Wildlife in Goa

Goa, a land of surprises does not disappoints anyone. Blessed by mother nature, its rich flora and fauna is a major tourist attraction. A break from the beaches and parties in the sanctuaries amidst the flora and fauna is a pleasant change. The beautiful jungles are well preserved by the environment concerned people and government. A trip along the western ghats will lay bare in front of you the secrets that Goa preserves within its thick green carpet.

Twenty percent of Goa is covered by wildlife protected areas, digging a little deep into the jungles or by estuaries will only reveal more . Not to forget the birds, Goa is a favourite of the a wide species of birds and many avid bird watchers throng the river sides and jungles to catch glimpses.

So So it's not just the 'wild' parties but a rich wildlife that waits you in Goa. Whenever you feel like coming close to nature, just visit one of the wildlife sanctuaries. But if you are seriously interested in wildlife and it is not just a change you are seeking from the beaches, then patience is the key word for you. Take an accommodation in or around a sanctuary in nature's bounty and feel the communion with the nature.


Distance :52km from Panaji, 38km from Margao

Salim Ali Bird SanctuaryAway from the coast, the Goan landscape breaks into the dramatic and green foothills of the Western Ghats. These foothills shelter the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary; the smallest wildlife reserve in Goa, which occupies an area of 80sq. km. The sanctuary has the sambar, gaur (Indian bison) and wild boar, amongst others animals. Elephants have been spotted here at times. Perhaps they come in from across Karnataka to enjoy the sea breeze and check out Goa. The sanctuary houses a botanical garden, a rose garden, a small deer-park and a zoo, which was initially established to shelter orphaned animals.




At the confluence of the Mandovi and Mapusa Rivers lies the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, spread across an area of 2sq. km. in the Charoa Island. The wildlife sanctuary supports rich mangrove forests, which are home to a host of birds, a sizeable population of flying foxes, jackals, crocodiles, turtles and some other life forms endemic to coastal wildlife.


The Mandovi-Zuari Wildlife Sanctuary

has a stretch of rich mangrove swamps, considered to be amongst the most important in the country. Spread over a vast area, this wildlife sanctuary is home to about 20 different species of mangroves that include the rare Kandelia candel species. The swamps support a large variety of fish, birds, jackals, snakes, and crocodiles, to name a few.



Distance : 60km from Panaji

Getting to the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is a little tedious; but if you are in the mood to be in the middle of woods and discover the quieter side of Goa, the journey is well worth the trouble. Catigao is Goa’s second largest wildlife reserve. The 105sq. km. of forested land provides shelter to a number of birds and animals. If you go with the intention of seeing some of India’s legendary fauna here, then you could be in for a disappointment, as spotting the more famous wild animals is not extremely common. But the expansive forestland is a welcome change.

Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary: The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Goan town of Mollem
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