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.
