Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife SanctuaryMollem National ParkThe Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Mollem in Sanguem Taluka, close to the eastern border of Goa with Karnataka. Within the sanctuary lies the core area, Mollem National Park (107 sq km), and together they cover about 240 sq km. Dense forests ranging from evergreen to moist deciduous make it the ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife like langur, deer, sloth bear, bison, porcupines, wild boar, the flying lizard, leopard cat, jungle cat, panthers and many, many species of snakes and birds. Drive in, or better still, walk along the mud trails. As you trek through the lush forest, you may see areas of flattened vegetation with characteristic prints in the soil indicating that a herd of bison has recently passed that way. Keep your eyes skinned to spot the animals, taking care not to walk through the large intricate webs spun amidst the branches. Stop for a closer look at giant spiders. And as you walk past wild asparagus and different varieties of wild orchids, you may get to see beautiful butterflies like the Crimson Rose, the Chocolate Pansy and the gorgeous Blue Mormon. And for a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys, visit Sunset Point where you'll be treated to the beauty of a majestic red-and-gold Goan sunset. Things to See and DoThe crowning glory of Mollem is the milky Dudhsagar Waterfall. At its majestic best during and just after the monsoon season, the waterfall gushes down from a height of 300 m, its sparkling white waters cascading against the rocks. The water flows down into Devil's Canyon, a rock formation criss-crossed by underwater passages. Due to the immense turbulence in the water, this particular area is dangerous for swimming.The 18-km hiking route to the falls is a trekker's delight. Starting from Collem Station, it's an easy trek for 6 km. The remaining, slightly more strenuous, 12-km route leads partly through the sanctuary. The entire walk takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace. Alternatively you can hire a jeep from Collem Railway Station to take you to Dudhsagar Waterfalls. Where to Stay and EatA few hundred metres away from the sanctuary entrace at Mollem is the Dudhsagar Resort. Originally set up by Goa Tourism Development Corporation, the resort is now privately managed. Its Wild Nest Restaurant serves Continental, Indian, Chinese and Goan fare.With sufficient notice, transportation, can be arranged to pick up guests, if required. You can also pitch your own tents in a campsite within the sanctuary with prior permission from the Range Forest Officer, Mollem. North of Mollem, closer to the Tambdi Surla Temple, are two other private nature resorts. Backwoods is a good choice for bird-watching, and has excellent guides. The resort also arranges 3 day and 2 night bird watching trips. Shanti Nature Resorts is the other accommodation option at Tambdi Surla. Return from Bhagwan Wildlife page to Goa Holidays and Goa Hotels Home Page
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