Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Factfile
Location : Located on the Chorao island in Tiswadi Taluka, 5 kms from Panaji.
Area : 1.8 sq. km
Major Attractions : Pintail ducks, Cormorants, Storks, Mallards and Purple Moorhen.
Best Time to Visit : November to February. The bird sanctuary can be visited any time in the year with the permission of the Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest Department.
Entry Fee : Rs. 50

Introducing Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
If you are a bird lover and planning a trip to Goa, then your trip is not complete without paying a visit to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Often referred to as the bird-watchers' paradise, the bird sanctuary is named after India's renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali. The only bird sanctuary of Goa, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is home to a variety of birds and an interesting bird species can turn up almost anywhere.

In its 1.8 sq km area, you can watch a wide variety of domestic as well migratory birds. And, if you are lucky enough, you might spot other wildlife here like the flying fox, the Indian rock Python and smooth Indian otter.

On the western tip of the Chorao island along the river Mandovi are the mangrove swamps. Here, the mangroves are filled with chirping birds, which is enough to keep you hooked. About 14 species of mangroves are present here, which provide an ideal breeding ground for Shrimps, Planktons, tiny Crabs and estuarine fish. Apart from these, the mangrove also provide feeding ground for bird species.

Bird Species
You can see a variety of migratory birds during November to February in this bird sanctuary. Famous migratory birds that you can spot here include Cormorants, Pintail Ducks, Storks, Mallards and Purple Moorhen. The resident birds which you can watch here include a variety of Drongos, Herons, Kites, Baya (weaverbirds), Eagles, Egrets, Kingfisher, Grey-headed Myna, Purple Sunbird, Tailor Birds, Redshank, Red-wattled Lapwing, Common Sandpipers, Pheasant-tailed Jacana and Green Bee-eater.
Activities You Can Take Part in
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is criss-crossed with a network of water channels. Cruise along the placid waters of the canals, to the soothing sound of the water gently lapping against the boat and melodious calls of the birds. While on boat cruise, also get a fantastic view of the white-bellied sea eagle coming down swiftly to catch a fish from the waters.

Alternatively, climb the watch-tower which has been constructed in this Bird Sanctuary for providing you a better view of the birds.

Where to Stay
Panaji is the ideal base to visit the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Plenty of accommodation is available in Panaji, which you can opt according to your budget. Most popular hotels of Panaji include the Hotel Ashoka Plaza, Hotel Casa Pinho, Hotel Check Inn, Hotel Delmon, Hotel La Grande, Hotel Manvins etc.

How to Reach
Panaji, the capital of Goa is the nearest major city. From Panaji, you have to take a taxi or bus to the Ribander ferry jetty. The Ribander ferry jetty is situated at a distance of 3 kms from Panaji along the Linhares Causeway. From Ribander jetty, take a ferry across the Mandovi river to the island of Chorao.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Tour Packages

	Goa Tour in India (05 Days) Features : If you are a die-hard bird enthusiast and want to see a variety of birds, then you can pay a visit to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in your Goa Tour in India. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is close to Goa's capital Panaji, so while visiting the city you can easily explore this sanctuary.

India by Day & Night (31 Days) Features : India by Day and Night provides you a wonderful opportunity to visit the wildlife sanctuaries of Goa. On seventh day of this tour, while visiting Old Goa and Panaji, you may visit the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (optional, not included in the tour). In Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary you can see bird species like Pintail ducks, Cormorants, Storks, Mallards and Purple Moorhen. Boat cruises provide a wonderful and funfilled opportunity to see a range of these birds.

	Rajasthan Heritage & Goa (22 Days) Features : On Day 17 of Rajasthan Heritage and Goa, you will visit the towns of North Goa and while visiting the towns of North Goa, you can also visit the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Situated close to Goa's capital Panaji, on the Chorao Island, this bird sanctuary is home to avian species such as Cormorants, Purple Moorhen, Pintail ducks, Storks, Mallards etc.

Best of South India (13 Days) Features : Blessed with a rich variety of forests, Goa is home to a number of wildlife sanctuaries and parks which preserve abundant habitat of wild animals as well as birds. On Best of South India tour, you may visit the five attractive wildlife sanctuaries namely Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.