Wildlife sancturies in goa

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa

Known for spectacular beaches and vibrant nightlife, Goa is also proud of its blossoming green kingdom. With an extremely rich flora and fauna it has taken keen interest in protecting its ecological wealth and with more than 20% of its geographical area declared protected it has become one of the Indian states with maximum legal protection.  Although fairly less popular, Goa is a dream destination for the adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts for its marvelously rich variety of wildlife residing leisurely in the thick covers of verdant green forests.

Let’s have a look on the 10 best and most picturesque wildlife sanctuaries in Goa:

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

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The smallest of all the wildlife sanctuaries in Goa, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary falls in the Ponda region. Slightly away from the coast, this 8 sq.km long natural reserve lies in the foothills of the lush green Western Ghats.

A great attraction to school children and tourist Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a home to a wide range of wildlife like Indian Bison, Sambar Deer, Indian Peafowl, Malabar Giant Squirrel and a variety of deer and snake. Along with the Common Grey Hornbill and Golden Backed Woodpecker, more than a hundred different species of birds reside in this garden.

Image Credit: wikimedia - N A Nazeer

More of a jungle resort with Eco-Tourism cottages where nature lovers can stay and explore the diverse wildlife in Goa, the sanctuary even has a zoological park, an expansive deer park,  botanical and rose garden to woo its visitors. The adventure enthusiasts can also opt for a trek through the reserve to gain insight and enjoy the picturesque natural ambiance.

Best visited during December and January, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary even houses a small archeological exhibition with many figurines dating back to the sixth century. Allowing the visitors between 9:00AM-5:00PM (except on Thursday), this sanctuary can be easily reached as it is well connected to different parts of Goa.

Molem Wildlife Sanctuary

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Molem Wildlife sanctuary is the core area of Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Goa. Located in the Sanguem region, it is best explored in between November to March.

Barking Deer, Black Panther, Bengal Tiger, Bonnet Macaque, Leopard, Civet and Wild Boar can be easily spotted while strolling around this sanctuary. A heaven for bird watchers, it boasts of recording 120 different bird species like Wagtails, Fairy Bluebird, Drongo, Three-Toed Kingfisher, Great India Hornbill and Golden Oriole.

[Learn the art of wildlife photography as you step into the magical wilderness of Goa]

With vehicles permitted within the sanctuary, the biggest attraction here is the adventurous jungle safari; the park is also famous for its trekking trails and bird watching. It is also recommended to hire an experienced guide while travelling through the thick forest.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

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A perfect representation of the delicate ecosystem of the Western Ghats, the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Canacona Taluka, South Goa. This 105 sq. km. large park is called a tree lovers paradise and is at its blooming zenith is between October to March. Visitors are allowed every day from early 7:00AM to 5:30 PM after a minimal entry fees; however, there are extra charges for carrying camera or any kind of videography devices.

Image Credit: wikimedia

Covered heavily by thick deciduous trees, it serves as the home to Flying Lizard, Golden-Back Gliding Snake, Malabar Trogon, White-Bellied Woodpecker and Velvet-Fronted Nuthatch. The sanctuary has about eight natural trails ranging from 500m to 5km.

[Venture into the forests of Goa, view snakes up-close and capture them with your cameras]

A Nature Interpretation Centre run by the forest department organizes various treks and walks through the abundant greenery.  For the daredevils who

Famous people of Goa

List of people from Goa

This is a list of famous and notable people from Goa, India. This list aims to include persons who are known to a large number of people, and is not based on the extent of their popularity. Neither is the list viewed from the context of the present. Their fame could be brief; what matters is that they were well known during the peak of their popularity.

