Yes. Goa has a wild side as we all know. But no, I am not talking about the rave parties as most of you would be thinking. What I meant by the wild side is the wildlife of Goa, which is largely unknown amongst the masses, all thanks to the beautiful beaches of Goa.
Goa is endowed with a very diverse wildlife with over 275 genera of birds, over 48 genera of animals and over 60 genera of reptiles. It is quite easy to spot animals and reptiles here, especially snakes. Common snakes found in Goa are – King cobra, Common Krait, Foster Cat Snake, Painted Bronzeback, Indian Rock Python etc.
Found a snake on the way to a wildlife sanctuary
About 10% of Goa is set aside as wildlife reserve and this area includes many wildlife sanctuaries. So, the next time you come to Goa, do not forget to pay a visit to one or more of these sanctuaries.
• Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Way to Bondla
The smallest of the sanctuaries in Goa, it spreads over an area of just 8 sq kms. It is more like a jungle resort than a sanctuary and is ideal for people looking to spend some time in the mother natures lap.
The sprawling jungle of Bondla are home to a variety of animals like the gaur, sambar, jackals etc. It also boasts of a mini zoo.
There are no staying options located inside or close to the sanctuary except the forest cottages and dormitories which can be booked from their office at Panaji.
Forest dormitories at Bondla
• Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
This Sanctuary is located in the Goan town of Mollem. With a total area of 240 sq kms, this is the largest of Goa’s protected wildlife areas, and contains within it The Mollem National Park.
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is famous for the mammals found here black panther, barking deer, bengal tiger, Leopard, bonnet macaque, flying squirrel, gaur, malabar giant squirrel, mouse deer, pangolin, porcupine etc. It is also quite popular for its snakes Bronzeback Tree Snake, cat snake, hump-nosed pit viper, indian rock python, malabar pit viper, rat snake, russell’s viper, Indian cobra and common krait.
Jeeps on private arrangement can take you well inside the forest. 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.
A stream flowing beside the temple
The popular tourist attraction of the sanctuary include the Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Tambdi Surla Temple and the Devil’s canyon.
• Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Entry Gate
The Sanctuary covers an area of 211 sq kms. It is an extremely significant source of fresh water is known to be named after the Netravali or Neturli which is an important tributary of the Zuari River. The Sanctuary sustains a good mammal population due to its rich habitat and plenty of perennial streams. Four-horned Antelope, Leopard, Black Panther and a host of other animals find home in this sanctuary.
The sanctuary also has a plenty of short hiking trails leading to beautiful waterfalls. But, always go in a group of 4 or more as these trails take you deep inside the jungles.
Trekking route to one of the many waterfalls
So, in all Goa offers you the serine beaches and thrilling jungles. Hence, no doubt Goa is the best, complete and the most sought after tourist destination of India.
If you don’t agree, I would just want to ask you a simple question “Who doesn’t like to wake up to nature’s beauty and a girl’s booty? “
