Goa Wildlife Sanctuaries : Book Now
The Goa wildlife tourism industry has set up various places of accommodation that are situated close to the main areas of interest. These hotels and complexes provide Goa wildlife enthusiasts with the perfect opportunity to see the rare animals of the region.
As well as local birds, Goa is home to a vast array of migratory birds that visit the area during their own inclement winter seasons. As well as being able to see many fine examples of local and migratory birds in Goa wildlife tours are available that enable you to see Elephants, Tigers, Black Panthers and much, much more.
The rugged western ghats make it an ideal haven for many species of birds and animals and also provide a corridor for migration. The western ghats called the Sahyadris in Goa, extend for a total of 600kms in Goa of their total length of 3702 kms.
Goa is endowed with over 1512 documented species of plants, over 275 genera of birds, over 48 genera of animals and over 60 genera of reptiles. About 10% of Goa is set aside as wildlife reserve and this area includes four large wildlife sanctuaries.
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhagwan Mahavir is the largest Goa wildlife reserve covering a staggering 240 square kilometres of land and including the Molem National Park.
This Goa wildlife reserve is situated on the Western Ghats and has an abundance of wildlife.
It is particularly well known for its many breeds of bird and because of this is ever popular with bird watchers and naturalist enthusiasts.
While daily visits are welcomed, to take true advantage of the staggering wildlife in Goa you would be better to spend at least a week taking the opportunity to view the vast array of animals.
The wildlife in Goa, and in particular the Bhagwan Mahavir reserve, includes leopards, jungle cats, Malayan giant squirrels,elephants, cobras and pythons. With such a diverse range of animals in the reserve grounds it is very easy to while away weeks trying to catch a glimpse of them all.
Private arrangements can be made with the Goa wildlife reserve organization to go an a Jeep trip though the reserve. Not only does this give you an excellent opportunity to view Goa wildlife first hand but it also enables you to see the historical and geographical landmarks that can be found within the confines of the reserve. There are other ways to view the animals, the vegetation and the birds. Molem national park has accommodation within its boundaries so you can stay in the thick of the wildlife you’ve come to view.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
If you’re looking for an incredible wildlife tour India has a number of suitable locations, not least the numerous sanctuaries that can be found in the state of Goa. Among the four major sanctuaries in this area is the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary.
A major attraction to school parties and tourists alike, Bondla provides the perfect setting for a wildlife tour India can be proud of.
10% of Goa has been set aside to conserve the vegetation and animals in the country, a lot of which can be seen in the Bondla sanctuary.
This jungle resort not only offers Goa wildlife tours in abundance but it also features residential cottages that can be rented by tourists looking to really get in the thick of Goa wildlife.
The Goa wildlife that Bondla sanctuary offers is varied to say the least. Despite only covering a total area of around 8 square kilometers Gaur and Sambhar deer are found in abundance, as are the state tree Matti and Rosewood. The sanctuary is able to boast a mini zoo, an impressive deer park and various gardens that make it a regular inclusion in many Goa wildlife tours.
The zoo contains excellent examples of the big cats of the area, various deer and other animals in their natural habitat. The deer safari park contains many types of deer, some common to the region of Goa, others much less common. The formal gardens and the botanical gardens show Goa wildlife off to its most beautiful. Bondla is also home to over a hundred different species of local bird and migratory birds during specific times of the year.
Catigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Cotigao wildlife sanctuary is one of the most incredible sights for the nature lover traveling to Goa.
In particular, Cotigao is perfect for the nature lover who wants to get down to the basics of naturalism by camping out with the wildlife and in amongst the vegetation.
The Cotigao Nature Interpretation Center is run by the nation Forest Department who will gladly help visitors by providing a snake proof camping area and many other necessities when it comes to camping out in the forest.
Cotigao is more likely to appeal to tree and plant lovers because the rare tigers and other animals that were once present in the area were unfortunately hunted into extinction long ago.
Gazelles, Panthers, Hyenas and Sloth Bears do reside in the trees but are rarely seen, having so much cover to hide in. The sanctuary was established in 1969 and since then has done incredible work to protect the vegetation in the area as well as the remaining animals.
Goa wildlife travel encompassing the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is unique because the layers of trees and other vegetation prevent virtually all sunlight from reaching ground level.
Be warned, it can become incredibly hot and humid because of the lack of wind. If you are looking for the basic Goa Wildlife Travel options then Cotigao is perfect. The Forest Department can provide canvas tents and other camping equipment but only have one two bed suite to offer, which is 2 kilometers away from the sanctuary itself.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
It’s quite surprising that the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is the only Goa wildlife reserve that is dedicated to the birds of the region.
Because the island of Chorao is full of mangrove swamps, the region produces exceptional cover and vegetation for many different breeds of local coastal bird as well as the perfect resting ground for migrating birds from all around the world.
The reason the mangrove swamps are so popular with birds is that they are home to numerous small insects and fish that begin the food chain.
The Goa wildlife reserve is a little less than 2 square kilometers in area and as well as the birds it is also possible to see jackals, flying squirrels and crocodiles.
In order to get to the island you will need to take a ferry but the sanctuary is within walking distance of the ferry dock. It is possible to travel around the sanctuary by boat but because the area is intertwined with many waterways, travel in this way is restricted to high tidal times.
If you are going on a Goa wildlife tour to see the incredible array of birds in the region then the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary should be on the top of your list of places to visit. It is proposed that a guided Goa wildlife tour through the sanctuary will soon start, although as yet, this hasn’t come to light so you will be left to your own devices.