Sports personalities

Main article: Goans in sports
Seraphino Antao, represented Kenya in sprinting in the Commonwealth Games during the 1950s and early 60s; won two gold medals Swapnil Asnodkar, opening batsman for Goa and Rajasthan Royals; played a key role in helping his team win the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League Bruno Coutinho, Indian footballer and Arjuna awardee Antao D'Souza, represented Pakistan cricket team in Tests in the 1950s and early 60s Mary Dsouza (Sequeira), winner of the Dhyan Chand Award as First Double International; Asian Games winner first and second Asian Games for track and field; World Cup Field Hockey in England and Australia Brahmanand Sankhwalkar, soccer player and former Goa captain; one of Goa's best goalkeepers; Arjuna awardee for his achievements in sports Dilip Sardesai, former cricketer
Olympians

Jack Britto, field hockey, 1952, representing Pakistan J.M. Carvalho, field hockey, 1976, representing India Mary Dsouza (Sequeira), 1952, Helsinki, track and field Leo Pinto, field hockey, 1948, representing India
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Musicians

See also: Goans in Hindi film music composition
Jitendra Abhisheki, Indian musician Kishori Amonkar, classical vocalist Lorna Cordeiro, Konkani language singer Ian D'Sa, UK-born, of Goan descent; former guitarist of Canadian band Billy Talent António Fortunato de Figueiredo (1903–1981), conductor, violinist; founder-director of the Academia de Música (now Dept of Western Classical Music, Kala Academy); founder-director of the Orquestra Sinfónica de Goa (Goa Symphony Orchestra) Remo Fernandes, musician and Bollywood playback singer Anthony Gonsalves (1927–2012), violinist; taught R.D. Burman and Pyarelal Ramprasad Sharma (a member of the Laxmikant Pyarelal team) and worked with most of the legendary composers of the 1950s and 1960s Suresh Haldonkar, classical vocalist, actor Kesarbai Kerkar (1892–1977) Mogubai Kurdikar, classical vocalist Anjanibai Malpekar (1883–1974), Hindustani classical singer of Bhendibazaar gharana, Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1958) Dinanath Mangeshkar, dramatist and classical vocalist Datta Naik, Hindi film music director Khaprumama Parvatkar (1879–1953), ghumot and tabla player Chris Perry, the king of Goan music Hema Sardesai, playback singer Oliver Sean, singer/songwriter
Indologists and archeologists

José Gerson da Cunha (1844–1900), historian and Orientalist; wrote the first book on history of Bombay, The Origin of Bombay (1900), published by the Bombay branch of the Royal Asiatic Society[1][2] Mahadevshastri Joshi Damodar Dharmananda Kosambi (1907–1966), Indologist Dharmananda Damodar Kosambi (1876–1947), studied Pali; Buddhist scholar Prakashchandra Pandurang Shirodkar
Political campaigners

Dayanand Bandodkar, first Chief Minister of Goa Narana Coissoró, left his motherland of Goa to serve the Portuguese people and became a member of the Portuguese Parliament António Costa, Portuguese Prime Minister (since 26 November 2015) and former Mayor of Lisbon (2007–2015) Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho, formerly a Portuguese military officer, was the chief strategist of the 1974 Carnation Revolution in Lisbon; was born in Lourenço Marques (now Maputo); Mozambique of some Goan ancestry Luís de Menezes Bragança, journalist, writer and anti-colonial activist Erasmo de Sequeira, head of United Goans Party; former member of the Indian Parliament at New Delhi Dr. Jack de Sequeira, prominent campaigner for the opinion poll that retained Goa as an independent state Eduardo Faleiro, politician and former central minister Abbé Faria, priest, key participant in the Conspir

Festivals in goa

Festivals in Goa
Fairs and Festivals in Goa are really a refreshing experience for the town dwellers as well as the visitors to the enchanting beach town. Various festivals and events in Goa are celebrated with all the pomp and show. The long list of the most-popular Fairs and Festivals includes Monsoon Festival Goa, Christmas & New Year Celebrations in Goa and the Festival of Three Kings Feast. Goa Christmas Celebrations and New Year Celebrations are world famous and people from across the world come and enjoy the glamour of these memorable moments. The most-awaited Goa Carnival Festival 2012 was celebrated last February.

