Goa has several protected areas that preserve its natural heritage. Each sanctuary has unique features, different types of forests, & distinct animal populations. Here are the most important wildlife sanctuaries in Goa.
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest protected area in Goa, covering approximately 240 square kilometers. It is located on the eastern border of Goa near the village of Mollem, about 54 kilometers from Panaji. The sanctuary was established in 1969 and was originally known as the Mollem Game Sanctuary. In 1978, the core area of 107 square kilometers was declared Mollem National Park.
The sanctuary is part of the Western Ghats and features three types of forests. These include West Coast tropical evergreen forests, West Coast semi-evergreen forests, and moist deciduous forests.
The evergreen forests are found at higher altitudes and along river banks. The forest cover is so dense that sunlight often does not reach the forest floor in many areas.
This sanctuary is home to a wide range of animal species. Herbivorous animals found here include sambar, spotted deer, hog deer, mouse deer, and barking deer. The carnivores that inhabit this forest are tigers, leopards, leopard cats, panthers, jungle cats, and toddy cats. Visitors may also spot the lesser Indian civet, wild dog, hyena, sloth bear, jackal, bonnet macaque, slender loris, and scaly anteater. The giant squirrel, flying squirrel, and flying fox are also present in the sanctuary.
Birdwatchers will find approximately 120 species of birds in this sanctuary. Birdwatchers can commonly see the state bird of Goa, the ruby-throated yellow bulbul, here. Other notable species include the golden oriole, emerald dove, common grey hornbill, paradise flycatcher, magnificent pied hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, Malabar trogon, crested serpent eagle, and crested honey buzzard.
The sanctuary has a significant snake population. Species found here include the bronze-back tree snake, cat snake, hump-nosed pit viper, Indian rock python, Malabar pit viper, rat snake, Russell’s viper, Indian cobra, and common krait. The most famous reptilian inhabitant is the king cobra.
The sanctuary contains several notable attractions beyond its wildlife. Dudhsagar Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in India, is located within the sanctuary. The waterfall is especially impressive during the monsoon season. The Tambdi Surla Temple, a 12th-century temple dedicated to Lord Mahadev, is another important site inside the sanctuary. It is notable for its stone work and lotus carvings in the Ashokan style. The sanctuary also includes Devil’s Canyon and Tambdi Falls.
The sanctuary is open every day from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Entry fees are as follows:
| Category | Fee |
| Adults | Rs 20 |
| Children | Rs 10 |
| Still Camera | Rs 30 |
| Video Camera | Rs 150 |
Best time to visit Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary
The best time for wildlife sightings is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and animals are more visible. The monsoon season from June to September offers amazing views of waterfalls and fresh greenery, but some roads may be challenging to navigate.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Goa, which covers 86 to 105 square kilometers depending on the source. It is located in the Canacona region of South Goa, around 90 kilometers from Panaji & about 60 kilometers from the state capital. The sanctuary was established in 1968 & features dense deciduous forests with tall trees that reach heights of up to 30 meters.
Unique features of Cotigao Sanctuary
Cotigao is known for its peaceful atmosphere & less crowded trails. The sanctuary has treehouse watchtowers that allow visitors to observe animals from an elevated position. This is one of the few sanctuaries in Goa that offers night wildlife excursions. The forest is thick & provides excellent cover for many animal species.
Animals in Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is home to Indian bison, also known as gaur, sambar, cheetal or spotted deer, wild boars, & porcupines. Langurs and bonnet monkeys are commonly seen. Panthers prowl at night, though sightings are rare. The sanctuary also houses flying squirrels, mouse deer, slender lorises, and Indian pangolins. The four-horned antelope is another species found in this sanctuary.
Birds and butterflies in Cotigao
The avifauna in Cotigao is varied and includes many species of forest birds. The sanctuary has a thriving butterfly population, & visitors can observe many colorful species, including some endemic ones.
Best time to visit Cotigao
The best time to visit Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to February, when the climate is pleasant and wildlife is most active. The sanctuary is open throughout the year, but the monsoon season makes some trails inaccessible.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is the smallest of Goa’s sanctuaries, covering only about 8 square kilometers. It is located approximately 55 kilometers from Panaji in northeastern Goa. Despite its small size, Bondla is one of the most accessible sanctuaries and attracts many visitors, particularly families with children.
Facilities at Bondla Sanctuary
Bondla functions as more than just a sanctuary. It has a mini zoo that houses rescued animals, including tigers and leopards. A sprawling deer park, where animals live in a natural habitat setting, is also part of the sanctuary. The sanctuary also features botanical gardens, a rose garden, and nature trails. Eco-tourism cottages are available for visitors who wish to stay overnight.
Animals in Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
At Bondla, you can see Indian bison or gaur, sambar, spotted deer, wild boars, leopards, and monkeys. You can often see peacocks roaming freely within the sanctuary. The mini zoo provides opportunities to see rescued animals that staff care for.
