Mollem (Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary) National park - मोल्लेम (भगवान महावीर अभयारण्य)
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 Photo by : marcus334 in flickr More images... |
King Cobra Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary earlier known as Mollem Game Sanctuary(1969) is situated close to the Mollem village at the foot of the Western Ghats, on the eastern border of Goa. It is 60 km away from the state capital, Panaji. The sanctuary, Goa's largest wildlife preserve covers an area of 240 Sq.km. The core zone of the sanctuary comprising an area of 107 sq. km. was notified as a National Park during 1978 known as Mollem National Park.
The pristine vegetation in the sanctuary consists of Tropical evergreen forest, Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forest. The evergreen type of forests are mainly seen on higher altitudes and along the river banks. The fauna comprises of herds of deer, Gaur (Indian bison), monkeys, elephant, leopard, sloth bear, flying squirrel, Malayan Giant squirrel, porcupine, civet, cat, jungle fowl, tigers and a few black panthers. The park is famous for King Cobras and there area also other snakes like python, Krait, Viper etc. 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.
There is a Nature Interpretation centre at Mollem which gives information on the vegetation and the general biodata of the forest. Besides flora and fauna there are many places of tourist interest in this sanctuary. The beautiful Dudhsagar falls(200m), the highest waterfall in Goa inside the sanctuary, is easily accessible from Mollem and about an hour's journey from Colem by train. The 'Devil Canyon' (Devcharacho kond) is a beautiful geological rock formation and the river Khandepar cuts across the spot. The 13th century, Tambdi SuGaurrla, a Shiva Temple build by the Kadamba kings is about 13 km from Mollem and 45km from Ponda.
There are jeeps available for venturing into the forest. Contact Forest range officer for the same. The best time to visit the sanctuary is either early in the morning or late in the evening.
North Goa Division,
Ponda. Ph.- 312095
Goa Tourism Development Corporation,
Trionora Apartments,
Dr Alvares Costa Road,
Panaji.
Phone: 226515/224132
Best time to visit: October to March
Nearest town: Ponda (29km)
Attractions: King Cobra, Deer, Gaur, Monkeys
The pristine vegetation in the sanctuary consists of Tropical evergreen forest, Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forest. The evergreen type of forests are mainly seen on higher altitudes and along the river banks. The fauna comprises of herds of deer, Gaur (Indian bison), monkeys, elephant, leopard, sloth bear, flying squirrel, Malayan Giant squirrel, porcupine, civet, cat, jungle fowl, tigers and a few black panthers. The park is famous for King Cobras and there area also other snakes like python, Krait, Viper etc. 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.
There is a Nature Interpretation centre at Mollem which gives information on the vegetation and the general biodata of the forest. Besides flora and fauna there are many places of tourist interest in this sanctuary. The beautiful Dudhsagar falls(200m), the highest waterfall in Goa inside the sanctuary, is easily accessible from Mollem and about an hour's journey from Colem by train. The 'Devil Canyon' (Devcharacho kond) is a beautiful geological rock formation and the river Khandepar cuts across the spot. The 13th century, Tambdi SuGaurrla, a Shiva Temple build by the Kadamba kings is about 13 km from Mollem and 45km from Ponda.
There are jeeps available for venturing into the forest. Contact Forest range officer for the same. The best time to visit the sanctuary is either early in the morning or late in the evening.
How to Reach
Air
Nearest airport is Dabolim (80 km)Rail
Nearest Railhead is Colem (5 km). The Mormugao - Londa railway line passes through this area.Road
The National Highway, NH-4A almost divides the Sanctuary in two parts. Mollem National Park lies entirely to one side of the road. Regular buses of the Kadamba Transport corporation ply from Kadama bus station, Panaji, (60 km) the capital to the Sanctuary.Where to stay
The directorate of Tourism has a tourist complex with several cottages, rooms and dormitories at Mollem. One two-bedded suite is also available in the Forest Rest House at Mollem.Contacts
Dy Conservator of Forests,North Goa Division,
Ponda. Ph.- 312095
Goa Tourism Development Corporation,
Trionora Apartments,
Dr Alvares Costa Road,
Panaji.
Phone: 226515/224132
General Information
Place: North Goa district, Sanguem Taluk, GoaBest time to visit: October to March
Nearest town: Ponda (29km)
Attractions: King Cobra, Deer, Gaur, Monkeys
 Photo by : Dusty Traveller in flickr |
 Photo by : bharatnagdeo in flickr |
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