1. Bhagawan Mahaveer Sanctuary & Dudh Sagar Water fall ( 55 kms) -: Nestled in the lap of Mother Nature along the eastern border and along the lush Western Ghats, Bhagwan Mahaveer sanctuary and Mollem national park are a treasure trove of luxuriant flora and varied fauna. A sprawling area of 240 square kilometers, this wildlife sanctuary and national park and protected area has geological and historical facets like the Doodhsagar Waterfalls and the Devil’s Canyon.
Jointly they form the largest contiguous wildlife protected area, covering 240 sq. kms in Goa. Thick forests varying from moist deciduous to evergreen types can be seen here. The dense vegetation provides ample cover to wild animals. If you are lucky, there are chances to see Gaur, Deer, Wild Boar, Leopard, Panther, Jungle Cat and Leopard cat, but the chances to view wildlife is poor.
Dudh Sagar Falls - Hidden away in an evergreen valley in the Westerm Ghats the highest and largest waterfalls of Goa, cascades down 306 metres in two segments, 12 km from Collem is a good oppurtunity for trekking enthusiasts.
Devil's Canyon - A formation of rock broken into criss-cross sections and under water passages through which Dudshsagar river flows with great turbulence. Lord Mahadev's Temple (Tambdi Surla Temple) - This 13th Century A.D. temples is the only one constructed from black basalt in Goa. It is 13 km from Mollem, situated at Tambdi Surla.
Bird Watching : The sanctury nestled in western mountain ranges is an ideal spot for bird watching enthusiasts. Horn bills are frequently sighted indicating the ecological balance of the sanctuary.
2. Cotigao Sanctuary -: Touted the second largest wildlife sanctuary in the minuscule state of Goa, the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is strategically located off NH17 (7 kms) before Canacona town, Goa and is hence easily accessible. Ensconced in the lap of nature in the southern end of Goa, Canacona, Cotigao wildlife sanctuary spreads over an area of 85 square kilometers and houses several species of plants and animals. A special feature of this wildlife sanctuary is the 25-metre high treetop watchtower from where one can surreptitiously gaze at the inmates of the sanctuary as they moisten their parched throats at the various waterholes in the vicinity. The vulnerable flora and fauna in the sacrosanct confines of Cotigao sanctuary merit protection and hence the area is also a protected zone.
It is approximately 12 kms from Palolem beach and 45 kms from Margao and the best time to visit the Sanctuaries is from October to March. However, during the monsoon (June to September) also it is enchanting to visit the wilderness of Goa, which is at its best at this time of the year and truly a feast for the eyes.
3. Bondla Sanctuary & Zoo -: Circumscribed in a rather small area of 7.98 square kilometers, the zoo in Bondla wildlife sanctuary is the only zoo in Goa. Located off the national highway 4A, Bondla zoo is closest to the town of Ponda in central Goa. It is 52 kms from Panjim – the stae capital and 37 kms from Margao. Bondla wildlife sanctuary is home to over a hundred bird species Endangered species of wild animals are kept at the zoo including the Tiger, Sambar (deer), Gaur (Indian Bison) etc. Early mornings, late evenings and nights are very pleasant in Bondla sanctuary and has an ideal environment for eco-tourists. Bondla wildlife sanctuary is covered with moist deciduous forests, with small patches of evergreens and canes along the nullahs. The state tree Terminalia Crenulata (Matti) and Rosewood are common here.
This sanctuary has been developed with a view to accommodate day as well as overnight visitors. It has furnished ecotourism cottages, that can accommodate 24 persons, and has 2 dormitories with a total of 48 beds. A spacious restaurant 'The Den' adequately caters to the food requirement of the visitor.
4. Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary -: It is located on the Chorao Island, in the Mandovi River about 4 kms from Panaji - the state Capital of Goa. It is the smallest of the protected areas of Goa and is basically a wetland ecosystem with dense mangrove vegetation. The area of the sanctuary is 1.78 sq.km. and has a number of canals interspersed within. This wetland attracts migratory birds like pintail ducks in large numbers in the winter months from October to February every year. The sanctuary has been named after the famed ornithologist of India Dr. Salim Ali who is also known to have visited the sanctuary before it was declared protected area. The Forest Department operates regular boating excursions in to the sanctuary. A 12-seater boat departs every morning at 7 a.m. from Chorao and takes the visitor to the watch tower. The ride lasts about one hour (The boat service is available only from October to May). From the reception office, a 1 km walkway leads right in to the sanctuary along a specially constructed pathway along the embankment and provides a view of the dense mangrove vegetation. The characteristic features of the mangroves like root system, the propagules etc. can be viewed first hand by the visitor. The lesser fauna like the mud skipper and fiddler crab can be observed at close quarters. Specially built observation points at three different places off the embankment provides view of the bird life on the mudflats.
Come here in the winter ( November to February) and this place plays home to several migratory species of birds, indeed every birdwatcher's ecstasy! The rich mangrove habitat harbours Pintails, Blue-winged teals, maddar ducks, purple herons, Adjutant storcks, flying foxes, crocodiles etc. There are locals who takes tourist around in canoes for a fee.
Nature Interpretation Centre-: A walk-through Nature Interpretation Centre is located at the entrance of the sanctuary at Chorao and provides information about the floral composition and some of the frequent bird visitors.
Watch Tower -: A three-storied watch tower located right inside the sanctuary provides a panoramic view of the sanctuary - below canopy level, at canopy level and above canopy level of the dense vegetation.