The amazing beaches of Goa have been at the center of tourist attractions in Goa. Thousands of people from all over the globe travel to Goa for its mesmerizing vibe. While most people travel along the coastline to explore Goa, there’s a lot more to it than we know. Goa is not just a party hub for a vacation, it is a complete package for a vacation. Since Goa is in the Sahyadris, it has a lot of mountains and streams and lakes. The scenic view is one of the best things to do Wildlife in Goa. The dense forest and lush greenery is becoming increasingly popular in the recent years.
Talking about forests,Wildlife in Goa is home to a number of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India. Exploring the lands just like the waters of Goa is definitely an exhilarating experience to have while in Goa. Here’s everything you need to know about the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks Wildlife in Goa.
Bondla wildlife sanctuary
Situated in Ponda, Bondla wildlife sanctuary is the smallest sanctuaries in Goa. It is home to a variety of Indian wildlife including the Bison, Sambar Deer, Indian Peafowl, Grey Hornbill and more than a hundred different species of birds. It is a perfect place for tourists and one can even stay in Eco-Tourism cottages here and explore the diverse wildlife in Goa. The adventure enthusiasts can also go for a trek here and to enjoy the picturesqueness from above. Best time to visit: December and January.
Mhadei wildlife sanctuary
It is projected as one of the Project Tiger Reserves since it is rich in the count of Royal Bengal Tigers. Located in the Sattari taluka in Valpoi town, this wildlife sanctuary is highly renowned for spectacular waterfalls like Vazra Sakla and Virdi falls in the Chorla Ghats. It is renowned as an area of high endemism by Conservation International. Mhadei wildlife sanctuary is also awarded for the title of an International Bird Area since it is home to a variety of species like White-bellied Blue-flycatcher, Malabar Parakeet, Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Rufous Babbler, Grey-headed Bulbul and Crimson-backed Sunbird. Best time to visit: November to March.
Netravali wildlife sanctuary
Situated in the Sanguem taluka, this is the latest addition to the wildlife sanctuaries in Goa. This rich sanctuary is a home to many species including Panthers, Cobras, Giant Squirrels, Great Pied Hornbills Slender Loris and the rarely found Malabar Tree Toad. This newest sanctuary is also a home to a number of bird species like Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Grey Headed Bulbul, Great Pied Hornbill and butterflies like Black Rajah, Gaudy Baron, and Malabar Tree Nymph. Best time to visit: October to March.
Mahavir wildlife sanctuary
This is the biggest wildlife sanctuaries in Goa. Along with being rich in flora and fauna, it encloses numerous temples from the Kadamba Dynasty and the famous Dudhsagar Waterfalls. Mammals like Panther, Barking Deer, Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Bonnet Macaque and Sambar can be spotted along with birds like Blue Mormon, Common Jezebel, Common Mormon and Plain Tiger. Best time to visit: November to March.
Cotigao Wildlife sanctuary:
Located in Canacona Taluka in South Goa, this sanctuary is called as a tree lovers’ paradise. Covered heavily by thick deciduous trees, it serves as the home to Flying Lizard, Golden-Back Gliding Snake, Malabar Trogon, White-Bellied Woodpecker and Velvet-Fronted Nuthatch. The sanctuary has about eight natural trails ranging from 500m to 5km.Another unique feature of this sanctuary is the 25m high watch tower which is built atop the trees and provides an exhilarating view of the waterhole where most the animals are spotted. Best time to visit: October to March
Salim Ali bird sanctuary
This is an ornithologist’s paradise. Located at the western end of the Chorao islands along Mandovi River, this is a home for exotic and rare species of birds. The variety of local and migratory bird species found here are Eagles, Drongos, Kingfishers, Kites, Myna, Curlews, Sandpiper, Redshank, and Hoopoe. To get the most out of this trip plan the visit either in the early morning and late evening. Best time to visit: November to March.
These are the six wildlife sanctuaries in Goa. It is a perfect spot for a nice cozy picnic with your family wildlife in Goa. Filled with adventure, these sanctuaries are definitely a must on your to-do list in Goa. While there are six different sanctuaries Wildlife in Goa, the smallest state in India is also home to one National Park, called as Mollem National Park.
Mollem National Park
Situated in the town of Mollem, which is around 57 km away from the state capital Panjim, Mollem National Park is a 240 sq. km big projected area in South India. Mollem National Park is a subset of the Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary. The rich wildlife includes Tiger, Leopards, Elephants, deer, Indian Bison, the King Cobra, Hump-nosed pit viper, Indian rock python, Malabar pit vipers, and wide variety of birds like fairy bluebird, wagtails, three-toed kingfisher, drongo, golden oriole, and great Indian hornbill.Jungle safari is a major attraction of the park. Some of the other attractions of this park include waterfalls and sunset points.
Apart from the world famous coastline and the beaches and the party hubs of Goa, there is a lot more to explore. If you’re looking to plan a vacation in Goa and planning on doing something unique yet thrilling, we can help you plan and book your vacation. To know more, contact us.
