About Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Tucked away on the eastern border of Goa along the foothills of the Western Ghats, the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary offers a tranquil and untamed escape from the coastal party vibe. Spanning over 240 square kilometers, it stands as the largest wildlife reserve in Goa. The sanctuary encompasses dense moist deciduous and evergreen tropical forests, gently undulating valleys, roaring river streams, and dramatic elevated peaks.
The ecosystem here thrives under the canopy of ancient dipterocarps, teak trees, and bamboos. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot elusive species such as the majestic Black Panther, Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Barking Deer, Pangolins, Sloth Bears, and Goa’s state animal, the Gaur (Indian Bison). Avian lovers will be enthralled by over 120 recorded species of birds including the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Emerald Dove, Fairy Bluebird, and Ruby-throated Yellow Bulbul.
Key Attractions within the Sanctuary
- Dudhsagar Waterfalls: A spectacular four-tiered cascade dropping from a height of over 300 meters, resembling a river of milk gushing down steep granite cliffs.
- Tambdi Surla Temple: A magnificent 12th-century Mahadev temple crafted entirely out of black basalt rock during the Kadamba Dynasty period.
- Devil's Canyon (Devcharacho Kond): A treacherous, beautifully carved river gorge known for its deep undercurrents, dramatic rock formations, and dense forest overhangs.
- Nature Trails & Hiking: Trekking routes lead to scenic viewpoints such as Sunset Point and the steep trails towards Castle Rock.
Whether you choose to embark on a rugged jeep safari to Dudhsagar, walk quietly along forested nature tracks, or explore medieval temple stone carving, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary offers an unforgettably immersive journey into India's biodiversity hotspot.
History
The forest reserves surrounding Mollem have a rich geological and historical footprint dating back hundreds of millions of years, forming an integral section of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Western Ghats mountain range.
Historically, during the 12th century, the region fell under the jurisdiction of the Kadamba Dynasty of Goa. The pristine forests provided natural defense and isolation for spiritual sanctuaries, most notably evidenced by the Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple. Built deep inside the jungle during the mid-1100s, this temple is considered the oldest surviving stone structure in Goa, having remarkably escaped destruction during subsequent centuries of colonial rule due to its remote forest location.
In modern conservation history, the region was first demarcated as a protected area under the name Mollem Game Sanctuary. In 1969, recognizing its critical biodiversity, the forest reserve was expanded and officially renamed the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. To ensure higher protection for core wildlife habitats, a central block covering nearly 107 square kilometers was declared a National Park in 1978, popularly referred to as Mollem National Park.