Christmas :-

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. People make it a point to go and attend the mass at midnight. And after this, they decorate their homes with Christmas trees, cribs, stars as well as amazing lighting. People also eat sweets and give gifts to their family members and friends.

Diwali :-

Diwali is also a significant festival of Goa. On this day, it is believed that lord Krishna killed the demon named as Narkasur ruling Goa, through his ‘sudarshan chakra’. Therefore, the festival is celebrated with the burning of the effigies of Narkasur that is mainly done at dawn. Hindus make it a point to light up their houses and to wear new clothes.

Ganesh Chaturthi :-

This festival is related to Lord Ganesh and his birth. People embellish and clean their homes as well as the places where they worship the lord. Amazign idols of the lord are made by the people of the villages and also, this is a time when people get together, share gifts, have fun and enjoy to the fullest.

Feast of St. Francis Xavier :-

St. Francis Xavier was a much loved saint who died on 3rd December and therefore, in Old Goa, every year, people assemble to participate in the feast. The famous and amazing church named as Basilica of Bom Jesus still hold the body of the saint preserved in a casket which is brought to the sight of people only after 10 years, on the day of his feast. Since the saint lives in the memory and hearts of the Goan people, this festival is celebrated with much cheer.

Shigmo :-

This festival is celebrated during springtime and the celebrations extend to five days. People also call this festival as Shigmotsav and all its festivities come along with the festival of Holi. During this festival, honor is paid to various warriors to return to their homes after defeating the invaders. At this time, people play with colors. People hold umbrellas as well as small sticks and enjoy dancing.

Three Kings Feast :-

This is a feast which takes place when three boys of Goa play the role of going to see Jesus. They are actually taken by a small boy playing the kettle drum. In order to meet Jesus, the kings ride on the back of a horse and pass through the Hill of Remedios to take part in the High Mass. During this feast, people also worship the Lady of the Mount and make it a point in gaining blessings from and shelter in the lap of the goddess.

Sao Joao Festival :-

This is a festival that is celebrated with much cheer on 24th of June every year since during this day the catholic community pays honor to St. John the Baptist. The festivities involve a number of folk dances that are referred as ‘Sangodds’. The people of the village, mainly the young people make it a point to wear leaves and fruit laden crowns. People also present fruits to their in-laws as well as friends.

unseen goa

Sea beauty of goa

There are so many beaches in goa. Goa is famous for its beauty.

best water fall in Goa

GOA

 

ABOUT GOA

Goa is popularly known as the Pearl of the orient and tourist paradise. It is located in India's coastal belt on the western called the Konkan coast. It has an alarming scenic beauty. The architectural work done Goan Temples, Churches and old houses has brought great laurels to Goa. Some of these characteristics make Goa to be occupied by tourists. It is the most preferred option by the people who are planning their holidays.

Goa as compared to other states is not greatly populated but compared in terms of tourists it is the most populated place in India. Apart from attracting tourists from all over India, it also attracts tourists of foreign background. During the months of November, December and January Goa is heavily crowded. The real essence of Goa lies in its rich history, unique culture and the original natural beauty. Peaceful Goan lifestyle and adventure sports also draw the attention of the travelers within and outside India. All kinds of tourists are expected to visit Goa.

REASONS WHY TOURISTS VISIT GOA

Beaches

 

 

 

 

 

There are more than 36 beaches in Goa, each one is known for its own distinctiveness. North Goa beaches are most popular amongst the tourists while South Goa beaches are now gaining popularity because of its peacefulness.

Sun

Tourist visit Goa for loads of vitamin D which they have while having sun bath and also have drinks for complete relaxation from stress. They also visit Goa for relaxation for body.

Massage

Tourist visit Goan beaches for massage centers. Not just that, but to get some immunity and treat body with pure minerals.

Natural views

Goan view can be best viewed while travelling on the bike. The Sandy beaches, coconut trees waterfalls truly add flavor to the goan natural view. Lush green fields, majestic forests train track, long roads and cool breeze make up for the perfect natural view.

