Location : Goa
Major Attractions : Panther, Gaur
Best time to Visit : October to March
About Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Though
more famous for its picturesque and happening beaches, Goa is also home to
some of the most amazing wildlife. Situated just 65 km from the state
capital Panaji, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is a lush stretch of
evergreen forests that provide habitat to a variety of animal and bird
species. The park was formerly known as Mollem Game Sanctuary until a few
years back when it was named Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary with an area
of 240 sq. km designated as protective.
The vegetation consists mainly of evergreen forests, tropical evergreen
forests and moist deciduous forests with the major tree species being xylia,
lagerstromia and terminalia. The grass is thick though not very well spread
over the entire region.
Wildlife Attractions at Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
A variety of animals and birds have found habitat at the sanctuary. While
strolling around the region, you are most likely to come across such animals
as leopard cat, mouse deer, barking deer, wild boar, sambhar, bonnet
macaque, civet, malabar giant squirrel, slender lorin, panther, jungle cat,
spotted deer, gaur, wild dog, porcupine, common langur, flying squirrel,
pangolin and some other rare animals.
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary also offers excellent opportunities for
bird watchers and ornithologists. With an estimated number of 200 bird
species, the park is the proud abode of such beautiful avians as the black
woodpecker, Indian hornbill, fairy bluebird, emerald dove, wag tail,
kingfisher, barbet and shrike. Watchtowers located near the water holes are
excellent spots from where you can catch a glimpse of these birds and
animals.
Stay At
Accommodation of all budget types is available at the sanctuary as also the
nearby cities. Tourism Department of Goa operates several rest houses and
dormitories which provide good accommodation and food facilities at
reasonable prices. Other than that, the Dudhsagar resort located at Mollem
is another preffered accommodation option. A thrilling experience would be
to pitch your own tents inside the forest camp site, however, prior
permission is needed for the same from the range forest officer.
Getting There
By Air : Dabolim, located at a distance of just 80 km
from the sanctuary, is the nearest airport. Dabolim is well connected with
other major cities in India as well as a few international destinations.
By Rail : The nearest railhead is located at Colem, just
6 km from the entry gates of the sanctuary. From here, you can take any of
the local means of transport and reach the sanctuary.
By Road : State transport buses connect the region with
all the major neighbouring cities through regular services. Another option
is to hire a taxi from the nearby cities.
Important Information for Visitors
- Entry fee to Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is Rs. 20 for adults
and Rs. 5 for children.
- The sanctuary remains open from 8 AM to 5 PM everyday.
- Private vehicles are allowed inside the sanctuary.
- Other nearby places of tourist interest include the Dudhsagar
waterfall, Devil's Canyon, Tambdi Surlaand and Eco-tourism wing.
