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Famous Wildlife Sanctuaries Near Panaji

There are total 4 wildlife sanctuaries in Goa, amongst which 2 are immensely popular among tourists. Although these 4 wildlife sanctuaries are not exactly located in the heart of Panaji city, but they are easily reachable via public/private transport from any part of Panaji.

These wildlife sanctuaries are truly Goa’s unexplored gems. Since they are not as highly visited compared to the innumerable beaches and churches. However, whosoever visit these sanctuaries, they eventually discover that these astoundingly beautiful wildlife sanctuaries are indeed Goa’s best kept secrets. So, here is a brief look at all these 4 wildlife sanctuaries of Goa, which are located barely few kilometers away from Capital city of Panaji.

wildlife sanctuaries near Panaji

This is unarguably the most popular wildlife sanctuary of Goa. It is located in small Mollem town, some 53 kms away from Panaji city. It's high popularity is not only because it is the largest sanctuary of Goa, but also because it also has a rich collection of flora and fauna. Besides, it is also one of the well maintained sanctuaries.

The most special thing about this sanctuary is that it offers special tour package wherein apart from accommodation and food, you’d also enjoy special elephant safari. Moreover, this sanctuary’s elephants have been specially trained to perform circus like tricks, which will surely leave you in awe.

Apart from all the rich flora and fauna, this sanctuary also has two very beautiful tourist destinations: the Mahadeva Temple and Dudhsagar Falls. Amongst these, Dudhsagar Fall is very popular among tourists. In fact Dudhsagar Waterfall is considered amongst most the beautiful waterfalls of India. With so much to offer, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is deservedly the most popular wildlife sanctuary of Goa and the one that no genuine lover of nature can afford to miss.

Bird Sanctuary near Panaji

After Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is unarguably the most popular wildlife sanctuary of Goa. However, this sanctuary is completely dedicated to birds – as is evident from name itself. But, the most unique about this sanctuary is that it is set inside a beautiful island, namely Chorao Island.

To view astoundingly beautiful birds in equally beautiful island is indeed a lifetime experience that you can enjoy only here and nowhere else in India. For this lone fact, this sanctuary is surely worth visiting.
For reaching Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, you have to take a ferry/boat from Rabandar Ferry Wharf, which is barely few kilometers away from Panaji city.

Wildlife Sanctuary near Panaji

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

This is the smallest wildlife sanctuary of Goa and is located in Ponda Taluka - some 50 kms away from Panaji city. Although this is smallest of all sanctuaries, but consists of many special features that you won’t find in any of Goa’s sanctuaries. This includes a zoo, botany garden and deer safari park. The zoo especially is the highlight of this sanctuary, consisting of all the exotic wildlife animals that you ever wanted to see. Hence here you don’t have to depend only on safari tour for spotting animals.

However, despite all these special features, this sanctuary isn’t very popular among tourists or even locals. Nonetheless, it still makes up for a decent eco tourism experience.

Wildlife Sanctuaries near Panaji

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

This one of its kind wildlife sanctuary is located in Canacona Taluka – some 50 kms away from Panaji city. What makes this sanctuary one of its kinds is the fact that it is the only sanctuary of Goa that is more popular for its rich flora and less popular for its wildlife.

The most special attraction about this sanctuary’s rich flora is its ultra high trees. These trees are so high and dense, that it becomes difficult for even the sunlight to penetrate through it. The lush greenery and rich vegetation spread across entire sanctuary makes up for a wonderful nature’s escapade. And lastly, this sanctuary also have few wild animals. They can be viewed from many watch towers spread across the sanctuary.

This sanctuary is again not very popular among tourists and locals. But, anyone with deep interest in trees, vegetation and mangroves will surely love to visit these sanctuaries.

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