Architecture & Culture

Goa is also famous for its heritage and its architecture. In goa you will find traditional mixture of Portuguese and goa. This offers a unique feature to witness a pure blend of Portuguese and goan culture in architecture of villas, forts houses and churches.

Water Sports

Tourist are offered water sports like surfing, para sailing waterscooter etc. these water sports add up towards attracting tourists to Goa

Sea food

Sea foods like Mackrels, Tiger prawns, King Fish, have separate delicacies in the hearts of tourists..

Party Destination

The young are attracted towards Goa as it is a party destination. Many parties are organized during Christmas new years and it's a tourist hotspot to celebrate these eves in goa. These parties usually go up for couple of days.

Liberal

Female tourist visit Goa as they find it to be most liberal compared to other places in India. In Goa you can feel free to dress up.

Economical

Goa is affordable for everyone. That's the reason why tourist find it most attractive as compared to other places in India.

Fairs and festivals

Goa is famous for its carnival attracting tourist to goa during this time.

Casinos

People visit Goa for Casinos. People who enjoy gambling with chilled drinks and music find Goa to be a perfect place.

The Main Attractions

Beaches

Goan coastline spread over 125 kms and is the home of over 50 picturisque and beautiful beaches. These beaches attracts tourist from all round the globe. Candolim Beach, Baga Beach, Sinquerim Beach, Bambolim Beach, Arambol Beach, Vagator Beach, Benaulim Beach, Palolem Beach, Agonda Beach, Mobor and Cavelossim beaches are famous and an increasing number of tourists visit these beaches every year. Calangute Beach - Queen of Goa beaches, Colva Beach- Pride of Salcete

Dona Paula, Miramar(Gaspar Dias)- A lovely golden beach and Anjuna beach are some of the famous beaches in Goa.

Scenic beauty

Goa has number of other scenic options. One such attraction is Waterfall. Goa lies between Sahyadri hills and Arabian Sea. Goa is full of beautiful springs, lakes, and waterfalls. While traveling to these places one gets to see the natural beauty of Goa. Dudhsagar Water Falls, Kesarval Springs, Mayem Lake, Arvalem Waterfall, Kuskem Waterfall are some of the famous water falls in Goa.

Churches

 

 

Goa is well known for its Churches. Churches in goa well known for its architecture. During the Portuguese regime there were many churches built and now have become world heritage site. Royal Chapel of St Anthony, Church of The Carmelites, Church of St.Francis of Assisi, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Chapel of St.Catherine, Reis Magos Church, Church of Our Lady of Rosary in Goa

Se Cathedral, to name few of them.

Temple

In olden times when Portuguese invaded Goa. In every village of Goa there was a temple and a lord to worship for each village. These temples still exist giving each village a distinct feature to differentiate. For example, Mangeshi Temple of Mangeshi village. Goan temple architecture is a mixture of Portuguese and Maratha style like Mandapa of Goa temples. Mangeshi Temple, Sri Kamakshi Temple, Sri Vithal Temple, Sri Shantadurga Temple in Kavlem are some of the famous temples in Goa.

Mosque

Jama Masjid and Safa Masjid at Ponda are the famous mosques in Goa.

Wild life centuries

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife, Sanctuary,Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Mollem National Park, Bondla wild life Forest, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, are some of the famous wild life centuries.

Monuments & Forts 

Chapora Fort, Fort Aguada, Teracol Fort, Reis Magos Fort, Mormugao Fort, Rachol Fort, Naroa Fort, Corjuem Fort,Cabo De Rama Fort in Goa

Other attractions

There are plantations like Savoi Plantation, Sahakari Spice Farm, Tropical Spice Plantation, Pascol Spice Village which attracts tourist.

There are caves and other natural beauties of Goa that attracts whole lot of domestic and foreign tourist. Tourist also visit the heritage homes like Sarah Fernandes. In Goa adventure sports attracts a number of tourists. It's one of the few places in India known to have adventure sports facilities.People also visit Goa for medical purpose also