Bhagwan Mahaveer wildlife sanctuary
Along the north from Panaji on the road to Belgaum, is a sanctuary that covers 240 sq-km. Thick forest clad slopes of the Western Ghats that is rich in wildlife and a paradise for bird watchers.The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Goan town of Mollem. With a total area of 240 sq km, this is the largest of Goa’s four protected wildlife areas, and contains within it The Molem National Park.
The sanctuary is situated on the eastern border of Goa, with Karnataka 53 kilometers away from Panaji and 54 kilometers away from Margao. It is easily accessible by both road and rail.Unless you stay for at least a couple of days, it is unlikely that you will catch a glimpse of many of the animals that are sheltered in the sanctuary, including Gaur, Sambar, Leopards, Spotted Deer, Slender Tories, Jungle Cats, Malayan Giant Squirrels, Pythons and Cobras.
Bondla wildlife sanctuary
38kms from Margao is the smallest of the three wildlife sanctuaries of Goa – the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. More than a sanctuary, it is an ideal jungle resort, a major attraction for school going children and nature lovers. Its mini zoo, sprawling deer park in natural habitat, botanical and rose gardens attract people throughout the year.
The Bondla wildlife sanctuary is about 50 Kilometers from Panaji and 38 Kilometers from Margao and 20 Kilometers east of Ponda. It is more of a jungle resort with tourist cottages available on site run by the Forest Department. Bondla is a Paradise for Eco-Tourists.
Salim Ali bird sanctuary
On the western tip of the island of Chorao along River Mandovi, mangrove swamps cover this bird-watchers’ paradise aptly named after India’s best-known ornithologist. This is Goa’s only bird sanctuary, 1.8 Sq Km in area. A variety of local and migratory birds can be found on this island.
Key species include
Malabar Trogon, Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Wood-shrike, Blyth's Starling, Nilgiri Flowerpecker, Flame-throated Bulbul, Crimson-backed Sunbird, Blue-eared Kingfisher, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Forest Wagtails, Western Crowned Warbler, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Sri Lanka Frogmouth and so on.
Goa Birding Expedition Details
- Region: Western Ghat, Goa.
- Grade: Easy
- Type: Bird watching
- Duration: 3 days / 2 nights (Ex Madgaon)
Goa Birding Expedition Cost
- Ex. Madgaon: Rs. 16800/- per person
- Ex. Mumbai: Rs. 19800/- per person
Goa Birding Expedition Itinerary
Day 1: Madgaon – NN – BMWS
After the arrival at Nature’s Nest, you will be welcome with a welcome drink at the reception area. After the check-in formalities, you escorted to your cottage.
Lunch is served between 12.30 pm. The buffet remains open till 2.30 pm. At 3.30 pm the evening tea is served and you set off for an evening birding session in the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary accompanying by our naturalist. The trail will be in the Tambdi Surla area of the sanctuary. You will be able to spot birds like Blue-eared Kingfisher, Brown-breasted Flycatcher, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Grey Junglefowl, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbills, Malabar Barbet, Black-naped Monarch, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, and Dark-fronted Babbler. You will be back at Nature’s Nest by 6.30 pm.
Dinner is served at 8.00 pm. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the bonfire and chit-chat.
Meals – Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Bondla – Night Trail
The morning session starts at 6.30 am after the morning tea. You will be taken to Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary where you will be birding till noon. Bondla is one of the best locations for birding within Goa. You can spot birds like Grey-fronted Green Pigeon, Malabar trogon, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, White-rumped Shama, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Orange Minivet, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Black-throated Munia, Malabar Wood shrike, Black-hooded Oriole, Blyth’s Starling, and so on.
