A wildlife sanctuary is a place of refuge for wildlife that is in danger from extinction from external sources other than the jungle. It may be a naturally-occurring landscape that provides protection for wild species from hunting, predation, or it may refer to a protected area, a geographic territory within which wildlife is protected. Such wildlife refuges are generally officially designated territories, created by government legislation.

The word, “Sanctuary” has religious connections as it has various meanings associated, mostly with religion. Some of the popular meanings for sanctuary are:

1. A sacred place; a consecrated spot; a holy and inviolable site.
2. The most retired part of the temple at Jerusalem, called the Holy of Holies, in which was kept the Ark of the Covenant, and into which no person was permitted to enter except the high priest, and he only once a year, to intercede for the people; also, the most sacred part of the tabernacle; also, the temple at Jerusalem.
3. A house consecrated to the worship of God; a place where divine service is performed; a church, temple, or other place of worship.
4. A sacred and inviolable asylum; a place of refuge and protection; shelter; refuge; protection.
5. The most sacred part of any religious building, esp. that part of a Christian church in which the altar is placed.

In ancient times and in the middle ages, a sanctuary served as asylum, a place of refuge for persons fleeing from violence or from the penalties of the law. To injure a person in sanctuary or to remove him from it forcibly was considered sacrilege. In Egypt the temples of Osiris and Amon offered the right of sanctuary. Under the Greeks all temples enjoyed this privilege, and certain ones, like the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, were known throughout the Mediterranean world as a haven for fugitives. In Rome sanctuary was often sought by fugitive slaves. Christian churches were given the right of sanctuary by Constantine I. Abuses of sanctuary, tending to encourage crime, led to its curtailment and abolition. Modern penal codes no longer recognize the right of sanctuary for humans in any religious structure.

Today all over the world, governments, NGO’s Nature Lover’s and sensible citizens have realized that it’s the wild animals that need a safe haven, a sanctuary from the wild human beings. This realization has led to the creation of animal sanctuaries where animals are allowed to live freely in a natural environment and be protected for the rest of their lives. The resident animals in wildlife sanctuaries are given the opportunity to behave as naturally as possible in a protective environment.

From ancient times, nature has changed sides, first it was the humans who needed sanctuary from other destructive humans, now it’s the wild animals turn. The animals need tracts of land where birds and wildlife, esp. those hunted for sport, can breed and take refuge in safety from human hunters and poachers.

Wildlife sanctuaries in Goa are areas which are set for increasing the animals and plants living therein by making sure that the habitation is not destroyed. An animal here does not mean the higher mammals alone, but all living species other than plants from the tiniest ants and beetle to the largest herbivore, the elephant. This includes even germs, fungi and bacteria. In Goa, there is one National Park, one bird sanctuary and five wildlife sanctuaries the largest being the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.

The areas under these are as given below:

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
With just 8 sq. km. area, Bondla is rather small. However, it boasts of a Mini Zoo, Deer Safari Park, Formal Gardens, Botanic Gardens and Ecotourism Cottages.

Late evenings and nights are very pleasant Bondla is a paradise for ecotourists.

The area 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.

Gaur, the state animal is frequently seen here. Panther, jungle cat, leopard cat, toddy cat, deer, wild boars, porcupines, ant eaters, squirrels are some of the other animals here. Over a hundred species of birds are also residents.

What to see
Zoological Park - A tiny Zoo permits one to see the fauna of Goa in meshed enclosures with natural surroundings. Animal exhibits include elephant, Panther, Lion, Gaur, Sambar, Deers, Sloth Bear, Porcupine, Wild Boar, Crocodiles, and Reptiles etc.

Deer Safari Park - Visitors can move among Deers in vehicles inside the sprawling Deer Safari Park housing Sambar and Spotted Deers.

Formal Gardens - Spacious lawns, exotic trees, Varieties of roses, and colorful flowering plants in the middle of the forest do please the eye.

Botanical Gardens - The large collection of plants is of interest to students.

Nature Education Centre - The NEC houses several exhibits, which visitors can see, feel and interpret. An attached library provides details to the inquisitive, and video and cine movies are screened on request.

Birdlife - Bondla is home to over a hundred bird species. For details on bird-watching areas contact the Park Range Office.

WildAnimals - For those seeking greater adventure and excitement, we have watch-towers where wild animals like Gaur, Sambar and Wild Boar can be seen at water-holes However, sighting of animals is mere luck.

NatureTrails - For the more energetic the Nature Trails provide information simultaneously affording opportunities to see nature as it is.

Archeologicalexhibit - One of the best worked images of deity “Gajalaxmi” with several motives in bold relief belonging to the period between VI and VIII century venerated by ancient settlers are located here.

The zoo, deer safari, and garden are closed for public on Thursdays.

