Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa

Wild Forest

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa

Nature lovers will find Goa, an interesting place to gain awareness on wildlife. The mysterious jungle with clear streams and tough terrains serves best for some of the rare wild creatures in Goa. Monsoon season brings out the best in Goa and the place wears a different color with lush greenery and sparkling waters.

 

Listed below are the Wildlife Reserves in Goa:

 

  • Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Bondla wildlife sanctuary

Pic Courtesy: tripnight.com

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is the smallest of all in Goa and is located comfortably in the foothills of the Western Ghats. Stretching over 8sq.km, the sanctuary is away from the coastal region of Ponda. This stretch is home to some of the wild creatures like Sambar Deer, Indian Bison, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Indian Peafowl, Snakes and Deer. It is also home to a variety of bird species including Woodpecker and Hornbill.

Nature lovers can stay at the eco-tourism cottages and get to explore the place. The sanctuary also has a Deer Park, Rose Garden, Botanical Garden and a Zoological Park. A trekking through the reserve will give you a wonderful insight of the extraordinary reserve.

The sanctuary is open from 9-5 on all days except Thursday.

 

  • Molem Wildlife Sanctuary

Mollem Wildlife Sanctuary

Pic Courtesy: thrillophilia.com

Molem Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the popular Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary which is the largest in town. The Sanctuary is located in the Sanguem region and is home to Deer, Panther, Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Wild Boar, Civet and Bonnet Macaque that are easy to spot.

This sanctuary is the favorite spot for bird watchers as it boasts of a variety of bird species including Golden Oriole, Hornbill, Drongo, Kingfisher and Wagtails. The jungle safari amidst the thick forest can never be missed.

 

  • Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

Cotigao Goa

Pic Courtesy: ttnotes.com

The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Canacona Taluka, South Goa spread over 105 sq. km. This large park popular among locals as tree lover’s paradise is covered with deciduous trees. You can easily spot Flying Lizard, Malabar Trogon, Back Gliding Snake, Woodpecker, Nuthatch and more.

The unique highlight of this sanctuary is the 25m watchtower balanced atop the thick trees. It offers an excellent view of the waterhole, the most visited spot of the wild life creatures. For the brave at heart, you can stay in the open wilderness and enjoy every minute of your stay.

 

  • Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary

Mhadei-Wildlife-Sanctuary-goa

Pic Courtesy: tourmet.com

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary located near Valpoi town has the most number of Royal Bengal Tigers. Animal lovers will find this place a haven as it is home to Sambhar Deer, Barking Deer, Indian Gaur, Ruddy Mongoose, Langur, Civet, Leopard, Black Panther, Sloth Bear, Mouse Deer, Dhole, Pangolin, Jungle Cat and Slender Loris.

The sanctuary is also home to a variety of birds and has been awarded as the International Bird area.

 

  • Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary

Netravali Goa

Pic Courtesy: arounddeglobe.com

This sanctuary is the newest addition to Goa’s wildlife sanctuaries and gets its name from Netravali, a tributary of Zuari River. With moist deciduous trees and fascinating forest cover, this place is home to Panthers, Giant Squirrels, Cobras, Tree Toad, Hornbills and more. You can also spot a variety of butterflies like Gaudy Baron, Black Rajah, Tree Nymph and birds like Pigeon, Bulbul, Hornbill and more. It is also a haven for scintillating forests along with abundant waterfalls and streams.

 

  • Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhagwan Mahaveer wildlife sanctuary

Pic Courtesy: tourmet.com

Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, is the biggest wildlife sanctuary in Goa. With rich flora and fauna, it is also boasts of a number of Kadamba dynasty temples and the Dudhsagar Waterfalls. Mammals like Barking Deer, Panther, Bengal Tiger, Bonnet Macaque Leopard and Sambar are common residents including birds like common Mormon, Blue Mormon, Plain Tiger and Common Jezebel. Adventure fanatics can enjoy a wide range of activities including night safaris, jungle safaris and forest trails.

 

 

  • Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Salim Ali Bird sanctuary

Pic Courtesy: wikipedia

This is a paradise for an ornithologist as this mangrove swamp is home to exotic bird varieties. With minimum entry fee and prior permission from the forest department you can enter this paradise. Boat rides will take you to places that are frequented by different species. The variety of migratory and local bird species frequently spotted are  Drongos, Eagles, Kingfishers, Myna, Kites, Sandpiper, Curlews, Hoopoe and Redshank. Early mornings and late evenings is the best time to visit this sanctuary.

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