Goa has always been on people’s travel lists. Not only the culture and history but also the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries add to the alluring beauty of the state.
These places showcase the diverse and exotic wildlife of the region and attract nature enthusiasts to this place. So if you are looking for the best of these places to visit to explore the wild side of Goa, this is the article for you.
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In this article, you will get to know the following National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries to visit in Goa,
- Mollem National Park
- Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
- Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
- Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
- Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
Let’s see each of these points in detail.
1. Mollem National Park
| Area | 107 square kilometers |
| Founded in | 1978 |
Mollem National Park is Goa’s largest national park, spanning over 107 square kilometers of land. It lies within the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and is named after the village of Mollem near the park’s entrance.
The park has a rich history, with evidence that shows humans inhabiting the area and dating back to prehistoric times. It also witnessed the rule of various dynasties, such as the Chalukyas, the Kadambas, and the Vijayanagaras.
Mollem National Park boasts a diverse landscape, with lush valleys, rolling hills, and numerous streams and rivers. It is home to several species including endemic and endangered ones. Some of them are bonnet macaques, common langurs, elephants, black panthers, pangolins, porcupines, slender lorises, Malabar giant squirrels, mouse deer, and more.
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You will also find Aves species like Golden Oriole, Drongo, Wagtails, Fairy Blue Bird, etc. Moreover, the park also has many colorful and rare species of butterflies, such as crimson roses, Malabar tree nymphs, plain tigers, lime butterflies, blue Mormons, tailed jays, and more.
One of the best ways to explore the park is by taking a jeep safari that will take you deep into the forest and let you experience the wildlife up close. The park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife admirers.
The best time to visit the park is during the winter season when the weather is pleasant and conducive for exploration. The monsoon season can also be a good time for those who love rain and adventure. But you will have to be much more careful at this time as the area remains drenched.
2. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
| Area | 240 square kilometers |
| Founded in | 1969 |
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest protected area in Goa, covering 240 sq. kilometers of the Western Ghats. It encompasses the Mollem National Park and features the stunning Dudhsagar Waterfall.
The sanctuary harbors a diversity of animals and birds. Some of the animals that can be spotted here are leopards, elephants, slender lorises, spotted deer, Indian bison, jungle cats, Malayan giant squirrels, pythons, cobras, and more. The sanctuary also has more than 120 species of birds.
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary also has a fascinating historical aspect. As you wander through the area, you will encounter several ancient temples that date back to the time when the Kadambas used to rule. These temples are of great significance and reflect the cultural heritage of Goa.
After the temples, you can also check out other attractions in the sanctuary such as the Devil’s Canyon, Tambdi Waterfall, and Sunset Point. These places offer spectacular views of the natural beauty and wilderness of the sanctuary. You can also admire the vividly colored butterflies that flutter all across.
The sanctuary offers various activities for visitors such as bird watching, wildlife safaris, and overnight camping amidst nature and under the starry sky. The sanctuary’s diverse ecosystem is also marvelous. You can either explore it on foot through the trekking trails or opt for a jeep safari for a thrilling experience. This journey will allow you to see the wildlife in their natural habitat.
3. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
| Area | 85.65 square kilometers |
| Founded in | 1968 |
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Canacona Taluka, in the south Goa district. It was established in 1968 and is the Goa’s southernmost protected area. The sanctuary is known for its hilly terrain that slopes towards the west and its dense forest of tall trees that reach up to 30 meters high. The woodlands comprise moist deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen trees.
The sanctuary has a tree-top watch tower that overlooks a watering hole, where you can watch the animals closely as they come to drink water. The best time to visit the watch tower is at dawn or dusk when the animals are most active.
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Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary hosts a variety of fauna, including flying squirrels, slender lorises, Indian pangolins, mouse deer, four-horned antelopes, Malabar pit vipers, and more. You can also spot many birds, such as white-bellied woodpeckers, Malabar trogons, velvet-fronted nuthatches, speckled piculets, Malayan bitterns, and more. So much uniqueness is there to adore in terms and nature and wildlife.
The sanctuary offers many activities for visitors, such as bird watching, jungle safaris, and overnight camping in the wild. You can also interact with the tribal community that lives in and around the place and learn about their culture and lifestyle.
The best time to visit the sanctuary is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and favorable for exploration.
4. Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
| Area | 211 square kilometers |
| Founded in | 1999 |
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in South-Eastern Goa and is one of the important corridors of the Western Ghats. It covers an area of about 211 sq. kilometers and houses the Netravali River, which is a major tributary of the Zuari River.
The place has a diverse landscape, with semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, and evergreen trees. It also has many streams that create a magical atmosphere.
Inside the sanctuary, you can find a large number of fauna, such as Indian pangolins, mouse deer, flying squirrels, Malabar pit vipers, four-horned antelopes, and more. You can also see many rare species of butterflies and birds in the sanctuary.
You might indulge in trekking through the stunning trails, or sit for a family picnic amidst the woods. The beautiful Bubble Lake is there to entertain you as well. The adventure hits at a different level in the jungle especially when you spot panthers and cobras.
The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is from October to March. With just a bit of rain, the climate in the region remains suitable for all exploration. It is a great location for nature enthusiasts.
5. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
| Area | 8 square kilometers |
| Founded in | 1969 |
Spreading over a region of 8 sq. kilometers, it is famed for its small zoo, botanical gardens, deer park safaris, and a few other interesting things. This place is among the smallest sanctuaries in the state, situated in the Ponda Taluka, in the central Goa district.
The forest is mostly covered with moist deciduous trees with small patches of evergreen at places. It also has canes and nullahs that add to the beauty of the landscape. Although small, the inside is pretty picturesque.
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The sanctuary hosts several animals, such as Indian bison, Malabar giant squirrels, sambar deer, mugger crocodiles, Indian cobras, Russel’s vipers, and more. It also has many birds, such as Alexandrine parakeets, silver pheasants, plum-headed parakeets, and more.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its successful breeding of gaur, which is the largest bovine in India. It is the only sanctuary in Goa that provides an ideal environment for breeding and research on animals.
Breathe in the beauty of the entire place and enjoy its vibes.
6. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
| Area | 208.5 square kilometers |
| Founded in | 1999 |
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Sattari Taluka, in the north Goa district. It is close to Valpoi town and is a part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. It lies at an altitude of 300 meters and features two magnificent waterfalls: Virdi Waterfall and Vazra Sakla Waterfall.
The sanctuary covers 208.5 square kilometers of land and has a variety of biomes. It consists of evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous trees. There are also many flowering plants, fungi, and orchids that adorn the forest.
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is considered a part of the project tiger reserve due to the presence of Bengal Tigers and is a hotspot of many endemic species of fauna. You can flying squirrels, Indian pangolins, dholes, jungle cats, slender lorises, black panthers, sloth bears, and more. It also has 255 species of birds and many rare species of butterflies.
Go around and venture as much as possible. Trekking expeditions, wildlife photography, and bird watching are the things that you may do there. The cool and pristine atmosphere of the place is refreshing to be at. Witnessing the wild creatures adds to the glamour of the area.
Exploring the natural habitat of various wild animals is always an exciting and rewarding experience, especially when the area is brimming with such picturesque sights.
If you are looking for an adventure in the wilderness, don’t wait any longer and plan a trip to one of these national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. You will learn, observe, and capture amazing memories with your camera. Just remember to respect and appreciate nature.
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