Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) National Park – complete detail

Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) National Park – complete detail – updated. Dominant flora and fauna of Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) National Park. How to reach Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) National park. The park was earlier known as Mollem game sanctuary. The park setting in the foothills of the Western Ghats is wonderful and the countryside is one of the most peaceful that you’ll come across in Goa. The park is surrounded by the Eastern Ghats and the state of Karnataka to the south. There are also some patches of savannah grasslands………….

Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) National park is a beautiful place, it is situated on the eastern border of Goa. Total area of the park is about 107 Km². In the year of 1978, the core area of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary declared as a National Park, and known as Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) National park. 

The park is home to a rich and rarefied wildlife species. The rich wildlife includes Tiger, Leopards, Elephants, Deers, Indian Bison, the King Cobra, Hump-nosed pit viper, Indian rock python, Malabar pit vipers, and wide variety of birds like fairy bluebird, wagtails, three-toed kingfisher, drongo, golden oriole, and great Indian hornbill.

National park is an area which is strictly reserved for the betterment of the wildlife & biodiversity, and where activities like developmental, forestry, poaching, hunting and grazing on cultivation are not permitted. Their boundaries are well marked and circumscribed.

Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) National Park

Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) National park is a beautiful place, it is situated on the eastern border of Goa. The national park is located near the town of Mollem, and about 60 km south east from Panaji district of the state of Goa.

The park was earlier known as Mollem game sanctuary. The Mollem game sanctuary was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in the year of 1969, and known as Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. Total area of the sanctuary is about 240 Km².

Click here to view state wise list of Indian national parks – updated

In the year of 1978, the core area of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary declared as a National Park, and known as Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) National park. Total area of the park is about 107 Km². The Park is named after the village Mollem in Sanguem Taluka where it is located.

The park is home to a rich and rarefied wildlife species. The vegetation consists of various species of herbs, medicinal plants and shrubs.

The rich wildlife includes Tiger, Leopards, Elephants, Deers, Indian Bison, the King Cobra, Hump-nosed pit viper, Indian rock python, Malabar pit vipers, and wide variety of birds like fairy bluebird, wagtails, three-toed kingfisher, drongo, golden oriole, and great Indian hornbill.

Jungle safari is a major attraction of the park. Vehicles are allowed inside the park. The park is also known for its trekking trails.

The 12th century Tambdi Surla temple, Devil’s Canyon, Sunset Point and Tambdi Water Falls are some of the other attractions of the park.

Geography

The topography of Mollem supports tropical evergreen forest, semi evergreen forest and moist deciduous forest.

The park setting in the foothills of the Western Ghats is wonderful and the countryside is one of the most peaceful that you’ll come across in Goa.

The park is surrounded by the Eastern Ghats and the state of Karnataka to the south. There are also some patches of savannah grasslands.

It is located between 15°15″30′ to 15°29″30′ N and 74°10″15′ to 74°20″15′ E.

Coordinates – 15°22’25′ N and 74°15’31′ E

Dominant flora

Terminalia, Hopea, messua, Decline Calophyllum, kokum Garcinia, Artocarpus lakoocha, Enthada pursaetha, Gnetum ula, Arbus precatorius, Costus speciosa, Rauwolfia serpentina etc.

Dominant fauna

Mammals – Tiger, Gaur, Sambar, Leopard, Spotted Deer, Jungle Cats, Sambar, Indian civet, Wild dog, Hyena, Sloth bear, Jackal, Bonnet macaque, Slender loris, Scaly ant eater, Giant squirrel, Flying squirrel, Flying fox, Wild boar, Mouse deer, Pangolin, Porcupine etc.

Birds – Ruby-throated Yellow Bulbul, Golden Oriole, Emerald Dove, Common Grey Hornbill, Paradise Flycatcher, Great Pied Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, 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, Wagtails etc.

Reptiles – King cobra, Tree snake, Cat snake, Hump-nosed pit viper, Indian rock python, Malabar pit viper, Rat snake, Russell’s viper Indian cobra etc.

Butterflies – Blue Mormon, Common jezebel, Common Mormon, Common mime, Plum Judy, Common wanderer, Lime butterfly, Plain tiger etc.

Other Attractions

Tambdi Surla Temple

Dudhsagar Falls

Devils Canyon

Tambdi Falls

Sunset Point

Nature Interpretation Centre

Ghat Road

Bhandaras and Mineral Water Springs

Bolcornem Nursery

Best time to visit

The best time of the year to visit the Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) National Park is between the months of November to March.

Fee

Adult Rs. 20

Child Rs. 5

Still Camera Fee Rs. 30

Video Camera Fee Rs. 150

Vehicle entry fee

Two wheelers Rs. 40

Cars Rs. 120

Mini buses/ Vans Rs. 250

State wise list of Wildlife Sanctuaries of India – updated

How to Reach

By Air – Nearest airport is Dabolim airport, about 80 Km from the Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) National Park. Dabolim airport is well connected by road to Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) National Park.

By Rail – Nearest railway station is Colem railway station, about 6 Km from the Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) National Park. Colem railway station is well connected by road to Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) National Park.

By Road – Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) National Park is well connected to Major Cities and Places by road network. There are a number of government and privately operated vehicles that go to Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) National Park at frequent intervals.

Accommodation

There is no official accommodation available under the management of the Wildlife and Ecotourism Wing at Mollem. However, the Forest Department has one suite available at the Forest Rest Hose at Mollem. For bookings, please contact: Deputy Conservator of Forests (North Goa), Dhavli-Ponda, Goa. Tel.: 0832-312095.

Another option is to stay in cottages and dormitories available at the Forest Resort Complex in Mollem, run by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation. Tel.: 0832-226782/ 226515/ 224132. For bookings contact: The Manager, Tourist Cottages, Goa Tourism Development Corporation, Mollem, Taluka Sanguem, Goa. Tel.: 0832-600238.

Useful Contacts

The Range Forest Officer (Wildlife), Mollem, Taluka Sanguem, Goa. Tel.: 0832-600231.

The Deputy Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Division Forest Department, 4th floor, Junta House, Panaji – 403001, Goa. Tel.: 0832-229701.

Chief Wildlife Warden, Forest Department, 3rd floor, Junta House, Panaji – 403001. Tel.: 0832-225926; Fax: 0832-224747.

Government of India Tourism Office, 123 Maharshi Karve Road, Opp. Churchgate, Mumbai – 400020. Tel.: 91-22-2032932/ 2033144/ 2033145; Fax: 91-22-2014496.

 Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd, Trionora Apartments, Dr Alvares Costa Road, Panaji, Goa- 403001 Ph. 0832 2424001/ 02/ 03     Fax – +91-832-2423926 / 2420779

Conservator of Forests, North Goa Division, Ponda.  Ph. – 231209