Wildlife Tours

1. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary & Mollem National Park

• Location: Near the town of Mollem, about 50 km from Panaji.
• Experience: This sanctuary, one of the largest in Goa, covers an area of over 240 square kilometers and is home to rich flora and fauna. It is a great place for nature walks, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.
• Activities: You can take a guided safari, go trekking, or visit the Tambdi Surla Waterfall within the sanctuary.
• Wildlife: The sanctuary is home to species such as tigers, leopards, Indian elephants, sloth bears, and various species of birds like the Indian hornbill and woodpeckers.

2. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

• Location: On the island of Chorao near the Mandovi River, accessible via a short boat ride from Old Goa.
• Experience: Named after the famous Indian ornithologist Salim Ali, this sanctuary is one of the best places for birdwatching in Goa. It is a protected area with mangrove forests, mudflats, and a variety of flora and fauna.
• Activities: Take a boat ride or a walk along the designated trails in the sanctuary. Birdwatching tours are a must for avid birders.
• Wildlife: Home to over 200 species of birds, including kingfishers, egrets, herons, and migratory birds like the flamingos and spoonbills.

3. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: In South Goa, around 60 km from Panaji, near the border with Karnataka.
• Experience: The sanctuary is known for its dense forest and diverse wildlife. It’s one of the best places for a peaceful wildlife experience away from the tourist crowds.
• Activities: Guided nature walks or trekking tours. You can visit the watchtower inside the sanctuary for better views and wildlife sightings.
• Wildlife: You may spot animals like gaur (Indian bison), deer, wild boar, and leopards. It’s also a great spot for bird watching, with a range of woodpeckers, hornbills, and Indian rollers.

4. Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: In the interior of South Goa, around 30 km from Canacona.
• Experience: Netravali is a hidden gem in Goa, ideal for eco-tourism and nature lovers. The sanctuary features a blend of dense forests, waterfalls, and picturesque landscapes.
• Activities: Guided trekking tours that take you to the famous Netravali Waterfalls and through the dense forests. It’s less commercialized, providing a serene environment.
• Wildlife: The sanctuary is home to a range of animals including Indian bison, leopards, and wild boar, and is also a great place to spot butterflies and migratory birds.

5. Mollem National Park

• Location: Part of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Mollem.
• Experience: A pristine, natural habitat in the Western Ghats, Mollem National Park is home to a variety of species, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.
• Activities: Go on nature walks, visit Tambdi Surla Temple, or embark on a guided safari to explore the park's rich biodiversity.
• Wildlife: It’s a good spot for sightings of Indian elephants, tigers, leopards, and many species of birds and reptiles.