Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary in India:
Located in Sanguem Taluk of South Eastern Goa
Address: Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary Verlem, Goa – 403 704, India

How to reach NWS
By Air: Dabolim airport is 65 km away from the sanctuary.

By Rail: Margao is 45 km away from the Wildlife Sanctuary.

By Road: The sanctuary is well connected by roads in Goa.
Geographical location of the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary (NWS) is located in Sanguem Taluka of South Eastern Goa. It is spread in an area of 211 sq km and is connected to the Madei Wildlife Sanctuary. Together they cover an area of 420 sq km. Netravali or Neturli is a key tributary of River Zuari that originates in the sanctuary. Netravali Sanctuary is adjoined by Karnataka’s Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve on the eastern side; Goa’s Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary on the Southern side; and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park on the northern side; which in turn forms a contiguous protected area along with Goa’s Madei Wildlife Sanctuary; and Karnataka’s Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary.

History of the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
The government of Goa declared Netravali as a wildlife sanctuary to protect its Western Ghats range. Forests mostly consist of moist deciduous vegetation interspersed with evergreen and semi-evergreen habitat. Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary which 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. One can also see a high range of mountains here which the local habitants consider religious and which are of socio cultural importance to them.

The sanctuary is very popular forest reserve in Goa among the wildlife lovers.

Netravali Wildlife Habitat
The Netravali Sanctuary sustains a good mammal population due to its rich habitat and plenty of perennial streams. The wildlife habitat found in Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary consists of Black Panthers, Slender Loris, Great Pied Hornbills, Malabar Giant Squirrels, Hornbills, King Cobras, Gaur Bos Gaurus, Ratufa Indica, Four-Horned Antelope or Chousingha Tetracerus Quadricornis, Leopard Panthera and a host of predators and herbivores find home in the sanctuary.

Netravali Birds Habitat
Birds like the rare Malayan Night Heron Gorsachius melanolophus, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon Columba elphinstonii, Great Pied Hornbill Buceros bicornis, Grey-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus priocephalus, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher Cyornis pallipes, Wynaad Laughingthrush Garrulax delesserti, White-bellied Treepie Dendrocitta leucogastra, Rufous Babbler Turdoides subrufa make a magnificent sight at Netravali Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is also a host for many rare butterfly species as well including the Malabar Banded Swallowtail Papilio Liomedon, Malabar Banded Peacock Papilio Buddha, Malabar Tree Nymph Idea malabarica, Southern Birdwing Troides Minos, Blue Nawab Polyura schreiber, Black Rajah Charaxes solon, Redspot Duke Dophla Evelina.

Netravali Flora
Netravali has gained a reputation for its stunning forestation and diverse wildlife. It is rich in damp deciduous forests and contains semi-ever green and evergreen forests. Many floral species are present in this Sanctuary. The forest products such as bamboo canes, Maratha barks, chiller barks and bhirand are seen here. Coconut trees are present all around the sanctuary and a large number of deciduous vegetation consisting of teak, sal, cashew and mango trees are present. Fruit trees such as jackfruits, mangos, pineapples and blackberries are all available here.

Netravali is also home to a high range of mountains here which the local habitants consider religious and which are of socio cultural importance to them. The sanctuary is an extremely significant source of fresh water and known to be named after the Netravali which is an important tributary of the Zuari River.

Best Time to visit Netravali
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary has moist-deciduous forest interspersed with semi-evergreen and evergreen forests. Nature lovers will enjoy identifying the many species in full and wild bloom. The best time to visit the Netravali Sanctuary Park is October to March. There are also a number of forest guest houses run by Goa Tourism Development Corporation for accommodation.

Please find the timings and fares by contacting the officials at Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. NWS reserves the right to cancel the safari due to bad weather conditions, heavy rains, non-availability of vehicles, manpower or for any other reason that the Sanctuary deems fit.

Therefore we request you to kindly contact the officials of the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary or the officials at Goa Tourism Development Corporation. kindly plan your visit accordingly.

Accommodation at NWS
Beautiful luxurious accommodation is available at the Netravali Sanctuary such as resorts, luxury hotels and as well economical accommodation provided by GTDC.

