Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary
The Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary at Mollem covers a locality of 240 sq. kilometers and is is the largest wild life preserve in Goa. This sanctuary lies on the eastern border of the state, near the village of Mollem at the foot of the Western Ghats. The Bhagvan Mahavir life Sanctuary is fifty three kilometres away from the state capital, Panaji. The sanctuary primarily consists of evergreen forests and deciduous trees.
Within the Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is that the Molem National park. Herds of ruminant and gaurs (Indian bison), clusters of monkeys, Malayan big squirrels, cobras and pythons are housed within the sanctuary. There are elephants and tigers, however recognizing them may well be a tricky job. The sanctuary is additionally home to a couple of black panthers; and recognizing them isn’t a straightforward task either.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bondla life Sanctuary lies ten kms northeast of the Usgao Tisk village in north state and is fifty two kms from Panaji, and thirty eight kms from Margao. Away from the coast, the landscape breaks into the dramatic and inexperienced foothills of the Western Ghats. These foothills shelter the Bondla life Sanctuary; that is that the smallest life reserve in state. The Bondla life Sanctuary is touch a locality of eighty sq kms. The sanctuary is home to the sambur, Asian wild ox (Indian bison), the black-faced Old World monkey, canine and swine, amongst others animals. Elephants have additionally been noticed here from time to time. The Bondla life Sanctuary homes many species of ruminant furthermore.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
At a distance of 60km south from Panaji, is located the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1969. It is the second largest sanctuary in Goa and covers an area of 86 sq kms. The Talpona River flows through this preserve. Getting to the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is a little tedious.
The forested land provides shelter to a number of birds and animals. However, the number of animals in this sanctuary has decreased over the years. Yet one still comes across sloth bears, deer, wild boars, hyenas, and Indian bisons. Reptiles and monkeys too can be easily spotted. Birds like the rufous woodpecker, white-eyed eagle and the Malabar crested eagle form a part of the avian life that abounds here. But, apart from the animal life, the expansive forestland also comes as a welcome change.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Also known as Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary – The sanctuary is named after one of India’s most prominent ornithologists, Dr. Salim Ali – the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is spread over an area of 1.78 sq kms. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located at the western tip of the Chorao Island along river Mandovi near Panaji. It is fully covered with mangrove species. A variety of local and migratory birds can be found on this island.
This sanctuary can be visited any time of the year. However, permission from the Chief, Wild Life Warden (Forest Department, Junta House, Panaji-Goa) is required. One needs to take a bus or a cab from Panaji to the Ribandar ferry wharf and then take a ferry across the Mandovi River to the island of Chorao. The sanctuary is within walking distance from the ferry wharf at Chorao. There are also some private parties who take tourists around in their canoes fitted with outboard motors.
Image by diametrik, JimReeves, ronsaunders47 under CC License.
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