Top 7 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Goa

People who make up their minds to visit Goa generally pay attention to the pristine beaches of this beautiful land. They indulge in beach walking, water activities, clubbing, partying, and roaming on the sands with bare feet. But the beauty of Goa is not only limited to its beaches. There is much more to explore here.

Wildlife sanctuaries in Goa are a hidden treasure of this place. They not only offer you scenic views to capture but also make you able in having a glimpse of some rare bird and animal species. Visiting these wildlife sanctuaries in pleasant weather must be included in your Goa trip list.

If you find yourself connected with nature and want to see the mesmerizing beauty of creatures and plants, visit the below-mentioned wildlife sanctuaries of Goa without giving it a second thought.

• Mahadei wildlife sanctuary
• Molem wildlife sanctuary
• Bondla wildlife sanctuary
• Cotigao wildlife sanctuary
• Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
• Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary
• Netravali wildlife sanctuary

You will be keen to know about the location and specialties of these wildlife sanctuaries; hence, detailed information is provided below.

1. Mahadei wildlife sanctuary

The word spectacular best describes the beauty of Mahadei wildlife sanctuary. Not only does the refreshing greenery of this place allure you but the presence of the rarest of rare birds and animals also make it worth visiting. You can capture diverse creations of nature like,

• Royal Bengal tigers
• Barking deer, Sambhar deer
• Indian Gaur
• Black-faced langoor
• Ruddy mongoose
• Indian pangolin
• Mouse deer
• Jungle cat
• Sloth bear

The presence of Vazra Sakla waterfalls and the Virdi falls in the nearby area of Chorla ghats enhances the beauty of this wildlife sanctuary to a great extent.

Due to the presence of the Royal Bengal tiger in the sanctuary, the authorities are thinking to promote this wildlife sanctuary as a tiger reserve.

Apart from the animals, many birds also catch the attention of visitors here. Their serene chirping sound can make an irreplaceable memory in your mind. This green area is home to several birds like,

• Malabar Grey hornbill
• Crimson backed sunbird
• Nilgiri wood pigeon
• Rufous Babbler
• Blue flycatcher
• Grey-headed bulbul
• Malabar parakeet

Mahadei wildlife sanctuary also poses the title of an Internation bird area.

Best time to visit here– In the months from November to March due to the low humidity level.

Location– Sattari Taluka near Valpoi town.

2. Molem wildlife sanctuary

It is considered the center part of the biggest wildlife sanctuary in Goa named Mahaveer wildlife sanctuary. The thick forests of this wildlife sanctuary are the prime attraction for nature lovers. Though you are advised to hire a guide for having a great time in the lush green forest area of Molem wildlife sanctuary.

You can also ask for permission of taking your vehicle inside the sanctuary. Visiting Jungle safari with your friends and family will be a different experience for you.

More than 120 species of birds make it heaven for bird lovers. You can see,

• Three-toed kingfisher
• Wagtails
• Fairy bluebird
• Golden oriole
• Great India hornbill

Apart from the birds, the place also offers you several moments when you can capture rare species of animals like,

• Bonnet macaque
• Leopard
• Barking deer
• Black Panther

Best time to visit here- Between November and March month, you can enjoy pleasant weather here.

Location– Sanguem region, Goa.

3. Bondla wildlife sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary is perfect for school trips and providing information to the students as it is expanded in a short area. For wooing visitors this place has a long list of places where they can spend quality time and grab necessary information regarding natural elements. Here you can rejoice by being at,

• Jungle resort with eco-tourism cottage
• Botanical and rose garden
• Zoological park
• Deer park
• Trek for adventure

Apart from the diverse category of birds and animals, this place also offers you a chance to see and capture a number of species of snakes. One can witness many strange wildlife like Indian peafowl, Malabar giant squirrel and Indian bison, common grey hornbill and golden woodpecker etc.

Best time to visit here – December and January are considered the best months to go there.

Location– Ponda region, Goa.

4. Cotigao wildlife sanctuary

One can find this heart-ravishing beauty in the southern part of Goa. The thick forest including giant trees makes it a paradise for nature and tree lovers. Adventure lovers can also complete a trail of range 500 meters to 5 kilometers in Cotigao wildlife sanctuary.

You can also spend a night here after taking permission from the wildlife authorities. The dense area covered with skyrocketing trees serves as a home to,

• Malabar trogon
• Flying lizard
• White-bellied Woodpecker
• Velvet fronted nuthatch

Besides these attractive creatures, a 25-meter-high watchtower is also present here that gives you a breathtaking view of a waterhole. The animals often visit there as well. A minimal fee is enough to relish the beauty but you need to pay some extra if you are carrying a video camera.

Best time to visit here – The beauty of this spectacular place reaches its peak in the months between October and March. You can take the entry from 7 am and present inside till 5:30 pm.

Location – Canacona Taluka, south Goa.

5. Salim Ali bird sanctuary

Those who have a great inclination toward exotic bird species must visit Salim Ali wildlife sanctuary which is named after the famous ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali. You can plan your trip with your friends and family members and take boat rides also to view some delicate beauty of mother nature.

Many local and migratory birds drag your attention here and you can feed your eyes with the moments capturing,

• Kites
• Myna
• Eagles
• Curlews
• Sa and Hoopoe
• Drongos

The mesmerizing features of these birds make the visitors awe-struck.

Best time to visit here-  This sheer delight for bird lovers remains open throughout the year. Early mornings are considered best for visiting the abode of several birds.

Location – Western part of Chorao Island along Mandovi river.

6. Bhagwan Mahaveer wildlife sanctuary

This is not only the biggest wildlife sanctuary of Goa but also home to some temples and a huge waterfall that has its distinct charm. The temples belong to the ancient Kadamba dynasty and the Dudhsagar waterfall is a speedy rush of milky white water. Apart from these, the place is a rich habitat of diverse flora and fauna.

The dense forests replenished with lush greenery offer an abode to many wildlife like,

• Dhangar nomadic buffalo
• Bonnet macaque
• Black Panther
• Bengal tiger
• Leopard
• Blue Mormon
• Common Mormon
• Common Jezebel
• Plain tiger

Dudhsagar waterfall creates a magnificent view for the visitors and they love doing water activities here with their friends and family members.

Best time to visit here – You can come here between November and March. The green heaven remains open the entire week from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Location – Western Ghats, Sanguem taluka.

7. Netravali wildlife sanctuary

Expanded over a 211 Square kilometer area, this place is a new addition to the wildlife sanctuaries of Goa. The name of this region is taken from the river Nitruli which provides a plethora of water to this region.

Being surrounded by deciduous trees along with evergreen ones, this sanctuary is home to Cobras, giant squirrels, panthers and Malabar tree toads etc. Not only the animals but colourful birds and butterflies like Gaudy Baron, Nilgiri wood pigeon,  tree nymph etc also catch your attention while roaming here.

The scintillating water of waterfalls, rivers and small streams enhance the ambiance of this natural place and make it panoramic. You can refresh yourself by visiting this place.

Best time to visit – From October to March is the appropriate time to visit the Netravali wildlife sanctuary.

Location – Sanguem taluka, western Goa.

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