Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary: Discovering Goa's Biodiversity Hotspot

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January

17.4 - 35.2 °C

February

17.9 - 36.2 °C

March

20.2 - 35.5 °C

April

22.6 - 35.3 °C

May

23.0 - 35.4 °C

June

22.2 - 34.4 °C

July

22.4 - 31.5 °C

August

22.7 - 31.2 °C

September

22.7 - 32.2 °C

October

21.7 - 35.0 °C

November

19.6 - 35.4 °C

December

18.3 - 34.9 °C

Major Airports :

Dabolim Airport (GOI), Goa

Manohar International Airport (GOX), North Goa

Nearest Railway Station :

Madgaon Junction Railway Station (MAO)

Preserving a paradise

Tell us the truth. Would you want to miss an experience that promises luscious greens, cascading waterfalls, the twittering of rare birds, and prowling wild animals? The answer, we presume, is a hard no. That’s why the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary in the northeast of Goa, in Sattari, is a must-visit. When you leave your city life behind and step into this sanctuary, it feels like entering another universe. The species of animals, trees, birds, and butterflies are plentiful.

The sanctuary is christened after the Mhadei River, which meanders through its heart, nurturing a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. Towering evergreen trees provide sanctuary to a myriad of species. Avian enthusiasts are treated to a spectacular array of birdlife, with over 255 species recorded within the sanctuary's boundaries, including the majestic Malabar pied hornbill and the vibrant Indian paradise flycatcher.

As a haven for wildlife and a vital part of the region's ecological heritage, the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary stands as a testament to the importance of conservation efforts in preserving India's natural treasures for generations to come.

Follow your heart

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is nestled in the Northern part of the state beside a tiny village called Valpoi. It covers a total area of 208 sq. km and is as green, fresh, and invigorating as the first shower on parched land. The intriguing detail about this sanctuary is that visitors have often spotted the ‘Bengal Tiger’ in the covers of the forest. A proposal to make this a tiger reserve is also underway. But the wildness, the green, and the colourful are not the only reasons to visit Mhadei. If you are an adventure seeker or a trek lover, Mhadei will surprise and delight you at the same time. You can indulge in guided walks, water rafting, and hiking with people of the same interest.

Mahadei welcomes visitors all year round, but the real beauty of the place glistens during the monsoons. After the rains had washed over the forest, it sprouted like a new life again. Greener. Fuller and Prettier. The Mhadei River comes alive and is perfect for water rafting.

A blooming world

Goa is a tropical beach town. The weather is normally hot, humid, and rainy. That is why the most popular vegetation in this forest is the deciduous tree. It also has pockets of rare and precious groves that house a few unique species, scarce yet visually extraordinary.

One of the most popular trees is the evergreen variety of Ashoka Tree. It creates foliage of green and saffron colours that look breathtakingly beautiful. But of course, the splash of colours comes not only from the saffron flowers but also from the wild orchids, flowering plants, and priceless endemic orchids as well.

The government has made tedious efforts to protect the flora and the fauna well, which is why they thrive and flourish without worry in the world.

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Timings

Opening time - 12:00PM

Closing time - 11:59 PM

The abode of the free

Majestic creatures roam freely, their graceful movements echoing through the lush wilderness. From the mighty roar of the lion to the elusive dance of the deer, each inhabitant plays a vital role in the delicate balance of this thriving ecosystem. Step into this sanctuary, where the heartbeat of the wild pulses with life, inviting you to embark on a journey of discovery and wonder. The locals who have inhabited the neighbouring areas have often reported sightings of some very popular animals like Indian gaur, Barking deer, Sambar deer, Asian palm civet, small Indian civet, Wild boar, Indian hare, Ruddy mongoose, Black-faced langur Bonnet macaque.

You can take the help of a guide and be on the trail of finding these animals. Sometimes a few tourists have enjoyed views of some rarer animals like the Black Panther, Sloth bear, Leopard, Jungle cat, Mouse deer, Giant squirrel, Flying squirrel, Indian pangolin, and Slender loris. If your lucky stars are aligned, you might be privileged to see a few of the animals in the wild.

A symphony of tweets

Imagine 255 species of birds living in the same forest. The cacophony of the twittering might feel amusing and relaxing at the same time. Out of the 255 species, 53 are suspected to be breeding here. Who would ever object to more birds, right? If you are thinking of visiting this sanctuary, it might interest you to know that it has been declared an International Bird Area because of the Nilgiri wood-pigeon, Malabar parakeet, Malabar grey hornbill, Grey-headed bulbul, Rufous babbler, White-bellied blue-flycatcher and Crimson-backed sunbird.

A rendezvous with the reptiles

The sanctuary also has innumerable reptiles, especially snakes like the Banded kukri snake, Banded racer, Beddome’s keelback, and Black slender coral snake to name a few, and even butterflies like the Southern birdwing, Striped tiger, Common jezebel, Common Indian crow, Blue Mormon.

An explorer’s nature trail

As you venture into the Western Ghats, make sure to include a visit to the Vagheri Hills and Chorla Ghat, celebrated as the highest peaks in Goa. For enthusiasts of trekking and hiking, this trail is a must-add to your bucket list. Moreover, if you're drawn to the allure of waterfalls, prepare to be captivated by the stunning cascades scattered throughout the Ghats. Beyond the prominent falls, don't miss the chance to explore hidden gems like the Vazra Sakla Falls and the Virdi Falls, offering tranquil spots of natural beauty amidst the wilderness.

So remember, in the heart of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, where the melody of the forest blends with the symphony of nature's rhythms, lies a sanctuary not only for the majestic creatures that call it home but for the wanderer's soul seeking solace in the embrace of untamed beauty.