Where to stay?
This sanctuary has been developed with a view to accommodate day as well as overnight visitors. It has furnished ecotourism cottages, which can accommodate 24 persons and 2 dormitories with a total of 48 beds. A spacious restaurant “The Den” adequately caters to the food requirement of the visitor.

How to get there?
By Road:
Bondla is off National Highway 4A ( Belgaum - Panaji). Branch off. At Mollem.

Route: Mollem - Satpal Sancorda - Shivddem - Bondla. (20 kms). Branch off. At Tiska Route: Tiska - Usgaon - Ganhem - Bondla (14 kms).
Route: Margao - Ponda-Usgao-Ganjem-Bondla (36 kms)
Panjim-Ponda-Usgao-Ganjem-Bondla (52 kms).

By Rail : Collem- (on the Mormugao Hubli line of South Central Railway),
Route: Collem-Mollem-Sancorda-Shivddem-Bondla: 28 kms.

Carambolim (Karmali Railway Station - Konkan Railway)
Route: Carambolim - Old Goa-Ponda-Usgao-Ganjem-Bondla: 40 kms.

By air: Dabolim-Ponda-Usgao-Ganjem-Bondla (70 kms)

Transport
The Forest Department is contemplating to run a bus service from TISKA to BONDLA everyday, except Thursday.
Dep. Tiska 11.00 hrs & 19.30 hrs
Dep. Bondla 07.30 hrs & 17.45 hrs

*It is better to have one’s own transport or hired taxi to avoid inconvenience, though hired taxi is little bit costly.

Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary & Mollem National Park
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, the largest herbivore - the magnificent Gaur can be seen here. Other herbivores found here are: Deer, Wild Boar, and many more. The carnivores - Tiger, Panther, Jungle Cat and Leopard cat can also be seen. By & large the sightings are poor.

Besides flora and fauna there are many important geographical and historical features in this sanctuary.

Dudhsagar falls is the highest and largest waterfalls of Goa, hidden in the bowl shaped evergreen valley in the Western Ghats.

What to See?
Dudhsagar Falls - Hidden away in an evergreen valley in the Westerm Ghats the highest and largest waterfalls of Goa, cascades down 306 mts in two segments, 10 km from Collem is a trekking paradise.

Devil’s Canyon - A formation of rock broken into criss-cross sections and under water passages through which Dudhsagar river flows with great turbulence.

Lord Mahadev’s 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.

NatureInterpretation Centre - Located at Mollem within the Park Complex, It is a store house of information on nature, environment and wildlife.

Ghat Road - A drive along NH 4 up to the border of Goa is full of scenic and memorable facets of the Landscape.

Sunset Point - Combine the charm and beauty, commanding extensive panoramic view of hills and valleys. The sunset and sunshine can be seen at the same time from here on a full moon evening. A spot to have a data with nature. While you are there watch out for the sloth bear and our state animal- Gaur. Get a telescope view of the blue water of Arabian Sea and golden beaches. Experience the thrill of negotiating the meandering 9 km track with your own four wheeler.

Bhandaras and Mineral water springs - Beckons you with the awe-inspiring sight of magnificent wildlife.

Bolcornem Nursery - Cradle for the future forest formations, ideal for field study.

How to reach there?
By Road: National Highway 4A cuts through the Sanctuary. All inter state buses from Belgaum, Hubli, Bangalore halt at Mollem where the Park Office is located.

Route: Panaji-Ponda-Tiska-Mollem. (57 kms)
Margao-Ponda-Tiska-Mollem (42 kms)

By Rail:
Nearest Station: Collem (South Central Railway);
Route: Collem-Mollem - 6 km

Carambolim (Karmali Railway Station - Konkan Railways),
Route: Carambolim-Old Goa-Ponda-Tiska-Mollem-50 km.

By Air:
Nearest Airport: Dabolim;
Route: Dabolim-Margao-Ponda-Tiska-Mollem-67 km.

Where to stay
There is no accommodation under the administrative control of Wildlife & Ecotourism Wing at present at Mollem. However, the Forest Department has one suite available at the Forest Rest House-Mollem, booking for which can be done with the Dy. Conservator of Forest (North Goa) Dhavli-Ponda (Tel.: 0832 - 2312095)

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation manages one Forest Resort Complex having Cottages & Dormitories for tourists at Mollem.
Please contact telephone No:- 0832 - 2226728 / 2226515 / 2224132 / 2612238

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Spread over 1.78 sq.kms, this sanctuary is located on the western end of the island of Chorao along River Mandovi near Panaji.

The whole area has Mangrove vegetation of 14 different species and is covered by a network of criss-cross water channels having tidal variations. It is a suitable habitat for plankton, shrimps, prawns and small fish.

During winter, between November and January, migratory birds flock in thousands to feed on the banks of river Mandovi, adjoining the sanctuary. Apart from that, a number of resident birds and a few animals can also be seen inside the sanctuary.

