Wildlife, Nature & Eco Tourism

Nature & Wildlife Attractions in Goa

Best Places for Nature Lovers & Wildlife Enthusiasts

Beyond its beaches and nightlife, Goa is home to breathtaking natural landscapes, lush wildlife sanctuaries, waterfalls, and eco-tourism experiences. Whether you're interested in spotting exotic birds, trekking through dense forests, or enjoying a backwater cruise, Goa offers plenty of nature-filled adventures.

Here’s a list of the best places to experience Goa’s wildlife and natural beauty.

 1. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary & Mollem National Park – Goa’s Largest Wildlife Reserve

 Location: Near Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Eastern Goa
 Best For: Trekking, Jungle Safari, Wildlife Photography

✅ Goa’s biggest and most diverse wildlife sanctuary, covering 240 sq. km.
✅ Home to leopards, Indian bison, Malabar giant squirrels, and rare birds.
✅ Includes the stunning Dudhsagar Waterfalls & Tambdi Surla Temple.

 Wildlife to Spot:
 Leopards & Indian bison
 Monkeys & langurs
 Great Indian Hornbill

 Best Activities:
 Jeep Safari – Early morning safaris available.
 Trekking to Tambdi Surla Temple & Dudhsagar Falls.
 Birdwatching trails inside the sanctuary. Best Time to Visit: October – March
 Entry Fee: ₹20 per person, ₹100 for a camera, ₹1200 for jeep safari.

 2. Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary – Goa’s Best Birdwatching Spot

 Location: Chorao Island, North Goa
 Best For: Birdwatching, Mangrove Forest Exploration, Eco-Tourism

✅ Named after India’s famous ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali.
✅ Located in Goa’s backwaters, accessible by ferry.
✅ A paradise for bird lovers, with rare migratory species.

 Wildlife to Spot:
 Flamingos & Kingfishers
 White egrets & herons
 Crocodiles in the mangrove swamps

 Best Activities:
 Kayaking & boat rides through the mangroves.
 Photography of exotic birds & wetland wildlife.

 Best Time to Visit: November – February (for migratory birds).
 Entry Fee: ₹20 per person, ₹100 for a boat ride.

 3. Cumbarjua Canal – Crocodile Safari & Backwater Tour

 Location: Cumbarjua, Near Old Goa
 Best For: Crocodile Spotting, Boat Safari

✅ Goa’s only crocodile-infested backwater!
✅ Best place to see mugger crocodiles sunbathing on riverbanks.
✅ Boat safaris take you through mangroves & fishing villages.

 Wildlife to Spot:
 Mugger crocodiles
 Kingfishers & cormorants

 Best Activities:
 Crocodile safari on a boat ride.
 Birdwatching & photography.

 Best Time to Visit: October – March
 Boat Safari Cost: ₹1,000 per person

 4. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary – Goa’s Hidden Jungle Escape

 Location: South Goa, Near Canacona
 Best For: Nature Walks, Wildlife Spotting, Trekking

✅ Goa’s second-largest wildlife sanctuary, with lush greenery & rare species.
✅ Best place for spotting flying squirrels, deer & monkeys.
✅ Trekking routes through dense forests & waterfalls.

 Wildlife to Spot:
 Slender loris (night creatures)
 Deer & wild boars
 Flying squirrels & monkeys

 Best Activities:
 Nature trekking inside the forest.
 Stay at the Forest Department’s eco-huts for an overnight jungle experience.

 Best Time to Visit: October – March
 Entry Fee: ₹20 per person

 5. Dudhsagar Waterfalls – Goa’s Most Majestic Waterfall

 Location: Mollem, Near Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
 Best For: Trekking, Jeep Safari, Swimming

✅ India’s fifth-highest waterfall, known as "The Sea of Milk."
✅ Trek through lush forests & enjoy natural pools at the base.
✅ Accessible by train, jeep safari, or trekking.

 Best Activities:
 Jeep Safari to the falls – Starts from Mollem (₹500 per person).
 Trekking via Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary (12 km hike).
 Swimming in the natural pool at the base of the falls.

 Best Time to Visit: June – October (Monsoon for full flow), November – February (for trekking).
 Entry Fee: ₹50 per person + ₹500 for jeep safari.

 6. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary – The Best Family-Friendly Wildlife Park

 Location: North Goa, Near Ponda
 Best For: Wildlife Viewing, Family Trips, Photography

✅ Goa’s smallest but most accessible wildlife sanctuary.
✅ Has a mini zoo, deer safari park & botanical gardens.
✅ Best for families & kids to see animals up close.

 Wildlife to Spot:
 Spotted deer & wild boars
 Sloth bears & porcupines
 Peacocks & exotic birds

 Best Activities:
 Jeep Safari through the deer park.
 Photography in the butterfly garden & orchid house.

 Best Time to Visit: October – March
 Entry Fee: ₹50 per person

 7. Galgibaga Beach – The Secret Turtle Nesting Beach

 Location: South Goa, Near Palolem
 Best For: Olive Ridley Turtle Watching, Sunset Views

✅ One of the few places in India where Olive Ridley turtles nest.
✅ Protected under Goa’s Turtle Conservation Program.
✅ A secluded, pristine beach with fewer crowds.

 Best Activities:
 See baby turtles hatch & crawl into the sea (December – March).
 Enjoy peaceful sunsets without tourist crowds.

 Best Time to Visit: December – March
 Entry Fee: Free