Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary

Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary earlier known as Mollem Game Sanctuary is situated eastern border of the state, close to the village of Mollem at the foot of the Western Ghats. It is 60 km away from the state capital, Panaji. This sanctuary is the largest of Goa's four protected wildlife areas. Covers an area of 240 sq kms, the core zone of the sanctuary comprising an area of 107 sq. km. was notified as a National Park in 1978 known as Mollem National Park. 

Flora

The pristine vegetation in the sanctuary consists of Tropical evergreen forest, Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forest. The evergreen type of forests are mainly seen on higher altitudes and along the river banks.

Fauna

The fauna comprises of herds of gaur (Bos Gaurus - often called Indian Bison), Monkeys, Elephant, Leopard, Sloth bear, Flying squirrel, Malayan Giant squirrel, Porcupine, Civet cat,  Jungle fowl, Tigers and a few Black panthers.

The park is famous for King Cobras and there area also other snakes like python, Krait, Viper etc.  About 200 species of birds are found in the sanctuary of which the better known ones are Indian Black Woodpecker, the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Paradise Fly Catcher, Fairy Blue Bird, Drongo, Wag tails, Barbets, Great Indian Horn Bill, Kingfishers, Shrikes, Emerald Dove, Grey Jungle Fowl etc.

There is a  Nature Interpretation centre at Mollem which gives information on the vegetation and the general biodata of the forest. Besides flora and fauna there are many places of tourist interest in this sanctuary.

The attractive Dudhsagar Falls (the highest waterfall in Goa) is in the south east corner of this sanctuary. It originates in Karnataka and the water cascades from a height of 200 mtr. This is a favourite tourist spot both for domestic as well as foreign tourists. The falls are easily accessible from Mollem by road which passes through the forest area and about an hour's journey from Colem by train. The 'Devil Canyon' (Devcharacho kond) is a beautiful geological rock formation and the river Khandepar cuts across the spot. The 13th century, Tambdi Surla, a Shiva Temple build by the Kadamba kings is about 13 kms from Mollem and 45km from Ponda.

One can also enjoy the the sunset from the Sun Set point in Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary. It can be reached by park vehicles driving along a zig-zag road carved from the mountain.

One should obtain entry permit from the Range Forest Officer, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, Mollem, Goa. Ph: 91-832-2612211. Entry Fee is Adult: Rs 20 , Children: Rs 5. Extra charges for camera and vehicle.

There are jeeps available for venturing into the forest. Contact Forest range officer for the same. The best time to visit the sanctuary is either early in the morning or late in the evening.