Flora and fauna
This sanctuary contains pristine vegetation classified as West Coast Tropical Evergreen Forests, West Coast Semi - Evergreen Forests and Moist Deciduous Forests. The evergreen forests are mainly seen at higher altitudes and along the river banks. The predominant species are Terminalia, Lagerstroemia, Xylia and Dalbergia. The forest canopy is almost closed and the availability of grass is very limited. There are several perennial water sources in the sanctuary and the availability of water is not a limiting factor for wildlife.
Plant Diversity
Bhagwan Mahaveer National Park and surrounding area harbors 722 species of flowering plants in wild belonging to 492 genera and 122 families. 128 species of endemic plants either endemic to Western Ghats, Peninsular India or India occur in the National Park. Two recently described taxa viz. Glyphochloa veldkampii M. A. Fonseca et Janarth. and Amorphophallus commutatus (Schott) Engl. var. anmodensis Sivad. & Jaleel are strictly restricted to the National Park. Additionally 37 species of Pteridophytes are also found in the National Park.
Mammals
Wild mammals recorded in the sanctuary include: black panther. barking deer, bengal tiger, Leopard, bonnet macaque, common langur, civet, flying squirrel, gaur, malabar giant squirrel, mouse deer, pangolin, porcupine, slender loris, sambar, spotted deer, wild boar and wild dog.
Birds
Popular birds which can be seen in the sanctuary include: Drongo, Emerald dove, Fairy bluebird, Golden oriole, Greater Indian hornbill, Indian black woodpecker, Malabar grey hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, Grey-headed myna, Grey jungle fowl, Large green barbet, Paradise flycatcher, Racket-tailed drongo, Ruby-throated yellow bulbul (the Goa state bird), Shrikes, Three-toed kingfisher, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Wagtails. This sanctuary contains quite a few birds which are endemic to the Indian Subcontinent, specifically the Southern India.
Butterflies
Some of the many interesting butterfly specimens in the area are: Blue Mormon, Common Jezebel, Common Mormon, Common Mime, Plum Judy, Common Wanderer, Crimson Rose, Lime Butterfly, Plain Tiger, Southern Birdwing and Tailed Jay.It also has endemic species like Malabar Tree Nymph and Tamil Yoeman.
Reptiles
This sanctuary is famous for its snakes, particularly the king cobra. Also here are: Bronzeback Tree Snake, cat snake, hump-nosed pit viper, indian rock python, malabar pit viper, rat snake, russell's viper, Indian cobra and common krait,
Attractions
This sanctuary and national park contain several geological, cultural and visitor service attractions that make this largest protected area in Goa a popular visitor destination.
Mahadeva Temple, Tambdi Surla
This small but exquisite 12th century Shiva temple of the lord Mahadeva is an active place or worship, located 13 km east of Bolcornem village, past the end of a single lane paved road in the northern region of the park. The temple consists of garbhagriha, antarala and a pillared Nandi mandapa built of basalt. The four pillars, embellished with intricate carvings of elephants and chains support a stone ceiling decorated with finely carved lotus flowers of the Ashtoken variety.[9][10]
Dudhsagar Falls
Dudhsagar Falls (literally Sea of Milk) is a tiered waterfall located high up on the Mandovi River at the Karnaraka border in the southwest part of the park, 10 km upstream from Collem village. At 310 m, it is Goa's tallest waterfall, India's fifth tallest, and is 227th in the world A viaduct of the South Western Railways passes spectacularily through the waterfalls. This popular destination may be reached by hiking along the 10 km one lane dirt road or hiring a 4 wheel drive vehicle at Collem. Access is dangerous and restricted during the monsoon season of June to September.
Devils Canyon
This is an eerie canyon of water carved crevises downstream from Dudh Sagar Falls, created from solid rock by serpentine underwater currents. It is just off the main trail soon past the Collem entry point.
Tambdi Waterfall
This waterfall, located about 2 km southwest of Tambdi Surla, at the Karnataka border, is equally spectacular and only slightly less tall than Dudsagar Falls, however it is rarely visited because of its difficult access by a steep, winding and irregular rocky path. A local guide is required.
Sunset Point
This point provides a breathtaking view of the park, revealing a vast expanse of closed canopu treetops. It can be reached by park vehicles, hired at Mollem check-point, driving along a zig-zagging road carved from the mountain.
Best Season
The best time to visit Goa would be during the months of November till about March, though it might be crowded as most tourists visit during this period. The monsoons last from March-April to about October-November. In the summer, maximum temperatures in Goa can rise to 350C and the humidity is over 85 per cent. Also, the climate tends to get hotter just after the monsoons.
Accommodation
There is no official accommodation available under the management of the Wildlife and Ecotourism Wing at Mollem. However, the Forest Department has one suite available at the Forest Rest Hose at Mollem. For bookings, please contact: Deputy Conservator of Forests (North Goa), Dhavli-Ponda, Goa. Tel.: 0832-312095.
Another option is to stay in cottages and dormitories available at the Forest Resort Complex in Mollem, run by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation. Tel.: 0832-226782/ 226515/ 224132. For bookings contact: The Manager, Tourist Cottages, Goa Tourism Development Corporation, Mollem, Taluka Sanguem, Goa. Tel.: 0832-600238.
Accommodation is also available in various private hotels suiting all kinds of budgets throughout Goa.
Transport
By Air: Goa is well connected with regular flights available from all major cities in India. Dambolim is the airport nearest to the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary. From Dambolim, one can travel to Mollem (67 km.) by road via Margao, Ponda and Tiska.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is at Collem South Central Railway. From Collem, one has to travel 6 km. to Mollem. The Konkan Railway stops at the Carambolim Karmali station. From Carambolim, one has to travel 50 km. to Mollem via Old Goa-Ponda-Tiska.
By Road: If one is travelling by road, National Highway 4A (on the Western Ghats) passes through the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary. All inter-state buses from Belgaum, Hubli and Bangalore halt at Mollem where the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary office is located. The routes often taken are either via Panaji-Ponda-Tiska-Mollem (57 km.) or via Margao-Ponda-Tiska-Mollem (42 km.). Taxis and tourist buses are cheap and comfortable to travel in within Goa. At the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, often taxi drivers can also act as guides. Hiring a car is not a very economical option and it is also not very easy for a tourist to drive around in Goa as the roads are bad and local drivers may be rash. It is often best to hire a driver from the hotel you're staying in as such drivers work at fixed rates, so there is no question of bargaining or being cheated.
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