Goa Wildlife and Spice Plantations
Goa is a natural habitat located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. This habitat is a home to wide variety of birds and animals. Goa has sanctuaries which are picturesque and bustling with animal life. Rain washed sanctuaries of Goa are overwhelming beautiful. These sanctuaries are quite clean and green away from the dust and din of the city. These sanctuaries are spread across 20% of the land area of Goa. Sanctuaries are situated along the western ghats and managed by the state’s Forest Department. These wildlife sanctuaries provide a proof that Goa is just not about beaches, churches and temples. There are three main wildlife sanctuaries in Goa : Bondla, Bhagwan Mahavir and Cotigao. These sanctuaries were formed around the 1960s. There is Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a small and wll preserved sanctuary located on the western tip of Chorao Island along the Mandovi river. Mollem National Park is located within the premises of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. These sanctuaries are open all round the year but still the best time to visit these sanctuaries is between October and March. As the monsoon past away, the scenic beauty of the sanctuary with variety of flora and fauna and cascading waterfalls is enthralling and captivating.
Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sancturary is stretched over an area of 1.8 sq. km. The sanctuary has fourteen different varieties of mangroves. These mangroves are divided at various points by different water canals. It is a natural habitat to birds. Enjoy the sight of mangroves by hiring a canoe and glide by. Exotic and enticing flora and fauna is worth watching here. Local as well as migratory birds can be seen along the banks of Mandovi river from November to January. Local birds include kingfishers, grey-headed mynas, eagles, egrets, kites, pheasant-tailed jacanas, common sandpipers, red-wattled lapwings, green bee-eaters and tailor birds. Some migratory birds looks so fascinating and these birds include purple moorhen, storks, cormorants, mallards and pintail ducks. Some rare animals can also be seen if your luck is favouring you. These rare animals are the Indian rock python, the flying fox and the Indian otter. The wildlife department is planning to use water channels for conducted tours.
Location:
This bird sanctuary is located on the western tip of Chorao island. This paradise is located just 5 km from Panaji city. You can reach here by ferry from Ribandar jetty. Ribandar jetty is situated on the southern bank of Mandovi.
Best time
The best time to visit at the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is from September to June. During this time, migratory birds used to flock here.
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary & Mollem National Park
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary was earlier known as Mollem Game Sanctuary. It lies along the Western Ghats to the east of Goa. It is stretched over an area of 240 sq. km. of dense vegetation. The sanctuary, located in Sanguem taluka, is divided by NH4A into two parts. This largest protected wildlife passes through Mormugao-Londa railway line. Variety of dense forests from deciduous to evergreen ones can be seen here. It is a home to many wild animals such as deer, boars, bisons, porcupines, flying lizards, sloth bears, panthers, jungle cats, langurs and many others. There is a variety of snakes and birds in the forest. It is quite fascinating experience for enthusiastic watchers as one can find variety of birds like the Malabar pied hornbill, grey jungle fowl, paradise flycatcher, Indian great black woodpecker, fairy bluebird, wagtails and shrikes. Goa’s Forest Department has constructed small dams, bandharas, using stones and boulders. These dams help to regulate streams in the sanctuary and therefore add to the beauty of the sanctuary. There are watchtowers near the water bodies to facilitate the tourists to watch the animals who come to drink the water. Sunset point is a perfect place to enjoy the panoramic view of hills and valleys. Dudh Sagar Falls is an evergreen valley in the Western Ghats. The fall look at its best during and after the monsoon season. It is just 18 km from Collem Railway Station. You can take a taxi from the station or reach by trek route. It is situated at the foot of the Western Ghats. This depectively beautiful and appealing place is not safe for swimming. Mahadev Temple is located 13 km from Mollem in Tambdi Surla. This temple is made from black basalt in the 12th century. You could buy forest products at the Nature Interpretation Centre at Mollem.
