Goa is also home to several wildlife sanctuaries, which offer visitors the chance to see a diverse array of flora and fauna in their natural habitats. Here are some of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in Goa:
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the eastern part of Goa, the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of over 240 square kilometers and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, wild boar, and leopards. The sanctuary also features several trekking routes and waterfalls, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated in the southern part of Goa, the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of over 105 square kilometers and is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including monkeys, deer, and giant squirrels. The sanctuary also features several trekking routes and a picturesque waterfall.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: Located on the western tip of Chorao Island, the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is named after the renowned Indian ornithologist and is home to over 400 species of birds, including several migratory species that arrive in the winter months. Visitors can take a boat tour of the sanctuary and see birds in their natural habitats.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated in the northern part of Goa, the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of over 8 square kilometers and is home to several species of deer, monkeys, and wild boar. The sanctuary also features a botanical garden, a zoo, and a nature trail.
Overall, Goa's wildlife sanctuaries offer visitors a chance to see the region's natural beauty up close and are a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the beaches and towns. Whether you're a nature lover, a birdwatcher, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Goa's wildlife sanctuaries have something to offer everyone.
Overview of wildlife sanctuaries in Goa
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary: This is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Goa and covers an area of over 240 square kilometers. It is home to several species of mammals, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and Indian bison. The sanctuary is also rich in birdlife and reptiles. Visitors can go on treks, birdwatching tours, and explore the Dudhsagar waterfall, which is located within the sanctuary.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: Located on Chorao Island, this sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers. It is home to over 400 species of birds, including several migratory birds that arrive in the winter months. Visitors can take a boat ride along the Mandovi River and spot birds in their natural habitat.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary: This is the smallest wildlife sanctuary in Goa, covering an area of just 8 square kilometers. It is home to several species of deer, monkeys, wild boar, and Indian bison. The sanctuary also features a botanical garden, a zoo, and a nature trail.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is located in the southern part of Goa and covers an area of over 86 square kilometers. It is home to several species of mammals, including tigers, leopards, and deer. The sanctuary is also home to a diverse array of birdlife and reptiles. Visitors can go on treks, nature walks, and explore the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary Waterfall.
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is located in the eastern part of Goa and covers an area of over 211 square kilometers. It is home to several species of mammals, including tigers, leopards, and deer. The sanctuary is also rich in birdlife, reptiles, and several species of butterflies. Visitors can go on treks, nature walks, and explore the Netravali Waterfall.
Overall, Goa's wildlife sanctuaries are a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With their rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and a variety of activities, they offer visitors a chance to explore the region's natural beauty up close.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located on the Chorao Island in Goa, and is named after the famous Indian ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali. It covers an area of 1.8 square kilometers and is known for its diverse birdlife, especially migratory birds that visit during the winter months.
The sanctuary is home to over 400 species of birds, including kingfishers, eagles, herons, and storks. Some of the migratory birds that can be spotted here include the peregrine falcon, osprey, and the Western Reef Egret. The sanctuary is also home to several species of mangroves, which provide a unique habitat for many of the bird species found here.
Visitors to the sanctuary can take a boat ride along the Mandovi River and spot birds in their natural habitat. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between November and February, when the migratory birds arrive. The sanctuary is also home to other wildlife, such as jackals, crocodiles, and otters, which can also be spotted during the boat ride.
The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit for birdwatchers and nature lovers, and is a unique and peaceful escape from the bustling beaches of Goa.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular nature reserve in Goa, located in the Ponda taluka of the state. It is spread across an area of 8 square kilometers and is known for its rich flora and fauna.
The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of animals including leopards, sloth bears, deer, gaur, wild boar, and several species of primates such as bonnet macaques and langurs. The reserve also has a large number of birds, with over 120 species recorded here.
Visitors can explore the sanctuary by taking a nature walk through the forest trails or by taking a guided tour. The sanctuary also has a mini zoo with several species of deer, monkeys, and birds on display. There is also a botanical garden within the sanctuary, which has a collection of several species of plants.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal destination for nature lovers and those who are interested in wildlife. It is a great place for a family outing or a picnic and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Goa, located in the Canacona taluka of the state. The sanctuary is spread across an area of 86 square kilometers and is known for its dense forests and rich wildlife.
The sanctuary is home to several species of animals such as leopards, sloth bears, gaur, spotted deer, sambar, and many species of reptiles and birds. The reserve is also known for its tall trees, with some of them being more than 30 meters high.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the sanctuary, which will take them through the dense forests and offer a chance to spot some of the wildlife that resides here. The sanctuary also has a watchtower from where visitors can get a panoramic view of the sanctuary and the surrounding hills.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit for nature lovers and those interested in wildlife. It is a great place to spend a day with family and friends, and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life.
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the western state of Goa, India. It covers an area of approximately 240 square kilometers and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and various species of birds. The sanctuary also includes the Dudhsagar Waterfalls and the Tambdi Surla temple, which are popular tourist attractions.
Activities at the wildlife sanctuaries
The activities that can be done at wildlife sanctuaries may vary depending on the specific sanctuary and its rules and regulations. However, some common activities that may be available at wildlife sanctuaries include:
Wildlife watching and photography
Bird watching
Trekking and hiking
Safari tours
Camping
Nature walks and guided tours
Environmental education programs
Boating and kayaking
Angling and fishing (in some sanctuaries)
It's important to note that visitors must follow the rules and regulations of the wildlife sanctuary to ensure the safety of both visitors and the animals residing within the sanctuary.
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