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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 the slopes of the Western Ghats that
is rich in wildlife and a paradise for bird watchers. Police Outpost
at the gateway of the sanctuary in calm and quiet surroundings is
like a painting on a canvas in Malem.
There are important geographical and historical features in this
sanctuary. Jeeps on private arrangements go to the interior of the
forest. Mahabir is particularly known for its Leopards, Elephants,
Deers & Gaur Or Indian Bison.
It is more convienient 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
Malem with Dudhsagar through the windows.
Bondla Forest
Bondla is good place to see Sambhar and Wild Boar. It is smallest of
the Goan Wildlife Sanctuaries. Its area is 8-sq-kms but easiest one
to reach. Situated 55-km from Panajim and 38-km from Margoa, the
sanctuary includes a Botanical Garden, fenced Deer Park and Zoo,
which is better than most, with reasonably spacious enclosures.
The zoo was originally established to house orphaned animals, but
it's now also breeding colony for large species of deer. It covers
8-sq-kms of deciduous forest Bondla is a miniature zoo of caged
animals and birds and a popular picnic destination for locals.
Elephant rides are an attraction here.
Bondla forest nest Bison, Wild Beer, Deer, Leopard, various types of
serpent and birds. On to its way, the only mosque Safa Shahouri
Masjid built by Ali Adilshah in 1560 can be seen at Ponda.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctaury
On the western tip to the island of Chorao along River Mandovi,
mangrove swamps cover this bird-watchers' paradise aptly named after
India's best-known ornithologist.
Open throughout the year, the sanctuary can be visited with the
permission of the Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest Department, Junta
House, Panaji. Apart from a rich variety of coastal birds, one may
spot flying foxes, jackals and crocodiles
Catigo Wildlife Sanctuary
The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, 10-km southeast of Chaudi, was
established in 1969 to protect a remote and vulnerable area of
forest lining the Goa- Karnataka border. Encompassing 86-sq-kms of
mixed deciduous woodland, the reserve is certain to inspire tree
lovers, but less likely to yield many wildlife sightings: its
Tigers and Leopards were hunted out long ago, while the Gazelles,
Sloth Bears, Porcupines, Panthers and Hyenas that allegedly lurk
in the woods rarely appear.
Visitors however, stand a good chance of spotting at least two
species of Monkey, a couple of Wild Boar and the Odd Gaur. The
sanctuary is best visited between October and March months.
Cotigao is a peaceful and scenic park that makes a pleasant day
trip from Palolem, 12-km northwest. The wardens at the reserve's
small Interpretative Centre will show one how to get to a 25m-high
treetop watchtower, overlooking a waterhole that attracts a
handful of animals around dawn and dusk.
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