OTHERS, Goa

1 more image

This sanctuary which was earlier known as Mollem Game Sanctuary was subsequently renamed as Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary and lies on the eastern border of Goa, along the Western Ghats. The area comprises of 240 sq. Km. of luxuriant vegetation which had been declared a sanctuary
way back in 1969 and is situated in Sanguem Taluka. The National Highway 4A divides it into two parts and also the Mormugao - Londa railway line which passes through this area.
It has west coast evergreen forests, semi evergreen forests and moist decisuous forests. I can personally vouch for the wildlife here, we saw plenty of porcupines, barking deer, King Cobras, birds(wood peckers and hornbills), brilliant colored butterflies, foxes and malabar giant squirrels here!
Interesting picnic spots were the Devils Canyon and Doodhsagar.
Location: This Sanctuary lies along the Eastern border of Goa on the Western Ghats. The National Highway, NH-4A almost divides the Sanctuary in two parts. Within the Sanctuary lies the newly constituted National Park. This lies entirely to one side of the road.

Easiest Approach: Panaji : 65 km Dabolim airport : 80 km Margao : 54 km

Collem Rly. Stn. : 6 km

2 more images

If you love boating and picnics, then a tour to Mayem Lake In Goa is on the cards. The lake is located 35 kilometers away from the Bicholem Beach in Goa. The lake is located amidst picturesque forests, and shimmers and sparkles under the warm Goan sun.
Nestled amidst verdant hills and a sleepy countryside, the Mayem lake exudes a charming freshness which is in sharp contrast to the bustling environ of Goan beaches. The most famous lake in Goa, this placid spread of water is a major tourist attraction and a must-have on most of the tourist itineraries.

As with most of the water bodies, the Mayem lake is home to a substantial avian population. Most of the common aquatic bird species can be found on the shores of the lake. The tranquil waters of the Mayem lake lend themselves ideally for boating. One can enjoy a ride on the small pedal operated boats for a panoramic view of the serene landscape around.

To leverage the tourism potential of the lake, GTDC has emphasized on building the necessary infrastructure for tourist. A park located on the banks of the Mayem lake boasts of an excellent cafeteria and several other stalls, the most popular of which are the soft drink ones. One can also venture into the Kumbharwado locality of the Mayem village where artisans carve Ganesh idols out of terracotta for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

How to Reach Mayem Lake
There are a number of buses that run from Mapusa and Panaji to Bicholim and from there to Mayem Lake. The nearest interstate bus station is at Mapusa, the KTC bus station.

2 more images

Set amidst an enchanting landscape, the Arvalem waterfalls is a popular tourist hub in Goa. The Arvalem falls produces a breathtaking spectacle with water tumbling headlong from a height of 50 meter. Even though not on par with the more celebrated Dudhsagar waterfalls, the Arvalem waterfalls are definitely worth a visit.

During the monsoon season, as the plains are lashed by incessant rains, the Arvalem waterfall runs amok with thunderous energy. The otherwise lean stream of the winters metamorphoses into a powerful gush of water cascading down the mountain slopes. After descending down the rocky cliff, the Arvalem waterfall settles in a huge lake at the bottom which is a tempting place for visitors for a refreshing dip.

The GTDC has developed a park nearby to facilitate a ringside view of the Arvalem falls. The Rudreshwar temple located in the vicinity of the falls is a holy shrine for Hindus. The Rock cut caves of Arvalem are another nearby attraction for enthusiastic tourists.

How to Reach Arvalem Waterfalls
You can reach the Sanquelim village by taking a two hour bus ride from Mapusa. But to reach the Arvalem waterfalls, you will have to walk for about half an hour or take a motorbike taxi.

1 more image

many hotels have this fancy chessboards for enthusiasts who like to playa game. it is quite a experience to move your pawn and knights around and checkmate your opponent.definitely try out a game when you have time to kill in goa.

1 more image

Mahabaleshwar is a very popular hill station in Maharashtra because of its placid lakes, verdant hills and cascading waterfalls. It is not only famous for its scenic beauty but also for its various temples, spectacular viewpoints and historically significant places. It is a great place for holidaying as it provides ample opportunities for leisure activities such as fishing, boating and trekking.
It is at an altitude of 1372 meters and overlooks the Krishna and Koyna valley.
A tour to Mahabaleshwar can possibly not be called complete without a trip to the cascading waterfalls, such as the Lingmala waterfall (6km), Dhobi waterfall (3km) and Chinaman's waterfall (2.5km).

There is also the Venna Lake, which is 2.5 km long and has boating facilities. Close to the lake are strawberry stalls and people can even go for little horse riding.

Wilson point is the highest point of Mahabaleshwar and has three observation towers, which offer a splendid view especially of the sunrise. There are other points to which offer great view such as, Elphinstone Point, Babington Point, Kate's Point and Arthur's Point.

