The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Goan
town of Mollem. With a total area of 240 sq kms, this is the
largest of Goa's four protected wildlife areas, and contains
within it The Molem National Park.
The sanctuary is situated on the eastern border of Goa, with
Karnataka 53 kms away from Panaji and 54 kms away from Margao.
It is easily accessible by both road and rail.
Along the north from Panaji on the road to Belgaum, is a
sanctuary that covers 240-sq-kms. Thick forest clad slopes
of the Western Ghats that is rich in wildlife and a paradise
for bird watchers.
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, including Gaur, Sambar, Leopards,
Spotted Deer, Slender Toris, Jungle Cats, Malayan Giant Squirrels,
Pythons and Cobras.
There are important geographical and historical features in
this sanctuary. Jeeps on private arrangements go to the interior
of the forest. The sanctuary is particularly known for its
Leopards, Elephants, Deers & Gaur Or Indian Bison.
It is more convenient to view wild animals from the Devil's
Canion View Point. Bird lovers may also find their best time
over here. The famous temple of Tambdisurla of the Kadambas
is situated 13-km from here. In Mangalore to Margao journey
on Konkan Railway one can enjoy the beauty of Dudhsagar through
the windows.
Mollem has comfortable cottages and dormitories built by
the Directorate of Tourism for accommodation. Police Outpost
at the gateway of the sanctuary in calm and quiet surroundings
is like a painting on a canvas in Mollem.
The sanctuary's setting in the foothills of the Western Ghats
is wonderful and the countryside is one of the most peaceful
that you'll come across in Goa.
One hundred metres west of the entrance to the Molem Tourist
Resort is the Nature Education Centre, where you can contact
the Range Forest Officer, from whom you can obtain permission
for vehicle access through the main park gate (which is about
3 km east along the National Highway 4A). There is also an
observation platform a few kms into the park and the best
time to see wildlife is in the early morning or late evening.
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