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary in India:
The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary (MWS) is located near Valpoi town in the North Goa district. It is approximately 15 km (9.32 miles) away from the Valpoi town in Goa.
Contact Address of MWS: Range Forest Officer, Sanguem,Goa – 403 704
Phone: +91 83226 04249
How to reach the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
By Air: Nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is approximately 80 km (49.70 miles) away. Bus and Taxi services are available to reach the sanctuary.
By Rail:Nearest Railway Station is at Sattari town, which is approximately 35 km (18.64 miles) away. Bus and Taxi services are available to reach the sanctuary.
By Road: The MWS is well connected by road from all places in Goa. Bus Stand in Sattari town is 35 km (18.64 miles) away from the sanctuary. Bus and Taxi services are available to reach the MWS.
Geographical location of the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary

History of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
History of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary dates back to the year 1999. The government of Goa established the MWS in the forests spread within the Mhadei River basin in the year 1999. It was established with an objective to protect Tigers living in this area. It is being considered to become a Project Tiger reserve because of the presence of resident Bengal tigers. It is under the governance of the forest department of Goa.
Geographical Location of MWS
The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is geographically situated on the north east of Valpoi town in North Goa district. It is one of the wildlife sanctuaries which is located on the Mhadei River basin in Goa. The sanctuary area is a part of the Western Ghat landscape, and is regarded as a Global Biodiversity Hotspot, as well as an area of high endemism by Conservation International. The MWS spans an area of 208.48 sq km (80.49 sq miles) in the North Goa district.

Flora and Fauna at MWS
The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is a home to different species of plants, birds and wild animals. Mammals found in the sanctuary include black panther (rare), sloth bear (rare, occasional sightings near caves and grasslands), Indian gaur (commonly sighted near the grasslands, in forest clearings, and near water), barking deer which is commonly sighted near forest clearings and waterholes, sambar deer, leopard (extremely rare), ruddy mongoose (frequently sighted at daybreak and dusk on forest paths), Asian palm civet (commonly sighted on main roads and near village settlements), small Indian civet (commonly sighted on main roads, dhole (rarely sighted transient mammal in the forests), jungle cat (extremely rare, sighted by researchers and locals on a few occasions), mouse deer (rare, occasional sightings on trails), wild boar (frequently sighted at dawn and dusk), Indian hare (commonly sighted on the plateaux), giant squirrel (documented in the forests), flying squirrel (a nocturnal mammal, documented in dense evergreen forests), black-faced langur (commonly found in small groups in the tree canopy), Indian pangolin (rarely found in secondary forests), slender loris (rare and endangered), tigers and bonnet macaque (commonly found in troupes).

This sanctuary was identified as an International Bird Area (IBA-IN177) which satisfies IBA criterion: A1. It is a home to globally threatened species, Restricted-range species and Biome-restricted species of birds. Important birds identified by IBA in the sanctuary are Nilgiri wood-pigeon, Malabar parakeet, Malabar grey hornbill, grey-headed bulbul, rufous babbler, white-bellied blue-flycatcher and crimson-backed sunbird, crested serpent eagle, Malabar grey hornbill and pied hornbill. Ornithologists recorded occurrence of a total of 255 bird species in the Sanctuary. Of these, 53 showed direct signs of breeding here.

Snakes found in the Mhadei Valley, including the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, are all of the “Big Four” venomous snakes in India, namely Indian krait, Russell’s viper, saw-scaled viper and spectacled cobra. Other important snake species found in the sanctuary include banded kukri snake, banded racer, Beddome’s keelback, black slender coral snake, brahminy blind snake, checkered keelback, collared cat snake, common bronzeback, common Indian cat snake, common sand boa, common wolf snake, common vine snake, copper-headed trinket snake, green pit viper, hump-nosed pit viper, Indian rat snake, Indian rock python, king cobra, Malabar pit viper, monocled cobra, ocellated shield tail, ornate flying snake, red sand boa, Sri Lankan cat snake, streaked Kukri snake, striped keelback, Travancore wolf snake, tree snake, Whitaker’s sand boa and the yellow-spotted wolf snake.

