage and a mid-sized cottage that can accommodate up to six people.
NOTE: I will add Videos and Photos on this Goa Wildlife page soon.