Why Bondla is Best for families
Bondla is an excellent choice for families with young children because of its well-maintained facilities and convenient accessibility. The deer safari is a popular attraction for children. The sanctuary also serves as a conservation center that rehabilitates injured and orphaned animals.
Best time to visit Bondla
November to February is the most favorable period to visit Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary when the weather is pleasant.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located on Chorao Island along the Mandovi River, just a short distance from Panaji. It is named after the famous Indian ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali. The sanctuary covers an area of 1.78 square kilometers and is fully covered with mangroves.
Bird species at Salim Ali Sanctuary
This sanctuary is a haven for bird enthusiasts. It hosts various local and migratory birds. Species commonly seen include herons, egrets, kingfishers, and several types of water birds. The best way to explore the sanctuary is by canoe, which allows visitors to navigate through the mangrove channels and observe birds at close range.
Other wildlife at Salim Ali Sanctuary
Beyond birds, the mangrove ecosystem supports various other species. You can often see mudskippers and fiddler crabs along the muddy banks. The area is also known for smooth-coated otters, which have been the subject of conservation research recently. Crocodile sightings are possible in the backwaters surrounding the sanctuary.
Best time to visit Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
The sanctuary can be visited throughout the year, but the winter months from October to March are best for birdwatching, as many migratory birds arrive during this period.
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is located in northern Goa near Valpoi. It spans across the borders of Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 2007 to protect the habitat of big cats and other endangered species. The sanctuary is named after the Mhadei River that flows through it.
Animals in Mhadei Sanctuary
Mhadei is known for its population of tigers and black panthers. Other animals found here include sloth bears, barking deer, flying foxes, porcupines, and various monkey species. The sanctuary has a rich amphibian population as well.
Birdwatching at Mhadei
Birdwatchers will find several notable species at Mhadei. The Malabar pied hornbill and the Nilgiri wood pigeon are among the special sightings here. The sanctuary is also home to the Indian peacock and many other forest birds.
Best time to visit Mhadei
The sanctuary can be visited from October to March for comfortable weather conditions. The monsoon season from June to September offers lush greenery but may make some areas difficult to access.
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is located in South Goa, approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Panaji. It covers 211 square kilometers of semi-evergreen forests and rocky terrain. Compared to other sanctuaries in Goa, Netravali receives fewer visitors, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter wildlife experience.
Animals in Netravali Sanctuary
Netravali serves as an important elephant corridor between Goa and neighboring states. Animals found here include leopards, black panthers, slender loris, pangolins, civets, giant squirrels, and barking deer. The sanctuary also hosts the magnificent pied hornbill and Indian civet.
Unique attractions at Netravali
The sanctuary has a bubbling lake that is a unique geological feature. The area is known for its butterfly population, including several rare species. Trekking opportunities are available for adventure enthusiasts.
Best time to visit Netravali
The best time to visit Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to March when the forest is full of life and color after the monsoon rains.
Animals Found in Goa Wildlife
Goa has more than 50 species of animals. However, many of these animals live in the deep jungles, where they can be hard to spot. Here is a comprehensive list of animals found in Goa.
Mammals
| Animal Type | Specific Species |
| Big Cats | Leopards, tigers, black panthers, leopard cats, jungle cats |
| Bovids | Gaur or Indian bison (state animal of Goa) |
| Deer | Spotted deer or cheetal, sambar; barking deer, mouse deer, hog deer |
| Bears | Sloth bear |
| Primates | Bonnet macaque, hanuman langur, slender loris |
| Small Carnivores | Indian civet, toddy cat, wild dog or dhole, jackal, striped hyena, common otter |
| Rodents and Others | Indian giant squirrel, three-striped palm squirrel, five-striped palm squirrel, flying squirrel, Indian porcupine, pangolin or scaly ant eater, wild boar, mongoose |
| Bats | Fruit bat, Dormer’s bat, horseshoe bat, Malay fox vampire, flying fox |
Marine Animals
Long-beaked dolphins often swim in the shallow waters of Goa’s more isolated beaches. The coastal waters also support various fish species, crabs, lobsters, shrimps, and jellyfish.
Reptiles
Goa has a large reptilian population, including the common house gecko, chameleon, monitor lizard, and various species of frogs. Two species of crocodiles are found along the banks of inland waterways.
Snakes in Goa
Goa has 23 species of snakes. The non-poisonous species include the common blind snake, Russell’s sand boa, Indian python, Indian wart snake, trinket snake, Indian rat snake, golden tree snake, common wolf snake, checkered keelback, striped keelback, Indian gamma, and common green whip snake. The venomous snakes found in Goa are cobras, including the king cobra, the common Indian krait, the coral snake, the Russell’s viper, the saw-scaled viper; and the bamboo pit viper.
Turtles
Freshwater turtles are found in Goa’s rivers and water bodies. Rare marine turtles such as the olive ridley come ashore between October and December to lay their eggs in the sand.
Birds Found in Goa
Goa has over 450 species of birds reported in the state, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The state bird of Goa is the ruby-throated yellow bulbul.
