Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

The Western Ghats form one of the 18 biodiversity hotspots in the world. Goa is nestled in the Western Ghats and the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest sanctuaries in Goa. Though Goa's rich wildlife diversity may not be as famed as it beaches, Goa also has sanctuaries such as the Bhondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary and Dr. Sálim Wildlife Sanctuary. And very few people might be aware but Goa's forests are actually said to house tigers too. The Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. However, political interests and industrialisation are taking a toll on the sanctuary as activities such as mining threaten forestland. The best way to conserve wildlife is by conserving the habitat of the wildlife and it is in our interests to see that the pristine beauty of the Western Ghats is preserved for all time to come.

Best Season

The best time to visit Goa would be during the months of November till about March, though it might be crowded as most tourists visit during this period. The monsoons last from March-April to about October-November. In the summer, maximum temperatures in Goa can rise to 35⁰C and the humidity is over 85 per cent. Also, the climate tends to get hotter just after the monsoons.

Accommodation

There is no official accommodation available under the management of the Wildlife and Ecotourism Wing at Mollem. However, the Forest Department has one suite available at the Forest Rest Hose at Mollem. For bookings, please contact: Deputy Conservator of Forests (North Goa), Dhavli-Ponda, Goa. Tel.: 0832-312095.

Another option is to stay in cottages and dormitories available at the Forest Resort Complex in Mollem, run by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation. Tel.: 0832-226782/ 226515/ 224132. For bookings contact: The Manager, Tourist Cottages, Goa Tourism Development Corporation, Mollem, Taluka Sanguem, Goa. Tel.: 0832-600238. 

Accommodation is also available in various private hotels suiting all kinds of budgets throughout Goa.

Transport

By Air: Goa is well connected with regular flights available from all major cities in India. Dambolim is the airport nearest to the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary. From Dambolim, one can travel to Mollem (67 km.) by road via Margao, Ponda and Tiska.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is at Collem South Central Railway. From Collem, one has to travel 6 km. to Mollem. The Konkan Railway stops at the Carambolim Karmali station. From Carambolim, one has to travel 50 km. to Mollem via Old Goa-Ponda-Tiska.

By Road: If one is travelling by road, National Highway 4A (on the Western Ghats) passes through the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary. All inter-state buses from Belgaum, Hubli and Bangalore halt at Mollem where the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary office is located. The routes often taken are either via Panaji-Ponda-Tiska-Mollem (57 km.) or via Margao-Ponda-Tiska-Mollem (42 km.). Taxis and tourist buses are cheap and comfortable to travel in within Goa. At the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, often taxi drivers can also act as guides. Hiring a car is not a very economical option and it is also not very easy for a tourist to drive around in Goa as the roads are bad and local drivers may be rash. It is often best to hire a driver from the hotel you're staying in as such drivers work at fixed rates, so there is no question of bargaining or being cheated.

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Along the north from Panaji on the road to Belgaum, is a sanctuary that covers 240-sq-kms. Thick forest clad slopes of the Western Ghats that is rich in wildlife and a paradise for bird watchers. The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Goan town of Mollem. With a total area of 240 sq kms, this is the largest of Goa's four protected wildlife areas, and contains within it The Molem National Park. The sanctuary is situated on the eastern border of Goa, with Karnataka 53 kms away from Panaji and 54 kms away from Margao. It is easily accessible by both road and rail. Unless you stay for at least a couple of days, it is unlikely that you will catch a glimpse of many of the animals that are sheltered in the sanctuary, including Gaur, Sambar, Leopards, Spotted Deer, Slender Toris, Jungle Cats, Malayan Giant Squirrels, Pythons and Cobras. There are important geographical and historical features in this sanctuary. Jeeps on private arrangements go to the interior of the forest. The sanctuary is particularly known for its Leopards, Elephants, Deers & Gaur Or Indian Bison. It is more convenient to view wild animals from the Devil's Canion View Point. Bird lovers may also find their best time over here. The famous temple of Tambdisurla of the Kadambas is situated 13-km from here. In Mangalore to Margao journey on Konkan Railway one can enjoy the beauty of Dudhsagar through the windows. Mollem has comfortable cottages and dormitories built by the Directorate of Tourism for accommodation. Police Outpost at the gateway of the sanctuary in calm and quiet surroundings is like a painting on a canvas in Mollem. The sanctuary's setting in the foothills of the Western Ghats is wonderful and the countryside is one of the most peaceful that you'll come across in Goa. One hundred metres west of the entrance to the Molem Tourist Resort is the Nature Education Centre, where you can contact the Range Forest Officer, from whom you can obtain permission for vehicle access through the main park gate (which is about 3 km east along the National Highway 4A). There is also an observation platform a few kms into the park and the best time to see wildlife is in the early morning or late evening. AROUND MOLEM The structure of the 13th century Mahadeva Temple at Tambdi Surla is the only surviving evidence of the glorious Kadamba Dynasty in Goa. Besides being historically interesting, it's also visually striking. The temple appears to have survived the ravages of both the Muslim and Portuguese invaders by the virtue of its incredibly isolated location. The temple is about 13 kms north of Molem, and a trip out to it, along the quiet country lanes, is an experience not to be missed.