Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Spread
over 1.78 sq. kms. and located at the western tip of the
Island of Chorao along river Mandovi near Panaji. It is fully
covered with mangrove species. Varieties of local as well as migratory
birds frequently visit the area.
This sanctuary can be visited any time of the year
with the permission of the Chief, Wild Life Warden, Forest Department,
Junta House, Panaji-Goa. The sanctuary is approach able by walk after
crossing over by ferry from Ribandar to Chorao.
There are some private parties who take tourists
around in their canoes fitted with outboard motors
The Catigao Wildlife Sanctuary, 10km southeast of
Chaudi, was established in 1969 to protect a remote and vulnerable
area of forest lining the Goa-Karnataka border. Encompassing 86 square
kilometres 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.
You do, however, stand a good chance of spotting at
least two species of monkey, a couple of wild boar and the odd gaur
(the primeval-looking Indian bison), as well as plenty of exotic
birdlife. Best visited between October and March, Catigao is a
peaceful and scenic park that makes a pleasant day-trip from Palolem,
12km northwest. Any of the buses running south on the NH-14 to Karwar
via Chaudi will drop you within 2km of the gates. However, to explore
the inner reaches of sanctuary, you really need your own transport.
The wardens at the reserve's small Interpretative
Centre, where you have to pay your entry fees for a car, motorbike,
and for a camera permit, will show you how to get to a 25-metre-high
treetop watchtower, overlooking a waterhole that attracts a handful of
animals around dawn and dusk. You can also stay here at a rather
unprepossessing little room, in the compound behind the main reserve
gates. Food and drink may be available by prior arrangements, and
there's a shop at the nearest village, 2km inside the park.
More inspiring accommodation is to be found at a
secluded riverside location on the edge of Catigao.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, 52km east of Panjim on
the border of Ponda and Sanguem talukas, is the least appealing.
Encompassing a mere eight square kilometers of mixed deciduous and
evergreen forest, its centerpiece is a seedy zoo whose cramped
enclosures are guaranteed to disappoint any animal enthusiast hoping
to see fauna in the wild. On the plus side, Bondla is set amid some
magnificent scenery. Draped with lush jungle, a spectacular ridge of
hills rises to the southeast, roamed by herds of gaur (Indian bison),
black-faced langur, jackals, monkeys, wild boar, several species of
deer, pythons, some gargantuan spiders and a handful of elusive
leopards. The park is also a bird-and butterfly-spotter’s paradise,
boasting enough rare species to warrant a lengthy stop if you’re on an
ornithological tour of the region.
Approached from the west via the crossroad
settlement of Usgao, the park gates open onto a surfaced road which
drops down to a car park and café. Nearby, a small Interpretation
Centre, gives a rundown of Bondla’s flora and fauna, and displays
natural curiosities that include a whale skeleton. Most visitors
proceed from here to the zoological and botanical gardens, lured by
the promise of elephant rides and the chance to ogle a captive lion or
tiger, although its mangy macaques and big cats copped up in pens are
distressing, and you’d be better to head along the lane leading south
from the car park. Fording several streams, this road is impassable
during the monsoons, but at other times is a safe and scenic.
Bounded in the north by the mountains of the
Karnatakan border, the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary encompasses
240 square kilometres of semi-evergreen and moist deciduous woodland,
peppered with clearings of parched yellow savannah grass and
occasional mud and palm thatched tribal village. The thick tree cover
harbours a diverse array of wildlife. However, unless you are prepared
(and equipped) to spend days trudging along unmarked forest trails,
you will be lucky to see more action than the odd squirrel, as
animal numbers were decimated by hunters and poachers during the
colonial era. Since the creation of the sanctuary, many species have
recovered, but the woods are still eerily quiet compared with reserves
elsewhere in India.
Easily Bhagwan Mahaveer’s most famous attraction,
and an increasingly popular destination for package tour groups, are
the Dudhsagar waterfalls in the far southeast corner of the
park, which can only be reached by a memorable jeep or train
journey through some amazing scenery.
It is more convenient to view wild animals from the
Devil's Canyon 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.
How To Get There
By Road
From Kadamba Bus stand across the Patto / Qurrent
creek 7-8 minutes walk at the entrance of the city on the bank of
Mandvi River, from where regular buses ply to the sanctuary.
Places To Stay
Molem has comfortable cottages and dormitories
built by the Directorate of Tourism for accommodation.