Reaching here
Hire a taxi from Panaji or Margao. Panaji is 57 km and Margao is 42 km from the sanctuary. Inter-state buses are available from Panaji on NH4A to Belgaum, Hubli and Bangalore halt at Mollem check post. It is open from 8am to 5pm.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is stretched over an area of 8 sq. km. It is close to Usgao.This sanctuary is situated in the Ponda area which is also known as Goa’s temple belt and so many tourist come here to visit and enjoy the sights of the sanctuary. Deciduous forests with small patches of evergreens are worth visiting here. Gaur is the state animal and can be easily spotted here. Sankes, peacocks, boars, jackals, porcupines, bisons, sloth bears, panthers, wild boars and toddy cats are some other animals to be seen here. It is a home to over a hundred species of birds. The botanical and formal gardens looks quite attractive and worth visiting here. Lawns are so spacious and exotic trees make the visit more special. Mini zoo is also situated here. This zoo is a home to many animals like snakes, peacocks, boars, jackals, porcupines, bisons, sloth bears, panthers, wild boars and toddy cats. Wide variety of wildlife is an add to the sanctuary in Goa. Nature Education Centre is another place to visit. You can also take an elephant ride to enjoy the holidays and make it memorable. Nature trails are also arranged here. An architectural exhibit, idol of Gajalaxmi, is believed to have been worshipped by ancient settlers. Having a spectacular bird life, Bondla is a home to over a hundred bird species. Sight of a ruby throated yellow bulbul, oriental dwarf kingfisher, Indian scimitar babbler and the brown fish owl is rare so just cross your fingers and have the good luck to see them. Satpal Arboretum is located 17 km from Bondla. Varieties of plants are cultivated here.
Location
It is located in Ponda taluka, Central Goa, 20 km from Mollem National Park. Hire a taxi from Panaji or Margao to reach at the Sanctaury. Panaji is 52 km from the sanctuary. If you want to take a train route, board the train from Collem. This route is stretched for 28 km and covers Mollem, Sancorda, Shivddem and Bondla. Forest department also offers bus services from Tiska to Bondla on all days except Thursdays.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 85.65 sq. km. and crossed by Talpona River. Galjibaga river flows along its southeastern boundary. This area is covered by dense trees. Some of the trees are tallest being about 30m. The sanctuary is home to many animals like langurs, bisons, boars, leopards, black panthers, deer, wild cats and pangolins. Chirping of the birds with noises of the animals are an add to the exotic visit to the sanctuary. There are lots of picturesque bandharas in the sanctuary. Tulsimol is a watch tower having a height of 3 m where you can easily spot animals. These animals come here to drink water. Early morning is just the best time to have a sight of these animals. Bhutpal is a tree top shelter, a perfect retreat in the sanctuary. Enchanting Bela Lake is also located in the sanctuary. There are some picnic spot to laze around are Galjibaga and Palolem. An ancient temple, Kuskem, is located 12 km from Hathipal. This temple is the entry point of the sanctuary. There is Nature Interpretation Centre run by the Forest Department. It conducts wildlife exhibitions and is a rich source of information. Jeevothan Parthagal Math is a centre of Vedic studies. It is a place worth visiting. Lord Parshuram temple is located 3 km from Hathipal. There is a legend says that Lord Parshuram is the creator of Goa.
Location
It is situated in the southern end of Goa in Canacona taluka. Cotiago Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 10 km southeast of Chaudi. To preserve a remote and vulnerable area of forest, it was established situated at the Goa-Karnataka border. To reach here, take a taxi from Panaji or Margao. There are bus services available from Karwar to reach there which halt at Canacona. This sanctuary is situated 10 km from Canacona. The timing is from 9 am to 5 pm.
Sacred Groves – Bambar
There is a sacred grove located at Bambar. It is 11 km from Goa-Karnataka broder. It has been preserved for more than two centuries to pay homage to the reigning deity ‘Nirankar’. Natural vegetation is preserved here as it has been the place of nature worship. Bambar grove has rare medicinal plants and is classified as a ‘Myristica Swamp Forest’. Several species of algae, lichens and epiphytes are also found here. The forest cover is about 0.25 hectares.
How To Reach
Bambar is located approx. 60 km from Panaji on the Valpoi-Nanode Road.
Nirancarachi Rai
The Nirancarachi Rai grove is spread over an area of 0.2 hectares. It has a unique micro-climatic ecosystem. It is located near Nanoda in Sattari taluka. The main aim of formation of Nirancarachi Rai is to protect the 19 different evergreen species and it also offers an opportunity for nature study.
Location
It is just 15 m away form Valpoi via Nagargao-Sattari.
Spice Plantation
Goa is very popular for its magnificent beaches, delectable cuisine and rustic charm. Besides this, Goa is also famous for its spice plantations. Goa is a place with tropical climate and dense forests and favorable for spice plantations. Organic methods of cultivation is quite popular here for all kinds of spices. Spice farms located in Ponda are open for visitors. This gives you also an opportunity for bird watching. Enjoy this picturesque scenery with a spicy lunch in Goa.
