Wildlife Destinations In Goa: Nature At Its Best

Goa, a state on the western coast of India, is home to one the best beaches in the country. It attracts throngs of both local and international tourists. This article aims to highlight the exotic attractions in the state as compared to the more common avenues of vacations. Goa boasts some of the best wildlife destinations in the country. Let’s have a look at what the state has to offer to wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park

Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park is located in the eastern part of Goa near the Karnataka/Goa state border. Spread over an area of 240 square km near the Molem town, and about an hour’s drive from the state capital Panaji. About 107 square km of area is declared as the Mollem National Park. Home to over 700 species of flora and over 100 recorded species of fauna, the sanctuary also boasts the Tambdi Surla Temple (with Tambdi falls), the Dudhsagar (literal translation: the sea of milk) Falls and the Devil Canyon are its major attractions.







Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Located along the western coastal region, Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located on the Island of Chorao along the Mandovi River. True to its namesake, the eminent bird-lover Dr. Salim Ali (one of the most famous ornithologists in the region), the sanctuary is surrounded by mangroves which provide a habitat for over 400 varieties of birds and a fantastic scenic view for the visitors. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 1.78 square kilometers and most of the areas around the sanctuary can be accessed using the ferry/boat rides run by locals. The entry price is a nominal 10 rupees for locals and 100 rupees for overseas visitors.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

Cotigao Wildlife Sancuary is located in Canacona Taluka in the southern region of Goa. It is a dense forest easily accessible from the Poinguinim town (about 2 kilometers away) which is situated only 10 kiometers from Chaudi, the main town of Cancacona on NH17. A night stay is highly recommended (albeit not for the weak of heart) if one wants to closely watch the wildlife of the region. Several hiking trails including eight nature trails go through the sanctuary and you can expect to run into the local tribes inhabiting the region on your hike.

Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary 

Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary spread over an area of 211 square km, is located in Sanguem Taluka region in South Eastern Goa. It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary to protect the Western Ghats. It is right next to one of the Karnataka state’s many tiger reserves. Netravali boasts rare species of mammals like the black panthers, great pied hornbills and numerous varieties of birds and reptiles as well. It is also home to a mountainous range considered sacred by the locals. A wildlife enthusiast can never declare the wildlife exploration journey in Goa complete without a visit to this relatively new addition to Goa’s wildlife destinations.

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the northern region of Goa and was declared a protected area in 1999. Directly connected to the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary in the south, the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 209 square kilometers. It is also part of the project of Goa’s government to protect the Western Ghats range. A proposal to also declare the region as a tiger reserve is currently under consideration. The sanctuary is well-known for its many waterfalls. It is also recognized as an international bird area harboring several rare species but it is more famous for a huge variety of snakes that are found here. 257 out of 330 varieties of butterflies found in the Western Ghats inhabit the sanctuary strengthening its claim to be the most important wildlife area in Goa.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary 

Located in Ponda Taluk in the north eastern region of Goa and covering an area of about 8 square kilometers, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is located at less than a 2 hour journey from major town in Goa such as Panaji, Margao and Ponda. It features a mini zoo, a deer park and the botanical and rose gardens entice hordes of locals and tourists to visit. Eco-tourists will have a field day on their visit the sanctuary exploring the mammals, birds, reptiles and also the botanical gardens lying alongside the nature trails. This is one of the most popular wildlife destinations in Goa.