Mollem National Park & Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary — Attraction in Goa

This area was first known as Mollem Game Sanctuary. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and renamed as Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary. The core area of the sanctuary covering 107 square kilometres (41 sq mi) was notified as Mollem National Park in 1978.2

Flora and fauna Edit This sanctuary contains pristine vegetation classified as West Coast tropical evergreen forests, West Coast semi-evergreen forests and moist deciduous forests. The evergreen forests are mainly seen at higher altitudes and along the river banks. The predominant species are Terminalia, Lagerstroemia, Xylia and Dalbergia. The forest canopy is almost closed and the availability of grass is very limited. There are several perennial water sources in the sanctuary and the availability of water is not a limiting factor for wildlife.4]

Plant diversity Edit Bhagwan Mahaveer National Park and surrounding area harbors 722 species of flowering plants in wild belonging to 492 genera and 122 families. 128 species of endemic plants either endemic to Western Ghats, Peninsular India or India occur in the National Park. Two recently described taxa viz. Glyphochloa veldkampii M. A. Fonseca et Janarth. and Amorphophallus commutatus (Schott) Engl. var. anmodensis Sivad. & Jaleel are strictly restricted to the National Park. Additionally 37 species of Pteridophytes are also found in the National Park.[5

Mammals Edit Wild mammals recorded in the sanctuary include the leopard (particularly the black variant),7] barking deer, Bengal tiger,[8 bonnet macaque, common langur, civet, flying squirrel, gaur, Malabar giant squirrel, mouse deer, pangolin, porcupine, slender loris, sambar, spotted deer, wild boar and wild dog.citation needed]

In May 2019, two tigers from Karnataka were photographed by camera traps in the park, and a tigress and her cubs were photographed in Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary,[10] the first sightings in Goa since 2013.[8

Birds Edit Popular birds which can be seen in the sanctuary include: drongo, emerald dove, fairy bluebird, golden oriole, greater Indian hornbill, Indian black woodpecker, Malabar grey hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, grey-headed myna, grey jungle fowl, large green barbet, paradise flycatcher, racket-tailed drongo, ruby-throated yellow bulbul (the Goa state bird), shrikes, three-toed kingfisher, Sri Lanka frogmouth, wagtails. This sanctuary contains quite a few birds which are endemic to the Indian subcontinent, specifically southern India.[citation needed]

Butterflies Edit Some of the many interesting butterfly specimens in the area are: blue Mormon, common Jezebel, common Mormon, common mime, plum Judy, common wanderer, crimson rose, lime butterfly, plain tiger, southern birdwing and tailed jay and one of the most common is the Pygmy scrub-hopper. It also has endemic species like Malabar tree nymph and Tamil yoeman.[citation needed]

Reptiles Edit This sanctuary is famous for its snakes, particularly the king cobra. Also here are: bronzeback tree snake, cat snake, hump-nosed pit viper, Indian rock python, Malabar pit viper, rat snake, Russell's viper, Indian cobra and...

Our family and friends - total 6 senior citizens had been to this park recently. The ticketing booth is next to Mollem checkpost and closes by 1730hrs. Entrance to the sanctuary is also near the ticket counter. Rough mud road for 7 kms and need to come back. Driveable by any normal cars. Department does not provide any vehicle. We entered by 1630 hrs - at the end of 7 kms there is a lovely garden and a gushing water canal - water from Dudhsagar falls. On our return drive, we saw a huge Bison, Wild murga - colourful and flies like a rocket, two pea hens and large monkeys. Worth visiting and would take about 2 hrs. Needs silence, careful watching, either very early morning and late evening improves chances of sighting the animals. Staff are very nice and helpful. Next to the Sanctuary entrance there is a good restaurant and children park . Cute elephants The elephants were cute. Well trained and clean. How enjoyable to watch them bath. The trainer gave the elephant a flower necklace and the elephant put it around my neck with his trunk. And I wrapped my hangs around his trunk and he gave me a hug. How sweet!! The ride was fun. Largest Sanctuary I went to Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary. Goa is nestled in the Western Ghats and the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest sanctuaries in Goa. The Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is great place to go. Lush Green Surroundings We had come across the Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary while going to the beautiful Dudhsagar waterfalls.After visiting the falls, we decided to explore the sanctuary at our leisure.We found no wildlife but the whole area with its lush green surroundings was a very welcome visit for us.We also visited the ancient Shiva temple located next to a stream at the end of the sanctuary.The whole area is very peaceful & the preservation of the forest is very laudable. best trek place if you are in goa and tired of being on a beach all day long, this is a perfect place to go trekking and be with nature. advise you to take an extra pair of...

Mollem National Park in India is a true gem for nature lovers and adventure seekers. I recently visited this park and was amazed by the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife that it has to offer. The park is located in the Western Ghats of Goa and is spread over an area of 240 square kilometers.

The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including over 200 species of birds, 70 species of butterflies, and several species of mammals such as tigers, leopards, and deer. The park also has several species of reptiles and amphibians, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

One of the highlights of Mollem National Park is the Dudhsagar Waterfalls. These waterfalls are one of the tallest in India and are a sight to behold. The water cascades down from a height of 310 meters, creating a misty spray that adds to the beauty of the falls. Visitors can take a dip in the natural pool at the base of the falls, which is a refreshing experience.

The park also has several trekking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The trails are well-marked, and visitors can hire a guide to explore the park safely. The Tambdi Surla temple, located within the park, is another attraction that is worth visiting. This ancient temple dates back to the 12th century and is a fine example of Kadamba architecture.

The park has several accommodation options, including guesthouses and campsites, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. The staff at the park is friendly and helpful, and they go out of their way to ensure that visitors have a memorable experience.

Overall, Mollem National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and adventure. The stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and trekking trails make it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. I would highly recommend visiting this park and experiencing its...