Uncovering the sanctuary’s treasures

Imagine this. Kilometres of undulating green covers spread out in front of you like a blanket. Soothing, isn’t it? That is Mollem National Park, nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats in Dharbandora Taluk of Goa. Spread across 240 sq. km, this park is the largest sanctuary in Goa.

At the heart of the park lies a mesmerizing mosaic of dense forests, meandering rivers, and cascading waterfalls, creating a landscape of unparalleled beauty and ecological significance. Towering trees, including ancient evergreens and teak, provide sanctuary for a diverse array of flora and fauna, while crystal-clear streams meander through the lush undergrowth, nourishing the ecosystem and sustaining its inhabitants.

Mollem National Park is not only a sanctuary for wildlife but also a refuge for cultural heritage, with sacred sites and historic temples scattered throughout its expanse. Visitors to the park have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the serenity of nature, embarking on guided treks through pristine wilderness, where every step unveils a new wonder of the natural world.

The green canopy of serenity

Mollem National Park was built to protect the impressive biodiversity found in the Western Ghats. It rests at the foothills of the Western Ghats and is a perfect getaway for a day. It was first called the Mollem Game Sanctuary, and in 1969, when it was officially started as a wildlife sanctuary, it was renamed Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. The area is dense and populated with west coast tropical green forests, west coast semi-evergreen forests, and moist deciduous.

Terminalia, Lagerstroemia, Xylia, and timber trees are popular and abundant in this forest. The canopy of these trees is so thick and impenetrable that it is rumoured that the sun's rays do not reach the ground in a few places.

Where the wild stroll freely

Mollem National Park is the ultimate animal lover's delight. You can book a jeep or take your vehicle and a guide and drive into the deep ends of the forest. You will be greeted by animals like leopards, elephants, deer & gaur, also known as Indian Bison. If you are lucky, you may also encounter some rarer animals like Indian civet, wild dog, hyena, sloth bear, jackal, bonnet macaque, slender lorris, scaly anteater, giant squirrel, flying squirrel, giant squirrel, flying fox, and common otter. If you want a bird’s eye view of the habitat of the animals, feel free to trek up to the Devil’s Canon Point.

Timings

Opening time - 09:00 AM

Closing time - 05:00 PM

Flying with the flock

If there are trees, there will be birds. Mollem Sanctuary is a bucket list trip for the avid bird-watcher. It is said that the forest is home to 120 species of birds. It's common to see the state bird, the Ruby-throated Yellow Bulbul. Golden Oriole, Emerald Dove, Common Grey Hornbill, Paradise Flycatcher, Great Pied Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Trogan, Crested Serpent Eagle, Crested Honey Buzzard, White-rumped Spine Tail, Ashy Wood Swallow, Asian Palm Swift, Jungle Babbler, Olive-backed Pipit, Pompadour Pigeon, Jungle Owlet, White-bellied Woodpecker, Black-crested Bulbul, Forest Wagtail, Scarlet Minivet, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch and the Sulphur-bellied Warbler are also some of the other birds that have homes in this dense and gorgeous forest.

The universe of butterflies

In this sanctuary, one can revel in the exquisite company of myriad butterfly species, each painting a poetic symphony of hues. You will find the blue Mormon, crimson rose, common Jezebel, common Mormon, common mime, plum Judy, common wanderer, crimson rose, lime butterfly, plain tiger, southern birdwing, and tailed jay. Just the names sound fascinating enough to look forward to a trip here.

Stalwarts for neighbours

The Mollem Wildlife Sanctuary has neighbours that are popular tourist attractions. If you are in the sanctuary, you have to visit a few places like the Dudhsagar waterfalls. It is known to be the tallest in India and creates a breathtaking effect, especially in the monsoons. The other waterfall, almost shoulder-to-shoulder with the Dudhsagar waterfalls, is the Tambdi Falls. It invites fewer tourists because of its rocky terrain. However, this will not disappoint you if you're looking for some adventure like a hike or a trek. You can also visit the Tambdi Surla Temple. Made for Lord Mahadev, this 12th-century temple is praiseworthy for its intricate stonework and lotus carvings. If you are craving more information and study material after everything, you can try the Nature Interpretation Centre. It is a treasure trove of data, research findings, studies, and interesting facts about Mollem Park.

As the sun sets over the lush canopy of Mollem National Park, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold, one can't help but feel a profound sense of awe for this sanctuary of biodiversity. Truly, it's a piece of heaven for both the wild and the wanderer.