Connaught Peak or the Mount Olympia and Echo Point are few of other places that tourists love to visit.

If you wish to go by air, you can fly to the airport in Pune, which is at a distance of 120km from Mahabaleshwar.

If you rather travel by road, there are regular buses of the state transport that link Mahabaleshwar to Mumbai and Pune.

From Goa, it is an overnight journey by train or luxury buses..

This sanctuary which was earlier known as Mollem Game Sanctuary was subsequently renamed as Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary and lies on the eastern border of Goa, along the Western Ghats. The area comprises of 240 sq. Km. of luxuriant vegetation which had been declared a sanctuary
way back in 1969 and is situated in Sanguem Taluka. The National Highway 4A divides it into two parts and also the Mormugao - Londa railway line which passes through this area.

Flora: This sanctuary falls within the biogeographical province 5A/5B and contains pristine vegetation which is classified into three main forest types, namely:

(1) West Coast Tropical Evergreen Forests,

(2) West Coast Semi - Evergreen Forests,

(3) Moist Deciduous Forests.

The predominant species are Terminalia, Ragerstroemia, Xylia, Dalbergia etc. Due to luxuriant growth the canopy is almost closed and the availability of grass is very limited. The evergreen type of forests are mainly seen on higher altitudes and along the river banks. Because of the perennial sources of water within the sanctuary the availability of water is not a limiting factor as far as animals are concerned.

Though the settlement of rights and concessions has not still been done away with, certain private lands are still within the sanctuary and need to be acquired in due course of time.

Fauna: The fauna found in the sanctuary is as follows: Gaur, Panther, Spotted Deer, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Porcupine, Wild Dog, Leopard Cat, Sambar, Bonnet Macaque, Common Langur, Jungle Cat, Civet, Flying Squirrel, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Pangolin, Slender Loris, etc. Occasionally, Tigers have also been seen, but the area is famous for King cobras though other snakes found are Python, Krait, Viper etc. as well as non-poisonous snakes. 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.

Contact address for booking:
1)Dy Conservator of Forests,
North Goa Division,
Ponda.

Best time for visiting: From October to April.

The area consists of mangrove vegetation. Mangrove ecosystems are among the most productive ones known to us. They provide refuge and breeding grounds for several varieties of fish and insects which fall at the base of the food-chain. The "Mangrove Scrub" type of vegetation that is found here occurs in small isolated areas along the banks of Mandovi and Mapusa rivers and also along the Cumbarjua canal. This Sanctuary is criss-crossed with a network of water channels. So movement is restricted to the duration of high tide if one wants to go by boats. However for canoes, the creeks are accessible even during low tides. A watch-tower has been erected in the Sanctuary for better viewing of birds. Apart from the several resident bieds, the Sanctuary alsohas some winter visitors like coots and pintails.

Eco-tourism Wing: The Wildlife Division proposes to start conducted tours through the water channels. It is envisaged that a group of 8-9 persons could be taken at one time. However, the exact modalities are yet to be worked out. Resource material and useful information could be acquired at the Range Forest Office at Campal, in Panaji.

Location: It is located at the western tip of the island of Chorao, which is just 5 km from Panaji city on the River Mandovi itself. The access is by ferry from a place called Ribandar jetty on the southern bank of River Mandovi.

Easiest Approach: Panaji : 5 km Margao : 40 km Bicholim : 18 km

Best time for visiting: September to June

If one wants to see multi-storeyed forests with tall trees and rare plants, where hardly any light reaches the ground, Cotigao Sanctuary is the place to go to. It touches the border of Karnataka state and in the lean season, several gaurs are known to come into Cotigao from its neighbourhood. The vegetation is mostly moist-deciduous type, interspersed with semi-evergreen and evergreen patches.

Eco-tourism Wing: This Wing is still being developed. The Nature Interpretation Centre is a valuable repository of knowledge. At present, the Department is capable of providing rudimentary facilities like snake-proof camping sites, canvas tents, reference material and loads of goodwill. For those who really want to rough it out, there is no end of possibilities. If you are brave enough, we can provide cots and mosquito-nets. So that all that lies between you and the jungle is a thin mesh. Otherwise, the Forest Department has one two-bedded suite available at Poinguinim, 2 km. away from the Sanctuary. The dense forests, perennial streams, and picturesque undulating terrain provide for a unique wildlife refuge.

Location: It is situated in Canacona Taluka, in the south of Goa. It lies at about 2 km from Poinguinim , which is 10 km away from Canacona town. Poinguinim falls on NH -17. So the approach is very convenient.

Easiest approach: Panaji : 85 km
Dabolim airport : 75 km
Margao : 50 km