We return to Nature’s Nest for lunch. You again move out for an evening birding session after your evening tea. This time you will cover the forest around Nature’s Nest which is also part of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. You will be staying there till it gets dark so that you can spot some nocturnal species like Jerdon’s Nightjar, Jungle Nightjar, and Sri Lanka Frogmouth. You will be back for dinner.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Morning Trail – Madgaon
In the next morning will do birding within the property for birds like Crimson-backed Sunbird, Purple Sunbird, Loten’s Sunbird, Little Spiderhunter, Vernal Hanging Parrot, Jerdon’s Leafbird, and Nilgiri flowerpecker. This will be followed by birding in the vicinity of Nature’s Nest.
Tour officially ends here.
Meals – Breakfast
Hotel Details
Natures Nest, Goa - cottages
Note - Above mentioned hotel are subject to change depending on the group size or similar category hotels will be offered.
What is included in the tour
- Return 3 tier AC train ticket from Mumbai to Madgaon (Ex Mumbai option)
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis
- Local transportation by Ac vehicle
- Meals as per mentioned in the itinerary
- Night Safari
- Entry fee to the park
- Guide fee
- Professional wildlife naturalist host
What is NOT included in the tour
- Travel till Madgaon and back (Ex Madgaon option)
- Additional / personal use of vehicle
- Extended stay due to weather conditions not in human control
- Any personal expenses, room service and special orders, mineral waters, non-alcoholic beverages, tips, phone calls, laundry etc.
- Any extra excursions or sightseeing apart from the above specified itinerary.
- Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.
- Camera fees, etc
- Adventure sports at the property.
- Anything not mentioned in “inclusions”
- A Hat
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- A dust protection mask
- Personal Bottle (To avoid plastic use – 1LtrsX2)
- Small backpack for trails (10Ltrs) and Proper backpack for your clothes, etc.
- Bird books
- Sun screen
- Raincoat/Wind-cheater/Rain jacket (NO UMBRELLA)
- Only dull coloured clothes (Green, brown, Beige, Camouflage)
- Camera (At owners risk) with proper equipment for photography (As per need)
- Fleece/Jacket (temperatures drop in the forest to below 10 degree Celsius
- Binoculars
- Energy bars for trails
- Repellents
Cancellation Policy
- 75% refund if notified via phone conversation 30 or more days prior to the event date.
- 50 % refund if notified via phone conversation 30 to 21 days prior to the event date.
- 20 % refund if notified via phone conversation 21 to 7 days prior to the event date
- No refund if the cancellation requested is less than 7 days prior to the event date
- No show No Refund.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another date against cancellation.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another person against cancellation.
Important Notes
- Wildlife safaris/Bird watching is a matter of luck and opportunity. No guarantee of any sighting is made. Neither of our associates will quote that, although we try our best to spot and show you as much as nature allows us to.
- Birdwatching is a hobby and not a race, hence request all birders to maintain discipline at all times.
- Bird watching is an art of silence and key observation.
- Avoid Pointing out directly to a bird that might flush the bird away.
- Do not get too close to a bird for a photograph that you flush it away.
- Birdwatching should be enjoyed by binoculars and the fun is to spot them, identify them and if you still have some time with the bird photograph them.
- Never enter the forest with an intention of spotting a single species, it will only disappoint you. The forest is a gift packet with a lot to surprise with. Listen to our naturalist for more wonderful experience.
- Our walks are not target species specific (Unless specified)
- We explore everything we find uncommon and need to be explained.
- Any demand for spotting a single species in any jeep will not be entertained by the guide or the tour leader as there are other travellers who would want to see the birds etc.
- Respect & honour everything that is in the forest and it has to offer you.
- Enjoy being in the forest and you will feel much happier away from the concrete chaos.
- Respect the local, tribes, guards, guides, drivers, officers and all animals.
- Front seat of the Gypsy is always reserved for the Guide or Guard.
- No extra room will be made for photographers, respecting other travellers. (For photographers it is recommended to opt for higher options)
- No littering in the forest strictly. (what goes comes back the same way)
- Camera fees & guide tips to be paid separately & directly.
- Kindly follow the instructions given by the tour leader and the guide for your own safety.
