Goa
is one of the few states in India that has a large
percentage (20%) of its land set aside for Wildlife
Sanctuaries and Reserve Forests (60%). The densely
forested hills, marshy mangroves and the beautiful
beaches makes Goa a nature lovers delight. To conserve
its natural heritage Goa has carved out four wildlife
sanctuaries in the hinterland. Birdwatchers and
wildlife enthusiasts can now get a closer look into
the natural diversity of Goa.
Bondla
Wildlife Sanctuary
Bondla
is situated on the lush foothills of the Western
Ghats and is good place to see Sambar and Wild
Boar. This is the smallest of the Goa's Wildlife
Sanctuaries and is the easiest to reach. It is
52km from Panaji and 38km from Margao. This botanical
garden, fenced Deer Park and zoo is one of the
best in India, with spacious enclosures. Originally
established to house orphaned animals, Bondla
now serves as a breeding colony for large species
of deer. Within its 8 sq.kms of deciduous forest
Bondla has a miniature zoo of caged animals and
birds and a popular picnic destination for locals.
Elephant rides are an attraction here. Monkeys,
wild boar, deer, gaur, langurs, jackals, pythons
and leopards populate the hills to the southeast.
Bondla is also another bird-watching haven like
its counterparts at Chorao and Cotigao. Rangado
River flows on the east of this forest and Madhel
on its north. The Forests of Bondla also shelters
bison, wild beer, deer, leopard, and a variety
of serpent and birds.
Salim
Ali Bird Sanctuary
On
the western tip to the island of Chorao along
River Mandovi, migratory and local birds inhabit
the mangroves. No visitors are allowed into the
sanctuary without prior permission of the Chief
Wildlife Warden who is stationed at Forest Department,
Junta House, 18th June Road, Panaji. One may cross
over from Ribandar to Chorao by ferry or canoe
and walk to the sanctuary. Mangrove swamps cover
this bird-watchers' paradise aptly named after
India's best known ornithologist. Salim Ali Bird
Sanctuary is open throughout the year. Apart from
a rich variety of coastal birds one may spot flying
fox, jackals and crocodiles.
For
Birding Trips to Goa Click
Here...
For a list of birds in Goa Click
Here...
Cotigoa
Wildlife Sanctuary
Second
largest of the three wildlife sanctuaries in Goa,
with an area of 105 sq. Kms. near Canacona and
60kms south of Panaji. A large variety of bird,
animals, reptiles are found here.
"Jeevottam Partagal Math" the Centre
of Vedic studies, lies in the vicinity and is
worth a visit. Located within the Mallikarjun
temple, that built by the Kshatriyas in mid 16
century. It is famous for the intricately carved
wooden pillars and 68 auxiliary deities. The main
festival of this temple is Ratha-Saptami in February
and Shigmo in April.
Bhagwan
Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
East
of Panaji (Panjim) on the Belgaum road is the
B.M. Wildlife Sanctuary. This densely forested
expanse 240sq.kms. on the slopes of the Western
Ghats is rich in wildlife and a paradise for bird
watchers. There are a few important geographical
and historical features within this sanctuary.
The famous temple of Tambdi Surla of the Kadambas
is situated 13kms from here. Near by at Molem
there are comfortable cottages and dormitories
built by the Directorate of Tourism.
Harvest
Time