Sahakari Spice Farm
It is a 130 acre spice farm. Cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, herbs, betel, fruits and areca nut are cultivated here. Visitors are greeted with tender coconut water or green grass tea. You can also see various species of birds and many attractive butterflies here. An elephant ride can be a real bonus. There is a cashew processing factory and distillation unit for feni. After the tour of spice farm, you can take a buffet lunch here. These mouth-watering dishes are enough to savour your taste buds and you can also have feni before lunch.
Lcoation
It is located 2 km from Ponda and less than 4 km from Shantadurga Temple in Goa. This tour is available from 8:45 am to 5:30 pm. Fees of Rs. 300 is charged for the tour with the following inclusions: snacks and lunch. There is extra charges for an elephant ride here.
Savoi Plantation
Pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, turmeric, ginger and basil are grown at the farm. A cashew distillation unit is also installed there. At the farm restaurant, sumptuous buffet lunch is offered to you. There is also facility of accommodation at the farm. The farm is located 14 km from old Goa off the NH4A. It costs Rs. 300, inclusive of farm tour, snacks and lunch. Accommodation facility is also provided Rs. 1500 per couple inclusive of meals. The farm is open from 11 am to 6 pm.
Pascol Spice Village
Pepper, vanilla, ginger, turmeric, cardamom and fruits are frown at the farm. The large nursery of plants has variety of plants. There is a brook flowing through the farm is an add to the beauty of the farm. Enjoy watching and feeding the birds. A boat ride is also proves very exciting for you. The restaurant provides delicious home-made food at the farm. Take feni and enjoy the meal. It is at Khandepar, off the NH4A. It charges Rs. 300 per person, inclusive of farm tour, snacks and lunch and the accommodation costs Rs. 600-1000. It is open from 9 am to 5:30 pm.
Abyss
Abyss has plantation of medicinal plants, fruits and betel nuts in Savoi Verem. Ayurvedic massage is an add to the aura of the farm. At the end of the tour, this sumptuous vegetarian lunch is awaiting for you. It is located at Sai Farm at Savoi Varem in Ponda. The cost of the visit is Rs. 300 per person, inclusive of farm tour, snacks and lunch. The accommodation costs Rs. 800 per couple with meals. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm.
Tropical Spice Plantation
Spices, medicinal herbs, cashew and areca are grown at the farm. The medicinal herbs include Aloe Vera, Neem etc. A lake is also situated here so you can enjoy boating during tourist season. Have a Goan meal with beer or flavoured tea. It is located at Keri which is 6 km from Ponda and Mahalsa Temple. Cost of the visit is Rs. 300 per person, including of farm tour, snacks and lunch. To enjoy the boating at the lake, you need to pay extra amount. It is open from 9 am to 5:30 pm.
Wildernest Nature Resort
Wildernest Nature Resort is located in Swapnagandha Valley. It is situated in the middle of thick forests at 800 m above sea level. The resort overlooks the Vazra Falls and gives a fantastic view. This resort has eighteen well-furnished cottages with plate-glass windows, thatched roofs and wooden interiors. The hillside is thick with bamboo groves and many kinds of vegetation. The resort gives you an amazing view of the Vazra Falls from the dining room and the machan(a structure on stilts, built from bamboo and wood). This machan is situated 11 ft above the ground. The hills has bisons, leopards, monkeys and other wild animals. The resort surrounding the hills is a haven for nature lovers. Wildernest Nature Resort is at its best during the monsoon. The greenery all around is quite majestic and beholder to the eyes. Various kinds of butterflies, ranging in colour from black to electric blue to orange can be found here. The buffet meals is sumptuous one. You can enjoy the delicious dishes – lentils cooked with grated coconut, delicious spinach, fried fish, prawn curry and many other items.
Location
The resort is located on the eastern border of the north Goa. It is adjacent to Maharashtra and Karnataka, high in the Chorla Ghats, near Sanquelim, in Bicholim taluka.
The accommodation costs Rs. 3000 per couple for Forest View Rooms and Rs. 4000 per person for Valley View Rooms. In winter season, the Forest View Rooms costs Rs. 6500 and Valley View Rooms costs for Rs. 8000. Only day visits are allowed.
