Deer spotted at Mhadei Sanctuary; Image Captured by Gozer
Experience nature close-hand. See the mysterious jungle and wildlife of Goa as you take a scroll. The dense forests, perennial streams, and picturesque undulating terrain provide for some very unique Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa.
The best season to visit any of these reserves is during the monsoons (July-September) when the nearby streams and falls are overflowing with goodness with lush greenery everywhere.
Here are the 6 amazing places officially declared as the Wildlife Reserves of Goa:
1) Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
Mhadei Sanctuary is noted for its twin waterfall, Vazra Sakla and Virdi Falls in the Chorla Ghats region. Evergreen forests along with patches of Savannah Grasslands make it quite a spot to go on a wildlife expedition in Goa. One of the 25 mega biodiversity hot spots in the world, it has extremely high level of biodiversity both in terms of flora and fauna. It may be declared as a Project Tiger reserve soon because of the presence of tiger cubs.
Expect to See: Endemic Orchids, 257 species of butterflies, 255 species of birds
Location: Valpoi, Goa
Timings: 8 am – 5:30 pm
Contact: 94224 43287
How to Reach there: Well connected by road from all places in Goa, it is just 35 kms from Sattari town’s bus stand. You can avail both bus and taxi services from there.
Courtesy: Goa Tourism
Courtesy: GoaWildWatch.blogspot
2) Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
The Cotigao Wildlife sanctuary was set up in 1968 to protect the exposed stretch of woodland on the Goa-Karnataka border. A special feature of the sanctuary is an observation deck concealed amongst the foliage of a 25m tall tree to observe the animals from close range. If you’re serious about spotting wildlife, Set off early morning for the best sighting prospects from the watchtowers.
Expect to see: Gazelles, Sloth Bears, Porcupines, Panthers and Hyenas
Location: Canacona Taluka, Khotigao
Timings: 7 am – 5:30 pm
Contact: 0832 296 5601
How to Reach: Drive south on NH-17 to Karwar via Chaudi (Most accessible through Private Transport)
Fee & Charges: Adult/child – ₹20/10
Camera/video – ₹30/150
Courtesy: Roscoe Duncan
Courtesy: Anuradha Goyal
3) Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary & Mollem National Park
Of the 6 wildlife sanctuaries in Goa, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary is the most spectacular and largest one that covers 240 kms of moist deciduous forests. Unless you stay for at least 2 days, it is unlikely that you will catch a glimpse of many of the rare species of animals sheltered here. In the meantime you can also take a trip to the the nearby Dudhsagar falls and Devil’s Canyon View Point which is more convenient to view wild animals from. Bird lovers may also find their best time over here.
Expect To See: Gaur & Sambar Deers, Black Panther, Leopards, Slender Toris, Malayan Giant Squirrels, Pythons and Cobras
Location (Google Maps): NH 4A, Caranzol, Sonaulim, Mollem
How To Reach: A 1-hour journey by bus from Ponda to Mollem via Tiska (39 kms)
Contact: 0832 222 9701
Timings: 8 am – 5:30 pm
Fee & Charges: Adult/child – ₹20/10
Camera/video – ₹30/150
Courtesy: Indian Holiday
Courtesy: TripAdvisor
4) Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
At at the western tip of the Chorao Island lies an estuarine mangrove habitat named after Salim Ali, an Indian ornithologist. Various rare species of birds can be spotted from a 3-storeyed watch tower located right inside the sanctuary that provides a panaromic view of the marshy canals. It plays home to several migratory species of birds during winter which is a great time to go on a birding expedition over here.
Location: Near Ribandar Ferry, Chorao Island, Goa
How to Reach: Take a short road trip from Panjim along the Ponta De Linhares bridge to reach Ribandar Ferry Wharf. From there, Chorao is just a ferry boat ride away.
Timings: 6 am – 6 pm
Contact: 0832 222 8772
Fees & Charges: Indians/Foreign Tourists – ₹10/100 per head
Camera/video – ₹25/150
Courtesy: Planet Goa
Courtesy: Nirvalink
5) Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Tucked away in the Kali river basin forests, The Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is just perfect for an adventurous break from the routine life. Encompassing the famous Netravali falls in its reserve forest area, this place is rich in indigenous and a few endangered species of flora and fauna. Interspersed with semi-evergreen and evergreen forests, you will have a great time identifying many species in full and wild bloom over here.
Location: Verlem, Goa
How to Reach: The best way to travel to Netravali would be to take a long drive on a weekend, witness the natural beauty at the sanctuary and end it with a holy dip at the close-by Budbudyanchi Tali.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Contact: 0832-2756980
Courtesy: Goa Greens
Courtesy: Casa Susegaad
6) Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Bondla is the smallest of the wildlife sanctuaries in Goa. Do not expect this to be a a typical reserve forest where you can go for safaris. It’s a zoo within a small reserved area offering a number of nature trails and paid elephant rides through the jungle. They also have small eco-cottages for the nature lovers to take a halt, if desired. Best part of the visit is the drive to and from, whereby you go up through some densely forested hills.
Location (Google Maps): Usgao-Ganjem VP, Goa
How to Reach: Just 18 kms away, A drive from Ponda to this sanctuary will take approximately 40 minutes. Turn north west from Ponda on the Rajive Kala Mandir Road and take NH 4A to reach here.
Timings: 9 am – 5 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Contact: 0832 243 8750
Fee & Charges: Adult/child – ₹50/20
Camera/video – ₹50/200
Parking Ticket – ₹100-500 (depending on the vehicle)
Accommodation: Cottages – Rs. 1,000 per day; dormitories – Rs. 600 per head.
Courtesy: JoeGoaUK
Courtesy: Goa Tourism
Planning to explore some of the few pieces of nature? Then pack your bag quickly and make a trip to Goa. You may need a photographer to capture these unique sites. Contact us at https://golokaso.com and capture the moments with a professional hand.
