Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa
Set amidst the foothills of the Western Ghats and covering an impressive 240 sq. km the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary holds the title of the largest wildlife preserve within the state of Goa. This sanctuary is home to a huge variety of plant, bird, and animal life. Nature lovers and hikers enjoy the hiking trails that traverse this huge tract of land. In addition to the large amount of biodiversity that the sanctuary possesses, it is also home to the famous Dudhsagar waterfall, the Devil’s Canyon, the Tambdi Surla temple, the Tambdi falls, and many other historic and religious sites.
This sanctuary is a popular tourist attraction throughout the year. Although most frequented during the tourist season from October to March, it is a great place to visit during the monsoons, when the fullest extent of nature’s bounty is visible with the waterfalls at their zenith and the trees clad in their monsoon garments of fresh green.
The green zone of Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary consists of west-coast semi-evergreen, tropical-evergreen and moist deciduous forests that create a natural habitat for a wide variety of animals and birds. It is home to the Dhangar community and has temples built by the Kadamba Dynasty. The park is also home to a community of nomadic buffalo herders known as Dhangar.
