Major Western Ghats Destinations In Goa To Visit This Year

The Western Ghats in Goa. Image credit: Cajetan Barretto via Flickr.com.

The Western Ghats in Goa form the state’s eastern boundary and are part of one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Covered with lush forests, these mountains are the source of Goa’s major rivers like the Mandovi, Zuari, and Mhadei. The region hosts rich wildlife in sanctuaries such as Bhagwan Mahavir, Mhadei, Netravali, Cotigao, and Bondla, and is home to iconic sites like Dudhsagar Falls and the Tambdi Surla Temple. Goa’s share of the Western Ghats plays a vital role in regulating the climate, supporting unique species, and sustaining the natural beauty and culture of the state.

Here’s a list of Western Ghats destinations in Goa that combine wildlife, waterfalls, treks, and cultural heritage:

🌿 Wildlife Sanctuaries And National Parks

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary & Mollem National Park (South Goa)

The trek to the Dudhsagar Waterfall in the Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Goa. Image credit: Vinayaraj,  via Wikimedia Commons.

• Largest protected area in Goa, rich in biodiversity.
• Famous for Dudhsagar Waterfall, Tambdi Surla Temple, jeep safaris, forest walks, herping activities, birdwatching, etc.
• Home to species like gaur, leopards, Malabar giant squirrel, and several endemic birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and arthropods.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary (North Goa)

Inside the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. Image credit: Joegoauk69 via Flickr.com.

• Smaller sanctuary with a zoo, botanical garden, and eco-tourism cottages.
• Popular for birdwatching and school excursions.
• Good for spotting deer, wild boar, and peafowl.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary (South Goa, Canacona)

Lush nature in the Cotiago Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa. Image credit: Paul778899 via Wikimedia Commons.

• Known for its tall forest trees and giant watchtower overlooking waterholes.
• Less crowded, peaceful forest trails.
• Good chance of seeing flying squirrels, slender loris, and exotic butterflies.

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary (North Goa, Valpoi)

A flame-throated bulbul. Image credit: Prajwalkm via Wikimedia Commons.

• Biodiversity hotspot, important tiger corridor.
• Trekking and birdwatching haven (Goa’s state bird, the flame-throated bulbul, is found here).
• Famous waterfalls: Virdi & Vazra Sakla.

Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary (South Goa, Sanguem)

A waterfall inside the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. Image credit: Solarisgirl via Flickr.com.

• Connected to Cotigao, forming a continuous forest stretch.
• Known for the Netravali Bubbling Lake (Budbud Tali) and waterfalls like Savari & Mainapi.
• Popular among trekkers and nature lovers.

💧 Waterfalls In The Ghats

The Dudhsagar Falls in Goa. Image credit: Samson Joseph via Wikimedia Commons.

• Dudhsagar Falls – Iconic 4-tiered cascade on the Goa-Karnataka border, among India’s tallest.
• Tambdi Surla Falls – Near the 13th-century Mahadev Temple, Mollem.
• Savari & Mainapi Falls – Inside Netravali Sanctuary.
• Vazra Sakla Falls – Inside Mhadei Sanctuary, less explored.

🛕 Cultural And Heritage Spots In The Ghats

The Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple in Goa. Image credit: Savika Gomes via Wikimedia Commons.

• Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple (13th century) – Ancient Kadamba-style temple nestled in Mollem forests.
• Budbud Tali (Bubbling Lake), Netravali – Mysterious lake with bubbles rising continuously.