Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary was known as Molem Game Sanctuary when it opened in 1969. Goa's largest wildlife preserve also incorporates Molem National Park.The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary consists of various evergreens in the forested area while the fauna include herds of deer, Gaur (Indian bison), monkeys, elephant, leopard, sloth bear, flying squirrels, porcupine, civet, tigers and a few black panthers. The park is famous for King Cobras and approximately 200 species of birds including Indian Black Woodpecker, the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Paradise Fly Catcher, Fairy Blue Bird, Drongo, Wag tails, Barbets, Great Indian Horn Bill and Kingfishers. An observation platform in Bhagwan allows visitors to view many of the animals.A Nature Interpretation Center is found within Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary providing information on the vegetation and the general information on the forest. There are many places of interest within the boundaries of the sanctuary such as Dudhsagar Falls, the highest waterfall in Goa; Devil Canyon; a beautiful geological rock formation; the River Khandepar and Tambdi Surla, Goa's only remaining intact temple dating back to the Kadamba period. The best time to visit Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary is from October to March.