Goa is not just a beach location; it is more than that. A very generous portion of wildlife still resides in the jungles of Goa. So, if you happen to be in Goa for a short trip, you can check out some of the following wildlife sanctuaries and feel really close to nature. Some of them will charge an entry fee, and others will allow you to enter for free.
Famous Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa
Make the most of your Goa trip. Goa is famous for its beautiful beaches and happening nightlife. But not a lot of people know that Goa is home to some of the most amazing wildlife sanctuaries in India, which houses a variety of flora and fauna.
Here is a list of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in Goa
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Ponda region, and it is open from 9 am to 5 pm. The entry fee for adults is Rs. 50 and for kids it is Rs. 20. Surrounded by lush green wood, this place is a great place for photography as well, but that will cost you Rs. 50 and Rs. 200 for photography and videography, respectively.
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You can also spend a night amidst the 100 species of birds and animals that have made this place their home. A dorm will cost you Rs. 600 per night while a room will be available at Rs. 1000 a day. Make sure to visit the deer park, botanical & rose garden and much more while you are here.
Molem Wildlife Sanctuary
Molem Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the middle of Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, and it is in the Sanguem region of Goa. Once you purchase a ticket for the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, you can enter this one, free of cost.
More than 120 varieties of animals and birds are found here including, golden Oriole, Drongo, Indian Hornbill, wagtails and more. You can decide to spend a whole day here, and even then, you will ask for more. The best time to visit this wildlife sanctuary is from November to March.
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Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary is located in the southern part of Goa, to be specific near Canacona Taluka. It is home to some of the rare species of animals, like, bellied woodpecker, Golden-back Gliding snake, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, and Malabar Trogon.
To ensure that the wildlife is not disturbed at all and you also get a great view of the whole area, there are viewpoints set at the top of trees at 25 meters, and they provide you with a 360-degree view.
The sanctuary opens at 7 am and stays open till 5:30 pm. The entry ticket is available at Rs.20 for adults and Rs.10 for kids. Photography and videography will attract extra charges.
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Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
If you want to experience the serene nature in its best form, make sure to pay a visit to the Mhadei Wildlife sanctuary that also houses two beautiful waterfalls. This place is located in Valpoi, Goa.
The evergreen forest and the 257 species of butterfly residing in the forest will make your day really special. Both flora and fauna are present in its full glory, and there are tiger cubs as well. The place is open from 8 am to 5 pm, every day.
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
You will find the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary at the Kali River basin forest which also has the Netravali Waterfall. With a spread over 211 km, this place is the home to innumerable species of flora and fauna.
This place can be accessed through road by a private car or taxi. Though the sanctuary is open for 24 hours, it is always better to visit the area in the day time.
You can find here wild animals such as Panthers, Cobras, Great Pied Hornbills Slender Loris, Giant Squirrels and the Malabar Tree Toad, which is quite rare.
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Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary
If you are a wildlife lover and want to visit the biggest sanctuary in Goa, just come to the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary. It is spread across in an area of 240 km.
The famous Dhangar nomadic buffalo herders can be found in this area. Apart from that, you will find a variety of flora and fauna in this region. The area becomes lush green during the monsoon season, and otherwise also the amount of greenery found is impressive.
This place is open from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm and the best time to visit is from November to March.
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Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
If you are an avid bird watcher, you can always come to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, which is open from 6 am to 6 pm. While you can visit the place anytime during the year, the best time will be December and January as the migratory birds can be seen in the sanctuary.
This place also has a 3-storied watchtower that overlooks a marshy canal. You can decide to come with your family and friends and spend a day amidst nature. The cost per ticket is Rs.10 for Indian nationals and Rs.100 for foreign tourists, and camera charges extra.
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Goa is not only about its sea beaches and spice gardens or the party life. It has more to offer, and if you travel on purpose, you will be able to explore an all-new side of Goa, which is natural, beautiful, exotic and quite different from rest of India. So don’t miss the chance to experience Goa through its Sanctuaries.
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