If you want to have a close look at rich and rarefied wildlife,
captivating landscape and dense evergreen forests, then Goa's Bhagwan
Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place for you. Located 65 km away
from Panaji, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Mollem village
in Sanguem Taluka. It is located on the slopes of Western Ghat ranges which
is very close to eastern Goa-Karnataka border. Formerly known as Mollem Game
Sanctuary, it was renamed as Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary later.
Covering an area of 240 sq. km, dense forests in it range from evergreen to
moist deciduous. It makes it an ideal habitat for a variety of flora and
avian species.
The Flora
Three major types - West Coast Semi- Evergreen Forests, West Coast Tropical
Evergreen Forests and Moist Deciduous Forests. Here, you will see the
species of Terminalia, Xylia, Dalbergia, Lagerstromia etc. Grass is very
limited here while the evergreen forests are mainly centered on higher
altitudes and along the river banks.
The Fauna
Leopard Cat, Panther, Mouse Deer, Jungle Cat, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer,
Gaur, Porcupine, Wild Boar, Wild Dog, Sambar, Common Langur, Flying
Squirrel, Bonnet Macaque, Civet, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Slender Loris,
Pangolin etc. Sometimes tigers have also been spotted here. The sanctuary is
famous for numerous snakes including King Cobras, Python, Krait, Viper and
non-poisonous snakes also.
The Avifauna
This wildlife sanctuary is also home to around 200 avian species. Some of
the popular bird species here are Paradise flycatcher, Indian great black
woodpecker, Emerald dove, Malabar pied hornbill, Great Indian hornbill, Grey
jungle fowl, Fairy bluebird, Drongo, Wag tails, Shrikes, Barbets,
Kingfishers etc.
The Activities
You can drive in or just walk along the mud trails. When you trek through
the dense forest, you will find herds of bison besides other animals.
Observe each and every moment of wildlife. Don't walk through the large webs
which may be spun amidst tree branches. Have a close us at the huge spiders
and colourful butterflies including Chocolate Pansy, Crimson Rose and Blue
Mormon.
Location
65 km from Panaji, in Sanguem Taluka
Best Season
October to March - 8.00am to 5.00 pm
Entry Fee
Rs 20 for Adult, Rs 5 for Child (extra charges for camera and vehicle)
Where to Stay
One good option is Dudhsagar Resort at Mollem. It is a few hundred metres
away from the sanctuary entrance. You can also stay in rooms, rest houses
and dormitories of state government. You can also take prior permission from
the Range Forest Officer for pitching your own tents in a campsite within
the sanctuary. Shanti Nature Resort and Backwoods are two other private
resorts, very close to Tambdi Surla Temple.
How to Reach
Nearest airport at Dabolim is 80 km away from this wildlife sanctuary.
Nearest railhead, 6 km from sanctuary is at Colem railway station. Buses and
taxis are available at regular intervals for Mollem from Panaji and Margao.