Watch Towers provide an excellent view of the sanctuary and its birdlife. To get a feel of mangrove vegetation boats and canoes can be hired run by private people from Chorao jetty.

With the variety of colorful resident & migratory birds, mangrove flora & fauna, and the lush green surrounding with the Mandovi water flowing through the creeks, particularly during low tide it is a feast to the eyes to this totally different ecosystem and feel its enchanting beauty amidst the calls of birds break the silence which mesmerize the visitors one can wake on. Raised pathways camouflaged by mangrove vegetation to commune with nature. A boat ride in the early misty hours of the morning can be magical. An intricate network of shimmering waterways embroiders the richly green landscape adding charm to every details of the mangrove.

Location:
Chorao Island is 5 km from Panaji, Margao is 40 km away, and Bicholim is at a distance of 18 km. The sanctuary is located on the west end of the island. It is accessible by ferry from Ribandar, which is on the southern bank of the river Mandovi.

What you can experience?
Boat and Canoe Excursion. As tidal water imposes some restrictions on the movement inside the sanctuary, you can use boats during high tide and canoes during low tide. Boats and canoes are available on hire. Motor boats are not allowed to operate inside the sanctuary to avoid noise pollution.

Birds Eye-View- You can go up the watch-tower, and get an excellent view of the sanctuary and its wildlife.

Birds Feeding: Take a look at birds feeding in the river waters. You will enjoy it.

Besides birds at Dr. Salim Ali Sanctuary, one may stroll through the magnificent Mangrove forests in tranquility. Pneumato-phores (aerial respiratory roots) are clearly visible during the low tides. The main species are Rhizophora, Avicenna, Brugueria, Exocaria, Sonneratia etc.

How to Reach?
The Forest Department operates one motor boat to take visitors inside the sanctuary. It is available from the Chorao ferry jetty, which can be reached by ferry plying from Ribandar. Distances to Ribandar from some of the places are given below: It is better to hire private boats & canoes operated from Chorao jetty to avoid loss of time in waiting for forest department boat.

Panaji - 3 kms
Margao - 35 kms
Bicholim - 18 kms
Carambolim Railway Station - 12 kms

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary is representative of the ecosystem of the Western Ghats region. Which is located on southern end of Goa abutting Karnataka?

Leafy trees of the moist deciduous type densely cover this area. Some of those are among the loftiest ones, attaining heights of about 30 metres.

Though there are many animals, they are all scattered in small pockets at various spots inside the sanctuary. However, birds are aplenty throughout. About 200 species could be seen, including the Indian Pied Hornbill, Larger Golden Backed Woodpecker and the Great Indian Woodpecker.

The Nature Interpretation Centre at the sanctuary houses wildlife exhibits and a library, which are open to all visitors.

Things of Interest to Ecotourists

* Dense Multistoried Forests with tall trees and rare plants where hardly any light reaches the ground.
* Perennial streams (Talpona river) and picturesque undulating terrain with a variety of wildlife, a paradise for birdwatchers.
*Ancient Jeevothan Partagal Math noted for Vedic studies is in the vicinity of sanctuary. An ancient Banyan Tree here which covers vast area is a botanical miracle.
* Nature interpretation centre with exhibits and mini-library, which is a great source of information to the visitor.
*Watch towers, Water holes, Bhandaras, Salt licks for viewing animals. - The sight of wild animals moving casually in their natural habitat is a refreshing experience.

* The Bela lake, where one can relax in fresh air after a long promenade through the forests, amidst the sylvan serenity of wooded plains. The solitude tranquility, gentle breeze and stars spangled sky here are all enchanting beyond words.
* The tree top at Bhutpal - whose immediate environment affords a sylvan and peaceful retreat for body and mind- and wake to the tune of chirping birds and rustling leaves.
* Plantations with a host of variety of insects & butterflies.
* An exciting place for cycling and trekking, offers some of the finest vistas of the undulating terrain.
* Films on nature & wildlife on 16 mm screen.
* Gurgling Waters and Gathering Spots, ideal picnic spots or to laze.
* Early settlers living in their traditional ways, its distinct social and cultural life.
* The Famous temple of Parshurama, who according to the mythology created Goa, is situated opposite Forest Rest House.
* Turtle Nesting Sites at Galgibag & Agonda Beaches.
* Ancient temple at Kuskem is well worth exploring.

How to reach there
By road from Panaji to Margao (32 kms) onto Canacona (36.8 kms) and further down for 7 kms on NH-17 up to Poinguinim. Then to the left at the entrance board of the sanctuary, is a small settlement from where the boundary of the Sanctuary starts. About 2 kms further is the sanctuary gate at Shish Val.

Where to Stay
The Forest Department can provide accommodation in The 4 - bed capacity in Forest Rest House at Poinguinim (4 kms). For which please contact D