Goa’s “ Bird –friendly” environment and rich vegetation abounds with a fascinating diversity of wild life including birds, mammals. Keen bird watchers can see an abundance of variegated avian species like the Hoopoe, Kingfisher, Drongo ,Black kite, Open bill stork, Weaver bird, doves, Flower picker , Parrot, Peacock , Bee-eater, pipits and Wagtails……………… and more.

BHAGVAN MAHAVIR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY-MOLEM

Situated along the North-East border of Goa at Molem, about one-and-a-half hours’ journey from Panaji (60 kms.), the Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife sanctuary covers 240sq.kms. of thick forest clad slope of western Ghats and its valleys and is the biggest of the three sanctuaries of Goa. The sanctuary is rich in wildlife and is a paradise for bird watchers. Besides  the flora and fauna there are many important geological and historical features in this sanctuary. The “Devil canyon” and the famous Tambdi Surla temple are about 13 kms from Molem. The Dept. of Tourism has built comfortable Cottages and dormitories for tourists.

BONDLA FOREST

50 kms. from Panaji and 38 kms. from Margao is the smallest of the three wildlife sanctuaries with an area of just 8 km. It is popular with school-going children and nature lovers. Its mini zoos, sprawling deer park in natural habitat, botanical and rose gardens attract people throughout the year. Comfortable cottage are available here for tourists.

COTIGAO WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Was established in 1969 and is the second largest of the three wildlife sanctuaries with an area of 86 sq.kms. It is covered with dense forest and varied wildlife, avian fauna and reptiles. The ancient Jeevottam Partagal Math, noted for Vedic studies, lies in the vicinity of the sanctuary. There is a Nature Interpretation Centre. One room is available at the Forest Rest House and the park has some very basic tent accommodation.

Dr. SALIM ALI BIRD SANCTUARY- CHORAO, PANAJI

Spread over 1.78 sq. kms. and located at the western tip island of Chorao along the river Mandovi near Panaji, it is fully covered with mangroves and swirling waterways. Between October to February it is a bird watcher’s delight with an amazingly rich variety of birdlife