You are at: Home» Wildlife Tour Location » Goa Wildlife Tour

Goa Wildlife Tour

Away from the coast,Goa has rich and varied wildlife destinations. The rugged Western Ghats is a haven for many different species of birds and animals. The Western Ghats also known as the Sahyadris extend for a total of 600kms.Goa and the neighboring Karnataka account for the widest belt of forests along the Sahyadris. The Coastal areas provide the tropical backdrop. Goa Wildlife sanctuaries are a haven for herds of deer and gaurs (Indian bison), Malayan giant squirrels, clusters of monkeys, slithering cobras and pythons. You may be lucky enough to spot a few black panthers on look out for preys. Tigers and elephants are also common sights. Nature lovers, bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts find vibrant avenues in the Konkan belt to enjoy the varied wildlife.Wild Life Santuaries in Goa gives you detailed information related to the Wildlife in Goa. Log on to Goa Hub to enjoy the wildlife sanctuaries of Goa. he sea breeze and check out Goa. The sanctuary houses a botanical garden, a rose garden, a small deer-park and a zoo, which was initially established to shelter orphaned animals.

---

Wildlife in Goa

Goa is gifted with over 1512 documented species of plants, over 275 kinds of birds, over 48 varieties of animals and over 60 genera of reptiles. Few of the tourists know that one third of Goa is covered with rich forest and that it is one of the greatest reservoirs of biodiversity in the world.

Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary
Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary is Goa's largest wildlife preserve with an area of 240 sq.km. It is situated close to the Molem village at the foot of the Western Ghats, this sanctuary lies on the eastern border of the state. It is 60 km away from the state capital, Panaji. The sanctuary is situated amidst nature's splendor; evergreen forests and deciduous trees encompass this preserve.

Molem National Park is in the heart of the sanctuary. Herds of deer and gaurs (Indian bison), clusters of monkeys, Malayan giant squirrels, cobras and pythons are a common sight. One might even spot elephants and tigers. The sanctuary is also home to a few black panthers. The best time to visit the sanctuary is either early in the morning or late in the evening.

For excursion through the sanctuary the forest department has made arrangements for jeeps. But one has to contact the Range Forest Officer for the services. But to be able to get a glimpse of the wildlife, you might have to spend a couple of days here.

Tourist Complex that is run by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation is the nearest accommodation available. The complex is clean and comfortable. While at the sanctuary one must take some time of to visit the Dudhsagar waterfalls, the 13th century Mahadev Temple at Tambdi, Surla, that is just 12 km away.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Bondla Forest is 38 km away from Margao. More than a sanctuary it is an ideal jungle resort and a major attraction for school going children and nature lovers. Its mini zoos, sprawling deer park in natural habitat, botanical and rose gardens attract people throughout the year. Up in the foothills of the Western Ghats, Bondla is being promoted by the Department of Tourism and is a good place to see sambar and wild boar among other things. It's the smallest of the Goan wildlife sanctuaries but the only one at present that has accommodation for those wishing to stay more than a day. The Zoological Park and gardens at Bondla remain closed on Thursdays.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest of the three wildlife sanctuaries in Goa, with an area of 105 sq. km. It is located at about 60 kms from Panaji, in Canacona taluka in South Goa, nearly 3 kms off the Panaji-Mangalore National Highway No.17. It is covered with dense forest and varied wildlife, avi fauna and reptiles. The ancient Jeevottam Partagal Math, noted for Vedic studies, lies in the vicinity of the sanctuary.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Dr. Salim Ali Bird sanctuary is one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in India. It has been named after the famous ornithologist of India, Dr. Salim Ali. This bird sanctuary is one of the smallest bird sanctuaries in Goa and is spread over an area of just 1.8 square kilometers. Even though it is small, it has a variety of species of birds and plants.