Wildlife & Bird Sanctuaries

Category : - All India Travel Tourism > Goa > Wildlife & Bird Sanctuaries

Goa is enriched with a fascinating diversity of wild life including birds and mammals. It is estimated that this region harbours some 48 genera of mammals, 276 genera of birds and 60 genera of reptiles. Preservation of wildlife is one of the priority concerns of the Government. The Government has set up 3 wild life sanctuaries and 1 bird sanctuary, which revel in their scenic beauty, large tracts of wilderness and varieties of fauna. The important mammalian species include deer, ox, wild boar, bear, hyena, panther, wild cat, sloth, monkey, Indian elephant, squirrel, bat and dolphin. The common birds include cormorant, coot, openbill stork, kingfisher, drongo, bulbul and weaver bird, besides dove, parrot, vulture, kite, quail and hoopoe.

BHAGVAN MAHAVIR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - MOLEM
Situated along the North-East border of Goa at Molem, about one-and-a-half hours' journey from Panaji (60 kms.) along Panaji Belgaum National Highway, the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife sanctuary covers 240 sq. kms. of thick forest clad slopes of Western Ghats and its valleys and is the biggest of the three sanctuaries of Goa. The sanctuary is rich in wildlife. It is a paradise for bird watchers. Besides flora and fauna there are many important geological and historical features in this sanctuary. Dudhsagar falls, about an hour's journey from Colem by train, is a feast for the eyes. The "Devil canyon" is another beautiful geological spot. The famous Tambdi Surla temple is about 13 kms. from Molem. The Dept. of Tourism has built comfortable cottages and dormitories for tourists.

BONDLA FOREST
50 kms. From Panaji and 38 kms. From Margao, it is one of the three wildlife sanctuaries of Goa. More than a sanctuary it is an ideal jungle resort, a major attraction for school going children and nature lovers. Its mini zoos, sprawling deer park in natural habitat, botanical and rose gardens attract people throughout the year. Comfortable cottages are available here for tourists. The Zoological Park and garden at Bondla remain closed on Thursdays.

COTIGAO WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - COTIGAO
The second largest of the three wildlife sanctuaries in Goa, with an area of 105 sq. kms. is located at about 85 kms. From Panaji, 75 kms. From the Dabolim airport ad 50 kms. From Margao in Canacona Taluka in South Goa, nearly 3 kms. off the Panaji-Mangalore National Highway No. 17. It is covered with dense forest and varied wildlife, avian fauna and reptiles. The ancient Jeevottam Partagal Math, noted for Vedic studies, lies in the vicinity of the sanctuary. Plans are afoot to develop eco-tourism in this sanctuary at Hatipal Eco-Tourism Complex. There is nature interpretation centre with mini library located in the eco-tourism complex.

SALIM ALI BIRD SANCTUARY - CHORAO, PANAJI
Spread over 1.78 sq. kms. and located at the western tip of the island of Chorao along river Mandovi near Panaji, it is fully covered with mangrove species. Varieties of local as well as migratory birds frequently visit the area. This sanctuary can be visited any time of the year with the permission of the Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest Department, Junta House, Panaji, Goa. The sanctuary is approachable by walk after crossing over by ferry from Raibandar to Chorao. There are some private parties who take tourists around in their canoes fitted with outboard motors.

The Government has recently notified two additional wild life sanctuaries viz., Model Wildlife Sanctuary at Valpoi and Netrarali Wildlife Sanctuary at Sanguem.