Exploring the Popular Wildlife Sanctuaries of Goa

Goa is a coastal paradise. But it also houses copious amounts of lush greenery, water bodies, and diverse ecosystems, the perfect environment for unique and rich wildlife. Within the very deep forests and serene waters, a myriad of birds, animals, and plants can be found and admired. Visiting a wildlife sanctuary is a nature-immersive experience that can be enjoyed with family and friends for a planned day trip or weekend getaway to Goa. From navigating through dense forests to spotting some of the most magnificent birds and animals, Goa is equipped with sanctuaries that offer a bit of adventure as well as tranquility. 

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Almost everyone has heard of the famous Dudhsagar Waterfalls. These renowned falls are housed within the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary near Molem, Goa. Recognised as the largest sanctuary in Goa, it is home to a blend of rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes, spanning a whopping 240 kilometres. Nature lovers and photographers are in for a treat with the variety of animals it houses, right from tigers, the Indian bison, and leopards to deer and elephants. It is truly a paradise for bird watchers where one can spot several bird species such as kingfishers, greater Indian hornbill, golden oriole, emerald dove, fairy bluebird, Malabar grey hornbill, Indian black woodpecker, paradise flycatcher, and more. 

Along the path of the forest is another of the sanctuary’s attractions, the Devil’s Canyon, also known as Devcharacho Kond in Konkani. It is a canyon carved out of the rock by the river, with criss-cross sections, underwater passages, and picturesque views. Dedicate 3 to 4 hours exploring what this sanctuary has to offer, so make sure to plan the day accordingly and keep the timings in mind. The sanctuary is open from 9 am onwards and takes the last admissions at 3 pm with a nominal entrance fee along with additional charges for video cameras and other equipment. 

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

A more quiet and laidback experience for nature lovers is extended by the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Canacona, close to the Karnataka border. Spread across an expansive 86 square kilometres, the sanctuary is quite the stunning landscape having been dotted with tall trees reaching up to an impressive 30 metres and streams. A mixed deciduous woodland, the sanctuary is not as densely populated with many animals but visitors may spot the flying squirrel, Indian pangolin, slender loris, mouse deer, Malabar pit viper, white-bellied woodpecker, four-horned antelope, Malabar trogon, heart-spotted woodpecker, speckled piculet, Malabar tree toad, Malayan bittern, flying lizard, to name a few. It also houses a 25m watchtower with a stunning view of the forest. The sanctuary is lined with eight nature trails, ranging anywhere from 500 metres to 5 kilometres long. One should practise precaution and make sure to stay along the marked trails to avoid any mishaps and ensure safety. An overnight stay at the watchtower or the small rest house belonging to the forest department can be arranged after having procured permission from the Deputy Conservator of Forests. 

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary

If you’re vacationing in North Goa, then be sure to visit the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary situated in Valpoi and located close to 50 km away from Panjim city. It is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its rich flora and fauna. Spanning 208 sq km, the sanctuary is also lined with quite a few water bodies such as Virdi Falls and Vazra Sakla Falls which is known for its nesting grounds of the endangered long-billed vultures. It is also home to certain bird species like the Malabar parakeet, the great Indian hornbill, and the Rufous babbler. The Indian gaur, barking deer, Sambar deer, tigers, Indian hare, and wild boars are some of the animals that can be spotted. 

Various snakes can also be found, including venomous snakes such as the Russell’s viper, Saw-scaled viper, Indian krait, and Spectacled cobra. When visiting Mhadei, travel with a guide, wear appropriate trekking shoes, and carry an insect repellent. The sanctuary is open throughout the week from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. However, due to its challenging terrain, it is advised to start out early and is best suited for trekkers looking to explore a more rugged wildlife experience.

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary 

Bird watchers are in for a treat when visiting the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, located at the tip of Chorao Island, along the Mandovi River. Accessible with just a short yet picturesque boat ride from Ribandar, North Goa, it is a prime habitat for birds, especially migratory birds during the winter, making November to February the best time to visit. The estuarine mangrove habitat spans across 1.8 km and it is known for over 70 species of birds including white egrets, eagles, purple herons, colourful kingfishers, kites, curlews, woodpeckers, mynahs, sandpipers, and drongos. In addition to the variety of birds, one may also spot jackals, flying foxes, and crocodiles within the forest which can be viewed from the watch tower as well. 

It is recommended to start the day early for an exciting bird sighting experience, as birds are most active during the morning around 6 am. The sanctuary is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, with a small entry fee.

Exploring these sanctuaries not only brings one closer to nature but also offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For an enriching yet relaxing experience, these sanctuaries are the perfect escape to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with nature. If you are a nature lover visiting Goa, you may also like to read our guide to visiting the Dudhsarag waterfall and the top villages to explore in South Goa.