The endemic species of amphibians found in the sanctuary include the endangered marbled ramanella, the vulnerable Maharashtra bush frog, Beddome’s leaping frog (Beddome’s Indian frog) and Malabar gliding frog.

This sanctuary is known for three rare species of caecilians (legless amphibians), Nadkarni’s caecilian, the Mhadei caecilian and the Goa caecilian which was recently discovered and described from Keri village in the MWS.

There are at least 257 recorded species of butterflies are found in the sanctuary of the 330 recorded species in the Western Ghats. The largest butterfly in South India, the Southernbirdwing plus the striped tiger, common jezebel, common Indian crow, blue Mormon and other species of butterflies are found here. Prominent among these is the blue tiger butterfly, which can be found until the summer.

Flora of the sanctuary include cashew plantations, towering trees such as shidam (Tetrameles nudiflora), Creepers like garkani (Entada scandens), Ashoka, Pandanus furcatus, locally known as kegadi, bioluminescent fungi, edible mushrooms such as roen alami, khutyali, sonyali and shringar, nano (Euphorbia tirucalli – pencil tree), hedu (satinwood), khait (Mimosa catechu) and chafara (red frangipani) trees are found along with the majestic trees such as bhillo maad (coconut).

Best time to visit MWS
The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is open throughout the year. But the best time to visit this sanctuary is between the months of November and March. Visitors can have a spectacular view of wild animals and birds in the sanctuary. Visitors are advised to get in touch with officials of the MWS for complete information on entry timings and fee.
Accommodation
Visitors can avail the accommodation facilities provided by the government of Goa in the ‘Forest Department rest houses’ at Valpoi and Keri near the sanctuary. Visitors are advised to get in touch with the authorities of the MWS about accommodation, tariff and other facilities.

Mandovi-Zuari Wildlife Sanctuary in India:
The Mandovi-Zuari Wildlife Sanctuary (MZWS) is located near Dauna Paula town in the North Goa district. It is approximately 10 km (6.21 miles) away from the Panaji city, the capital of the Indian state of Goa.
Contact Address of MZWS: Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. 2nd Floor, Paryatan Bhavan, Patto – Panaji, Goa – 403001
Phone: +91 83224 94200 , Fax: +91 83224 94227, Email: dir-tour.goa@nic.in
How to reach the Mandovi-Zuari Wildlife Sanctuary
By Air: Nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is approximately 30 km (18.61 miles) away. Bus and Taxi services are available to reach the MZWS.
By Rail:Nearest Railway Station is at Dona Paula city, which is approximately 30 km (18.61 miles) away. Bus and Taxi services are available to reach the MZWS.
By Road: The MZWS is well connected by road from all places in Goa. Bus Stand in Panaji town is 10 km (6.21 miles) away from the MZWS. Bus and Taxi services are available to reach the MZWS.
Geographical Location of MZWS
The Mandovi-Zuari Wildlife Sanctuary is geographically situated on the south west of Panaji city. It is one of the wildlife sanctuaries which is located on the confluence of the Mandovi and the Zuari Rivers in Goa. It is covered by different varieties of mangroves and swamp areas.
Flora and Fauna at MZWS
The Mandovi-Zuari Wildlife Sanctuary is a home to different species of plants, birds, wild animals and fishes. Flora of the sanctuary comprise 20 different species of mangroves. Important plants found in the sanctuary include the rare Kandelia candel plants. Similarly fauna of the sanctuary comprise a large variety of fish, birds, jackals, snakes, and crocodiles.
Best time to visit MZWS
The Mandovi-Zuari Wildlife Sanctuary is open throughout the year. But the best time to visit this sanctuary is the month of October. Visitors can have a spectacular view of fishes, wild animals and birds in the sanctuary. Visitors are advised to get in touch with officials of the MZWS for complete information on entry timings and fee.

Accommodation
Visitors can avail the accommodation facilities provided by the government of Goa in the “Resorts and Hotels” in Panaji city near the sanctuary. Visitors are advised to get in touch with the authorities of the MZWS about accommodation, tariff and other facilities.

