Goa Diary – Wildlife in Goa

Goa and its beaches are inseparable and it has been centre of tourist attractions for ages. While most people travel to famous beaches and coastline and try to explore the unexplored, there’s a lot more to it than we know. If worked out well in advance, Goa is a complete package for a relaxing vacation, with sea, mountains, river, streams and lakes. One of the scenic views, not to be missed is the wildlife in Goa. The dense forest and lush greenery provide a perfect composition for wildlife and it is no surprise that Goa is home to number of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India.

Exploring the lands just like the water, would be a breath-taking experience to have in Goa. We will cover wildlife in our Goa Diary, and provide insight about wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Goa.

It is envisaged as one of the Project Tiger Reserve, since it is rich in the count of Royal Bengal Tigers. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Sattari taluka in Valpoi town, this wildlife sanctuary is highly renowned for spectacular waterfalls like Vazra Sakla and Virdi falls in the Chorla Ghats.

Mhadei wildlife sanctuary has been awarded, the title of an International Bird Area, since it is home to a variety of species like Malabar Grey Hornbill, Rufous Babbler, Nilgiri Wood pigeon, White-bellied Blue-flycatcher, Malabar Parakeet, Grey-headed Bulbul and Crimson-backed Sunbird.

Best time to visit: November to March

Netravali Wildlife sanctuary is situated in the Sanguem taluka. This is one of the newest wildlife sanctuaries in Goa. This sanctuary is home to many species including Panthers, Cobras, Giant Squirrels, Great Pied Hornbills Slender Loris and the rarely found Malabar Tree Toad. This sanctuary is also home to several bird species like Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Grey Headed Bulbul, Great Pied Hornbill and butterflies like Black Rajah, Gaudy Baron, and Malabar Tree Nymph.

Best time to visit: October to March

Bondla wildlife sanctuary is the smallest sanctuaries in Goa, situated in Ponda. It is home to a variety of Indian wildlife including the Bison, Sambar Deer, Indian Peafowl, Grey Hornbill and more than a hundred different species of birds. A perfect place for tourists and to be in the lap of nature by staying in Eco-Tourism cottages and explore the diverse wildlife of Bondla Sanctuary. Beautiful place for trekking and to enjoy the picturesqueness from above.

Best time to visit: December and January.

This is the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Goa. Rich in flora and fauna, it enfolds numerous temples from the Kadamba dynasty and the famous Dudhsagar Waterfall. Panther, Barking Deer, Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Bonnet Macaque and Sambar can be spotted along with birds like Blue Mormon, Common Jezebel, Common Mormon and Plain Tiger.

Best time to visit: November to March

Located in South Goa, this sanctuary is called a Tree Lovers Paradise. Covered heavily by thick deciduous trees and plantation, it serves as the home to Flying Lizard, Golden-Back Gliding Snake, Malabar Trogon, White-Bellied Woodpecker and Velvet-Fronted Nuthatch. The sanctuary has about eight natural trails ranging from 500m to 5km. Another unique feature of this sanctuary is the 25m high watchtower which is built atop the trees and provides a breath-taking view of the waterhole where most the wildlife can be spotted.

Best time to visit: October to March

Located in the town of Mollem, which is approximately 57 km away from the state capital Panjim, Mollem National Park is a 240 sq. km area. Mollem National Park is a subset of the Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary. The rich wildlife includes Tiger, Leopards, Elephants, Deer, Indian Bison, the King Cobra, Hump-nosed pit viper, Indian rock python, Malabar Pit Vipers, and a wide variety of birds like Fairy Bluebird, Wagtails, Three-toed Kingfisher, Drongo, Golden Oriole, and great Indian hornbill. Of course, Jungle safari is not to be missed. Some of the other attractions of this park include waterfalls and sunset points.

Best time to visit: October to March

Apart from the mesmerizing coastline and the beaches and the party hubs, there is lot more to explore in Goa. Visit our website www.visit-goa.com for more information.