Fast Facts
Location : In Sanguem Taluka, 65 kms from Panaji.
Area : 240 sq. km
Major Attractions : Panther, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Mouse Deer,
Barking Deer
Best Time To Visit : October to March
Timings : 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Entry Fee : Adult Rs. 20, Child Rs. 5, Extra charges for
camera and vehicle.
Camera Charges : Still Camera Rs. 30, Video Camera Rs.
150.
Vehicle Entry : Two wheelers Rs. 40, Cars Rs. 120, Mini
buses/ Vans Rs. 250.
Introducing Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
If you desire to get a close look of varied wildlife, thick evergreen
forests and amazing landscape as well, then Goa's Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife
Sanctuary is the perfect place for you. 65 kms away from Panaji, on
Panaji-Belgaum Road Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sancturay is a lush green belt
of evergreen forests and deciduous trees. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
is located at Mollem village in Sanguem Taluka, close to the eastern
Goa-Karnataka border on the slopes of Western Ghat ranges.
Formerly known as Mollem Game Sanctuary, this sanctuary was subsequently
renamed as Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. With Mollem National Park
(107 sq. km) in its centre, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary covers an
area of 240 sq. kms. Dense forests ranging from evergreen to moist deciduous
make it ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife and avian species, which are
visual delight for you.
Flora of the Sanctuary
The vegetation of the sanctuary consists of three major types - West Coast
Tropical Evergreen Forests, West Coast Semi- Evergreen Forests and Moist
Deciduous Forests. Here, you will see the species of Terminalia, Xylia,
Dalbergia, Lagerstromia etc. Availability of grass is very limited, while
evergreen forests are mainly centred on higher altitudes and along the river
banks.
Fauna of the Sanctuary
Wildlife which you can spot in this sanctuary include Panther, Leopard Cat,
Jungle Cat, Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Gaur, Wild Boar, Wild
Dog, Sambar, Porcupine, Bonnet Macaque, Common Langur, Civet, Flying
Squirrel, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Pangolin, Slender Loris etc. In the past
Tigers have also been spotted here occasionally. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife
Sanctuary is famous for King Cobras, but you can also see other snakes like
Python, Krait, Viper etc. and non-poisonous snakes as well.
If you are birdwatching
enthusiasts, this sanctuary offers excellent opportunities for you. Bhagwan
Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is home to around 200 avian species. Some of the
popular bird species which you can see here are Indian great black
woodpecker, Malabar pied hornbill, Great Indian hornbill, Paradise
flycatcher, Fairy bluebird, Drongo, Emerald dove, Grey jungle fowl, Wag
tails, Barbets, Kingfishers, Shrikes etc.
Activities You Can Take Part In
Drive in, or better walk along the mud trails. As you trek through dense
forest, you may see herd of bison or several other animals. Keep your eyes
always open to spot the wildlife and don't walk through the large webs spun
amidst the tree branches. Get a close look of the giant spiders and gorgeous
butterflies such as the Crimson Rose, the Chocolate Pansy and the Blue
Mormon.
Further climb up to the watchtowers near the waterholes to get a fantastic
view of the animals who come to quench their thirst. You can also spot a
wide variety of bird species in this sanctuary. To get a breathtaking view
of the surrounding hills and valleys visit the Sunset Point, where the
beauty of majestic Golden Goan sunset will treat you.
Nearby Attractions
Dudhsagar
Waterfall : Dudhsagar Waterfall is the crowning glory of the Bhagwan
Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. The picturesque waterfall that originates in the
neighbouring state of Karnataka is the highest waterfall in Goa. The
waterfall gushes down from a height of 300 m. Its sparkling white water
splashes into a wide gorge making it milky all along thereby giving it the
name of 'Dudhsagar." For visiting the Dudhsagar Falls, you can hire
taxis from Mollem and Collem.
Devil's Canyon : Devil's Canyon, is a splendid piece of
Geological rock formation, criss-crossed by underwater passes of the river
Khandepar. Due to the huge turbulence in the water, the area near the
Devil's Canyon is not safe for swimming, so don't ever try to swim.
Tambdi Surla : About 13 kms from Mollem, Tambdi Surla is
home to 12th century Mahadev Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is
carved out of a black granite stone. Admire the splendid carved walls and
the chiselled monolithic pillars of this temple, built by the Kadambas
during in the 12th Century.
Eco-tourism Wing : To get the valuable information about
the forest and the vegetation in this sanctuary, visit the Eco-tourism wing.
The Nature Interpretation Centre has a informative collection of forest
products. Recently the Forest Department has appointed eco-tourism guides at
Collem, who will guide you to visit Dudhsagar Waterfall or the Bhagwan
Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.
Where to Stay
Accommodation is available in rest houses, rooms and dormitories of the
Tourism Department of Goa. A few hundred metres away from the sanctuary
entrance, the Dudhsagar Resort at Mollem is a good option for accommodation.
You can also pitch your own tents in a campsite within the sanctuary, by
taking prior permission from the Range Forest Officer, Mollem. North of
Mollem, close to the Tambdi Surla Temple are two other private resorts -
Backwoods and Shanti Nature Resort.
How to Reach
Dabolim airport is 80 kms away from the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.
Colem railway station 6 kms away from the sanctuary, is the nearest
railhead. Other major railheads are Margao (42 kms) and Panaji (65 kms).
Taxi and Buses ply to Mollem from Panaji and Margao.
