Goa might have been primarily branded as a coastal tourism hub and a events/party destination, but the Eco-tourism potential of the State is slowly and surely getting it’s due. The scale of biodiversity nestled in the west-coastal state of Goa, is nothing short of a bonanza for nature-lovers.
Experts feel that Goa needs to be promoted according to its holistic attributes. Moreover, the tourists visiting Goa should also be oriented about the sensitive ecological ecosystems existing in this enchanting State so that the visitors tread cautiously.
As the monsoons gain momentum and Goa turns refreshingly green, it is the best time to enjoy the magnificence of the nature-blessed state. Some of Goa’s most wonderful attractions, include the following places.
BHAGWAN MAHAVEER WILDLIFE AND NATIONAL PARK
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the Western Ghats, lying to the north of Panaji city, on the way of Belgaum. Spread across an area of 240-sq-kms, this sanctuary presents rich wildlife and captivating scenic beauty to its visitors. It is the largest protected wildlife area of Goa and has The Molem National Park within its vicinity. It is home to the famous Dudhsagar Falls, Mollem National Park, Tambdi Surla Temple, and Devil’s Canyon among other attractions. It houses a variety of plants, birds, and animals.
The forest is predominantly semi-evergreen and evergreen type and is abode to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The notable large mammals that you can spot are Leopards, Elephants, Spotted Deer, Slender Toris, Jungle Cats, Malayan Giant Squirrels, Pythons, Cobras, Indian Bison, etc. with more than 120 bird species identified here, birdwatchers can also spot a wide variety of avian fauna.
BONDLA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Covering an area of 7.98 km2 , Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the smallest protected areas in Goa. The Sanctuary is a paradise for nature lovers due to the presence of only small Zoo of the state, Deer Safari Park, Botanical Garden and Eco-tourism Complex. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is located in northeastern Goa, India in Ponda taluka. The total area of the park is 8 km. It is a popular destination for both tourists and schoolchildren. A wide variety of animal life can be encountered, including: sambar deer, Indian bison, Malabar giant squirrel, Indian peafowl and many species of snakes.
The Sanctuary is mostly covered with moist deciduous forest with small patches of semi-evergreen forest and cane along streams. The dominant trees in this Sanctuary are Terminalia crenulata ( Matti, the state tree of Goa) and Rosewood. Although this Sanctuary encompasses small area, it is an ideal habitat for wildlife such as Gaur, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Wild boar, Porcupine, Malabar giant Squirrel, Pangolin & a variety of insects, amphibians, reptiles & birds.
COTIGAO WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
With an area of 85.65 Sq-km, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is the Southern-most protected area in Goa. The Sanctuary has hill ranges all along the north and eastern side and slopes towards western side. The Cotigao Wildlife sanctuary was set up in 1968 to protect the exposed stretch of woodland on the Goa-Karnataka border, which was home to a number of species of animal and bird life, as well as some rare, old trees.
The forest is predominantly moist deciduous type with patches of semi-evergreen and evergreen forest at many places. The undulating terrain, favourable ecological and climatic conditions resulted in the rich diversity of flora and fauna in this region. The noteworthy among are Black (melanistic) Leopard, Sloth Bear, Painted Bat, Indian Pied Hornbill, Larger Golden Backed Woodpecker and variety of other faunal diversity.
