Major wildlife sanctuaries and reserves of Goa

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary : Goa

Along the north from Panaji on the road to Belgaum, is a sanctuary that covers 240-sq-kms. Thick forest clad the slopes of the Western Ghats that is rich in wildlife and a paradise for bird watchers. Mahavir is particularly known for its Leopards, Elephants, Deers & Gaur Or Indian Bison.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary : Goa

Up in the lush foothills of the Western Ghats, Bondla is good place to see Sambhar and Wild Boar. It is smallest of the Goan Wildlife Sanctuaries. Its area is 8-sq-kms but easiest one to reach. Situated 55-km from Panajim and 38-km from Margoa, the sanctuary includes a Botanical Garden, fenced Deer Park and Zoo, which is better than most, with reasonably spacious enclosures.

Fauna: Monkeys, Wild Boar, Deer, Gaur, Langurs, Jackals, Pythons, and Leopards populate the hills to the southeast. Bondla is also another bird-watching haven like its counterparts at Chorao and Cotigao. Rangado River flows on the east of this forest and Madhel on its north. Bondla forest nest Bison, Wild Beer, Deer, Leopard, various types of serpent and birds.

Cotigoa Wildlife Sanctuary : Goa

The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, 10-km southeast of Chaudi, was established in 1969 to protect a remote and vulnerable area of forest lining the Goa- Karnataka border. Encompassing 86-sq-kms of mixed deciduous woodland, Cotigao is a peaceful and scenic park that makes a pleasant day trip from Palolem, 12-km northwest. The reserve is certain to inspire tree lovers, but less likely to yield many wildlife sightings: its Tigers and Leopards were hunted out long ago, while the Gazelles, Sloth Bears, Porcupines, Panthers and Hyenas that allegedly lurk in the woods rarely appear. Visitors however, stand a good chance of spotting at least two species of Monkey, a couple of Wild Boar and the Odd Gaur.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary : Goa

On the western tip to the island of Chorao along River Mandovi, mangrove swamps cover this bird-watchers' paradise aptly named after India's best-known ornithologist. Apart from a rich variety of coastal birds, one may spot flying foxes, jackals and crocodiles.