Common birds in Goa
| Category | Species |
| Kingfishers | Common kingfisher, white-breasted kingfisher, pied kingfisher |
| Hornbills | Malabar pied hornbill, Malabar grey hornbill, great Indian hornbill |
| Birds of Prey | Crested serpent eagle, crested honey buzzard |
| Woodpeckers | Indian black woodpecker, white-bellied woodpecker |
| Flycatchers | Paradise flycatcher |
| Doves and Pigeons | Emerald dove, pompadour pigeon |
| Bulbuls | Ruby-throated yellow bulbul, black-crested bulbul |
| Other Species | Golden oriole, common grey hornbill, Malabar trogon, ashy wood swallow, Asian palm swift, jungle babbler, olive-backed pipit, scarlet minivet, chestnut-bellied nuthatch, velvet-fronted nuthatch, sulphur-bellied warbler, purple swamphen, Oriental darter |
Water birds
The coastal and riverine areas of Goa attract many water birds. Herons, egrets, and several species of migratory birds visit the wetlands and mangroves during winter months.
Best Time to Experience Wildlife in Goa
The best time to visit wildlife sanctuaries in Goa depends on what you want to see and experience.
October to March for pleasant weather
This period is the peak tourist season in Goa and also the best time for wildlife viewing. The weather is pleasant with lower humidity and cooler temperatures. Animals are more active during this period, birdwatching is excellent because many migratory birds arrive during these months.
Monsoon season for greenery and waterfalls
From June to September, the forests are lush with fresh greenery. Waterfalls including Dudhsagar are at their fullest and most spectacular during this time. However, some sanctuary roads may become inaccessible or difficult to navigate. Leech presence is also higher during the monsoon. If you plan to visit during monsoon, check road conditions beforehand.
Winter months for birdwatching
November to February is the most favorable period specifically for birdwatching. Many migratory bird species visit Goa’s wetlands and sanctuaries during this time.
How to Reach Goa Wildlife Sanctuaries?
By Air
Goa International Airport, also known as Dabolim Airport, is located approximately 45 to 60 kilometers from most sanctuaries. From the airport, you can hire taxis or take buses to reach your desired sanctuary.
By Train
Several railway stations serve Goa, including Madgaon, Thivim, and Karmali. Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary is accessible from Madgaon and Thivim stations. Karmali Station is close to Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
By Road
Goa has a well-developed network of roads connecting all major sanctuaries. National Highway 17 passes through many areas. State transport buses and private taxis are available from Panaji, Madgaon, and other major towns to the sanctuaries.
Tips for Wildlife Viewing in Goa
Plan your visit for early morning: Wildlife activity is highest during early morning times.
Take help of local guides: Guides will assist you to find more wildlife, as they know about wildlife activities. Guides are very helpful because they know the territory very well and also will ensure safety.
Dress appropriately: Dress in neutral colors like brown, green, and khaki. Avoid dressing in bright colors. Take comfortable closed footwear while walking on forest tracks.
Carry important things: Binoculars will be handy. Take enough drinking water and some snacks because food availability in sanctuaries is not much. Mosquito repellents should be taken. A camera with a zoom lens will be helpful.
Be quiet and patient: Loud noise frightens animals away. Remain quiet near waterholes or observation areas to see wildlife.
Comply with sanctuary guidelines: Littering inside the sanctuary is prohibited. Feeding of animals is strictly forbidden. Stick to marked tracks only inside the sanctuary. Music or any other form of loudspeaking is not allowed inside the sanctuary area.
Conclusion
The wildlife of Goa is an entirely new world compared to the well-known beaches of Goa. The wildlife parks in Goa offer an amazing variety of plants and animals in one of the biodiversity hotspots of India, the Western Ghats region. From the biggest sanctuary called Bhagwan Mahavir which houses the impressive Dudhsagar Falls to the sanctuary that attracts many bird enthusiasts called Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Be it leopard and gaur sightings, hornbill and kingfisher sightings, or simply enjoying walks through forest trails, Goa’s wildlife parks offer wonderful experiences for wildlife lovers. Visit the wildlife parks at the appropriate time and make sure to follow the guidelines provided in the blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Goa safe for wildlife safaris?
A:
Yes, wildlife safaris in Goa are safe when conducted through authorized operators and with trained guides. Always follow the instructions given by your guide and stay within designated areas.
Q: Can I see tigers in Goa wildlife sanctuaries?
A:
Tigers are present in Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary and Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. However, sightings are extremely rare due to the dense forest cover and low tiger population.
Q: Do I need to book safari tickets in advance?
A:
For popular sanctuaries like Bhagwan Mahavir, it is advisable to book in advance during peak season from October to March. For other sanctuaries, tickets can usually be purchased at the entrance.
Q: Are children allowed on wildlife safaris?
A:
Yes, children are allowed in most sanctuaries. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is particularly suitable for children due to its mini zoo and deer park.
Q: Can I stay overnight inside the wildlife sanctuaries?
A:
Some sanctuaries, including Bondla, have eco-tourism cottages for overnight stays. Accommodation options are also available near Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary and Cotigao Sanctuary.
