Wildlife sanctuaries in Goa

Hello friends
I am sharing my view on wildlife sanctuaries in Goa.

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

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

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

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

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

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: Usgao-Ganjem VP, Goa

Source :https://www.golokaso.com/6-wildlife-sanctuaries-goa/