Mahaveer Sanctuary

Spread in 240 sq km, Mahaveer Sanctuary is a reserved area situated in the South Goa (India). Goa, in the sanctuary is located near to the city of Molem, 57 km away in the east of Panaji, a capital of Goa. National Highway 4A separates it into 2 parts and the Mormugao - Londa railway line cross the region. It serves its tourists a number of important temples that are very old. The region is also a residence of buffalo herders.

From the past

The region was once called as Mollem Game Sanctuary; later in 1969 it was announced as a wildlife sanctuary and was also renamed as Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary. The main region of the sanctuary covers 107 sq km.

Flora and fauna

This sanctuary has amazing flora & fauna divided into West Coast - steamy forests, semi-green forests and deciduous forests. The moist forests are generally seen at a height and along the banks of river. The main varieties are - Terminalia, Lagerstroemia, Xylia and Dalbergia. The presence of grass is very partial. There are more than a few constant water sources in the wildlife sanctuary and the presence of water is not a restrictive fact for wildlife.

Plant Diversity

Mahaveer sanctuary and surrounding regions offer 722 varieties of flower plants and in animals, there are 492 types of mammals, Birds, Butterflies, Reptiles.

Attractions

The sanctuary consists of various ecological, civilizing and visitor’s attractions that make this a biggest reserved region in Goa a famous travel spot.

Tambdi Surla Temple This beautiful 12th century Shiva temple is a worship place. The four pillars, overstated with complicated carvings of elephants and chains hold a stone ceiling bedecked with delicately carved lotus flowers of the Ashokan variety.
Dudhsagar Falls Dudhsagar Fall is a mesmerizing waterfall found on the Mandovi River at the Karnataka border. This amazing spot may be reached by trekking 10 km or driving a car from Collem. Driving becomes difficult at the time of monsoon season- June to September.

Devils Canyon

This is a valley of water formed crevices downstream from Dudh Sagar Falls, made from rock by winding underwater currents. It is just opposite to the main track of the Collem entry point.

Sunset Point

This point gives you an outstanding view of the sanctuary, exposing an area of blocked canopy treetops. It can be accessed by sanctuary vehicles, which is rented at Mollem check-point. Taking a drive on the zigzag road shaped from the mountain will be a nice experience.