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Goa of India
Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (SABS) is located in Chorao Island of Goa. SABS is 10 km away from Panaji, 20 km away from Bicholim and 20 km away from Mapusa subdivisions of Goa State in India. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is an estuarine mangrove habitat.
Contact Address for a decent and joyful visit to SABS Visitors are advised to contact the authorities of SABS for a safe and joyful visit to SABS. Details of contacting officials are given below:

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Forest Department, Swami Vivekanand Road, Panaji, Goa – 403001 India, Telephone: +91-832-2225926; Fax: 91-832-2224747
How to reach SABS
By Air: The nearest airports are at Dabolim City in Goa, Mangalore and Bangalore of Karnataka State.
By Rail:The nearest railway station is Karmali Railway Station, which is 20 km away from SABS.
By Road: The SABS is not connected by roads, which is 10 km away from Panaji. Visitors can reach Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary from Ribander Jetty near Panaji city, from where SABS can be reached on boat.
History of the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Government of India has established SABS in the year 1988. The sanctuary was named after Salim Ali, an eminent Indian ornithologist.
Geographical Location of Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is geographically located on the western tip of Chorao Island of Goa. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is an estuarine mangrove habitat spread on the western tip of the Island along the Mandovi River, Goa. The area of the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is 178 ha (0.687 sq mi), which comprises mangrove forest.
Flora and Fauna at SABS
Visitors can spot different species of plants, resident and migratory birds in SABS. Ornithologists have recorded occurrence of different species of faunal group, which includes mudskippers, fiddler crabs and other mangrove habitat specialties in the Sanctuary.
Flora at SABS
Floristic Composition of SABS includes plant species belonging to different families and Genera. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary has mangrove trees along with different species of medicinal plants in and around this Sanctuary. This Sanctuary is rich in mangrove vegetation and covered with tropical evergreen and semi evergreen forests and grasslands. Different species of trees found in this sanctuary, which includes teak, rosewood, jungle jack, red sandalwood, Lagerstroemia microcarpa, Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia officinalis and Terminalia paniculata species.
Avifauna at SABS
Ornithologists have spotted the occurrence different varieties of resident and migratory bird species in SABS. The list of common bird species found at SABS contains striated heron and western reef heron. Similarly other varieties of bird species found at SABS includes the little bittern, black bittern, red knot, jack snipe and pied avocet. Visitors can spot the migratory bird species like coots and pintails in Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
Best time to visit SABS
SABS is open throughout the year. The best time to visit Salim Ail Bird Sanctuary is between the months of November to February. During these months visitors can have the spectacular view of different species of resident and migratory bird species in SABS from the watch tower erected in the sanctuary. The sanctuary can be accessed by a ferry service running between Ribander Jetty and Chorao. Visitors can watch different types of birds through paved walk that runs between mangroves in SABS.
Timings: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fee at SABS

