Home to a rich and rarefied wildlife, Mollem Nation Park is
situated in the heart of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. The park is
spread in an area of 107 sq km abundant with dense forests. Mollem National
Park was notified as a National Park since 1978. It covers the core zone of
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. Located 65 km away from Panaji, Mollem
Nation Park is named after the village Mollem in Sanguem Taluka where it is
located. Placed on the slopes of Western Ghat ranges, it is very near
eastern Goa-Karnataka border. This national park is sheltering a number of
animals, birds and plants which are otherwise on the verge of extinct. Come
to the park for its virgin treasure of nature.
The Flora
West Coast Semi- Evergreen Forests, West Coast Tropical Evergreen Forests
and Moist Deciduous Forests are the major types of vegetation in and around
this national park. Terminalia, Xylia, Dalbergia, and Lagerstromia are some
of the species here. Evergreen forests are mainly centered on higher
altitudes and along the river banks. Grass is very limited.
The
Fauna
Gaur, leopards, chital, mouse deer, barking deer, wild boar, Indian
porcupine, wild dogs, leopard cat, sambar deer, bonnet macaque, common
langur, jungle cat, civet, flying squirrels, Malabar giant squirrel,
pangolin, and the slender loris. Poisonous snakes such as king cobras,
pythons, kraits, and vipers etc.
The Avifauna
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. This wildlife sanctuary is also home to around 200
avian species.
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
In the heart of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary 65 km from Panaji, in
Sanguem Taluka
Best Season
October to March
8.00am to 5.00 pm
Entry Fee
Adult Rs 20
Child Rs 5
Extra charges for camera and vehicle
Where to Stay
You can stay at Dudhsagar Resort at Mollem which is just a few hundred
metres away from this national park. Rooms, rest houses and dormitories
maintained by state government can also be preferred. Permission can be
taken from the Range Forest Officer if you want to pitch your own tents in a
campsite. Two other private resorts are very close to Tambdi Surla Temple.
These are Shanti Nature Resort and Backwoods.
How to Reach
Nearest airport at Dabolim is 80 km away from Mollem National park. Colem
railway station is the nearest railhead, placed 6 km from the park.. You can
pick buses or hire taxis, available at regular intervals from Panaji and
Margao.