Indian Nationals: Rs. 10 per person

Foreign Nationals: Rs. 10 per person

Please note the timings and fares we mentioned above are tentative and may vary subject to change in timings and fares.
Accommodation
All the visitors are advised to contact concerned officials of SABS in advance for accommodation at SABS. There are some moderate hotels run by private managements in Panaji, which is 10 km away from Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. The accommodation is available at different hotels run by private authorities at economical rates.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary in India:
The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) is located in the Canacona Taluka in South Goa district. It is approximately 20 km (12.42 miles) away from the Canacona town in South Goa.
Contact Address of CWSMr. Anil Shetgaonkar, Dy. Conservator of Forests (South Goa Division), South Goa,Goa – 403 601
Phone: +91 83227 56309
How to reach the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
By Air: Nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is approximately 30 km (18.61 miles) away. Bus and Taxi services are available to reach the CWS.
By Rail:Nearest Railway Station is at Madgaon city, which is approximately 50 km (31.06 miles) away. Bus and Taxi services are available to reach the CWS.
By Road: The CWS is well connected by road from all places in Goa. Bus Stand in Canacona town is 20 km (12.42 miles) away from the CWS. Bus and Taxi services are available to reach the CWS.
History of the CWS
History of the CWS dates back to the year of 1958. The government of Goa established the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary in the year 1958 with an objective to protect different species of wild animals living in South Goa district.
Geographical Location of CWS
The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is geographically situated on the east of the Canacona town in South Goa. The CWS spans an area of 105 sq km (65.24 sq miles) near Canacona. This sanctuary is covered by Semi-evergreen forest, Moist mixed deciduous forest, Riperian fringing forest and Hill valley swamp forest.
Flora and Fauna at CWS
The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is a home to different species of plants, birds and wild animals. It is a popular destination for both tourists and schoolchildren. Flora of the sanctuary comprise moist deciduous trees, semi-evergreen trees, and evergreen trees. Important plant and tree varieties found in the sanctuary include banyan, Peepal, Sisso or Martel, Kharani and Teak, Babul, Khair, Hiwar, Dhawda, Salaia, Palas and Terminenalia. The CWS is a home to bushes like VitexNigundo, selenium, CasiaAuriculata, Lantna, Giganteum and Zizphus Helicteres Isora. Wild animals found in the sanctuary include flying squirrel, slender loris, Indian Pangolin, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, Malabar pit viper, hump-nosed pit viper, White-bellied woodpecker, Malabar trogon, velvet-fronted nuthatch, heart-spotted woodpecker, speckled piculet, Malayan bittern, Draco or flying lizard, golden-back gliding snake, and Malabar tree toad.
Best time to visit CWS
The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is open throughout the year. But the best time to visit this sanctuary is between October to March. Visitors can have spectacular view of wild animals from the watch towers erected at different locations in the sanctuary. Visitors are advised to get in touch with officials of the CWS for complete information on entry timings and fee.
Accommodation
Visitors can avail the accommodation facilities provided by the government of Goa in the “Eco-tourism complex” of the sanctuary. Visitors are advised to get in touch with the authorities of the CWS about accommodation, tariff and other facilities.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary in India:
The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) is located in the Ponda Taluk in North Goa district. It is approximately 20 km (12.42 miles) away from the Ponda town in North Goa.
Contact Address of BWSMr. Kamu Prakash,Dy. Conservator of Forests, Social Forestry Division Ponda town, North Goa – 403 401, Phone: +91 83223 12009
How to reach the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
By Air: Nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is approximately 50 km (31.06 miles) away. Bus and Taxi services are available to reach the BWS.
By Rail:Nearest Railway Station is at Madgaon city, which is approximately 40 km (24.85 miles) away. Bus and Taxi services are available to reach the BWS.
By Road: The BWS is well connected by road from all places in Goa. Bus Stand in Ponda town is 20 km (12.42 miles) away from the BWS. Bus and Taxi services are available to reach the BWS.
History of the BWS
History of the BWS dates back to the year of 1969. The government of Goa established the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary in the year 1969 with an objective to protect different species of leopards and bears living in the North Goa district.
Geographical Location of BWS
The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is geographically situated on the north east of the Ponda town in Goa. The BWS spans an area of 8 sq km (3.08 sq miles) near Ponda. This sanctuary is covered by semi-evergreen forest, moist mixed deciduous forest and secondary moist mixed deciduous forest.
Flora and Fauna at BWS
The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a home to different species of plants, birds and wild animals. It is a popular destination for both tourists and schoolchildren. Flora of the sanctuary comprise spacious lawns, exotic trees, different varieties of rose plants and colorful flowering plants. Wild animals found in the sanctuary include Sambar Deer, Indian Bison, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Indian Peafowl and many species of snake. Ornithologists recorded occurrence of 100 species of birds. Important birds found in the sanctuary includes blue bearded bee eater, Indian grey hornbill , Malabar trogon, Western Crowned Warbler, Malabar Wood shrike and Paradise flycatcher.
Best time to visit BWS
The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is open throughout the year. But the best time to visit this sanctuary is between October to March. Visitors can have spectacular view of wild animals from the watch towers erected at different locations in the sanctuary. Visitors are advised to get in touch with officials of the BWS for complete information on entry timings and fee.
Accommodation
Visitors can avail the accommodation facilities provided by the government of Goa in the “Calangute Residency” in the Calangute town near the sanctuary. Visitors are advised to get in touch with the authorities of the BWS about accommodation, tariff and other facilities.